Topping Mississippi news this week:
- Mississippi Today learned that up to $79 million dollars in special funds from as many as 27 different programs is trapped and unable to be spent until the Legislature takes actions in 2017. In a review of the Budget Transparency and Simplification Act, Mississippi Today found that rulings by Attorney General Jim Hood blocking some special funds from the sweeps left that money in limbo.
- The state education department told Jackson Public School District officials they have to take immediate actions to fix major school safety issues and teacher practices to avoid a state takeover. The strict warning came after the state Board of Education voted 4 to 1 to accept the district’s revised plan for addressing problems found in an April audit.
- The largest private-sector coal company, Peabody Energy, recognized the Kemper County power plant as one of 13 coal-fueled power plans that are top environmental performers. The long-delayed plant was honored as a carbon capture, use, and storage pioneer.