Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story.
The staff of Mississippi Today is the largest team of full-time journalists in the state, united by a mission to provide independent, nonprofit news that informs communities and holds leaders accountable. Since our founding in 2016, this team’s work has earned national recognition, including a Pulitzer Prize, two Goldsmith Prizes, a Livingston Award, a Collier Prize, and the National Press Club’s highest honor for press freedom. Every story we publish is powered by the commitment, talent, and determination of our staff to serve Mississippi with trustworthy journalism.
