Leake County parents voice concerns over school district realignment

A proposal by the school district could close Leake County High School

A proposal by the school district could close Leake County High School

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 2:11

Loaded: 4.56%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 2:11

TONIGHT, THE LOW IN JACKSON IS 48 DEGREES. A PUBLIC MEETING WAS HELD TODAY FOR PARENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN LEAKE COUNTY. THEY'RE DEMANDING ANSWERS OVER A PROPOSAL THAT COULD CLOSE OR REALIGN LEAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. A PACKED ROOM AND RISING FRUSTRATION IN LEAKE COUNTY, WHERE PARENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS GATHERED TODAY TO PUSH BACK AGAINST A PROPOSAL THAT COULD CLOSE OR REALIGN BUT FOR MANY FAMILIES, THE FOCUS RIGHT TRANSPARENCY SHOULD COME OPPOSING OR QUESTIONING THE PLAN. MANY SAY THEY FIRST LEARNED OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM THE DISTRICT. PETITION ORGANIZERS ARE NOW CALLING ON THE SCHOOL BOARD TO PAUSE ANY DECISION AND RELEASE DETAILED FINANCIAL AND ENROLLMENT DATA BEFORE MOVING FORWARD. THEY SAY TRANSPARENCY SHOULD COME REALIGNMENT IS MEANT TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM NEEDS, BUT FOR MANY FAMILIES, THE FOCUS RIGHT NOW IS CLARITY - AND KEEPING THEIR VOICES HEARD. AND THE MAIN CONCERN: WHY THE DISTRICT IS FINANCIALLY IN THE RED. DISTRICT LEADERS WERE INVITED

Updated: 5:08 PM CST Mar 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Leake County parents voice concerns over school district realignment

A proposal by the school district could close Leake County High School

Updated: 5:08 PM CST Mar 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Parents and community leaders in Leake County gathered to oppose a proposal that could close or realign Leake County High School, with over 400 people signing a petition questioning or opposing the plan."We just knew about this a couple of months ago through rumors, but rumors are not real statements," John Barton said.Petition organizers are urging the school board to pause any decision and release detailed financial and enrollment data before proceeding, emphasizing that transparency should precede any major change."If there are funding issues, we need to have an independent audit to make sure that funding is appropriated correctly," said 1999 Leake County High School graduate, Richet Parhm. "If there are any financial issues, we need to make sure the school district is correctly fixing those issues, and we feel a realignment is not necessary."District leaders argue that the realignment is intended to address long-term needs, but many families are focused on clarity and ensuring their voices are heard. One of the main concerns is why the district is financially in the red."It's all about what they want, and not what's best for the kids," Barton said. "It's not about education; it's about control of what they can put in their pocket.""There needs to be some accountability," said Dorris Henson. "We have no idea how we were $6 million in the red when we know there is funding coming through the county."

CARTHAGE, Miss. —

"We just knew about this a couple of months ago through rumors, but rumors are not real statements," John Barton said.

Petition organizers are urging the school board to pause any decision and release detailed financial and enrollment data before proceeding, emphasizing that transparency should precede any major change.

"If there are funding issues, we need to have an independent audit to make sure that funding is appropriated correctly," said 1999 Leake County High School graduate, Richet Parhm. "If there are any financial issues, we need to make sure the school district is correctly fixing those issues, and we feel a realignment is not necessary."

District leaders argue that the realignment is intended to address long-term needs, but many families are focused on clarity and ensuring their voices are heard. One of the main concerns is why the district is financially in the red.

"It's all about what they want, and not what's best for the kids," Barton said. "It's not about education; it's about control of what they can put in their pocket."

"There needs to be some accountability," said Dorris Henson. "We have no idea how we were $6 million in the red when we know there is funding coming through the county."

Make 16 WAPT a preferred source on Google

Top Picks

Secretariat's bloodline runs through Kentucky Derby 2026 in all but one horse

Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse carries the champion American thoroughbred in their bloodline.

Secretariat's bloodline runs through Kentucky Derby 2026 in all but one horse

Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse carries the champion American thoroughbred in their bloodline.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 1:14

Loaded: 7.28%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 1:14

Alone and goes to my job, my job for the secretary of the very good position on the rail. And in fact, he's not going up with the, they're moving for the first candidate on the outside. And now, and the end of the first term that it's the book and the private as they go by the together on the outside by 18. And now, yeah, *** minute.

Updated: 1:33 PM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Secretariat's bloodline runs through Kentucky Derby 2026 in all but one horse

Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse carries the champion American thoroughbred in their bloodline.

Updated: 1:33 PM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

It runs in the family. Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse, Emerging Market, carries the champion American thoroughbred Secretariat in their bloodline.Secretariat, also known as Big Red, was a highly sought-after stallion for his record-setting Triple Crown win and his popularity. The champion racehorse is believed to have sired more than 660 foals, including Lady's Secret, who was named Horse of the Year in 1987, and Risen Star, the winner of the Belmont and Preakness Stakes in 1988. The Get the Facts Data Team traced back the lineage of each racehorse at the 2026 Kentucky Derby and found that their bloodlines go back to two descendants of Secretariat: Terlingua, a mare that he had with Crimson Saint, and Weekend Surprise, another mare that was sired with Lassie Dear.Both dams, Terlingua and Weekend Surprise, had been bred with Storm Bird. This has resulted in eight racehorses, seven with Terlingua and one with Weekend Surprise.The bloodlines of the top two ranked horses in this year's Kentucky Derby, Renegade and Albus, can be traced back to Weekend Surprise and Seattle Slew. Seattle Slew is a champion American thoroughbred who became the 10th Triple Crown winner and was Horse of the Year in 1977.See the full bloodline in our chart below

NEW YORK —

It runs in the family. Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse, Emerging Market, carries the champion American thoroughbred Secretariat in their bloodline.

Secretariat, also known as Big Red, was a highly sought-after stallion for his record-setting Triple Crown win and his popularity.

The champion racehorse is believed to have sired more than 660 foals, including Lady's Secret, who was named Horse of the Year in 1987, and Risen Star, the winner of the Belmont and Preakness Stakes in 1988.

The Get the Facts Data Team traced back the lineage of each racehorse at the 2026 Kentucky Derby and found that their bloodlines go back to two descendants of Secretariat: Terlingua, a mare that he had with Crimson Saint, and Weekend Surprise, another mare that was sired with Lassie Dear.

Both dams, Terlingua and Weekend Surprise, had been bred with Storm Bird. This has resulted in eight racehorses, seven with Terlingua and one with Weekend Surprise.

The bloodlines of the top two ranked horses in this year's Kentucky Derby, Renegade and Albus, can be traced back to Weekend Surprise and Seattle Slew.

Seattle Slew is a champion American thoroughbred who became the 10th Triple Crown winner and was Horse of the Year in 1977.

See the full bloodline in our chart below

Top Picks

Person of interest in custody after 2 employees fatally shot in Kentucky bank robbery

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:26

Loaded: 40.29%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:26

DERBY DAY THAT’S COMING UP NEXT. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU JAY. WELL LATE BREAKING NEWS OUT OF MADISON COUNTY IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY. STATE POLICE ARE SEARCHING AT THIS HOUR FOR A SUSPECT IN A DEADLY BANK ROBBERY IN BEREA. TROOPERS SAY TWO PEOPLE WERE SHOT AND KILLED AT A U.S. BANK. THEY RELEASED THIS PHOTO. TAKE A LOOK OF THE SUSPECT. IT’S KIND OF HARD TO SEE THAT PERSON’S FACE, TROOPERS SAY. LEFT THE BANK AFTER THE GUNFIRE. THEY BELIEVE HE IS OR

Updated: 6:57 AM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Person of interest in custody after 2 employees fatally shot in Kentucky bank robbery

Updated: 6:57 AM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shootings of two bank employees during a robbery, a Kentucky state trooper said Friday.The person is “believed to be involved” in the bank robbery in Berea on Thursday, Trooper Justin Kearney posted online.A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered a branch of U.S. Bank in Berea and shot a male and female employee on Thursday, state police said.Law enforcement officials went door to door in search of information and surveillance video, as well as using helicopters, drones and dogs. The Lexington Police Department, county sheriff’s offices took part in the search, along with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.“This was a team effort,” Kearney posted Friday morning.He did not provide further details.U.S. Bank said it was working closely with law enforcement and committed to supporting the victims' families and bank colleagues.Berea is about 36 miles south of Lexington.

BEREA, Ky. —

A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shootings of two bank employees during a robbery, a Kentucky state trooper said Friday.

The person is “believed to be involved” in the bank robbery in Berea on Thursday, Trooper Justin Kearney posted online.

A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered a branch of U.S. Bank in Berea and shot a male and female employee on Thursday, state police said.

Provided by KSP

Law enforcement officials went door to door in search of information and surveillance video, as well as using helicopters, drones and dogs. The Lexington Police Department, county sheriff’s offices took part in the search, along with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“This was a team effort,” Kearney posted Friday morning.

He did not provide further details.

U.S. Bank said it was working closely with law enforcement and committed to supporting the victims' families and bank colleagues.

Berea is about 36 miles south of Lexington.

Top Picks

Woman dies in Puckett house fire despite responders’ efforts

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:23

Loaded: 25.91%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:23

POLICE DEPARTMENT ON BOBBY RUSH BOULEVARD ON MAY 14TH. BOTH MEETINGS WILL BE AT 6 P-M. IN RANKIN COUNTY-- A WOMAN WAS KILLED IN AN EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE. IT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE 8:00 ON BAIN ROAD IN PUCKETT. WHEN FIREFIGHTERS GOT THERE-- THEY WERE TOLD SOMEONE WAS INSIDE THE HOME. SHERIFF BRYAN BAILEY SAYS SHE WAS FOUND IN A BEDROOM ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OU

Updated: 5:42 PM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Woman dies in Puckett house fire despite responders’ efforts

Updated: 5:42 PM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

A woman died in a house fire in Puckett after first responders extinguished the flames and found her unresponsive inside. The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 7:50 a.m. Friday about a structure fire at 170 Bain Road, with a female victim reportedly still inside the residence. Fire personnel from Puckett, Cato, and Walters Fire Departments responded to the scene along with Rankin County deputies, Rankin Emergency Operations Center, and Pafford Ambulance, arriving within minutes. Sheriff Bryan Bailey said first responders extinguished the fire and found an unresponsive female inside a bedroom of the residence. Despite their efforts, the woman died at the scene. Her name won't be released until her family has been notified. Rankin County Sheriff’s Office fire investigators and members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the cause of the fire. “Our prayers are with the family of the victim and the first responders who responded to this tragedy,” Bailey said in a statement.

PUCKETT, Miss. —

A woman died in a house fire in Puckett after first responders extinguished the flames and found her unresponsive inside.

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 7:50 a.m. Friday about a structure fire at 170 Bain Road, with a female victim reportedly still inside the residence.

Fire personnel from Puckett, Cato, and Walters Fire Departments responded to the scene along with Rankin County deputies, Rankin Emergency Operations Center, and Pafford Ambulance, arriving within minutes.

Sheriff Bryan Bailey said first responders extinguished the fire and found an unresponsive female inside a bedroom of the residence. Despite their efforts, the woman died at the scene. Her name won't be released until her family has been notified.

Rankin County Sheriff’s Office fire investigators and members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the cause of the fire.

“Our prayers are with the family of the victim and the first responders who responded to this tragedy,” Bailey said in a statement.

If you purchase something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission.

Best deals on fan-favorite products during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 2:36

Loaded: 3.82%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 2:36

So I just spent about $40 on *** bottle of liquid foundation, and it's too thick and the shade doesn't match. I spent $20 on this bottle of concealer. It's *** little too thin and watery for my liking. This moisturizer I used to prep my face was $30 and doesn't really work with my skin type. Let me fix this. Immediately better. So, beauty products can be really expensive, and it's annoying to spend *** lot of money on something only to immediately regret that purchase. So, which stores will let you return open beauty products? Let's find out. So our first stop is CVS and their policy says they have *** 100% guarantee on beauty products as long as you have your receipt. So let's see if I can return this. Got my money back onto the next one. Our next stop is Target, and their policy says they accept returns on most beauty products, even if opened within 90 days. So let's see if I can return this. All right, it worked again. Just got my return receipt. We have one more stop to go. Our last stop is Sephora. Now their policy says they accept returns within 30 days, but they do actively monitor returns for abuse. So let's see if I can return this $40 foundation. OK, so just got my money back from Sephora, they did accept the return, but one thing that I want to point out, Sephora will let you take home samples, so don't be afraid to ask. You could potentially save yourself *** headache altogether that way. Let's go back. So all three stores accepted the returns, but they're not the only ones. I reached out to 10 major retailers for this story, and most told me they accept returns on what they call gently used beauty products. Now, ultimately the store gets the final say as to what gently used means. Generally it means if you tried it *** few times and the product didn't work. It does not mean you used half the bottle and then decided to bring it back. Don't be that guy. Now some stores. are less clear. Nordstrom, for example, says returns are handled on *** case by case basis with the goal of keeping customers happy. With Amazon, return policies can vary depending on the product, so you'll want to check before you buy. Finally, at Walgreens, the store manager gets the final say on returned beauty products. Bottom line, you may have more options than you think. Just make sure to keep your receipt and pay attention to the return window. Reporting in New York, I'm Ali Jasinski.

Updated: 8:45 AM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Best deals on fan-favorite products during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event

Updated: 8:45 AM CDT May 1, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

With impending summer weather and travel on the horizon, it's a great time to retire heavy creams and musky scents in favor of airier, glow-boosting staples — including plenty of TSA-friendly options — while re-upping a few timeless favorites.Thankfully, Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event has deals on all of the above (and more), making a top-shelf restock or revamp that much easier. Now through May 10, the retailer is offering up to 30% off thousands of skin care, makeup, hair care, body care, and fragrance products. Plus, the retailer is offering limited-time flash deals throughout the event. With pages upon pages of deals to sort through — and, to be honest, not everything is worth your hard-earned dollars — we did the heavy lifting and narrowed it down to the absolute best finds. Scroll on for savings on our tried-and-true favorites, and check back here for even more stellar deals as they roll in.Skincare dealsWhether you’re in the market for a new cleanser or juicy serum, Amazon’s Summer Beauty event has you covered. We've spotted fan favorites like CeraVe’s “fluffy,” barrier-boosting cleanser and Mediheal’s Two-Step Collagen Spicule Ampoule and Gel Mask Set, which uses needleless spicules to improve elasticity and smooth texture, delivering results similar to in-office microneedling treatments.Additionally, plenty of viral favorites are on rare sale right now, including StriVectin’s best-selling neck cream and Medicube’s celebrity-loved 6-in-1 Age-R Booster — available on its own or bundled with the brand’s bouncy hydrolyzed collagen cream. Pro tip: You can also zap breakouts anywhere on your body with Peace Out’s oil-absorbing strips — just cut a piece to your desired size and voilà.Haircare dealsCurrently, you can save up to $150 on the cult-favorite Dyson Airwrap and the Wavytalk thermal brush, which hairstylist Raven Hurtado previously told ELLE “takes just a few seconds to heat up” and reaches higher temperatures ideal for smoothing thick, coily hair.Favorites like Batiste’s award-winning dry shampoo, OGX’s classic softening shampoo, and TRESemmé’s sleek hair oil — which leaves strands looking practically laminated — are now even easier on your wallet. And if you’re dealing with hair thinning, there are plenty of powerful growth treatments in the mix, including The Ordinary’s budget-friendly, peptide-packed serum and iRestore’s dermatologist-loved hair growth helmet.Makeup dealsEnhance your natural glow with any one of our top makeup picks from Amazon’s major sale. Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-loved highlighter wand, IT Cosmetics’ dewy CC cream (available in a wide range of shades), and Fwee’s vibrant, jelly-textured balm are just a few of the can’t-miss deals worth grabbing.You can also score Korean makeup standouts like TirTir’s seamless cushion foundation and Kaja’s adorable eyeshadow bento trio for a fraction of the cost. Oh, and Kendall Jenner’s go-to, moisturizing L’Oréal lipstick is down to just $8.Fragrance dealsSmelling good is essential — especially during the hottest days of the year. Make sure your fragrance rotation is up to par by snagging Sol de Janeiro’s tropical-inspired Cheirosa scent and Viktor & Rolf’s iconic, bouquet-like Flowerbomb, or Billie Eilish’s editor-loved scent for those who prefer a more grown-up take on vanilla.We even spotted a rare deal on Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Blush — what we’d consider one of the most addictive, sophisticated scents of all time.Bodycare dealsJust in time for bikini season, get smooth, glowing skin from head to toe with Vaseline’s popular body gel oil or Medicube’s turmeric-infused brightening body wash.Keep errant hairs at bay and completely pain-free with Braun’s best-selling IPL hair removal device, then lather on Medix 5.5’s retinol and collagen creams to reveal firmer, plumper skin. And to top it all off, Donna Karan’s iconic, perfume-like deodorant is the ultimate everyday upgrade.

Thankfully, Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event has deals on all of the above (and more), making a top-shelf restock or revamp that much easier. Now through May 10, the retailer is offering up to 30% off thousands of skin care, makeup, hair care, body care, and fragrance products. Plus, the retailer is offering limited-time flash deals throughout the event.

With pages upon pages of deals to sort through — and, to be honest, not everything is worth your hard-earned dollars — we did the heavy lifting and narrowed it down to the absolute best finds. Scroll on for savings on our tried-and-true favorites, and check back here for even more stellar deals as they roll in.

Skincare deals

Whether you’re in the market for a new cleanser or juicy serum, Amazon’s Summer Beauty event has you covered. We've spotted fan favorites like CeraVe’s “fluffy,” barrier-boosting cleanser and Mediheal’s Two-Step Collagen Spicule Ampoule and Gel Mask Set, which uses needleless spicules to improve elasticity and smooth texture, delivering results similar to in-office microneedling treatments.

Additionally, plenty of viral favorites are on rare sale right now, including StriVectin’s best-selling neck cream and Medicube’s celebrity-loved 6-in-1 Age-R Booster — available on its own or bundled with the brand’s bouncy hydrolyzed collagen cream. Pro tip: You can also zap breakouts anywhere on your body with Peace Out’s oil-absorbing strips — just cut a piece to your desired size and voilà.

Amazon Summer Beauty skincare deals

COSRX Snail Mucin Repairing Serum

Leake County parents voice concerns over school district realignment

A proposal by the school district could close Leake County High School

Share

Top Picks

Secretariat's bloodline runs through Kentucky Derby 2026 in all but one horse

Twenty horses are set to participate in the Kentucky Derby, and all but one horse carries the champion American thoroughbred in their bloodline.

See the full bloodline in our chart below

Weather Information

Share

Top Picks

Person of interest in custody after 2 employees fatally shot in Kentucky bank robbery

Weather Information

Share

Top Picks

Woman dies in Puckett house fire despite responders’ efforts

Weather Information

Share

Best deals on fan-favorite products during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event

Skincare deals

Amazon Summer Beauty skincare deals

Haircare deals

Amazon Summer Beauty haircare deals

Makeup deals

Amazon Summer Beauty makeup deals

Fragrance deals

Amazon Summer Beauty fragrance deals

Bodycare deals

Amazon Summer Beauty bodycare deals

Weather Information

Share

Top Picks