In Pearl River, Jackson, Forrest, George and Stone counties, local officials said the money will support projects including emergency facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
The state requires Lucedale to either restore fluoride to optimal levels or formally discontinue fluoridation so the public record reflects the system's current status.
This is the first school year under the revised system, which raised the district cutoff for an A by 15 points. State reporting says the 2025-26 grades will be released in fall 2026 and will set a new baseline for future comparisons.
The annual competition recognizes broadcast and digital journalism work from television and radio organizations, journalism programs and professional journalists across Mississippi.
