Your Weekly Recap: 09-21- 2026

Mississippi is expected to receive about $188.9 million over the next 10 years as a part of a multi-state settlement with meta-platforms.

Overall meta-settlement totals $17.1 billion, and Mississippi's share is expected to be used largely for programs aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of young people.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch's office has submitted a proposed spending plan, but the Mississippi legislature will ultimately decide how the settlement money is appropriated.

Under the proposal, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health would receive the remaining 2026 payments and $6.8 million beginning in January of 27 to develop mental health programs for young people ages 12 to 18 in cooperation with K-12 schools.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks would receive $6 million beginning in January 27 for new or improved playgrounds, parks, sports courts, fields, and other outdoor recreation facilities.

Those recreation projects would be developed with schools and local governments and would primarily target children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 as benefits.

The Mississippi Department of Education would also receive $6 million beginning in January of 27 to create educational opportunities for students during the school breaks and after-school hours working with the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

The settlement stems from concerns about the effects of social media's use on children's mental health.

Mississippi also filed lawsuits against YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, which could bring the state an additional $81 million if settlements are reached.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch said she would like the settlement funds to support afterschool and summer programs, outdoor activities, public health efforts, and digital literacy programs.

Mississippi is expected to receive about $188.9 million over the next 10 years as a part of a multi-state settlement with meta-platforms.

Overall meta-settlement totals $17.1 billion, and Mississippi's share is expected to be used largely for programs aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of young people.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch's office has submitted a proposed spending plan, but the Mississippi legislature will ultimately decide how the settlement money is appropriated.

Under the proposal, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health would receive the remaining 2026 payments and $6.8 million beginning in January of 27 to develop mental health programs for young people ages 12 to 18 in cooperation with K-12 schools.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks would receive $6 million beginning in January 27 for new or improved playgrounds, parks, sports courts, fields, and other outdoor recreation facilities.

Those recreation projects would be developed with schools and local governments and would primarily target children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 as benefits.

The Mississippi Department of Education would also receive $6 million beginning in January of 27 to create educational opportunities for students during the school breaks and after-school hours working with the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

The settlement stems from concerns about the effects of social media's use on children's mental health.

Mississippi also filed lawsuits against YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, which could bring the state an additional $81 million if settlements are reached.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch said she would like the settlement funds to support afterschool and summer programs, outdoor activities, public health efforts, and digital literacy programs.