Articles by Braden Simmons
After years of decline, MUW boasts biggest enrollment jump in state
Mississippi University for Women grew in enrollment by more than 8% since fall 2024, the largest increase in nearly a decade for the university.
MSU navigates federal, state challenges as semester nears end
Federal mandates, state funding concerns and state laws have been just a few issues Mississippi State University has faced so far this school year.
SDI, Lowndes Port move forward with $14M rail line project
Steel Dynamics Inc. is building a more than $14 million rail line to deliver scrap metal from the West Bank Port on Old Macon Road to the company’s steel mill west of Columbus.
Rebuilding history: R.E. Hunt Museum and Cultural Center prepares to reopen in Columbus
When Laverne Greene-Leech, founder and director for the R.E. Hunt Museum and Cultural Center, returned to the museum the day after an EF-3 tornado tore through in February 2019 she was distraught by what she saw.
Hot Rods and Cookies fundraiser to support renovations at Lee Park
When Carl Ulmer heard about the volunteer work going on at Lee Park in September, he knew he wanted to get involved.
Thacker Mountain Radio Hour visiting Columbus Sunday
In June, Lucy Gaines, executive director for Thacker Mountain Radio Hour was meeting with Nancy Carpenter, the executive director for America250 Mississippi campaign, for the first time at a coffee shop in Oxford.
Average CLW customer water/sewer bill to jump by nearly $4
Columbus Light and Water customers will see a roughly 9% increase to their water and sewer bills starting next month.
Born in the gaps: Maternity care deserts exacerbate infant mortality in Mississippi
In 2024, Mississippi’s infant mortality rate was recorded at a rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 births within their first year of life, or roughly one death out of every 100 babies born.
Sec of State’s office hopes to bolster election engagement with new ‘I Voted’ sticker contest
The Secretary of State’s office is calling on Mississippi voters to design the state’s new “I Voted” sticker for the 2026 midterm elections.
$800 million TVA energy plant ‘breaks ground’ outside Caledonia
While county, local and Tennessee Valley Authority officials ceremonially “broke ground” Wednesday morning at the site of the New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant, the sounds of thrashing bulldozers and ongoing construction showcased the site is already well underway.
Budget cuts to Medicaid, ACA leave Mississippi hospitals at risk
When H.R. 1 or “The One Big Beautiful Bill” was proposed in Congress during the last legislative session, it outlined budgetary cuts to a number of programs including Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
Community Profile: Woman in elf costume brings singing, dancing to surprise celebrations
In 2023 Nikki Austin, the activities director at Trinity Place Retirement Community, received a TikTok video with a message from her friend Jessica Weseli that would change the trajectory of her life.
Three families bond behind shared experiences with dwarfism
In 2021, Lindsay Miller, a high school math teacher in New Hope, received a call from the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services about fostering two children.
Halloween fun returns with pumpkins, candy, costumes
As the crisp air of fall returns and front porches in the Golden Triangle fill with creatures of the night it can only mean one thing – Halloween is back.
Homecoming tailgates cut, security boosted following weekend shootings
From football games to parades to tailgates, high school homecoming weeks are a time of celebration for local high schoolers, college students and alumni.
Career expo returns next week to showcase trades
Thousands of eighth grade students from across the state will descend onto East Mississippi Community College’s Communiversity next week to get hands-on experience with construction careers at the sixth annual FORGE Your Path Career Expo.
Vegetarian chef sure knows how to make good BBQ
In 2010, Tony Harris decided he had finally had enough of the inconsistency with his pitmaster.
Starkville resident wins $100K in second chance drawing
A second chance from the Mississippi Lottery Corporation turned a losing ticket from a Starkville resident into a $100,000 win Thursday.
Engines will hum, pets will prance at 21st Annual Caledonia Days
After volunteering at last year’s Caledonia Days and seeing the joy the festivities brought to the community, Christina Williams felt called to get more involved the next go around.
Harvest Market organizers hope to double success of spring Fae festival
When Wesley Stewart retired from the Navy, he knew he wanted to live someplace quiet and on a large tract of land.
