Articles by Dispatch Editorial Board
Roses and thorns: 2-3-24
A rose for programs that help inform and celebrate Black contributions to our nation during Black History Month. Black educators and Black United Students at
Our View: ‘Just right’ is needed for relationship between boards and leaders
On Wednesday, the Lowndes County Board of supervisors made two new appointments to the nine-member Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Our View: The W name change isn’t being rushed. It’s been 42 years.
On Thursday, the task force assigned to come up with a new name for Mississippi University for Women will submit its choice to the president Nora Miller. A renaming bill is expected to be submitted to the legislature by mid-February.
Our View: Start behind, stay behind
In Mississippi, just 3 percent of children age 3 and under receive early intervention services that are designed to support children with learning challenges or developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, only 8 percent of Mississippi four-year-olds have access to pre-K education, a percentage far lower than that found in our neighboring states.
Roses and Thorns: 1-27-24
A rose to East Mississippi Community College for its plans to expand its nursing and health science programs by moving them into a dedicated space
Our View: Mayor’s hostility toward CRA and Burns Bottom development is a detriment to the city
Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin’s bitterness over the Columbus Redevelopment Authority’s success in acquiring state funds while his own pet project remains unfunded is putting at risk the most potentially transformative development in the city.
Roses and Thorns: 1-20-24
A rose to organizations in Starkville and Columbus which provided assistance to citizens for whom this week’s winter storm put them at risk. In Columbus,
Our View: Reeves politicizes poor children to hide his own administration’s shortcomings
There’s an old cliche experiencing something of a revival in today’s political climate: “Every accusation is a confession.”
Our View: We’d be comfortable with Crossroads Sober Living as our neighbor
When a commercial enterprise seeks permission to move into a residential neighborhood, it is not at all uncommon for residents to object. There’s even an acronym for that sentiment: NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard).
Our View: Swinney, Arnett and Poe
It seems appropriate to talk about the latest development in The Dispatch’s sports department in the sporting vernacular.
Our View: Labat’s energy, passion for kids guided her path
So many were shocked and saddened Wednesday when we learned of Cherie Labat’s passing.
Our View: Please make it your business to send us business tips
At varying intervals, The Dispatch has featured a weekly business column, noting the comings and goings of businesses in the Golden Triangle.
Our View: Mississippi Brightwell University? We like it.
Of course, everyone will have their own opinion about Monday’s announcement that Mississippi University for Women is seeking to become Mississippi Brightwell University, but no one can claim the name change was done in haste or without long and careful consideration. For that reason, we commend the efforts of university president Nora Miller and the school’s naming task force.
Roses and thorns: 1-6-24
A rose to Capt. Thomas Johnson and the Columbus Salvation Army for an impressive Red Kettle fund-raising campaign. The campaign, which ended Dec. 23, far
Our View: Why Jackson matters
It would be easy enough to shrug your shoulders over the plight of Jackson. We’ve got our own troubles, so what’s happening 130 miles down the road is somebody else’s problem.
Roses and thorns: 12-30-23
A thorn to the city of Columbus for its decision to move forward with annexation plans for two areas south and east of the current
Roses and thorns: 12-23-23
A rose for all of our readers as Christmas Day approaches. We hope this Christmas will be remembered as one of your best yet, that
Our View: Nearly 750 letters to Santa show the magic isn’t gone
This time each year The Dispatch produces a special section that focuses on one of the central figures in Christmas tradition. Consider it our Christmas present to you, our readers.
Our View: Mayor to CRA: “Pass the salt…now!”
In the 1991 comedy “The Addams Family,” there is a scene with the family gathered around the dinner table. As they are eating, Wednesday turns to Fester and says, “Pass me the salt.” Attempting to improve her daughter’s table manners, Morticia prompts her daughter: “Now, Wednesday, what do we say?”
Roses and thorns: 12-16-23
A rose to the Happy Irby Shop and Wrap event, a Christmas tradition that dates back to 1958 when CAFB Officers Club bartender George “Happy”
Chain’s life in the water leads to a lap around Key West
July 19, 2025
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