Slimantics: A tale of two CFOs: Process matters

I finally got around to looking at the long-overdue audit for the city of Columbus this week.

Slimantics: Sing-along: My Not-So-Funny Valentine

Tuesday has come and gone and with it Valentine’s Day, probably the biggest commercial holiday that isn’t actually a holiday, at least not on the state or federal level. Data from the National Retail Federation shows Americans spend an average of $20 billion each year on Valentine’s Day-related purchases, $6 billion alone on jewelry. That’s a lot of bling.

Pension-style program being considered for volunteer firefighters

Comedian Steven Wright told a story about going to a 24-hour market.
“When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, ‘Hey, the sign says you’re open 24 hours. He said, ‘Yeah, but not in a row.’”

Slimantics: Capitalizing Columbus

On Wednesday, Rep. Chad McMahan (R, Guntown) offered an amendment to a bill that would move the state capital from Jackson to Tupelo, which is a few miles south of Guntown.

Strong’s ‘Money’ made the Motown world go ‘round

It would be an overstatement to say that if it hadn’t been for a teenager from West Point, Motown might never have gotten off the ground.
But it might not be too much of an exaggeration.

Newly-minted flight nurse taking long way home

Robert Miller’s dream of being a flight nurse in his hometown of Columbus came true Monday morning. Well, at least half of that dream, at

Slimantics: OK, Boomer

This year, the youngest members of the Baby Boomer generation will turn 59 and the eldest Boomers will be 77.

Slimantics: The Republican “All Lives Matter” distortion

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day or, if you’re a Mississippi Republican, Robert E. Lee’s Birthday. The former is a federal holiday, the latter a state holiday to honor the memory of someone who likely never set foot in Mississippi and led an armed rebellion against the United States.

Slimantics: Governor’s race: A story of private jets and a pet project

With Brandon Presley’s announcement that he will run for governor this year, the stage is set for what should be one of the more entertaining, and perhaps, competitive governor’s race in years, pitting incumbent Republican Tate Reeves against Presley the Democrat, provided, of course, Reeves beats back another challenge from Bill Waller Jr., who lost to Reeves by eight points in the 2019 Republican primary.

Slimantics: America Worst?

I’ll admit it. I’m an America First sort of guy. Who among us isn’t, right? I’ve never heard anybody go around saying they were “Belgium First!” or “Ecuador First!” unless, of course, they are tourists from Belgium or Ecuador.

Margaret Henry: A love story

They were two young women of a different era, a time when ambitious, talented women faced a decision that pitted careers against family life.

In Memoriam

From public servants to a decorated war hero to a master craftsman to a legendary coach and long-serving recreation figures, 2022 marked the departure of many memorable people in the Golden Triangle.

Slimantics: Chomper’s lesson is his legacy

The small coastal town of Pass Christian lost a beloved resident on Christmas Day, but his passing resonates anywhere there is love for the natural world, its remarkable creatures and concerns over modern society’s relationship with the wild.

Rolling blackouts affect some Golden Triangle customers

For a few hours Friday morning, some home and business owners were subject to a brief power blackout. Generally, blackouts are caused by damage to

Slimantics: The Big Chill

The last time I stepped outside Thursday, around 5:30 p.m., there wasn’t much of anything remarkable about the weather. The temperature was in the mid-50s, about what we’ve come to expect this time of the year.

Slimantics: The cat is out of the bag in Wetumpka

The citizens of Wetumpka, Alabama, rest a little easier today.

The Thelma and Louise of Cat Crime have been brought to justice.

Slimantics: What was achieved?

Shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday, the state of Mississippi executed Thomas Loden Jr., 58, for the 2000 kidnapping, rape and murder of 16-year-old Leesa Gray in Itawamba County.

Slimantics: Georgia Senate election will expedite Colom’s bid for federal judgeship

On Tuesday night, Raphael Warnock emerged a winner and, perhaps, so did Scott Colom.

Slimantics: O Magnum Mysterium – the elusive art of gift-wrapping

I am happy to report that, unless someone who wasn’t on my list suddenly wins the lottery or comes into a large inheritance, my Christmas shopping is completed.

Slimantics: Thanksgiving Day: Eat, pray, argue

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, the day set aside each year to gather with friends and loved ones, give thanks for our good fortunes, enjoy a lovely feast, find comfort in our shared memories and, of course, confront Uncle Bob with the question: “What is the matter with you? Seriously?”