Articles by Slim Smith
Slimantics: Mississippi Senate: Move over possums, the hogs are in charge now
Nine years ago, comedian Seth Myers referred to the Mississippi Legislature as “30 possums hissin’ in a barn,” when it was revealed that what proved to be a clerical error meant Mississippi had not ratified the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.
Columbus-based Operation Ukraine pleads for donations
Trying to get in touch with Kathy Cadden during the past six days has required patience. For every call she’s taken, it seems she’s missed two more.
MSU professor compares Russia-Ukraine conflict to 1930s Germany
Russia’s threats to invade Ukraine have sent people looking at maps of Eastern Europe. But to understand the implications, it’s probably better to look at a globe, Vasabjit Barnajee said during Monday’s Starkville Rotary Club meeting.
Large developments, high paying jobs expected to come with medical marijuana
The arrival of medical marijuana in Mississippi, signed into law on Feb. 2 by Gov. Tate Reeves, was hailed both as a new means of pain relief for thousands of people and an economic shot in the arm for the economy.
First Baptist has new offer for downtown property
Two weeks after the proposed sale of the First Baptist Church property in downtown Columbus fell through, the congregation voted to approve another sale, this time to a buyer with local ties.
Slimantics: Columbus John, County Mary and the prom
Only 11 of the people who live in Columbus and Lowndes County are members of the city council or board of aldermen, but most of us should be able to relate to what these people are dealing with now.
Medical marijuana: Homegrown entrepreneurs
Seven years ago, Deneisha Glenn was a kindergarten teacher at Sale Elementary School in Columbus.
Slimantics: New Grant Library director has big shoes to fill
I would not be surprised if Anne Marshall feels sort of like John Adams or Buzz Aldrin or John Landry as she begins her new role as executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and its founding organization the Ulysses S. Grant Association.
Medical marijuana: What you need to know
Ten years ago, Angie Calhoun could not have imagined herself as the head of an advocacy group and especially not a group promoting the use of marijuana.
Slimantics: ‘Where’s Bilbo?’
On Thursday, Mississippi Today Capitol reporter Bobby Harrison reported that the bronze statue of Theodore Bilbo — perhaps the most notorious politician in Mississippi History — has gone missing from the Capitol building.
First Baptist building sale falls through
The sale of the First Baptist Church property in downtown Columbus has fallen through, Realtors for the church and the prospective owner confirmed Tuesday.
Slimantics: Legislature’s citizen initiative bills are a sham
At some point, probably when the Mississippi Legislature finishes the important work of solving problems that don’t exist, legislators will get around to restoring the right of citizens to change state law at the ballot box.
Monday Profile: MSU art professor puts renowned sculptor ‘on the mail’
You may soon be getting some big news about Mississippi State art professor Alex Bostic in the mail.
Check that. Bostic’s news is on the mail, not in it.
MSMS student leads effort to address gap in sexual assault legislation
When Chloe Sharp took over as Mississippi chapter president of the national group Youth Against Sexual Violence last fall, her priority was to complete some unfinished business.
Trotter use policy discussed in city work session
Early in his administration, Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin said he would like the city to adopt a policy on providing organizations with free use of city facilities, most notably the Trotter Center.
Slimantics: Schilling’s hall of fame snub isn’t cancel culture
Jay Powell, a star pitcher at Mississippi State in the early 1990s, played 11 seasons in the major leagues, a career highlighted by a World Championship with the Florida Marlins in 1997.
Third person arrested in connection to car wash shooting
A second man has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with a Sunday evening shooting that sent three people to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
Two interviews held for Columbus COO position
The city of Columbus Hiring Committee interviewed the two finalists for the Chief Operation Officer position on Tuesday, but a time-table for a final decision on the position remains unclear.
Suspect in shooting that sent 3 to the hospital turns himself in
The suspect in a Sunday night shooting that sent three people to the hospital with gunshot wounds is in custody, the Columbus Police Department announced Tuesday evening.
Coming fast-charging stations mark important step in EV infrastructure
Until recently, charging your electric vehicle at a public charging station was sort of like a full-time job. Although the charging time varies, the average time required to fully charge an electric vehicle (EV) at those stations is eight hours.
Group distributes 528 backpacks, school supplies at Lock and Dam
July 13, 2025
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