Mississippi Legislature approves DEI ban after heated debate
Mississippi lawmakers have reached an agreement to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs and a list of “divisive concepts” from public schools across the state education system, following the lead of numerous other Republican-controlled states and President Donald Trump’s administration.
Franklin parents raise concerns about consolidation as school closure nears
With the Columbus Municipal School District preparing to start consolidating elementary schools in the next school year, the district is hosting community meetings to keep stakeholders informed on the changes.
Parks and rec manager pleads guilty to sports bid rigging
Former General Manager of Starkville’s Parks and Recreation Doug Heflin pleaded guilty last month to rigging bids while selling sports equipment to public schools in both Mississippi and Louisiana.
Police officer, barber get into verbal altercation over Hwy 182 congestion
Larry ‘Luv’ Johnson’s barber shop has struggled financially as the Highway 182 revitalization has torn up streets and forced traffic to back up around his business.
Incumbents advance in West Point selectman races
Incumbents in both contested selectman races in West Point are still alive after Tuesday’s Democratic primaries, with one winning reelection and the other headed to a runoff.
Catfish in the Alley returns April 11 with live blues and catfish
Catfish in the Alley returns April 11, inviting community members to spend the weekend celebrating the history of the street with art, live blues music and – of course – catfish.
Mary Means Business: Gratia Artisanal Eatery in Columbus holds soft opening
Business in downtown Columbus continues to boom.
Hidden chamber beneath Propst Park leads to speculation as to what it was
A dump truck with Weathers Construction was delivering new dirt just behind the first base dugout of Dillon Field at Propst Park two weeks ago, when one of the truck’s tires broke through what looked like part of the ground – revealing a hidden concrete chamber beneath the surface.
Spruill narrowly escapes runoff in mayoral primary
Incumbent Lynn Spruill has won the Democratic mayoral primary, narrowly avoiding a runoff against former Fire Chief Charles Yarbrough.
Local libraries’ audiobook service cut after DOGE shuts down federal program
Golden Triangle libraries have started experiencing the first of what could be many losses following the shuttering of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a small independent federal agency that provides resources and funding to museums and libraries across the country.
Three arrested in Saturday shooting on Sand Road
Three suspects have been arrested for a shooting over the weekend that resulted in no injuries and involved a child.
More than half of easements obtained for $6.1M watershed project
With more than half of the necessary easements on hand, the $6.2 million watershed project to improve drainage in major flooding areas is back on track.
Starkville kicks off new phase of Spring Street project with $1.1 million
Starkville has accepted $1.1 million from the state to begin the northern phase of the Spring Street connector project, bringing the area simplified lanes, expanded sidewalk and room for bikes.
Democratic mayoral primary too close to call in Starkville
The Democratic primary for the mayor’s race was too close to call Tuesday night. The result may come down to affidavit ballots, which will be processed Wednesday at City Hall.
Jones beats Brooks in Democratic mayoral primary
At a candidate forum last month, Stephen Jones compared the prospects of beating Leroy Brooks in the Democratic mayoral primary to David slaying the giant Goliath in the Old Testament.
Ballot box carried off in car repossession causes Columbus precinct to open a half-hour late
A municipal election voting precinct opened 30 minutes late Tuesday morning because an election worker’s vehicle containing ballots was repossessed overnight.
Education: MSU graduate student wins national broadcasting award, campus newscast gains recognition
Mississippi State University graduate student Sydney Goldberg took first place in graduate-level broadcasting recently at the prestigious Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, and an MSU-led team of broadcasters also earned top honors for excellence in student newscasts.
Education: MSU-Meridian Physician Assistant Studies students receive first white coats
In a longstanding tradition, 25 Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies students received their first white coats on March 13, signaling their readiness to move from the didactic phase of education into clinical rotations.
Education: EMCC sophomore Anna Borst named a Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar
East Mississippi Community College sophomore Anna Borst has been named a 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.
Education: MSU electrical engineering professors Fu, Karimi named IEEE Fellows
Two Mississippi State Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering professors have been named Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Fellows for their significant contributions and accomplishments in their field.
Reese and Valincius earn USA Baseball invites
June 15, 2025
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