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.
Mobile college and career planning services offered to students in Mississippi Delta
Clarksdale High School Graduation Coach Tre’Shawn Malone exited the front doors of the high school and escorted two senior students to a 17-foot truck parked in the bus loop. As they approached the Get2College Mobile Unit, an outside TV monitor played YouTube videos about college. Malone verified that the team was ready and then sent one student into the back of the unit. The second stepped on the custom mat and climbed the stairs into the front of the vehicle.
Fear, stigma and slow justice keep abuse in the shadows: 90% go unreported
For victims of assault, silence can often be as heavy as violence itself. For Evie Vidrine, that silence came from knowing what might happen if she spoke up.
Virtual classrooms keep students learning despite teacher shortage
Near the beginning of this school year, West Point High School lost their Algebra II teacher to a family emergency.
Three pets killed in Thursday camper fire
Three pets were killed in a camper fire Thursday afternoon at Dewayne Hayes Campground.
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.
Columbus, Starkville sales tax collections off to promising start in Fiscal Year 2026
In the first month of Fiscal Year 2026, Columbus and Starkville are already ahead of last year’s sales tax revenues with 2.21% growth in Columbus and 7.13% growth in Starkville compared to last October.
Four Delta men arrested in Starkville on gambling charges
Four men were arrested Wednesday at Walmart Supercenter for gambling. Two of the suspects also face firearms charges.
Higgins launches consulting firm after LINK departure
Joe Max Higgins, former CEO for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, has started his own economic development consulting firm called 2EQLAST.
What to watch for: Mississippi State vs. No. 22 Texas
Davis Wade Stadium will host Mississippi State in SEC action again this Saturday with the visit of No. 22 Texas.
Italian restaurant in works for old Main Street Thai space
An Italian restaurant is coming downtown.
Mary Means Business: L.A. Green purchases Book Mart building
The Book Mart on East Main Street is ready for its next chapter.
Students find new futures in trades at annual expo
Before Wednesday, Azaryia Dale, an eighth-grader at B.F. Liddell Middle School in Noxubee County, had plans to become a nurse after high school.
$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.
Lobbyist contract appears safe through year’s end
It appears Worth Thomas Consultants will remain on contract as the city’s lobbyist at least through the end of the year.
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.
Residents split on proposed towing ordinance
Nearly a dozen residents packed into City Hall on Tuesday evening to voice their opinions for and against Starkville’s proposed towing ordinance during the board of aldermen’s regular monthly meeting.
$45M hotel, student housing project proposed for old city lagoon
A pair of Mississippi developers is eyeing a $45 million redevelopment project to transform an old stormwater detention area off Highway 12 behind Walk-On’s into a mixed-use complex with a hotel and student housing facility.
Committee of ‘area experts’ to inform what’s next for Franklin Academy
Though no definitive decision has been reached yet regarding what comes next for Franklin Academy, interested parties have already started inquiring about – and touring – the school.
Education: Huber invests $170K in STEM education in Noxubee, Kemper counties
Huber Engineered Woods, a company in the J.M. Huber Corporation business portfolio and builder of a new mill in Shuqualak, recently celebrated a $170,000 investment supporting hands-on STEM education and career-connected learning for more than 1,400 students across Noxubee and Kemper counties.
Jelly Roll to perform at Jeffery Simmons Community Fun Day
July 3, 2025
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