Sid Salter: Bo Robinson, appointed to PSC after jarring corruption scandals, dies at age 90
After a season of unprecedented corruption involving elected Mississippi Public Service Commissioners in the late 1980s, then-Democratic Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus faced the task of appointing a successor in 1989 to fill the unexpired term of Northern District Commissioner D.W. Snyder of Eupora, following his trial and conviction on federal charges of extortion, filing false tax returns, bribery, and conspiracy.
Slimantics: Coming in 2026: White Choice
The 2026 session of the Mississippi Legislature is still seven months away, but House Speaker Jason White has already selected the soundtrack for the session – School Choice. Same song, 71st verse.
Possumhaw: Trees of the South
It’s been a strange summer with all the rain and high winds. Limbs have fallen but nothing was harmed. Just a lot of gathering sticks, limbs, debris and hauling it off to the burn pile.
Thom Caraccio: Mishaps and mayhem in making movies
More stories from the sets of TV and motion pictures.
Ask Rufus: An amazing day
Jessica Crawford, southeastern regional director of the Archaeological Conservancy, described Thursday as an amazing day.
Slimantics: A kid’s summer should be outdoors and active
I grew up in a world where almost all kids were feral once school let out for summer.
Slimantics: The sports editor blues
It’s the end of May, which means the period of time sports editors dread most, especially sports editors who don’t work in major cities. High school spring sports have ended. Newspapers that have colleges nearby are seeing those sports draw to close as well.
Sid Salter: Like good moonshine, Bragg’s trilogy of Southern white poverty memoirs ages smoothly
As a journalist, writer Rick Bragg has covered most of man’s inhumanities to man – war, poverty, mass-casualty terrorist attacks, drug crime, riots, school shootings, outrageous politicians, overt and often violent acts of racism, hurricanes, tornadoes, graft and corruption and garden-variety injurious behavior.
Bobby Harrison: It’s time for lawmakers to do Mississippi taxpayers a solid
In early April, the Mississippi Legislature opted to end the 2025 session and come back in special session, at greater expense to taxpayers, to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1.
Possumhaw: Another beautiful morning
Sam, the fisherman, left early around four or five o’clock headed to a fishing lake two hours away.
Ask Rufus: Memorial Day is not just another holiday
Sometimes people forget the real meaning of Memorial Day. It isn’t about backyard barbecues, fun gatherings and cold beverages. Last Saturday, I discussed the role of Columbus in the history of Memorial Day. Thursday morning, I went to Columbus Air Force Base and experienced the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Thom Caraccio: The Vickery Boys ride again
Well, I wish that were true, but time moves on. Mahlon Vickery passed not long ago, and Harold is living in retirement near Atlanta. I do communicate with him occasionally.
Slimantics: A penny
It probably won’t create much of a stir, but the U.S. Mint is producing its final batch of pennies this week, three months after President Trump ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop making the coin.
Local Voices: Article highlighted ongoing election concerns
Over the past several years we have witnessed unfortunate issues surrounding voting, voter rolls, and voter registration in Oktibbeha County, culminating with the most recent Starkville Municipal Primary Elections where myriad issues occurred, most notably 1,480 address inconsistencies.
Sid Salter: Partisan health care spending divide centers on Medicaid policies that target enrollment
Since the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that calls for a $2.3 trillion cut to mandatory spending over the next decade. Republican lawmakers are working to make $880 billion of those cuts in the Medicaid program.
Slimantics: Taking out the trash is still a bargain
Two years ago when Lowndes County and the city of Columbus negotiated trash collection services for their residents and businesses with Golden Triangle Waste Service, a clause in the new five-year contract gave the company the option of raising rates each year.
Possumhaw: Magnolia, thick and sturdy
There’s just something about a magnolia tree that catches one’s attention. The name “Magnolia” becomes someone’s name, a place, a song, a painting, and a poem.
Thom Caraccio: I have seen the great bands live
There is a meme that says, “I may be old, but I have seen the great bands live and in person”.
Jim Davidson: It ain’t over ‘til it’s over
This often used phrase is either rightfully or wrongfully attributed to the New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, among his other “Yogisms.”
Ask Rufus: The origins of Memorial Day
As we approach Memorial Day, it would be appropriate to review the holiday’s origins and meaning.
