Ask just about anyone in Mississippi what makes our state so special, and you’ll hear a range of answers—our food, our people, our sunsets, even our football. And while all of those are true, there’s one fact that stands above the rest, one that still sends a ripple through history: Mississippi is where America’s music was born.

University of Mississippi pharmacy professor Adam Pate recently showcased and shared his knowledge and experience with an international audience in Japan.

Yellow Passionflower may not have as large and obvious a blossom as its purple flowered relative, but it has its own way of standing out in our landscape. For me, the smaller flowers and leaves of this common vine are far less overwhelming than many other vines, adding a bit of elegance.

In Mississippi, the Fourth of July is more than fireworks and barbecue—it’s a day that blends patriotism, community, and tradition in a way that feels deeply personal to the people who call the Magnolia State home.

Glenn Anglada dreamt of owning his own 3D printing business and using his engineering knowledge to make an impact along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Anglada’s dream is now a reality because of The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Ocean Engineering Entrepreneurship Pathway (OEEP) program, which prepares graduates for success in the state’s Blue Economy. Anglada put his skills to the test and became the first graduate of the program, which is committed to establishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast as the nation’s leader in ocean science, engineering and technology.

The school bells are no longer ringing, the temperature is rising even higher, and the kids are home all day, saying they’re bored.

Mississippi State’s Noah Sullivan was selected as the Division I Baseball Academic All-American of the Year by College Sports Communicators on Tuesday.

It’s that time of year again—when grills are sizzling, flags are flying, and the night skies over Mississippi explode with color and sound. The Fourth of July brings out the best in Southern celebrations, and this year, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Across the Magnolia State, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks displays that are free, family-friendly, and downright dazzling. Whether you’re looking for small-town charm or a riverfront showstopper, here’s where you can catch fireworks in Mississippi this July.

Summer is heating up, and so is the excitement at your local library! The Jackson-George Regional Library System is bursting with free events, hands-on activities, and cool resources for all ages. From epic escape rooms and ice cream socials to live sharks and Christmas in July—there’s something for everyone at JGRLS this summer. 🎉 Visit our website to explore programs at all branches: www.jgrls.org.

Hip hip hooray! 

It’s time to celebrate our nation’s 149 years of independence on July 4, 2025. And lucky for us, this year’s Independence Day celebration falls on a Friday, making for a nice, long weekend filled with good food and fireworks. 

Summer is officially here in Mississippi! That brings long, hot days and if you have kids, a lot more hungry mouths to feed all day long. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom to two teenage boys, but they are always hungry. That leaves me looking for ways to be creative with snack options that are yummy but that also meet some serious nutrient gaps that Americans often have. A balanced snack usually clocks in around 200-300 calories (or up to 500 calories depending on your overall health goals) and should contain some complex carbohydrates and either protein or healthy fats or both. 

Independence Day is one of America’s most important and celebrated holidays. On this day, we celebrate our freedom from British…

Wyatt Thistle’s smile, joy and hugs were legendary, and many people considered him their best friend. The 20-year-old from Alamo Heights, Texas, died earlier this year in a boating accident, but the University of Mississippi chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity is making sure his legacy lives on.

Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement. Its mission is to inspire and educate people to work toward a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful America. Keep Mississippi Beautiful is a network that connects 60 Keep America Beautiful-certified affiliates throughout our state, focusing on litter prevention, recycling, and community beautification. 

The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated downtown revitalization success and announced statewide award winners at its 2025 Annual Awards Luncheon at The South in downtown Jackson. 

This week, I got to see one of my heroes have his wish granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and it was a joy to watch.