A transformative initiative to create a single, unified organization representing business and industry throughout Mississippi is taking major steps toward becoming a reality, and, if approved, it will do so as the Mississippi Business Alliance.

In a rural corner of Mississippi, where more than 5,000 residents struggle with food insecurity and nearly three-quarters of public-school…

On the morning of April 27, 2022, Mississippians across multiple counties looked up—and then ducked for cover. What they saw (and heard) wasn’t thunder, a plane, or a storm rolling through. It was something far more dramatic: a blazing fireball tearing through the atmosphere at 55,000 miles per hour. Moments later, a deafening boom cracked across the sky. Windows rattled, homes shook, and the phones started ringing. Had something exploded? Was it an earthquake? The answer came from above.

“I’m bored! There’s nothing to do.”

The first month of summer is not even over yet, and a lot of Mississippi kids have already voiced this complaint – probably more than once.

Well, the teacher in me always loved creating a summer scavenger hunt for my kids. Ours usually started around the house and sometimes branched out to include nearby family and friends. 

Mississippi State’s own Andrew Rendon, the university’s executive director for veteran and military affairs, is the Magnolia State’s 2025 Veteran of the Year, designated by MilitaryFriendly.com. In addition to his civilian role as a longtime professional member of MSU’s Division of Student Affairs, Rendon is a brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard.

wind doesn’t care about your story. The slope won’t adjust out of sympathy. Yet somehow, some players make the game look effortless. Not because it is, but because they’ve worked hard, the grind has become part of their character.

Just outside the serene town of Flora, Mississippi, lies one of the state’s most captivating natural wonders—the Mississippi Petrified Forest. This rare geological site, nestled among the undulating hills of Madison County, is more than just an unusual roadside attraction. It’s a living museum, a tangible link to Earth’s deep past, and a striking testament to the fact that Mississippi’s narrative began long before humans ever set foot on its soil.

Dr. Jessica Pruett, a researcher at The University of Southern Mississippi, who has spotlighted the importance of Mississippi Oyster Research and its past, present and future impacts on the Blue Economy, has received the BioOne Ambassador Award. The award is given to five early-career researchers who display great communication skills and public understanding and awareness of scientific topics.

School is officially out, and summer break has arrived. In usual fashion, camp season has begun. Mississippi has a variety of specialty camps for youth—ranging from fine arts to STEM‑centered programs. Business owner Jennifer Clark has created a one‑stop shop for parents called the Pine Belt Kids Central—a database packed with valuable information on how to involve your children in statewide activities. Below are three summer camps pulled straight from this resource that will help brighten your children’s summer.

I can’t think of anything better than a bowl of gazpacho. It’s cool and refreshing, and perfect this time of the year when the farmers’ markets are full of delicious, still warm from the sun, vine ripe tomatoes.

Galls that form on plants often stick out and draw our attention. For Red Bay, the bright green galls stand out against the dark green leaves and are part of a natural relationship between a tiny insect and its host plant. Rarely seen, the galls are the only obvious evidence that these insects exist. Here is their story.

Cicadas Ring in Summer

The Pascagoula Athletic Hall of Fame was created in 2015 with the intent of honoring the highest achieving athletes and coaches who have passed through the playing fields and courts of Pascagoula High School and Carver High School throughout the years. The latest class, number six, was inducted at a gala event that took place at the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom on the night of June 14.

Wren Moore, now six years old, first visited Mississippi’s Art Museum and fell in love with drawing when she was only three years old. Now, Moore is using her love of art to create art galleries of her work at home, helping others.

But for those who have not found time or opportunity to fish with the children they love, the Mississippi Department of wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) offers an entire slate of youth fishing rodeos for the kids in our state.

Mississippi is no stranger to delicious food. The Magnolia State is known for its impeccable cuisine, and no matter how much of it you try, there are always more wonderful options available. Just when you think you’ve seen (or eaten) it all, you’ll stumble into a town you’ve never heard of and eat the best catfish or peach cobbler of your life. In Mississippi, food isn’t just food. It’s a story, a legacy, and a tight warm hug plated to perfection.