Mississippi State University is making agricultural aviation history this week by hosting the nation’s first Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) training program exclusively focused on spray drones. The five-day training at MSU’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between traditional aerial application and emerging drone technology.

Without going into her inappropriate discourse on dog pounds and beauty pageants, I do believe that Suzanne Sugarbaker had one thing totally correct: “You will never see a homely Miss Mississippi.”

Tucked into the gentle hills of north Mississippi, just a stone’s throw south of Oxford, you’ll find a place that doesn’t try to be flashy—it simply is what it is: charming, creative, and rich in heart. Welcome to Water Valley.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently presented General Joe Spraggins with the 2025 Friendship Oak Award at its annual awards day ceremony held on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, in recognition of his ongoing dedication and support of critical projects to advance marine research and sustainability. As the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), Spraggins’ commitment and partnership with Southern Miss and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been invaluable.

Fairs are not only fun. They evoke feelings of nostalgia. For many of us, some of our favorite memories are from the fair. Thankfully, fairs are not a thing of the old times. They are still alive and well— thriving and flourishing, even. The Neshoba County Fair is one of Mississippi’s most anticipated fairs. 

Sunday supper at my house was a cherished tradition until Covid turned everything upside down. But I am determined to bring it back and maybe even do a better job of it this time around. It’s not something you want to just dive into; you’ve got to be smart about it to get it right. The secret to getting it right is detailed planning, and luckily for me, I enjoy thinking about those kinds of details.

Southern Magnolias help define the deep south landscape. Their large, prominent white flowers are hard to miss and are a favorite subject for artists and photographers. Southern Magnolia is the state tree and flower for Mississippi, the Magnolia State, and the state flower of Louisiana. And although the flowers are the main attraction, the plant offers other equally prominent features.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) revealed some exciting news recently, especially for resident artists: To help launch the 2026 Mississippi Spring Turkey Season, the MDWFP is creating the first-ever Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp. 

TrueCare, a nonprofit, provider-sponsored health plan, is supporting local nonprofits and charitable organizations with the launch of its Community Champions Grant. This grant is designed to support grassroots organizations in Mississippi addressing health disparities and driving lasting impact in underserved communities and complex populations across the state.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) ranks No. 90 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Education Schools. Southern Miss jumped nine spots since breaking into the top 100 schools in 2024 and is now the second-highest ranked institution in Mississippi for teacher education programs.

Pucker up, Mississippi, because it’s time for the 6th Annual Mississippi Pickle Fest 2025.

There’s something about baseball in Mississippi that just feels different — maybe it’s the way the game slows down time on a warm summer evening, or perhaps it’s the sound of cleats on red clay and the low hum of a hometown crowd. Whatever it is, baseball isn’t just a sport here. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down, inning by inning, for over a century.

Across the state, residents are commonly referred to physical therapists to regain function after injuries, surgeries, falls and chronic pain. But a national study warns that some patients may soon face longer wait times — or longer drives — to get the care they need. 

National Dairy Month is a time to honor hardworking dairy farmers and celebrate the nutritious milk and dairy foods they produce. Mississippi has about 48 working dairy farms with a typical dairy herd of about 150 milking cows. Mississippi’s top milk-producing counties are Copiah, Marion, and Walthall, and the total amount of milk produced in 2023 equaled 8.9 million gallons! And while dairy farmers are committed to making delicious and wholesome products, they’re also dedicated to creating a sustainable future. 

So, the 2025 NEMCABB All-Star Baseball Games took place this past Saturday, May 31, at the Corinth High School Baseball Field in Corinth, Mississippi.  

In case you are unfamiliar with the history behind NEMCABB, it all started in December of 1989 at an ICC Baseball Clinic, the college’s first annual camp, actually. Several area baseball coaches discussed the need for their best senior baseball players from North Mississippi to garner more scouting exposure and recognition, outside the statewide all-star games already held annually in Jackson. 

Hattiesburg is known for its dedication to amplifying the arts and putting on an unforgettable show. Every year, Festival South makes its grand return to the Hub City. As you may know, Festival South is a one-of-a-kind festival where visitors are encouraged to engulf their entire being in the celebration of the arts.