March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, a day of national celebration for the missionary who is credited with carrying Christianity to Ireland. It’s also the one day of the year when everything goes green, including clothing, beverages, food, and even the rivers in certain American cities. 

Spring break is right around the corner, and thousands of Mississippi college students have already started planning their getaways. The great part about going to college in Mississippi is that there are many secret getaways right here within the state. If you’re planning your spring break, here are five in-state options to consider.

Another popular, and relatively easy way to preserve food is by canning. If you are savvy enough to go to the local farmer’s market for fresh produce, you can enjoy those great vine ripened tomatoes all year long if you “put up,” or can a dozen jars or more. The same goes for a special vegetable your grocery store might have on sale. Stock up and you will have plenty even through the winter months. 

Sometimes the tiniest of organisms in our world evoke memories we hold dear. Such was the case when I recently shared a few photos of one of the smallest of our regional flowering plants, a Tiny Bluet, Houstonia pusilla. As many of you know, I share tidbits about nature daily, through my Cajun Daily Dose of Nature post on Instagram and Facebook. The post about the Tiny Bluet reminded me that many of my friends also share my passion for nature, big and small. 

Making waves in marine research is what motivates Dr. Jerry Wiggert of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) to pursue his passions. Wiggert was appointed to the Ocean Studies Board (OSB), a unit of the Division on Earth and Life Studies of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. OSB explores the science, policies and infrastructure needed to understand, manage and conserve coastal and marine environments and resources.

The 85th Coronation Ceremony of Jackson County was presented by the Young Men’s Business Club of Moss Point on Friday, February 28, at the B.E. “Mac” McGinty Civic Center in Pascagoula.

Rare 78-rpm records from legends such as Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, never-released studio recordings and personal letters sent to fans…

Mississippi State University’s premier a cappella group is advancing to the national semifinals after securing second place in a prestigious collegiate a cappella competition.

Dr. Tristan Clemons continues to solidify his reputation as a rising international research star with The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Polymer Science and Engineering’s faculty.

Laissez les bons temps rouler is the statement of the season. Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and Mississippians are preparing for fun times. Although Mardi Gras is more commonly associated with our next door neighbor, Louisiana, Mississippi has a tremendous Mardi Gras scene filled with generational traditions. 

Signs of spring are beginning to pop up all around us. The sun is staying out a little longer. The temperature is a little warmer. And the grass, shrubs, and trees are just a little bit greener. With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, you may be looking for ways to make your plate a little bit greener too. 

Say the name Larry McKay to anyone in North Mississippi, and the first word that comes up for discussion is basketball. If the discussion continues, talk of Baldwyn High School invariably comes up – Baldwyn Bearcat championship basketball, to be precise.

Is there any better comfort food than pasta? It’s warm, filling and delicious. If you get it right! You can use dried or fresh, but there are certainly easier ways to prepare a pasta dish than by making the pasta from scratch. Dried takes a little longer to cook, and fresh (bought fresh at the grocery) is much quicker, and both prefer different kind of sauces. Dried pasta (80% of pasta eaten in Italy is dried) pairs best with a hearty sauce, like a Bolognaise, while fresh pasta likes a more delicate sauce, maybe even just garlic butter and parmesan Reggiano. 

It has been three months or so since the last of our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flew south for the winter. A few do seem to stay with us along the northern Gulf Coast, but most of our winter hummers are western species. Ruby-throated hummers are intrepid birds that fly a long way each year between their breeding grounds across the eastern U.S. and Canada and their winter homes in Central America. 

Over 40,000 people in Mississippi have an intellectual or developmental disability, but only 11.5% are employed. Employment opportunities are critical…

FestivalSouth, Mississippi’s premier multi-genre arts festival, is thrilled to announce its season lineup for 2025, taking place from May 31 to June 21, 2025. This year’s theme, “Celebration,” honors its Sweet 16th season with four incredible weekends packed with music, art, theater, and dance, offering over 50 unique cultural experiences designed for all ages, from children to senior adults. The festival features many Southern Miss faculty, staff, alumni, and students in venues on and off campus. A complete schedule and more information is available at festivalsouth.org.