Browsing: Featured

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. 

A recent collaboration between the Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia, the Resurrection Catholic School Choir, and Sean Gasaway of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, has resulted in an inspirational song called “His Story.”

It has been said, and wisely so, that everyone needs a farmer every day, at least three times a day. To take that wisdom a step further, go ahead, and thank a farmer if you ate today.

Chef Jon “JD” Davis of City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi, claimed the title of 2025 King of Mississippi Seafood.  

Each year, states across the nation host their seafood cook-offs, and the winners from each state travel to New Orleans in August for The Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Mississippi Seafood hosts its statewide contest each year in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

When people think of Mississippi, they often envision magnolia trees, blues music, catfish dinners, and the slow, storied flow of the Mississippi River. But venture deep into the dense pine forests and murky swamps of the state’s less-tamed regions, and you might hear whispers of something far more mysterious: Bigfoot.

In April 1866, around a year after the Civil War had concluded, a group of Columbus women gathered in Friendship Cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen at Shiloh. As they completed their task, they recognized graves of Union soldiers nearby that were bare and hadn’t received visitors. So they chose to lay a few stems for those men, too. The groundbreaking act of unity, recognized not as a fallen Confederate or a fallen Union soldier, but as a fallen American, offered healing after the Civil War that inspired the creation of Memorial Day as a national observance. 

When Morgan Freeman’s deep, commanding voice graces a film, audiences across the world pause to listen. Yet beyond his unmistakable tone and iconic screen presence lies a deep-rooted connection to a place as soulful and resilient as the actor himself: Mississippi.

In this artsy coastal town, the familiar rumble of trains will soon carry a new significance. 

Trains that once transported cargo will begin carrying passengers again — something residents and local businesses hope will bring new life to the downtown economy. 

Mississippi is often recognized for its rich musical legacy, Southern hospitality, and deep historical roots. Yet, it is also home to a legacy of innovations and inventions that many may not associate with the Magnolia State. From medical firsts to everyday household staples, Mississippi has quietly helped shape modern life in remarkable ways. Below are six inventions and breakthroughs that were either developed in Mississippi or by Mississippi natives— each leaving a lasting impact on the world.

May is Older Americans Month. It’s an annual observance led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults. The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on transforming perceptions and approaches to aging.

Let’s talk about the infamous bucket list! 

Yep, we all have one, whether we officially put it in writing or keep it to ourselves. Everyone has things they’ve never done but would love to do – one day.

Holly Allgood was in her classroom at Tupelo’s Early Childhood Education Center with her student, Bowen Dorr, when the phone call came—she was a match.

“I am a student. I am here to learn.” These nine words marked the earliest moments of my childhood and ultimately shaped the trajectory of my life. Let’s face it—more often than not, people don’t think very highly of Mississippi’s education system. Whether you agree with this sentiment or not, I think we can all acknowledge that learning in Mississippi is a beautifully unique experience that cannot truly be put into words—although I will do my best to convey it in this article.

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

These words from Robert Frost aptly describe one of my family’s favorite teachers, Holly Bailey. 

Currently a career coach with Create Foundation’s Toyota Wellspring, Holly Bailey taught various levels of science to students at Tupelo and East Union for over three decades. 

Petal native, Cole Blalock has been practicing magic for over 20 years. Like many, his passion began as a hobby.…

Kellea Newton has been an educator for 21 years.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi, she began her career at Resurrection Catholic School (RCS) where she taught 5th grade and up. She is currently the 6th grade math teacher at Trent Lott Academy in Pascagoula.