Browsing: Trending

The dramatic improvement in Mississippi’s early literacy rates has grabbed national attention, spotlighting the work of statewide partnerships to bring about the “Mississippi Miracle.”

Across Mississippi, backpacks are being zipped, supply lists are being checked, and alarm clocks are about to make their annual return.

For the last few weeks, the United States, Canada, and Mexico have hosted the 2026 Men’s World Cup, the crown jewel of competition for soccer, or, as it’s called pretty much everywhere outside the USA and Canada, football. It has been a compelling tournament, with exciting games, colorful fans, and impressive star players. I’ve watched many of the matches, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Summer is rapidly coming to an end for students across the state of Mississippi. Surprisingly, many of our public and private schools are starting the last week of July.

There may be six months before Christmas, but if Nee Dough is on the most-wanted list, it is time now to make that purchase.

Back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up on Mississippi families.

One minute it’s pool days, popsicles, and late sunsets. The next, parents are digging through supply lists, trying on last year’s shoes, and realizing someone suddenly needs an entirely new wardrobe after a summer growth spurt.

When the Fourth of July fireworks end, the next phase begins for retailers and fire officials: storing unsold inventory and promoting the safe disposal of leftover fireworks. 

With a backpack on his shoulders, several phones in hand and thousands of thousands still ahead, Jack Kadis walked into Gautier on Thursday as part of his goal to walk the outline of the continental United States. 

The National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th in Washington, D.C., drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. The massive patriotic event features invited marching bands, fife and drum corps, giant balloons, equestrian units, military displays, and celebrity participants, all celebrating America’s birthday. And this year, the Mississippi Christian University (MC) Marching Band has been selected as the only ensemble from Mississippi to perform.

The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated downtown revitalization success and announced statewide award winners at its 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon at The South in downtown Jackson. 

From the beginning of time, dads have been known for dispensing advice. Whether solicited or unsolicited, this advice has helped children deal with whatever situation they are facing. It may be given during a conversation before an important life event, while taking care of household chores, or even while just driving around town. No matter how it’s given, it often stays with us long after being spoken, and more poignantly, it becomes a cherished memory once dad is no longer here.

The Heirloom Hotel in downtown Laurel, Mississippi, is a boutique hotel created by HGTV’s Home Town stars Erin and Ben Napier, along with their business partners. The massive restoration transformed the historic 1930s Kress department store into a 29-bedroom hotel. Unfortunately, a devastating accidental electrical fire in August 2025 heavily damaged the property, leaving the insurance claim and rebuilding process ongoing. The entire restoration and ultimate demise of the building were featured on the HGTV series Home Town: Inn This Together, starring the Napirs and the vested families, Joshua and Emily Nowell, and Jim and Mallorie Rasberry.

Breanna O’Leary, an Alcorn State University graduate, is a professional NASCAR pit crew member who made sports history by breaking gender barriers in a heavily male-dominated motorsport. O’Leary’s trajectory connects her collegiate background at Alcorn State University to a trailblazing career on NASCAR’s pit road.

I am somewhat ashamed to admit this, but I had no idea that Mississippi has an annual Pickle Fest. Much to my amazement, the Pickle Fest, held each year at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, was voted the “Best Small Festival in Mississippi” in 2022 by the Mississippi Tourism Association. No wonder it is billed as a “Kind of a Big Dill!”

Jake Gibbs enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1957. Sixty-nine years and one legendary career later, cheering for the Rebels has become a family tradition that he shares with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A second opportunity is not given to make a first impression, so it is important that the first impression be one to remember. With I-10 as the gateway to coastal Mississippi from Alabama with more than 40,000 guests annually, there was a need to upgrade the current Mississippi Welcome Center to help create a positive impression for guests.