Mississippi’s youngest and brightest will continue to be recognized for their academic excellence, along with the teachers who shape them, under a new organization.The Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) Foundation and the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation, Inc. have jointly announced that
The National Folk Festival will return to Jackson in the fall, and this year’s festivities will spotlight Mississippi as the birthplace of America’s music, while adding a patriotic flair in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.Founded in 1934 and championed in its early years by First
State Rep. Sam Mims is not seeking reelection next year.The Republican, who represents District 97 in the Mississippi House of Representatives, announced Monday that his time in the legislature will come to an end after the upcoming session. Mims’ district spans Adams, Amite, Franklin, and Pike Coun
The National Guard Association of Mississippi (NGAMS) has launched an effort to give the public a chance to show its support for the Mississippi National Guard.The recently announced Mississippi Patriot Specialty License Plate would allow residents in the Magnolia State to display their patriotism a
Mystical sea creatures will make their way to Mississippi Aquarium to entertain the public.Officials with the aquarium in Gulfport announced that mermaids will be on site for two weekends of dive performances, meet-and-greets, and family-friendly activities. From Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4, guests can
When a 12-foot, 4-inch alligator jumped out of the water, Zoe Pell realized the hunt this year would be much different from the year before.“As soon as he drove up out of the water, he jumped and we realized that this wasn’t a little like we thought,” Zoe said. “We realized that it was a lot bigger
Mississippi State University has been selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to host its new five-year, $100 million environmental research institution.The Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America, better known as CINGA, will bring researchers from nine institut
Mississippians can get an early start on Christmas shopping, with the Holiday Market rolling into Jackson this month.The three-day event will take place in the Mississippi Trade Mart from Sept. 18-20. Officials say the market will bring together more than 125 merchants from across the country offeri
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has expanded its air care services with a new plane.Officials with the state’s largest hospital system on Thursday unveiled its new fixed-wing service, called AirCare 5. The plane is now operational and available to transport patients who need specialized
The world is still mourning the loss of country music star and entertainment icon Dolly Parton more than two weeks after her death on Aug. 25.Magnolia Hill Productions President Sam Haskell, Parton’s longtime agent and a Mississippi agent, joined Mornings with Richard Cross on Thursday to talk about
As the sun goes down, the Hattiesburg Zoo will light up with a Halloween twist, transforming the zoo into a festive world of glowing lights, family fun, and spooky sights.The venue’s annual “Zoo Boo – Where the Wild Things Glow!” is back for 12 nights in October. The event transforms the zoo into an
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Beef Council are partnering to give veterans a special treat during the upcoming state fair.Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson announced that veterans and active military will be treated to a free brisket biscuit during the 167th Mi
Medical testing company Mayo Clinic Laboratories is establishing operations in Southaven, with plans to create 234 new jobs.The more than $30 million investment will support diagnostic testing and laboratory services for hospitals, clinicians, and healthcare systems to provide patients with accurate
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has earned national recognition for its telehealth services.A trio of Mississippi-based federal lawmakers announced Wednesday that UMMC had been awarded a $4.25 million grant for a five-year redesignation as a Telehealth Center of Excellence. The funding
Madison County has cleared the way for a conference center and adjoining hotel.County officials gave the conference center the final nod of approval on Tuesday. The venue will be built near Topgolf in Ridgeland and within the Prado Vista development district. Officials said the facility will be 50,0
The 12th annual Mississippi Book Festival is coming to Jackson later this month with another day chock-full of all things literature.The book fest brings readers from across the country for author panels, book signings, workshops, and more. Last year, more than 23,000 readers visited the festival to
Northwest Mississippi Community College kicked off a yearlong celebration marking its 100th anniversary with a ceremony Tuesday on its Senatobia campus.The Centennial Kickoff Celebration included the dedication of a historical marker, the unveiling of a portrait honoring Dean James P. McCormick, and
The LEGO scene in Mississippi continues to grow, with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science’s newest exhibit coming later this month and using the popular toy bricks.“Sean Kenney’s Animal Super Powers Made with LEGO Bricks” will bring a plethora of skillfully crafted animals to life in the Jacks
Madalyn Sullivan finished as first-runner up in the Miss America’s Teen competition Saturday night in Palm Beach, Fla.Sullivan, Miss Mississippi’s Teen, competed in a week’s worth of events leading up to the finals, including interviews, a talent portion, preliminary competitions, and appearances. T
Mississippians planning to travel this Labor Day should expect higher costs and heavier traffic.AAA released its Labor Day travel projections for 2026, showing that nearly every category has raised prices compared to this time last year. Despite the high traffic and travel costs AAA predicts, it sti
Jane Granberry entered this week’s Miss America competition confident that she can become the first Miss Mississippi in four decades to win the national title.That confidence was on display Wednesday night when Granberry was one of three contestants to win the Portia & Scarlett Preliminary Evening G
The second of two Mississippi natives to make it to the live quarterfinal rounds of “America’s Got Talent” season 21 has been eliminated.Elsie of Columbia was one of seven eliminated in the third round of the live quarterfinals. Typically, three of the 11 contestants per round move on to the semifin
The state of Mississippi has secured $3 million in funding for major infrastructure repairs at Neshoba County Lake.Officials with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks announced Thursday that the funding had been acquired for the upgrades. Neshoba County Lake is a popular, 138
Mississippians will once again have the chance to hear hit songs performed by the people who wrote them.The 17th Mississippi Songwriters Fest will take place at various venues in Ocean Springs and Gautier from Sept. 17-20. Organizers say the event will bring nationally recognized hit songwriters, Mi
