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Opinion | Rebekah Staples •

February 6, 2023

PERS: A Legislative Math Problem

Although pension issues have been used as a political wedge in the past, it’s time for a new paradigm. Last week, members of the Mississippi Senate Finance Committee convened to hear an update from the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) executive director regarding the funded status of the plan. I listened with great interest as…

Business | Thomas Gregory •

February 6, 2023

Main Street is Economic Development

In 2022, Main Street programs helped create 841 jobs in 551 new or expanded businesses in Mississippi downtowns amounting to over $242 million in public and private investment. When Mississippians think about Main Street, they probably think about their historic downtown. They might think about the community festivals that their local Main Street organization helps…

Business | Frank Corder •

February 6, 2023

WISPR takes off in Mississippi

The North Mississippi drone manufacturer credits Miss. State, InnovateMS for helping turn their vision into a reality. Founded in 2016, WISPR Systems is a Mississippi-based drone manufacturer providing versatile, rugged, and reliable commercial drones. The company was started by Conor Ferguson and Austin Ratcliffe, now CEO and COO, respectively. According to Ferguson, WISPR started out…

Opinion | Austin Barbour •

February 5, 2023

Republicans have delivered on big issues that matter for 20 years in Mississippi

Conservative candidates should be bold. It’s the fastest way to a voter’s mind and heart. As Republican candidates plan and prepare their roadmap for victory in November, I encourage them to remember campaigns are not always only about politics; they are also about policy and ideals. As one former Governor used to say, “good policy…

Opinion | Derrick Simmons •

February 5, 2023

Mississippi’s reality a far cry from the fairy tale told by state leaders

For the rest of the state, our Mississippi is a much different story. The Mississippi described in this week’s State of the State is not the Mississippi lived in by the vast majority of our state’s families. It is a fantasy — a mythical Mississippi that we all wish we lived in. A booming economy; well-funded and high-performing…

Culture | Frank Corder •

February 4, 2023

No matter your name, you matter to God

You have a strategic importance in this life and in the lives of those around you. What’s in a name? What’s in your name? I heard a story one time about a couple and their son named “Fruit Stand.” Their story began in the 1960’s, the hippy era of American history. The young couple got…

News | Anne Summerhays •

February 3, 2023

Prominent healthcare bills survive committee deadline in Mississippi Legislature

From a nurse student loan repayment program to restricting minor gender transitioning, see what legislation is still alive. Tuesday was the deadline for committees to pass general bills and amendments out to the floor in their respective chamber in the Mississippi Legislature. While a fair number of bills survived, others died a quiet death. Among…

Culture | Courtney Ingle •

February 3, 2023

Making your grocery budget stretch

Mississippi State Ag Extension Office offers tips to help you save money. The current inflation rate has Mississippians feeling the pinch in their wallets, especially at the grocery store. While the U.S. Department of Labor noted that inflation somewhat improved over the latest reporting cycle, the USDA released data which showed an over 11% increase…