2 months 2 weeks ago
While the Republican-backed bill does include a universal school choice component, it also addresses a number of aspects within Mississippi’s education system, from student transfers and state employee retirement to standardized testing and the establishment of charter schools.
The Mississippi Education Freedom Act passed out of the House Education Committee on Wednesday by a roll call vote of 14-11 down party lines.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Owner Bob Crechale passed away on Christmas Eve. The family restaurant will be closing its doors for the final time on February 15.
Some places stand the test of time quietly and consistently. That’s the case with Crechale’s restaurant on Highway 80 in Jackson. When I was growing up in Jackson, it was one of many locally owned eateries that my family frequented. We ate at Primos, the Mayflower, the Elite, LeFleur’s, the Green Derby, the Rotisserie, Dennery’s, and Crechale’s. And while it wasn’t fancy, Crechele’s was always one of my favorites.
By Susan Marquez - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Kamala Harris spoke Wednesday night at the renovated Thalia Mara Hall. Jackson Mayor John Horhn also presented her with a key to the city.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris (D) made a stop in Jackson Wednesday night promoting her book, 107 Days, about the highs and lows of her 2024 presidential campaign.
By Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
St. John says this year was a bit of an outlier, as you’ll see when you get to number one.
At the end of every year for the past 25+ years, I have listed my top ten dining experiences from the year that just wrapped. This year was a bit of an outlier, as you’ll see when you get to number one.
By Robert St. John on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Forty-three teachers are using AI tools in a pilot program aimed at making instruction more engaging while helping students struggling in certain subjects.
A pilot program gauging the effectiveness of AI use by teachers to help develop effective lesson plans is underway in Mississippi.
The Mississippi State Board of Education was updated on the program during last week’s meeting. Members were told how the new program is being used to develop more compelling instruction time in the classroom.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The state senator said he doesn’t know of any other Democrats seriously considering a run for Secretary of State in 2027 but that could change when lawmakers return to the Capitol.
State Senator David Blount told Magnolia Tribune Tuesday morning that he will not seek the Secretary of State’s office in 2027.
Blount, who previously worked in the Secretary of State’s office, had been rumored in Capitol circles as a potential Democratic candidate for the statewide office.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
If there is one thing John Evans has figured out over the past fifty years, it is that small business requires an ongoing determination to keep figuring things out.
By Marilyn Tinnin - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion
By Magnolia Tribune Staff on
2 months 2 weeks ago
It is anticipated that another attempt at creating a standalone Department of Tourism will occur during the 2026 legislative session.
The Mississippi Tourism Advertising Fund received $15.1 million in revenues in the 2025 fiscal year, an increase of $440,000 over the prior year.
Of that, the Mississippi Development Authority expended nearly $13.5 million to promote tourism in Mississippi.
That was the word from the latest report from the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review, or PEER.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The business leaders reminded lawmakers that Mississippi now finds itself surrounded by states that have embraced robust school choice programs.
Legislators in the Mississippi House of Representatives arrived at the Capitol Wednesday to find a letter from 101 business leaders from across the Magnolia State urging them to take bold action this session and seize the moment to expand education freedom for every child.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Below is a political opinion column by Russ Latino:
With school choice being pushed by the Trump White House, Mississippi senators should think twice about relying on empty leftist rhetoric like “no public money for private schools” in opposition
School choice will be the number one issue in Mississippi this legislative session. Combatants should be prepared for a no holds barred fight, complete with idiotic talking points and scare tactics.
By Russ Latino - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Chinese leaders at a December meeting led by Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated their consistent focus on “pursuing progress while ensuring stability.”
Stability, hmmm.
By Bill Crawford on
2 months 2 weeks ago
It all depends on your point of view.
(More on that later.)
I estimate I called over 800 games during my 38 years of officiating high school football. I still run the game clock and occasionally assist with replays. I have lost track of the number of times I have been asked over the past few days what I thought about the final call of the Fiesta Bowl.
A little background is helpful here. I am a Mississippi State graduate. For the 18 years before I enrolled at State, I was a huge Ole Miss fan. And, even today, many of my best friends and referee buddies are Ole Miss grads.
By Kendall Smith on
2 months 2 weeks ago
I am a Hoosier. I was raised on Indiana athletics, and like most Hoosiers, I am first and foremost a basketball fan. It is in my blood. My grandfather was an Indiana University Academic All-American and my father became the team doctor, which meant long periods of my childhood were spent in the stands of Assembly Hall.
We went to football games too. However, Indiana was known as one of the worst programs in the country. We showed up anyway. We were always expected to respect the athletes, remain humble, and demonstrate character in victory or defeat.
By Stephanie Garriga on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Last week felt like I should have been working in the garden, flying a kite, or wade fishing for crappie. Other than the two weeks of “seasonal” cold weather we experienced, it has been one of the mildest winters on record. Doves are already cooing, frogs are croaking, and turtles are sunning themselves on logs in ponds and creeks. I have noticed daffodils and jonquils emerging from their short winter nap, ready to show off to the world blazing white and yellow petals. In fact, trees are on the verge of bud break with some species already leafing out.
By Jeff North on
2 months 2 weeks ago
In yet another sign of the times, a deranged teenager torched the Beth Israel Synagogue in the heart of northeast Jackson.
I have been to the beautiful synagogue many times for seminars and funerals. I am heartbroken by this. I am confident my sentiment is shared by almost every Northsider.
By Wyatt Emmerich on
2 months 2 weeks ago
“The House should pass it! The Senate should then pass it! And I will gladly sign it to keep Mississippi’s momentum booming,” Governor Tate Reeves said.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) took to social media Tuesday afternoon to encourage lawmakers in the Mississippi House and Senate to send HB 2, the “Mississippi Educational Freedom Program Act of 2026,” to his desk.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion
By Magnolia Tribune Staff on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering addresses the Magee Board.
Magee Mayor Mark Grubbs and the Board of Aldermen held their first regular meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 6.
Grubbs reported that Well #4 is up and running. He also proposed that the board approve advertisement of an RFP for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrator and engineer services for the year 2026. There is no cost in the proposal process and the position is funded by the grant. The board passed the motion.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Andy Gipson, State Ag Commissioner and 2027 gubernatorial candidate, comments on RHT funding.
, Gregg Gibbes, hospital CEO
, Newly renovated surgical suite at MGH
, Stan Bulger, former MGH board member.
On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law his One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It passed by narrow margins in both chambers of Congress.
Part of the OBBBA is a program called Rural Health Transformation (RHT), promising $50B to states approved for distribution of program funds for which Mississippi qualifies. According to www.cms.gov the monies will be allocated over a period of five years, $10B each year from 2026 through 2030. All 50 states received funding this year.
By Beth Pudas on
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5 hours 39 minutes ago
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