The Leland Progress: A Legacy of Community Journalism

Founded in 1887, The Leland Progress has long been a cornerstone of life in Leland, Mississippi. For well over a century, the newspaper served as the town’s primary source of news, chronicling everything from civic developments and school events to personal milestones like births, weddings, and obituaries. Its pages have captured the story of a small Delta town through wars, economic changes, civil rights milestones, and generations of everyday life.

For decades, The Progress was more than just a newspaper—it was a trusted voice and community meeting place. Families clipped articles for scrapbooks, read announcements over breakfast, and relied on its steady coverage to stay connected to neighbors and local happenings. It was especially known for its in-depth local reporting and community-centered tone, offering readers a mix of news, opinion, and human-interest stories that reflected Leland's heart and soul.

The newspaper operated independently for most of its existence and was often run by local editors and publishers who lived in the community and understood its rhythms. Its survival through changing times—economic downturns, the rise of television, and eventually the internet—was a testament to its relevance and resilience.

In July 2024, after nearly 137 years of publication, The Leland Progress briefly closed its doors, leaving a notable gap in the local media landscape. But that pause was short-lived. Later that year, Mississippi businessmen Clay Mansell and Dr. Ryan Tracy stepped in to revive the paper, recognizing its importance to the people of Leland and to local journalism in general.

Now publishing monthly and online, The Progress continues to honor its long-standing mission: providing reliable, hyper-local news and uplifting stories that celebrate the community’s heritage and future.

From its earliest editions to its current rebirth, The Leland Progress remains one of Mississippi’s most enduring and beloved local newspapers—a true record of small-town life in the Mississippi Delta.

In The News

The Leland Progress Newspaper Revitalization