Venuti takes helm at The Leland Progress

The Leland Progress announces Jacob Reed Venuti as the new editor and general manager of the publication.

Venuti, who has been featured in the paper numerous times, is a lifelong resident of Leland, Mississippi, and said he is proud to serve the community where he was raised.

Venuti is a political science major at the University of Mississippi, where he is a junior majoring in political science, with an emphasis on law and courts.

At just fifteen years old, Venuti became the youngest firefighter placed in the Leland Fire Department. At sixteen years old, he again made local history as the youngest known person officially inducted into a Rotary club in Leland.

At seventeen years old, Venuti began assisting his father, Vince Venuti, with day-to-day operations at Venuti Towing & Recovery, where he now serves as business manager. He also serves as adviser to Alderwoman Nancy Jo King of Ward Five in Leland, Mississippi.

Venuti graduated in 2024 with honors from Saint Joseph Catholic School, a school he said remains close to his heart. He was heavily involved in student government and served as president of the Student Government Association, which is where he says he found his love for political science.

In his dual role as editor and general manager, Venuti will oversee both the editorial direction and business operations of the newspaper. He says his goals include expanding local coverage, strengthening community connections and adapting the publication to meet the evolving needs of readers in the digital age.

“As someone who has grown up in Leland, this opportunity is deeply personal,” Venuti said. “The Leland Progress is more than a newspaper, it is a voice for our community. I am honored to lead it forward, ensuring that the stories of our people continue to be told with integrity and pride.”

The Leland Progress has long served as a trusted source of news and information throughout the Mississippi Delta. With Venuti leading the publication, the newspaper plans to build upon its legacy while continuing to grow for future generations of readers.

The paper also expressed appreciation to Lora Delhom for her dedication and service to the publication.

“We are grateful to Lora Delhom for her passion and willingness to help lead the paper,” the statement said. “We wish her well in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued contributions to The Leland Progress as a freelance writer from time to time.”

As Venuti transitions into the leadership role, the newspaper said it looks forward to new opportunities and continued growth within the community.