Area News

by Lora Delhom Farmers, researchers and regional leaders gathered in Stoneville on Dec. 11, 2025, for the first in a series of statewide strategy meetings aimed at shaping the Future of Agriculture Resiliency for Mississippi (F.A.R.M.) Strategic Plan, an initiative led by Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson. Agriculture remains Mississippi’s largest industry and…

By Lora Delhom On a clear, autumn-on-the-cusp-of-winter evening in Leland, backyard fire pits glow, and laughter drifts across yards like small, determined stars. Children carry artwork from their classrooms, neighbors linger along Third Street catching up, and storefronts spill warm light onto the sidewalk. Along the highway, rows of white cotton — Delta snow —…

By Lora Delhom The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced a $12 billion bridge-aid package for American farmers to help offset continued market volatility, high input costs and temporary trade disruptions affecting the 2025 crop year. The aid, announced Monday by President Donald J. Trump alongside USDA and congressional leaders, will be issued as…

Hold my ampere and read this! The next three years are going to be electrifying! Why? Turn on the financial news today and all you hear is AI (artificial intelligence) this and AI that. AI must be the next BIG THING! Some think it will be the BIGGEST THING ever. It’s the elephant in the…

The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is in charge of flood control on the lower Mississippi River (1928 Flood Control Act).  Congress gave it that job to prevent another disastrous 1927 flood.  The Corps has spent billions on its Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Project (MRTP).  It is supposed to keep the largest future flood…

In a moment stitched with pride and steady light, Leland High’s inaugural Beta Club took flight — with sponsors Benford and Richardson standing beside each new scholar.

The Okra just can’t stop fighting! Did you know that the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) was Mississippi’s first volunteer fire department to achieve a Class 3 rating? Delta State University (DSU) is proud to have so many alums and employees serving on our city and county volunteer fire departments.

As the New Year approaches, Mississippi Blood Services is urging Mississippians to donate blood as supplies reach critically low levels — particularly for O-, O+, B-, and B+ blood types. Blood donations often decline during the holidays, even as hospital demand remains steady. Trauma victims, cancer patients, surgical patients and individuals with chronic illnesses rely…