Area News

Mississippi State University Extension specialists are monitoring the spread of a newly-detected invasive pest in central and eastern Mississippi that could threaten future cotton yields across the state, including the Delta. According to a report by Susan Collins-Smith with the MSU Extension Service, the two-spotted leafhopper—also called the cotton jassid—was first found September 8 in…

By Guest Columnist Rev. J.D. Yates Have you ever seen the Energizer battery commercial where the little pink bunny keeps going and going? Across deserts, over mountains, down highways—it never stops. But the commercial’s message isn’t about the bunny but the battery. It’s the power source that makes the bunny move. The same is true…

By: Nathan Duff, Delta State University     Delta State University will officially kick off its yearlong Centennial Celebration on Monday, November 10. This semester marks 100 years since the institution opened its doors as Delta State Teachers College in 1925. The public is invited to attend a special afternoon of events, including an opening…

Plans are under way for the 2026 Leland Combined Class Reunion, set for Friday and Saturday, August 28–29, at the Washington County Convention Center. Friday night will feature a casual “meet and greet” with a DJ, dancing, finger foods and drinks. Saturday night will include Delta casual dress, live music, a buffet dinner with drinks…

  Governor Tate Reeves today issued Executive Order 1589 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle and high school students across Mississippi. Executive Order 1589 comes after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and reinstituted the Presidential Fitness Test. “Students across…

For the fourth consecutive year, Delta State University’s Entertainment Industry Studies program has been named among Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Business Schools for 2025. The announcement appears in the October 25th issue of the magazine. Billboard selects its top music business schools based on industry recommendations, alumni success, faculty credentials, and information provided by each…

Along the gentle curves of the creek, where scarlet roses once bloomed in quiet abundance, lies the heart of Leland—a town steeped in stories, resilience and community spirit. Though many years have passed, the echoes of its past remain vivid, woven into the fabric of everyday life. Recently uncovered in the pages of The Leland…

By: Michael Watson, MS Secretary of State   Mississippi’s next Election Day on Tuesday, November 4, is one week away. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. To view the list of counties that may have an…

  Leaders, nonprofits and faith-based groups gathered last month as the Washington County Food Access Improvement Fund awarded $50,000 in grants to fight hunger. The fund — a partnership between Mars Food and Nutrition North America, Delta Group and the Community Foundation of Washington County — has given $217,000 since 2023 to expand access to…

Part III: How a rural Mississippi town is channeling Euclid — aligning schools, research and Main Street to power its future In the TV series Eureka, a secret government town houses the country’s brightest minds. Growing up in Chicago’s south suburbs, I used to joke that we already had our own version — Batavia. Everyone…