MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY

Apr 30 2026EDUCATION

Graduation Speakers Light Up Mississippi Universities in 2026

Mississippi’s graduation season is fast approaching, and each campus has lined up a mix of leaders, scholars, and celebrities to inspire new graduates. Alcorn State University will open its ceremony on May 9 with Pelicia E. Hall, the executive vice president of ViaPath Technologies, who will shar

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Apr 29 2026WEATHER

Mississippi braces for another stormy week

Mississippi isn’t done with rough weather yet. After days of storms, another round of severe weather is expected on Tuesday, April 28, this time bringing the risk of large hail, strong winds, and possible tornadoes. Nearly the entire state is under some level of warning, with the highest risks—Level

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Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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Apr 25 2026WEATHER

Mississippi braces for stormy weekend ahead

Mississippi is getting ready for some rough weather starting Friday. Multiple storm systems will sweep through the state over the next few days, bringing strong winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. The National Weather Service has warned that these storms could pack winds up to 60 mph, hail as big a

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Apr 19 2026EDUCATION

Mississippi’s Reading Revival: A Blueprint for Change

Mississippi once hovered at the bottom of national reading rankings, but a shift began in 2013 when new leadership embraced a science‑based approach to literacy. The plan moved beyond simple phonics; it involved overhauling standards, assessments, and accountability to focus on the most struggling s

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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Safety Tech Helps Keep Riverton Secure

Riverton’s council members often think about how to protect the town and its families. A violent crime in the neighborhood a little over two years ago made everyone feel unsafe. After that, people called for help and worried about children playing outside or being alone at home. The town’s

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Feb 17 2026CRIME

Neighbors Take Action: How a Small Community Thwarted Crime with Signs and Cameras

Valley Glen, a quiet part of the San Fernando Valley, has seen its residents step up to keep their streets safe. Facing a surge of break‑ins linked to gangs from South America, homeowners installed 22 warning signs and set up infrared license‑plate readers plus video cameras. The initiative reported

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Feb 17 2026WEATHER

Mississippi's Recent Tornadoes: What We Know and What's Next

Mississippi has seen a series of tornadoes recently, but the good news is that no one was hurt. There were five tornadoes confirmed, and they were not very strong. Most of them were rated EF-1, with wind speeds between 100 and 110 mph. One was an EF-0, with winds up to 85 mph. These tornadoes hit i

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Feb 15 2026EDUCATION

Students Gain Real‑World Skills Through School Business Club

Valley High’s business club, DECA, is turning ordinary classes into real‑world training. The club has grown fast in its third year, thanks to teacher Nick DeFrancesco’s guidance. Students meet after school and sometimes more often, practicing role‑plays and case studies that mimic real busines

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Jan 28 2026FINANCE

Mississippi's Cannabis Cash Conundrum: Where Should the Extra Money Go?

Mississippi is facing a unique situation with its medical cannabis program. The state has been collecting more money than expected from taxes on medical cannabis sales. This has led to a question: What should be done with the extra cash? The Mississippi Attorney General has weighed in on this issue

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