| Friday, April 24, 2026 |
| Super Bulldog Weekend to bring big crowds to Starkville | |
 | Video: There will be plenty of MSU sports, plus the famous wiener dog race, this weekend in Starkville. |
| Nursing graduate from MSU-Meridian shines in early patient care | |
 | Two months after earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree and becoming a Mississippi State University-Meridian graduate, Dekendrick Rushing stepped into a role few nurses face -- caring for the mother of a faculty member from his alma mater. Rushing, who is now a registered nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, met Mary Smith, an MSU-Meridian assistant professor, during her mother's stay at UMMC in 2025. Not knowing his backstory at the time, Smith said she observed Rushing's "seasoned" delivery of skill, compassion and confidence following her mother's neurosurgery, even though he was just three months into his new career. "My mother was the one who asked where Dekendrick had graduated from because his level of care was exemplary. When he said he earned a Master of Science in Nursing, I knew immediately he had graduated from Mississippi State," said Smith, a 30-year nurse who teaches in MSU-Meridian's healthcare administration program. "Dekendrick was very patient and very detail oriented. It speaks so much of the program that he is so comfortable and confident." Rushing, who also holds a 2018 MSU bachelor's degree in business administration, said, "I feel like God was leading me to this path." |
| MSU's Equestrian Team saddles up for national finals | |
 | For the first time in program history, the Mississippi State University Western Equestrian Team is bound for nationals. The team is set to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Finals held May 1-3 at Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Ashley Glenn, MSU Equestrian Team head coach, said while individual riders from MSU have competed at nationals in the past, this is a first for the team. "It's the determination of our riders that defines our team," said Glenn, also facilities supervisor of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station's Equine Unit. "Within IHSA, not every rider has to be an expert. We have students who've never had a formal lesson and others who have ridden horses their entire lives. This allows the team members to learn from one another, create a support system and build a strong bond within the team." |
| MSU researchers enhance original forestry decision-making software | |
 | Mississippi State researchers have developed an updated version of a widely used forestry decision-making tool, improving accessibility and usability while maintaining its analytical strength. Originally created in 1999 by a team of scientists in the university's Forest and Wildlife Research Center, the Forest Valuation and Investment Analysis software program, known as FORVAL, helps foresters and other land managers quantify and evaluate complex management decisions. Steve Bullard, CFR associate dean and FWRC associate director, who helped create the program, led the development of FORVAL-XL, the new version built specifically for Microsoft Excel. "This is the most user-friendly version yet," Bullard said. |
| Weeks-long drought hard on Mississippi's crops | |
 | About half the normal rainfall has fallen in Mississippi so far in 2026, making it the 10th driest in state history. Mike Brown, state climatologist with the Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Geosciences, said February was the driest on record for Mississippi and March was the third warmest and 11th driest. "This is very early for a drought in Mississippi," Brown said. "Most winter and spring months, we are normal to just above normal for rainfall. For us to develop this severe a drought this early is quite rare." Drew Gholson, a MSU Extension irrigation specialist, said the gradually expanding drought conditions displayed on the U.S. Drought Monitor map are raising concerns. "In most seasons, our primary challenge is identifying suitable planting windows between rainfall events," Gholson said. "This year, we have been ahead of schedule on planting due to favorable dry field conditions. However, as drought intensifies, this early planting advantage may rapidly become a significant risk." |
| Moderate to exceptional drought conditions seen throughout Mississippi | |
| Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 21 Mississippi counties had been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought conditions. Another 24 counties were listed among contiguous counties impacted by the disaster. Now, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor's map released on Thursday, the situation has worsened within the state and across the nation. Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson issued a statement encouraging farmers to check in with their local federal Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. "This is a serious national dry weather event we are currently facing," said Commissioner Gipson. "And it's hitting our farmers and producers at a critical time -- during the early stages of our growing season here in Mississippi and across the Southeast." |
| MSU Extension launches Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge on April 20 | |
| Mississippi, it's time to get moving. Let's increase our physical movement, improve our eating habits, and make ourselves healthier and happier! The Mississippi State University Extension Service invites everyone to join the Magnolia Moves Activity Challenge, a free six-week exercise and nutrition program. When you download the MoveSpring app, you'll be able to sync your digital device to automatically track your activity, and you'll get a real-time view of your progress and achievements. You'll set your own pace, track your activity, and get more active in a fun, interactive way. An alternative to the app is a desktop version available through any web browser that will allow everyone the chance to participate. Registration is open for individuals and teams, and the program will kick off this Monday, April 20, and continue through May 31. |
| Busy Biscuit celebrates grand opening in downtown Meridian | |
| A new locally owned bakery is bringing a fresh take on biscuits to downtown Meridian. The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, April 15, to celebrate the opening of The Busy Biscuit, located on Front Street. Community leaders, business representatives and supporters gathered to welcome owner Victoria Martin and her new storefront. Martin said The Busy Biscuit grew from her passion for baking, which began in her childhood. "I grew up baking with my grandmother," Martin said. "I started baking again during COVID in 2020, and then began selling biscuits from home in 2022. We decided to expand and open a brick-and-mortar location, and we opened April 2." The Busy Biscuit offers a variety of sweet biscuits with unique flavors baked into the dough, including strawberry, blueberry and white chocolate raspberry. The biscuits are topped with a sugar glaze and designed to be enjoyed at any time of day. |
| Confirmed: Aldi coming to Columbus | |
 | Get your quarters and your reusable shopping bags ready. Aldi, a German-founded discount grocery store chain, plans to open a store in Columbus. "We're excited to share that we're making headway on our new store in Columbus," said Heather Moore, regional vice president for the chain, in a statement provided to The Dispatch on Thursday. "While we don't have information to share on opening timing just yet, we will stay in touch as more details become available so you and your readers can stay informed." Aldi's statement did not specify a location, but both Ward 6 Councilman Jason Spears and Mayor Stephen Jones indicated Columbus Place -- the former Leigh Mall -- is a possibility. However, Aldi has not filed any design plans with the city planning department, according to Building Department Director Nathan Katona. |
| Mississippi governor approves bill for PERS reforms | |
| Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) approved a bill that will bring changes to the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS). State employees hired under the new Tier 5 will not have to work 35 years to draw full retirement benefits. Before the bill was passed during the 2026 Legislative Session, the PERS community had expressed concerns that it would be hard to recruit and retain employees by asking them to sign up to work for 35 years. According to State Sen. Daniel Sparks (R-District 5), he had the most calls asking about the return-to-work program. The law allows retired employees to come back to work, if they want after sitting out for 30 days instead of 90. The employee can also make up to 80% of the salary for the position. |
| What is planned for LeFleur’s Bluff after $13 million Mississippi Legislature funding | |
 | The Mississippi Legislature approved $13 million to fund improvements across 104 acres of LeFleur's Bluff State Park, as part of a broader effort to redevelop the area through a newly created nonprofit conservancy. The funding, part of the Legislature's annual projects bill, will go toward infrastructure upgrades -- including lighting, security and repairs -- across a section of the park that stretches from Museum Boulevard to Lakeland Drive. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed the bill into law on April 13, though he did veto funds for some local projects, including $500,000 for the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. Susan Garrard, chair of the LeFleur's Bluff Conservancy board, said the appropriation is focused on preparing the state park for future development. Garrard said the model is similar to conservancies in other cities, such as those that help manage Central Park in New York and City Park in New Orleans, which combine public funding with private fundraising to maintain and expand large urban parks. |
| Mississippi Supreme Court Revives Ex-Gov. Phil Bryant's Defamation Lawsuit Over Welfare Scandal Reporting | |
| The Mississippi Supreme Court has unanimously revived former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant's defamation lawsuit against nonprofit news site Mississippi Today over its welfare scandal reporting, putting the case on track to go before a Madison County jury. The seven justices who heard the case in February reversed Madison County Circuit Court's April 2025 dismissal of the lawsuit, saying Bryant's allegations of malice were enough to meet the standards for public officials to file defamation lawsuits against the press as defined in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. "Governor Bryant did not steal or misspend $77 million in welfare funds. When Mississippi Today's leadership said otherwise, they lied and gambled that they would not be exposed. That was a miscalculation," Bryant's attorney, Billy Quin, told the Mississippi Free Press in a Thursday statement. "The Court's unanimous decision follows the clear letter of the law. This case will not be tried in Mississippi Today's friendly echo chamber of like-minded liberals, nor will it be tried on the New York Times editorial page. It will be tried before a jury in Madison County." Mississippi Today's attorney, Lee R. Crain, expressed his dismay with the state Supreme Court's decision. |
| Year-round E15 supporters hopeful for amendment to farm bill | |
 | Supporters of year-round sales of gasoline containing a higher proportion of ethanol are optimistic after the introduction of a bipartisan amendment to the farm bill with support from both agriculture and fossil fuel state representatives. The amendment would allow the year-round sale of E15, gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol. It also would make changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard's Small Refinery Exemption Program, including revising the definition of a small refining company to specify that the 75,000 barrels per day cap applies to subsidiaries and affiliates of larger companies. The House Rules Committee will meet Monday to consider a resolution governing floor debate for the farm bill. The committee can include in the rule setting debate for the bill language that simultaneously considers the amendment as adopted, or it can rule it in order to be voted on separately on the floor. President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have called for Congress to pass legislation allowing the year-round sale of E15. Supporters argue it would provide more certainty to farmers. |
| Justice Department Will End Probe of Powell, Clearing Path for Kevin Warsh | |
 | The Justice Department said it would end its criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, clearing the obstacle that has stalled Kevin Warsh's confirmation as his successor. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the move Friday, saying her office is closing an inquiry into Powell's testimony to Congress about cost overruns on the renovation of two historic Fed buildings. A federal judge had already ruled the grand jury subpoenas served on the Fed in January were improper and found "essentially zero evidence" of criminal wrongdoing. Pirro said in a post on X that she closed the probe after asking the Fed's inspector general to scrutinize the matter. "I expect a comprehensive report in short order and am confident the outcome will assist in resolving, once and for all, the questions that led this office to issue subpoenas," Pirro said. |
| Navy secretary's removal points to Trump's anxiety over shipbuilding | |
 | The abrupt firing of Navy Secretary John Phelan, the latest head to roll in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's turbulent Pentagon, points to President Trump's anxiety over his ambitious and divisive vision for U.S. shipbuilding. Phelan, a billionaire and Trump fundraiser, was ousted on Wednesday, 13 months into the role, becoming the first service secretary to be removed in Trump's second term. The Navy secretary's removal, which caught many officials and lawmakers by surprise, comes as the president has aggressively pushed to supercharge U.S. shipbuilding, the commander in chief's growing priority in efforts to counter China's industrial and naval might. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery said Thursday that he was not "disappointed" with Phelan's ouster, but he said his grumbles with the Navy secretary were over the Trump-class battleship. "He and the president cooked up an extremely bad idea, which is a very large target known as a battleship. That's going to cost $24 to $26 billion minimum. For the first one, which is the cost of like, 12 destroyers," Montgomery, a senior director for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told reporters Thursday morning. |
| Ignoring the War Has Been Working for Long-Term Investors | |
 | For buy-and-hold investors in the U.S. stock market, it's almost as though the war in Iran never happened. If you've held broad index funds that mirror the market, you will probably find that it's been a decent year so far, with positive returns for the benchmark S&P 500 stock index and for most of its sectors. That may seem astonishing because of the war and the periodic sharp financial losses it's inflicted. There has been chaos in the oil markets, and the roller coaster for stock investors might plunge again at any time. Still, some basic investing wisdom has held true so far: For those with long horizons, just sticking with the markets has generally been a good move, even when the markets act up. That's been the case whether the problems stem from war, pandemics, politics or nearly any other abrupt event. |
| Reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug might only be the first step for Trump | |
 | President Donald Trump's decision to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug is a boon for the industry: It gives dispensaries a big tax break, eases some barriers to researching cannabis and could even allow the export of marijuana to other countries. But that might only be Trump's first step. A new administrative hearing slated for the end of June could result in the reclassification of marijuana more broadly, granting tax and other benefits to state-licensed recreational markets, too. "This is a signal that this administration means business on getting this done," said Boston-based cannabis industry attorney Jesse Alderman, of the firm Foley Hoag. The order issued Thursday does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law, and it is likely to face legal challenges. Two dozen states plus Washington, D.C., have authorized adult recreational use of marijuana, raising billions in tax revenue. Forty have medical marijuana systems, and eight others allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use. |
| A secretive AI hacking system has sparked a global scramble | |
 | When security researchers at Mozilla, the maker of the popular web browser Firefox, pointed a powerful new artificial intelligence model at their code, they had a feeling of "vertigo." Bobby Holley, the chief technology officer for the browser, said Anthropic's Mythos system elevated AI from being merely a competent software engineer to "a world-class, elite security engineer." "It was just a 'wow' moment," Holley said in an interview. Almost a hundred engineers set aside other work to begin tackling a wave of security problems. The latest version of Firefox contains fixes for 271 flaws found with Mythos's help. The findings were some of the first since Anthropic announced Mythos to the world this month, saying the new generative AI model could supercharge the abilities of hackers, making it too dangerous to release to the general public. Computer security experts say they have long foreseen the day AI becomes a formidable hacking tool. But in Washington and foreign capitals alike, Anthropic's announcement has hit hard, setting off a scramble by government officials to understand what is at risk and reinvigorating a debate over what safety guardrails they should impose on powerful AI systems. Yet it remains unclear just how significant of a threat Mythos and other advanced AI models will pose in the wild. |
| AI chatbots flatter and suggest you're not to blame, research finds | |
 | Myra Cheng, a computer science Ph.D. student at Stanford University, has spent a lot of time listening to undergraduates on campus. "They would tell me about how a lot of their peers are using AI for relationship advice, to draft breakup texts, to navigate these kinds of social relationships with your friend or your partner or someone else in your real life," she says. Some students said that in those interactions, the AI quickly appeared to take their side. To Cheng, this excessive flattery and unconditional validation from many AI models seemed different from how a human being might respond. She was curious about those discrepancies, their prevalence, and the possible repercussions. In a recent study published in the journal Science, Cheng and her colleagues report that AI models offer affirmations more often than people do, even for morally dubious or troubling scenarios. And they found that this sycophancy was something that people trusted and preferred in an AI -- even as it made them less inclined to apologize or take responsibility for their behavior. The findings, experts say, highlight how this common AI feature may keep people returning to the technology, despite the harm it causes them. |
| The rivalry continues: Office of Sustainability makes strides in glass recycling drive competition with State | |
 | The University of Mississippi Office of Sustainability collected 8,000 pounds of glass during its semesterly glass recycling drive on Saturday, April 18. Volunteers unloaded glass from locals' cars in the Jackson Avenue Center parking lot for Door 2 Door Recycling to transport to its facility in Jackson, Miss., where the glass will be processed into powder. Once this is complete, the glass will be transformed into useful building materials. John Brugge, the associate director of the Office of Sustainability and a Southern studies master's student at the University of Mississippi, has worked to increase the glass drive's impact. Hailey Smith, an intern with the Office of Sustainability and a senior biological science and anthropology double major from Long Beach, Miss., believes student involvement in environmental projects is important. Each semester, UM and Mississippi State University compete to collect the most glass. Mississippi State has been dominant so far. "We have never beat them," Smith said. "State has done three more recycling drives than we have, so they have more continuity." |
| JSU addresses student concerns over housing crisis | |
| Jackson State University (JSU) responded after students raised concerns about what they called a housing crisis on campus. The university said they're taking steps to support those still searching for a place to live, while working to get offline residential housing back up and operating for students. Following a student-led protest, JSU sent WJTV 12 News a statement that outlined efforts to address the housing issues. On April 20, officials said, "The university will continue helping students who still need placement through our housing referral program. We vetted private, off-campus options to assist students and held two housing fairs where residence life staff shared available listings, provided referrals and helped students choose options that fit their budgets." Some students said those options don't work for everyone. They said some are struggling financially and moving off campus could come at a cost. |
| JSU nears completion of multi-million dollar campus security upgrade, students notice safer environment | |
| Jackson State University is nearing completion of a multi-million dollar security system and emergency plan that gives students, staff and visitors more tools to report crime and get help faster. At one point, almost a third of emergency towers on campus were not working properly. The project, which began in the 2020-2021 school year and got into full swing in 2023, is now about 90% complete. LED lights have been installed periodically over the last few years along the plaza walkway and other areas of campus. Senior Erykah Cain said she feels less on guard compared to her freshman year. "It was just, of course, we would never be by ourselves and just be aware," Cain said. "But now it's like you can go comfortably somewhere by yourself down the plaza if you really wanted to because it's so bright." After multiple town halls, Cain said student complaints on lighting were heard. "Just to see that it went from me voicing about a change to seeing a change, that is something good that I can take back," Cain said. |
| Hinds program earns state humanities honor | |
| Hinds Community College received the Humanities Educator Award from the Mississippi Humanities Council March 20 for the Flight to Freedom Prison Education Program at Central Mississippi Correction Facility in Rankin County. In 2021, Hinds began offering for-credit courses in Mississippi prisons with financial support from the Mississippi Humanities Council via a Mellon Foundation grant. The Humanities Council paid for Hinds instructors and books for in-prison courses and Hinds provided free tuition to inmates. Virginia Miller Durr was also honored as Hinds 2026 Humanities Educator of the Year. |
| Mississippi moves up in national rankings for state-funded Pre-K enrollment | |
| Enrollment within Mississippi's state-funded 4-year-old Pre-K programs increased during the 2024-25 school year, moving the state's national ranking in that area up two spots, from 31st to 29th. The state's achievements were outlined in a report issued by the National Institute for Early Education Research, which indicated that Mississippi was one of just six states to meet all 10 of the report's "research-based quality benchmarks for preschool quality." An additional 931 children in that age group were enrolled in state-funded programs for the 2024-2025 school year, bringing the total to 8,076 children in Mississippi. State spending in the programs reached $39 million during that school year, or about $4,832 per student. "It's good that our children are getting to school as early as possible to start the learning process," State Rep. Rob Roberson (R) told Magnolia Tribune. "It would be even better if we moved up in the top 10, but it shows progression and I'm very proud of our state for moving forward." |
| State education agency gets budget bump for teacher pay raise, classroom initiatives | |
| Amid evaporating federal funding, the Mississippi Department of Education is getting a $136 million bump in funding to cover a $2,000 teacher pay raise and initiatives that aim to build on the state's academic gains in reading. Even though the agency asked for $3.35 billion, slightly higher than last year, lawmakers allotted the state Education Department $3.46 billion for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. The uptick is largely due to a pay raise, $100 million in total, for public school teachers. The Legislature, after months of haggling, landed on a permanent $2,000 increase to Mississippi teachers' salaries, as well as raises for school attendance officers, school psychologists, occupational therapists and assistant teachers. In addition to allocating $3.5 million for the Mississippi Teacher Residency Program, which aims to help staff school districts struggling with teacher retention and recruitment, lawmakers approved $14.6 million for many state Education Department classroom initiatives. This included extending in higher grades a literacy act that experts say helped boost the number of Mississippi fourth-graders scoring advanced or proficient on the National Assessment of Educational Progress and establishing a similar math program. House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, a Republican from Starkville, said establishing those literacy and math initiatives were two of the most important things the Legislature did this year. |
| Roundabouts reduce severe crashes by 78%, UAB expert says | |
 | More roundabouts are appearing across Birmingham and while many drivers oppose them at first, that resistance fades quickly. The most recent survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows 55% of drivers are at first against them, that number drops to 15% in follow-up surveys. Dr. Virginia Sisiopiku, a transportation engineering professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), said there's a reason for the growing number of roundabouts in the U.S., including Alabama. "It has been proven that replacing a conventional intersection by a roundabout increases safety benefits. You may realize a 78% reduction in severe crashes," Sisiopiku said. That reduction in severe crashes jumps to 82% if an intersection with traffic signals is replaced with a roundabout. Statistically, there are more collisions in roundabouts, but less severe ones. "Crashes in roundabouts are less severe because speeds are slower," Sisiopiku said. Roundabouts have proven to be safer for pedestrians who can cross point to point. They cause fewer delays because drivers don't have to wait for a light to change. |
| Clinton to give keynote speech at U. of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service graduation | |
| Former President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote speech for the commencement ceremony next month at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. The May 2 ceremony will mark the 20th graduation ceremony for the school that bears Clinton's name. It will begin at 10 a.m. but will not be open to the public. It will be livestreamed on YouTube. Clinton, a native of Hope, was the 42nd president and served from 1993 until 2001. Prior to that, he served two terms as Arkansas' governor. Roughly 60 students will be part of the ceremony, which brings the total graduates the school has produced since it opened in 2004 to more than 700. The Clinton School is the first graduate school in the nation to offer a Master of Public Service degree. "We are deeply honored to welcome President Clinton to address our 20th graduating class," said the school's dean, Victoria DeFrancesco Soto. |
| U. of Florida's president search nears finish as dean vacancies remain | |
 | After being named interim University of Florida president in August 2025, Donald Landry promised to prioritize filling permanent dean vacancies at several of the university's colleges. In January, interim Provost Joe Glover announced during a Faculty Senate meeting that searches for permanent deans for the College of the Arts, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Medicine had begun. Dean search committees for the College of Engineering and College of Arts, he said, are being staffed by separate specialists from search firm Isaacson Miller. The university aims to select finalists for the two colleges by May 15. The dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Dana Zimmel, announced earlier this year that she planned to retire at the end of 2026. Glover said the search for her replacement will be conducted internally by human resources. Six of the university's 16 colleges are currently without a permanent dean or have a dean who will leave by the end of the year. |
| Vanderbilt University Selects DLR Group To Design 10-Story Research Facility In Nashville | |
| Vanderbilt University has selected DLR Group to lead design of a new Stevenson Center 6, an interdisciplinary research facility that will transform how three schools collaborate and accelerate scientific discovery. As a new beacon and gateway to Vanderbilt's historic campus, the research facility replaces the existing building to create a space for collaboration between the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, and the School of Basic Sciences. Located at the cross-section of two key Vanderbilt neighborhoods---Central Campus and the Historic Core, the new building of over 200,000 SF is designed to be adaptable and future-leaning to catalyze new scientific breakthroughs. The unique new building creates a dynamic and flexible environment that responds to the growing needs of research institutions. The groundbreaking for the development is expected in summer 2026, with completion in 2028. DLR Group is providing architecture, engineering, interiors, laboratory planning, campus planning, and sustainability services. |
| Panel considers state of American Dream at 250 years old | |
| Albanian President Bajram Begaj experienced the alternative to the "American Dream" when his country experienced nearly 50 years of Communist rule from 1946 to 1991. Begaj, born in 1967, was 24 years old when Albania became a free republic again and remembered that even under Communism the idea of the American Dream was still out there even though the Albanian government tried to suppress it. Begaj and others were part of the Texas A&M MSC Wiley Lecture Series panel discussion on the state of the American Dream Wednesday night at Rudder Auditorium. "Two hundred fifty years ago a group of men in Philadelphia left behind a set of arguments. Arguments about the nature of human dignity and the world has spent two and a half centuries debating, testing and trying to make it real," Begaj said as part of his opening remarks. Begaj joined former Labor and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and presidential historian and author Jon Meacham on the panel moderated by former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card. Chao and Card each served in George W. Bush's administration. |
| U. of Oklahoma faculty lobby for federal humanities funding in annual visit to the Capitol, reflect on budget cut impacts | |
| Charles (Ben) Watson, associate professor and chair of the University of Oklahoma Department of Classics and Letters, visited Washington, D.C in March to lobby for federal funding for humanities programs in higher education. Watson told OU Daily he and Rusty Jones, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department, were representing the OU Arts and Humanities Forum. "Each year, the Arts and Humanities Forum, which ... sponsors humanities and arts-related projects, sends usually someone from their office and another faculty member to Washington, D.C. during a particular set of days in which advocacy is sort of the main thing on the bill," Watson said. Watson said the primary purpose of the Washington, D.C. visit was to advocate for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the humanities in general. They showed legislators historical data on how the National Endowment for the Humanities has contributed to the Oklahoma economy in the last 10 years. |
| For Researchers, Trump's Easing Restrictions on Marijuana Signals a Budding Shift | |
 | The Department of Justice's decision to loosen restrictions on certain marijuana products marks a potentially significant shift for academic researchers. But scholarship will continue to be hampered by the persistent disconnect between federal policy and increasingly widespread legalization at the state level. President Trump's acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, signed an order Thursday reclassifying marijuana distributed through state medical programs from Schedule I, a category reserved for substances like heroin and ecstasy, to Schedule III, which includes drugs such as ketamine and Tylenol with codeine, under the Controlled Substances Act. The change will make it easier for researchers to conduct clinical studies involving Food and Drug Administration-approved marijuana products or state-licensed medical marijuana. Over the past decade, universities have expanded cannabis-related research centers. But regulatory barriers have continued to limit studies involving commercially available products, particularly those with higher THC levels or varying quality standards. For now, universities are left in a familiar position: waiting for regulatory clarity. |
| Faculty Actually Are Trying to Flee Red States | |
 | One in 10 faculty members working in states that restrict academic speech are seeking jobs out of state, according to survey data released this week. Six percent reported they are trying to leave the academy altogether. The new data on relocating researchers underpins anecdotal stories about faculty members fleeing red states in search of greater academic freedom. Researchers with Ithaka S+R, a nonprofit higher education consultancy, surveyed 4,003 researchers at U.S. four-year colleges and universities via email about a slate of topics, but their first look at the data is focused on academic freedom in research. In addition to those seeking to leave their states, 4 percent of all survey respondents said they sought employment in another country last year "due to restrictions on their research activity," the report states. Several respondents explained in open-ended comments that they're considering early retirement due to the current political climate. Trying to leave the state and successfully leaving are two very different things |
| A Professor Union Grows Fast as It Ramps Up Its Fight Against Trump | |
| Two years ago, as universities were cracking down on campus activism, a handful of Harvard professors decided to push back. Seven members joined a Zoom call. A few more trickled into meetings after that. Then Donald J. Trump became president again. Membership in the group, Harvard's chapter of the American Association of University Professors, surged to more than 300, reviving a branch that had been dormant since the McCarthy era, when professors had organized to advocate the rights of faculty members. Across the country, other professors built up their own chapters of the association, too, as Republicans in the federal government and in state houses tried to push a more conservative agenda on higher education. The national organization grew to more than 57,000 members from about 43,000 in the summer of 2024. Now, as dues pour in, the group has turned into one of the Trump administration's main antagonists. As the organization has grown, and become more aggressive, it has also faced sharp criticism. |
| He Didn't Even Hesitate: Mississippi's Jake Mangum, America's pastime, and the culture that still unites us | |
| Lesley Davis, an attorney and the president and CEO of Mississippi Advocacy Group, writes for the Magnolia Tribune: Just recently, I wrote about what happened when America prayed and held its breath together for the first time in what felt like decades -- four astronauts hurtling home from the far side of the moon and the daring rescue of our downed pilots behind enemy lines in Iran. I argued that these moments -- honoring God, doing hard things like no other nation, and living up to our unique values of "leave no man behind"--- are moments that remind us who we still are underneath all the noise, bitterness, and exhaustion of the past divisive decade. The cultural moments which have always brought us together as a nation -- no matter black nor white, Democrat nor Republican. Moments we desperately now need as a nation to bring us back together. But I didn't expect another one this soon. On Sunday afternoon at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Mississippi State baseball star and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum threw a baseball into the left-field stands between innings. He wasn't obligated to. He wasn't performing for a camera. He just noticed a little girl in the second tier pointing to his name on the back of her white jersey -- the kind of thing a new player in a new city might miss. Mississippian Jake Mangum didn't miss it. He did not hesitate. |
| Mississippi powered Artemis II | |
| U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker writes: For nine days this month, space travel captivated the world. Families gathered around their screens as four astronauts strapped into the Integrity spacecraft docked at the Kennedy Space Center. As the launch countdown ended, four Mississippi-tested RS-45 engines ignited, and the ground shook. Seven seconds later, the Integrity had liftoff. For six intense minutes, the RS-45 engines rocketed the crew into high Earth orbit, sending them on their historic lunar flyby mission. Mississippi should take a bow. The four RS-45 engines were tested at our very own Stennis Space Center, where Mississippians have been ensuring the quality of rocket engines since the Apollo program. ... One Mississippian in particular helped make the mission a success. Hernando native Matthew Ramsey handled a great deal of responsibility as the mission manager for Artemis II. The Mississippi State University graduate helped set the focus for the mission and equip the astronauts and staff for the job. |
SPORTS
| Baseball: No. 15 MSU Hosts LSU For Super Bulldog Weekend | |
| No. 15 Mississippi State returns to Dudy Noble Field this weekend for one of the marquee home stretches of the season, welcoming LSU to Starkville for a three-game Southeastern Conference series during Super Bulldog Weekend. The series opens Friday at 3 p.m. on SEC Network+, continues Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2 and concludes Sunday at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+. MSU (31-10, 10-8 SEC) enters the matchup on a five-game winning streak after a road sweep at South Carolina and a midweek victory over Memphis. Sophomore left-hander Tomas Valincius is scheduled to start Friday's opener and has developed into one of the SEC's top arms. Valincius is 7-1 with a 1.81 ERA and 83 strikeouts against just 13 walks in 59.2 innings. Right-hander Duke Stone is slated for Saturday and brings a 6-1 record with a 3.78 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. Stone is coming off one of his best outings of the season after dominating South Carolina. Charlie Foster is listed for Sunday's finale. Foster has shown steady progress and turned in a strong seven-inning effort last weekend. |
| LSU baseball's season has already turned into a nightmare. Here's why it may not be salvageable | |
 | Jake Brown immediately started to shake his right hand as he walked out of the batter's box. The moment seemed inconsequential. It was just a foul ball, after all. The junior right fielder was looking to get a hit, something that could spark LSU baseball's offense and climb the Tigers out of their 5-0 deficit on Sunday against Texas A&M. But once Brown started quivering his hand, the score became the least of coach Jay Johnson's concerns. "I saw him shake his hand," Johnson told The Advocate, "and I was like, 'That's not good.' I've seen that before." Johnson's worst fear came true. Brown had broken his hamate bone, a common injury for hitters but one that would likely sideline him for the rest of the season. Losing Brown, who leads the team with 16 home runs, was the last thing LSU could afford in its late push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Combined with the news of junior right-handed starter Cooper Moore getting shut down for the remainder of the season with a stress fracture at the tip of his right elbow, and LSU dropping its sixth consecutive game in Southeastern Conference play on Sunday, the Tigers' postseason hopes had gone from worrying to almost non-existent in a matter of days. |
| Jake Mangum fitting in well with Pirates | |
| Mississippi State baseball fans remember Jake Mangum's four seasons as a Bulldog for the distinguished list of accomplishments "The Mayor of Starkville" earned on the diamond. Mangum departed as the school's career hits leader, the first two-time winner of the Ferriss Trophy as the state's top college player, and a three-time first-team All-SEC selection. However, if one thing has defined his early professional career, which started when the Mets drafted him in the fourth round in 2019, it's change. Mangum, 30, has already been traded three times, going from the Mets to the Marlins in December 2022, from the Marlins to the Rays in December 2023, and from the Rays to the Pirates in December 2025. He now calls Pittsburgh home and is ecstatic to be a Pirate. Mangum is hitting .294 with a .690 OPS through his first 19 games with Pittsburgh, but the ex-Bulldog is already known for several things with his new employer. For one, he went viral during a home game last weekend against his former team, the Rays, when he threw a ball into the stands to a young fan wearing his jersey. The young fan then gave the ball to his sister, and a heartwarming hug ensued. |
| Softball: No. 17 State Hosts No. 20 LSU In Final Regular-Season Home Series | |
| The final three regular-season games at Nusz Park are on tap for No. 17 Mississippi State this weekend as the Bulldogs host No. 20 LSU on Super Bulldog Weekend. It will be State's seventh consecutive series against a ranked opponent, and six of those have seen an opponent ranked inside the top 15 in at least one poll. Senior weekend festivities are planned throughout the series. Friday night will see the Bulldogs honored with a pregame graduation ceremony for those completing their degrees this year. Saturday is Senior Day with pregame recognitions beginning approximately 20 minutes before first pitch. Sunday will be MSU's annual Samoan Heritage Day, honoring head coach Samantha Ricketts and players Kiarra Sells and Kalani Sells along with graduate assistant Matalasi Faapito. |
| Men's Tennis: Sanchez Martinez Named SEC Player of the Year; Four Bulldogs Earn All-SEC Honors | |
| Mississippi State men's tennis standout Benito Sanchez Martinez highlighted a banner year for the Bulldogs, earning SEC Player of the Year and First Team All-SEC honors, while Petar Jovanovic, Niccolo Baroni and Mario Martinez Serrano were also recognized on the 2026 All-SEC teams, the Southeastern Conference announced Thursday. Sanchez Martinez was named SEC Player of the Year, becoming just the third player in program history to earn the honor for Mississippi State. His selection marks the first for Mississippi State since Nuno Borges won three consecutive awards from 2017-19. He also earned All-Tournament Team recognition at the SEC Championship, further solidifying one of the most accomplished seasons in program history. Sanchez Martinez and Jovanovic both earned First Team All-SEC recognition following dominant campaigns in both singles and doubles. |
| Bulldogs active in portal, announce key additions to men's, women's teams | |
| Mississippi State's basketball programs recently made significant additions via the transfer portal, securing key commits for both the men's and women's teams. The MSU men, under fourth-year coach Chris Jans, landed another commitment through the transfer portal on Wednesday when Utah transfer forward Kendyl Sanders announced his decision on social media. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward was an effective three-point shooter, averaging 40.3% from beyond the arc on 77 attempts during the 2025-26 season at Utah. In 32 games with no starts for the Utes, Sanders averaged 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. Sanders is one of two players committed to the Bulldogs from the transfer portal so far, joining RJ Johnson. Mississippi State women's basketball team secured a major transfer portal commitment on Monday with the addition of Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year Aryss Macktoon. Macktoon is transferring from La Salle to join head coach Sam Purcell's team for the 2026-27 roster, becoming the fourth transfer portal commitment for the squad. The news of her commitment was first announced by Robbie Faulk from State 1878. |
| Kentucky AD Barnhart to forgo $1M retirement gig amid criticism | |
| Days after the state's governor criticized the move, University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart announced Thursday that he will forgo a $1 million retirement gig that had been widely criticized. Earlier this year, Kentucky president Eli Capilouto announced that Barnhart would retire June 30 before accepting a seven-figure gig as executive in residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, an assignment with few contractual details that prompted major Kentucky boosters to demand a reversal of the decision. Capilouto said Thursday that Barnhart will no longer accept the role. On Tuesday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear added to the controversy when he released a statement that questioned the recent actions of the university, including Barnhart's proposed retirement job. |
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