2 months 2 weeks ago
“Options are extremely limited for families who want something better or simply different for their children,” New Hebron Mayor Cindy Bryan told lawmakers. “We now have fewer students, more funding per student and lower performance.”
Members of the Mississippi House Education Committee heard testimony from parents and others invested in education about the potential impacts school choice may have on the state during a hearing held Wednesday afternoon.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The man suspected of setting fire to Mississippi’s largest synagogue allegedly confessed his crimes to law enforcement and referred to the building in northeast Jackson as the “synagogue of Satan,” according to a federal court document filed Monday.
Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison – who usually goes by his middle name – is facing federal charges for using fire to maliciously damage or destroy a building involved in interstate commerce, according to a probable cause affidavit in the U.S. Southern District of Mississippi.
By Special to the Tate Record on
2 months 2 weeks ago
President Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland has drawn criticism and skepticism from allies around the globe.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that President Donald Trump (R) has not set a timeline to acquire Greenland but it is “definitely a priority for him.”
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
President Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland has drawn criticism and skepticism from allies around the globe.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that President Donald Trump (R) has not set a timeline to acquire Greenland but it is “definitely a priority for him.”
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Similar bills were introduced during the 2025 legislative session but did not gain enough support from both chambers to make it to the governor’s desk.
In the first week of the 2026 legislative session, four bills were filed to ban cell phone use in Mississippi public school classrooms.
Two of those bills came out of the Senate, where SB 2099 was authored by State Senator Briggs Hopson (R) and SB 2069 was authored by Senator Dennis DeBar (R).
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Similar bills were introduced during the 2025 legislative session but did not gain enough support from both chambers to make it to the governor’s desk.
In the first week of the 2026 legislative session, four bills were filed to ban cell phone use in Mississippi public school classrooms.
Two of those bills came out of the Senate, where SB 2099 was authored by State Senator Briggs Hopson (R) and SB 2069 was authored by Senator Dennis DeBar (R).
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Colonel Chris Cooksey, Commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team for the Mississippi National Guard, told lawmakers that chaplain support is plays a major role in reducing service member suicide rates.
Legislators on the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force heard Monday of the importance of having someone to talk to when dealing with mental health issues, particularly for members of the military and the nation’s veterans.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Colonel Chris Cooksey, Commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team for the Mississippi National Guard, told lawmakers that chaplain support is plays a major role in reducing service member suicide rates.
Legislators on the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force heard Monday of the importance of having someone to talk to when dealing with mental health issues, particularly for members of the military and the nation’s veterans.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Senator Lydia Chassaniol believes the measure will pass again this session and Governor Tate Reeves will support the legislation with the accompanying budget bills.
State Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R), chair of the Senate Tourism Committee, brought back a bill on Tuesday that aims to create a standalone Mississippi Department of Tourism.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Senator Lydia Chassaniol believes the measure will pass again this session and Governor Tate Reeves will support the legislation with the accompanying budget bills.
State Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R), chair of the Senate Tourism Committee, brought back a bill on Tuesday that aims to create a standalone Mississippi Department of Tourism.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Below is an opinion column by Kimberly Ross:
Neither Renee Good nor Jonathan Ross should be political pawns. One person is dead, the other person has to live with the knowledge he took her life, and a country that has been sitting on a tinderbox inches ever closer to explosion.
By Kimberly Ross - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Below is an opinion column by Kimberly Ross:
Neither Renee Good nor Jonathan Ross should be political pawns. One person is dead, the other person has to live with the knowledge he took her life, and a country that has been sitting on a tinderbox inches ever closer to explosion.
By Kimberly Ross - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The FBI’s affidavit against Spencer Pittman in the Beth Israel fire lays out damning details and also provides clues as to Pittman’s motives. A particular phrase used by Pittman appears frequently in anti-semitic propaganda from internet provocateurs like Nick Fuentes.
Jackson, Miss. — On Monday, Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, appeared via Zoom from a hospital bed, for his initial court appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
By Russ Latino and Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The FBI’s affidavit against Spencer Pittman in the Beth Israel fire lays out damning details and also provides clues as to Pittman’s motives. A particular phrase used by Pittman appears frequently in anti-semitic propaganda from internet provocateurs like Nick Fuentes.
Jackson, Miss. — On Monday, Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, appeared via Zoom from a hospital bed, for his initial court appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
By Russ Latino and Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
“We believe that everyone should feel their tax dollars are going towards worthwhile endeavors,” Senator Tyler McCaughn said.
A Senate committee responsible for restructuring and improving the efficiency of Mississippi state government met Monday to hear suggestions on how two agencies could reduce waste and save taxpayers’ money.
By Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Higgins, who was abruptly removed from his longtime position with the Golden Triangle Development LINK in August, said his role is to help provide a road map that will lead to exponential growth of Tate County.
On Monday, the Tate County Board of Supervisors and the Tate County Economic Development Foundation announced an agreement with 2EQLAST Consulting, led by Joe Max Higgins, to head the Tate County EDF team.
2EQLAST stands for “Second Equals Last.”
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
In a state known for storytelling, it feels fitting that one of Mississippi’s most meaningful businesses isn’t about writing new stories—but about making sure the old ones are never lost.
There are places in Mississippi where time doesn’t rush you. Where history isn’t tucked behind glass or sealed away in archives, but still shows up every morning for work. Where stories aren’t just told—they’re repaired, rebound, and sent back into the world to keep living.
By Meredith Biesinger - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Shakina Martin, 45, of Independence, Miss., passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Thyatira Church of Christ Family Life Center.
Burial follows in Wyatte Community Cemetery.
Pate-Jones Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.
By The Tate Record on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Shakina Martin, 45, of Independence, Miss., passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Thyatira Church of Christ Family Life Center.
Burial follows in Wyatte Community Cemetery.
Pate-Jones Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.
By The Tate Record on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Shakina Martin, 45, of Independence, Miss., passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Thyatira Church of Christ Family Life Center.
Burial follows in Wyatte Community Cemetery.
Pate-Jones Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.
By The Tate Record on
