My trek to my first day of work began rather bleak. A light morning drizzle quickly transformed into a heavy London rain as I walked from the Underground in search of coffee before my day began.
New approaches needed to combat millennial brain drain in Mississippi
For more than six years, Mississippi has been suffering from an outmigration of citizens, particularly millennials after graduating from the state’s universities. State legislators have differing opinions on the issue.
Q & A with Rep. Nick Bain, D-Corinth
“State Representative House District 2, Alcorn County. The University of Mississippi for a business degree and minor in English, and a law degree from Mississippi College.
Q & A with Sen. Briggs Hopson, D-Vicksburg
“My title here in the legislature is senator, but we also have titles like chairman of certain committees. And I’m chairman of the Energy Committee, and then I’m vice chairman of Appropriations. I went to the University of Mississippi and got a bachelor of business administration [degree] in 1987, and I got my juris doctorate [degree] in 1990. Both degrees from Ole Miss.”
Q & A with Rep. Michael Evans, D-Preston
Rep. Michael Evans, 42, represents District 45, which includes Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Winston counties. He is from Preston, Mississippi.
Q & A with Sen. Derrick T. Simmons, D-Greenville
As a Democrat accustomed to facing challenges from a Republican-controlled state legislature, Sen. Derrick T. Simmons (D-Greenville) knows he awaits many roadblocks on the path towards what he describes as a better Mississippi, but that isn’t stopping him.
Mississippi attorney general discusses importance of journalism in a free society
In a private interview this week with Meek School of Journalism and New Media students who are members of the University of Mississippi Capitol Press Corps, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood discussed the importance of media and journalism in a free society.
Overall look at 2018 legislative session issues
By Savannah Day Mississippi Capitol Press Corps The 2018 legislative session looks quite hopeful to Governor Phil Bryant and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, but some Mississippi Democrats feel differently. In […]
Mississippi legislator introduces bill to combat opioid addiction
The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of many people throughout the nation. Opioid addiction has forced change within federal and state government and prompted some leaders to to take action to decrease death rates within the state.
Top lawmakers debate the current state of Mississippi education
There are positives and negatives when it comes to Mississippi’s education system.
Clarksdale residents and leaders unsure of new charter school’s impact
Some believe the new public charter school, Clarksdale Collegiate Prep, set to open in Clarksdale in the 2018-2019 school year, is a better option for students. Others disagree, and some aren’t sure.
Q & A with Rep. Credell Calhoun, D-Jackson
Democrat Representative Credell Calhoun, 74, of District 68 – Hinds and Rankin counties, has been in politics since 1979. Before Calhoun started his political journey, he attended Prairie View A & M University and Jackson State University, where he earned a bachelors of arts degree in business administration and political science and a master’s degree in counseling. Calhoun also served in the Marine Corps.
Oxford legislators debate solutions to Mississippi public education issues
As the 2018 legislative session convenes in Jackson, lawmakers know that education funding is sure to draw intense scrutiny and debate, and Oxford’s two legislators are gearing up their respective sides for a fight over a multitude of education policy issues.
Q & A with Mississippi Rep. Oscar Denton, D-Vicksburg
By Terrence Johnson Mississippi Capitol Press Corps What is your name, age, where are you from? Oscar Denton, 63, from Vicksburg. What is your title? Where did you attend college? What […]
Progressive state leaders should address needs in small town Mississippi
I grew up in a small town that almost everyone could pronounce, but no one could truly spell. It was one of those towns where you had to be a native of the area to know where it was.
I do not like politics, but I am passionate about public education
My dad always said I will end up in political journalism. He’s wrong. I still do not like politics. I have been exposed to trigger warning and sensitivity about microaggressions that led me to pay attention and be more informed, but politics are complicated. The wide variety of issues ranging from roads to increasing taxes on the rich sometimes goes completely over my head. We all have political opinions – some very strong, but to me, it is all very complicated and sometimes boring.
Charter schools are not the solution for Mississippi education
Public charter schools have only been around as a unique alternative to traditional district schools since the 1990s in the United States, but they have recently become a popular policy tool. They are separate from normal district schools and usually run by private entities while still being publicly funded.
Mississippi infrastructure is a basic need, not a luxury
It is no secret that Mississippi’s infrastructure is in questionable condition. With roads and bridges deteriorating, it’s hard to deny the neglect of necessary structures in this state.
Mississippi needs innovative ideas to stop brain drain
After graduating from college in May, I am leaving the state of Mississippi. I’ve known Mississippi for my entire life. She feels safe. She feels comforting. She feels familiar. I grew up in her schools and learned from her people.
My journey with University of Mississippi’s Capitol Press Corps
My experience working as a member of the Mississippi Capitol Press Corps has been eye-opening. Prior to our trip to the state capitol building in Jackson, I had never done any reporting outside of my Oxford, Mississippi bubble. The trip was about experiencing new opportunities and returning to Oxford a better reporter than when I left. I can say without a doubt that is what happened.
Mississippi schools must be adequately funded now to rise from bottom ranks
Politicians are notorious for smooth talking and skirting policy specifics while highlighting their achievements in office. State politicians are no different, and in Mississippi, where politicians haven’t had many achievements in recent years, the conversation truly must shift from one of past accomplishments to future workings.
Mississippi Capitol Press Corps
Oxford Stories is back in session and publishing the work of Mississippi Capitol Press Corps reporters. Stay tuned to read their adventures at the state capitol. Click here to read their bios.
