Author: journo

A white car at the scene of an accident.

We have freedom, but we’re not independent

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I have been a journalist for 25 years. In fact, this year marks my 25th year of being in the journalism industry in some area, starting in college at a local radio station and later as a paid intern at a newspaper. This also marks the 20th year of my college graduation.

In the last 25 years, I have covered a variety of stories, including homicides, fires and car accidents. I was good at establishing trustworthy relationships with law enforcement, but I have never really enjoyed covering spot news.

Former civil rights activist, educator and politician Leslie-Burl McLemore speaks to students in ‘The University and the State, 60 Years After the Crisis’ class at the UM Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Led by retired journalism professor Curtis Wilkie, the class explores Mississippi’s past and present. Photo by LaReeca Rucker

Veteran journalist leads exploration of Ole Miss, state

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University of Mississippi students are being challenged to delve deeper into complex issues about the university and state, thanks to a special honors class designed to explore important topics 60 years after James Meredith’s enrollment as UM’s first Black student.

“I would describe this class as an open dialogue about the past, present and future of both the university and the state as a whole,” said McKenzie Cox, a journalism and political science double-major from Concord, North Carolina, who is planning to pursue a career in broadcast news reporting and policy analysis.

Thrilling thoughts about ‘Black Mirror’ and real ‘American Horror’ stories

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Every now and then, I offer a list of some of the best horror/thriller movies, television shows and documentaries I’ve recently seen. Here they are:

Black Mirror: I originally began watching “Black Mirror” a couple of years ago when the first season came to Netflix. At the time, I was a little embarrassed to share with others some of the content of this British science fiction series set in the near future with a technology/social media theme.

A picture of the Oxford Stories awards.

Oxford Stories: A student-driven newsroom that’s changing the game

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What began in the fall of 2015 as a simple website for University of Mississippi journalism students to publish their work has grown into something far more impactful.

This year, OxfordStories.net welcomed a new partner: The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Like the original collaborators, The Daily Journal also featured student-written articles in its print edition, expanding the reach and influence of student journalism.

A gingerbread man.

Confessions of a Not-So-Great Baker: My gingerbread cookie adventure

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If you’ve been scrolling through my social media lately (unlikely), you might assume I’m a culinary goddess whipping up Pinterest-worthy creations with ease. Spoiler alert: I’m not. But I have been dabbling in the kitchen again, which is always an adventure — emphasis on adventure.

Like many serial hobbyists, I’ve gone through plenty of phases. Stamp collecting? Check. Salsa dancing? Si. That one time I thought I could be a top chef? Oh yes. I had a full-blown Food Network addiction and a growing collection of cookbooks — some purchased, some gifted, all aspirational.

A red robot ornament made of polymer clay.

My Christmas tree is filled with aliens, robots and monsters

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Let’s be honest: the way you decorate your Christmas tree says a lot about you. It’s like a glittery, pine-scented personality test — without the pressure of multiple choice. Some people go for elegant, color-coordinated themes with perfectly spaced ribbons and matching metallic balls. Others throw on everything they’ve ever owned since childhood, creating a nostalgic mosaic of memories.

As for me? I fall somewhere in between — equal parts sentimentalist, craft junkie, and intergalactic oddball.

A Christmas-decorated fireplace.

Create a little magic in your life this Christmas with simple, elegant and inexpensive decor

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It’s that time of year again — the season when we’re all gently nudged (or not-so-gently shoved by department store displays in mid-October) into believing in magic. The magic of snowflakes and cinnamon, twinkle lights and nostalgia. The magic of believing we can transform our homes into cozy holiday wonderland — armed with nothing but a roll of ribbon, a staple gun, and a cup of cocoa.

And I say, let’s lean in.

Scarecrows for fall.

Scarecrow Shenanigans & Fall Porch Vibes: My love for autumn lawn decor

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Okay, I’ll admit it: when it comes to holiday lawn decorations, I tend to go a little overboard. I’m not quite on Chevy Chase’s level in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” — no full-on electrical grid shutdowns here — but I do love to bring a little seasonal magic to my yard.

Whether it’s pumpkins, scarecrows, or monsters popping out of the bushes, there’s just something satisfying about making your lawn look like it stepped out of a Pinterest board… with a twist.

A woman sits in nature writing in a notebook.

Living a life of gratitude can change your perspective on the world

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Gratitude has attracted a lot of attention from psychological researchers in recent years in the field of “positive psychology.” It examines topics like quality of life, virtues, character and happiness, said Stephen Southern, professor and chairman of the Mississippi College Department of Psychology and Counseling.

“One day, I thanked my dad for always staying calm even though he raised three girls,” she said. “Last night, I had a rough day at work, and I said I was thankful for beer,” she laughed. “But I try to be thankful for things that have made a difference in my life. Doing the updates really makes you think about it every day.”

A fall scene featuring pumpkins.

Falling for Fall: Creative Ideas and thrifty tips to cozy up your home this season

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As any good seasonal decorator knows, once Halloween bows out, fall takes center stage — and it happens fast. One day it’s skeletons and spiderwebs, and the next, everyone’s already sipping cider and talking about Thanksgiving turkeys.

You see, when I moved back home to tackle a master’s degree in journalism, I had to put nearly everything I owned — enough to fill a three-bedroom house — into not one, but two storage units. And there my belongings sat: boxed, stacked, and tucked away like buried treasure. Alongside my couches and cookware were my beloved Halloween decorations, collected and curated over many years.

A creative vanity created by a crafter.

Yard Sale of the Vanities: Treasure hunting in Coffeeville

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A while back, I was driving through Coffeeville on my way back from Jackson, and I stopped at a little spot that is usually very busy on the weekends with people who set up yard sales. In the past, I lucked-up and found a lot of vintage jewelry for sale. This time, I had a similar experience.

I’ve stopped there a few times in the past and, on more than one occasion, scored some gorgeous vintage jewelry — necklaces and earrings that feel like they have stories of their own. Think rhinestones, costume gems, and clip-ons that would make any retro-lover’s heart skip a beat.

A Star Wars movie poster graphic.

Awakening the Force Within: What Star Wars taught me about strength, courage, and growing up

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In 1983, my life changed forever. I wasn’t in a galaxy far, far away — but I might as well have been. That was the year I saw my first “Star Wars” film: “Return of the Jedi.” It was my personal origin story. And like many girls growing up in the ‘80s, I didn’t just want to watch Princess Leia — I wanted to be her.

I dreamed of flying speeder bikes through the mossy forests of Endor, living among the cuddly-yet-fierce Ewoks, rescuing Han Solo from a block of carbonite, and learning to wield The Force like a true Jedi Knight. Leia wasn’t just royalty — she was resilience, intelligence, and quiet power, wrapped in cinnamon bun hair and white robes. She gave girls like me permission to imagine ourselves as heroes.

Lee McCarty, owner of McCartys Pottery in Merigold, stands in front of a wall of pottery.

Mr. McCarty’s Gift: Remembering Lee McCarty and a Delta dream

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The recent passing of Mississippi treasure Lee McCarty stirred up memories of one unforgettable day I spent in Merigold several years ago — a day that felt like stepping into a living piece of art history.

Five years ago, I found myself on a Delta road trip that led me to the doorstep of McCartys Pottery, the legendary studio Lee and his late wife, Pup, built from the ground up in the tiny town of Merigold. If you’ve never been, let me offer this heartfelt advice: add it to your bucket list. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

A TV screen with a creepy image on it.

40+ under-the-radar psychological thrillers and scary good movies to watch year-round

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Whether you’re in the mood for a clever mind-bender, an eerie ghost story, or a slow-burning mystery with emotional depth, there’s no shortage of spine-tingling films to explore.

Every year, I curate a personal list of thrillers — foreign, indie, cult classics, and hidden gems — that left a lasting impression. Here’s a roundup of more than 40 compelling movies and series I’ve discovered over the past few years that are perfect for a night of tension, reflection, or sheer entertainment. Some will haunt you. Others will make you think. All are worth the watch.

Longwood mansion in Natchez.

Touring Longwood: A Glimpse Into gothic grandeur and Southern shadows

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There’s something hauntingly interesting about old places — stories frozen in time. That’s exactly the feeling I had standing on the front lawn of Longwood, the grandest and most mysterious of Natchez’s antebellum homes.

You may recognize Longwood even if you’ve never set foot in Mississippi. The exterior was featured in HBO’s “True Blood” as the home of the Vampire King of Mississippi. And it makes perfect sense — Longwood has that Southern Gothic aura. With its octagonal design and eerie stillness, the mansion practically begs for stories to be written — or filmed — within its walls.

Brent's Drugs in Fondren.

Blast from the Past: A visit to Brent’s Drugs in Fondren

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Sometimes the best way to step back in time is with a burger, a milkshake, and a little retro neon glow. That’s exactly the vibe I felt when I ate at Brent’s Drugs, a timeless diner nestled in the heart of Fondren, Jackson’s beloved arts district.

Brent’s is more than just a drugstore-turned-diner. It’s a piece of Mississippi nostalgia wrapped in turquoise booths, checkered floors, and vintage signage that looks like it stepped off a 1950s postcard. Opened in 1946, Brent’s originally operated as a pharmacy with a soda fountain — back when that was the ultimate hangout spot for milkshakes, malts, and first dates.

Inside The Horseradish Grill restaurant.

Southern Charm & Flavor: A delicious night at Atlanta’s horseradish grill

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On a trip to Atlanta, I found myself in the mood for something cozy, classic, and truly Southern — and The Horseradish Grill did not disappoint.

Tucked away beneath a canopy of trees in the heart of the Chastain Park neighborhood, this charming restaurant blended rustic farmhouse aesthetics with gourmet Southern comfort food. With its warm wood interiors, candle-lit ambiance, and welcoming staff, it felt like stepping into someone’s home — someone with incredible taste in both decor and cuisine.

The view from Phillip's on the Reservoir.

Dinner with a View: Why I keep going back to Phillip’s on the Reservoir

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When it comes to dining in the Jackson metro area, I have a handful of favorite spots — but Phillip’s on the Reservoir stands out for one breathtaking reason: the view.

There’s just something special about eating delicious, freshly prepared seafood while overlooking the still, reflective waters of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Whether you’re enjoying lunch on a sunny afternoon or settling in for dinner just as the sky turns cotton-candy pink at sunset, the atmosphere here is always peaceful, always picturesque.

Inside Gibbes' Old Counry Store near Raymond, Mississippi.

A Taste of the Past: Gibbes Old Country Store serves up history and hearty Southern fare

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There’s something deeply comforting about dining in a place that feels like it belongs to another time — where the walls tell stories and the food tastes like it came straight out of Grandma’s kitchen. I’ve always been drawn to restaurants with a little character, charm, and history, and two of my favorites are Taylor Grocery and Gibbes Old Country Store in Learned, Mississippi.

If you’ve never been to Gibbes, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with the South. Think old hardwood floors, mismatched tables and chairs, antique signs on the walls, and the kind of genuine Southern hospitality that makes you feel like family the moment you walk in.

The steps of creating a spring wreath.

Crafting Calm: How I made a $1 thrift store wreath into a springtime favorite

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There’s something about crafting that quiets the noise of everyday life. For me, it’s more than a hobby — it’s a form of therapy. Whenever I’m creating something with my hands, especially something for my home, I feel a deep sense of peace and purpose.

One of my favorite simple DIY projects is a spring wreath I made a while back for my front door. It’s a cheerful, earthy piece that brings a pop of seasonal beauty to my porch — and the best part? It started with a $1 thrift store find.

An orange ceramic bird.

From Groovy to Gorgeous: How I gave a thrifted ceramic bird a modern makeover

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I love the thrill of a good antique or thrift store treasure hunt. You never know what quirky, charming, or unexpected items you might stumble across — and on one of my recent excursions, I discovered a curious little ceramic bird that looked like it flew straight out of someone’s 1970s den.

With its bold orange glaze and retro vibes, it definitely had personality, but it didn’t quite match my decor. Still, something about its shape and whimsical charm caught my eye. I couldn’t resist. For just a few dollars, I decided to take it home and give it a second life.

A wooden bed with peacock wall art above it.

Sleeping in a Treehouse: My whimsical bedroom makeover with a vintage peacock theme

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For more than 20 years, I’ve had what could best be described as a “tree bed” — a headboard and footboard crafted entirely from real tree branches.

I bought the bed in Ripley, Mississippi, and though it’s a little rustic and wild, it’s held up beautifully over the years. If you use your imagination, it kind of feels like you are sleeping in a treehouse every night.