By Eddie Smith, MSU Extension Service In the middle of long, humid seasons when bold colors can feel a little intense, I find myself stopped in my tracks by soft, luminous white blooms in the landscape. Early in the morning, white blooms catch the first light and almost sparkle with dew. In the evening, they…

By Kara Kimbrough Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to…

Strokes are one of the top five causes of death in Mississippi, and the state has the second highest mortality rate (52.1 per 100,000) in the United States, accounting for 1,925 deaths in 2024. During May, National Stroke Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health is stressing the importance of taking meaningful steps to…

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health joins the nation in observing Mental Health Awareness Month this May, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality behavioral health services for all Mississippians. First observed in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise public understanding of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and connect individuals…

By Eddie Smith, MSU Extension Service There are some plants that make you smile the moment you see them, and Polka Dot Plants are at the top of that list for me. The name sounds like simply a description, but that is the actual name of these plants that have a playful, almost whimsical quality.…

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has begun accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program. The application period will remain open until May 15, 2026. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. “I encourage landowners and managers impacted…