2 months 1 week ago
Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion
By Magnolia Tribune Staff on
2 months 1 week ago
Below is a political opinion column by Hunter Estes:
Hunter Estes says Magnolia State lawmakers should not shy away from passing a strong conservative agenda, from education freedom to cracking down on fraud.
By Hunter Estes on
2 months 1 week ago
The vast majority of states across the U.S. now allow some form of high school NIL. Mississippi is among the four that have thus far prohibited the practice.
Mississippi is currently not among the growing number of states that allow high school student-athletes to accept Name, Image and Likeness, or NIL, money or benefits. That could change if legislation filed by State Rep. Jeffery Harness (D) is signed into law.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
The vast majority of states across the U.S. now allow some form of high school NIL. Mississippi is among the four that have thus far prohibited the practice.
Mississippi is currently not among the growing number of states that allow high school student-athletes to accept Name, Image and Likeness, or NIL, money or benefits. That could change if legislation filed by State Rep. Jeffery Harness (D) is signed into law.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
It is not the first time such legislation has been filed in the Legislature. Similar bills have been proposed and allowed to die for well over a decade.
State Rep. Jansen Owen (R) says the Mississippi Department of Education reports that nearly half of the school boards across the Magnolia State are either fully or partially appointed by city councils or county supervisors. He has filed legislation to make all public school board members elected.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
The reviews themselves read like case files, each one documenting an investigation into flavor, service, atmosphere, and overall experience. From white-linen dining rooms to hole-in-the-wall gems, no place is off limits.
Some people inherit family heirlooms. Others inherit stories. And every once in a while, someone inherits a way of seeing the world—one meal at a time.
By Meredith Biesinger - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
The charges against the former pro wrestler stem from his alleged role in the state’s largest-ever public welfare embezzlement scheme using TANF dollars.
For the second time since the start of the federal trial of former pro wrestler Ted DiBiase, Jr., the proceedings have been postponed. DiBiase’s attorney was hospitalized after falling ill, prompting the delay.
His legal team also requested a mistrial, with the prosecution from the U.S. Justice Department strongly objecting.
By Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
Mississippi sits on the Smackover Formation, which contains one of the nation’s highest-grade lithium brines. The element is viewed as a critical part of U.S. national energy security.
Could lithium brine be Mississippi’s next energy boon?
That was the question debated for nearly four hours on Wednesday at the Mississippi Natural Resources Summit in Jackson, where participants learned the Magnolia State could lead in the production of domestic lithium, which is critical in national energy security.
By Daniel Tyson - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
“Why is school choice so important? Because we’re not all created the same,” the Heisman Trophy winner said.
Attendees at Empower Mississippi’s fifth annual Solutions Summit heard from Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow on Wednesday in Jackson. The former college football national champion turned analyst and author spoke about the importance of providing individualized education support to children.
Tebow’s message was clear – parents, children and families thrive when they find love, care and an educational experience that meets their needs.
By Jeremy Pittari - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
The 2026 Washington Parish Council with its newest leadership. From left: Clark Harry, Joe Culpepper, Vice President Steven Branch, President Reginald McMasters, Parish President Ryan Seal, Kim Wagner and Shawn Rice. Not shown is Councilman Carley King. Photo by Danielle Folks
The first regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council for 2026 was held on January 12. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Council amended the agenda to have the nominations and elections of Reginald McMasters as Council Chairman and Steven Branch as Vice-Chairman. This was followed by the approval of the minutes for the December 15, 2025, regular meeting.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
The 2026 Washington Parish Council with its newest leadership. From left: Clark Harry, Joe Culpepper, Vice President Steven Branch, President Reginald McMasters, Parish President Ryan Seal, Kim Wagner and Shawn Rice. Not shown is Councilman Carley King. Photo by Danielle Folks
The first regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council for 2026 was held on January 12. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Council amended the agenda to have the nominations and elections of Reginald McMasters as Council Chairman and Steven Branch as Vice-Chairman. This was followed by the approval of the minutes for the December 15, 2025, regular meeting.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
The 2026 Washington Parish Council with its newest leadership. From left: Clark Harry, Joe Culpepper, Vice President Steven Branch, President Reginald McMasters, Parish President Ryan Seal, Kim Wagner and Shawn Rice. Not shown is Councilman Carley King. Photo by Danielle Folks
The first regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council for 2026 was held on January 12. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Council amended the agenda to have the nominations and elections of Reginald McMasters as Council Chairman and Steven Branch as Vice-Chairman. This was followed by the approval of the minutes for the December 15, 2025, regular meeting.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, January 13. After approving the minutes of the December 8 Regular Meeting and the January 8 Special Meeting, the Board tackled a 14-item agenda.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, January 13. After approving the minutes of the December 8 Regular Meeting and the January 8 Special Meeting, the Board tackled a 14-item agenda.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, January 13. After approving the minutes of the December 8 Regular Meeting and the January 8 Special Meeting, the Board tackled a 14-item agenda.
By Toni Tageant on
2 months 1 week ago
Leslie Katherine Thomas Dillon, 64, a resident of the Thomas Community passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her home Sunday January 18, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer. She was a Class of 1979 graduate of Pine High School, where she was selected as Homecoming Queen in 1978. Kathy worked as a teller for Hancock/Whitney Bank at the Bogalusa, Poplarville, Picayune and Franklinton branches for several years. She always enjoyed going to the races at dirt tracks around the area.
Published on
2 months 1 week ago
Kevin John Novitzky a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana passed away peacefully at his home on January 14, 2026. He was born July 2, 1952 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the late Evelyn and John Novitzky. Kevin was an Air Force Veteran and an avid plane enthusiast. He has always been a lover of history and all things aerospace.
Survived by:
Daughter and caregiver: Jacklyn and Daniel Barber of Franklinton
Daughter and son in law: Katie and Mike Rhodes of Pensacola, FL
Son and daughter in law: Jonathan and Danielle Novitzky of Pensacola, FL
Published on
2 months 1 week ago
Willene Graves Magee Creel, 90, a resident of the Lawrence Creek Community passed away Monday afternoon January 12, 2026 at Good Samaritan Living Center. She was a longtime member of Lawrence Creek Missionary Baptist Church and active in the Women’s Sunday school class. Earlier in life, she enjoyed traveling, visiting states throughout the country and had gone on several cruises. Willene liked to go out to eat with her friends and always loved spending time with her family.
Survived by:
Published on
2 months 1 week ago
Earl J. Rothermel of Aztec, New Mexico passed away on January 13, 2026, in Aztec, New Mexico. Earl was born June 22, 1938, in Monroe, Louisiana to Earl & Ruth Rotermel.
Earl met the love of his life, Betty at work in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1958 and married her later that year. Together they built a beautiful family with 3 daughters Cindy, Debbie and Becky.
Earl's work brought him to New Mexico, a place he called God's country. Earl was proceeded in death by his parents, Earl & Ruth, and his son-in-law William Taylor.
Published on
2 months 1 week ago
From left to right are Evan and Emily Tageant, Toni and Jeff Tageant, and Clay and Katelyn Tageant. Jeff Tageant is shown wearing the distinctive blue Hall of Fame coat.
Coach Jeff Tageant was inducted into the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Friday, January 16 at the organization's closing banquet.
Tageant was introduced by his two sons Evan and Clay, who praised his career spanning 36 years and nearly 1,000 varsity games. He motivated them to follow in his footsteps and become coaches. Tageant, a graduate of Franklinton High School, coached baseball at FHS his entire career and retired in May 2023. On hand for the award were his sons and daughters-in-law Emily and Katelyn, brother Tim, and wife Toni.
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