As of July 1, correctional officers and case managers at Mississippi Department of Corrections are seeing a 10% percent increase in their salaries. “One of MDOC’s top priorities is offering quality candidates real opportunities to move up fast in both careers and pay scales,” Commissioner Burl Cain said. “This substantial salary increase will help us attract people who will really invest back into our vision and goal for what MDOC will become. This is the first step of many in ramping up our recruiting efforts.” The base salary for a corporal officer now starts at just over $36,000; for a sergeant it is over $40,000; for a captain it’s over $42,000; and for a major it starts over $47,000. In addition, benefits packages can range from about $17,000 to over $20,000 each year. MDOC has put a heavy focus on recruiting and training as the department continues to make improvements. The new salary increase comes on the heels of other increases at MDOC since January 1, 2022. “We’ve worked nonstop for over two years to get these increases approved,” noted Commissioner Cain, “and now we have them to the benefit of our workforce and to the public at large because as we hire and train more officers, our prisons become safer. We are focused on creating a positive work culture where honest, hardworking people want to come and be a part of a new MDOC focusing on constant improvements. Good employees are the foundation of a positive environment for everyone.” MDOC is hiring for several positions, each with different education and experience requirements. In addition to the new salaries, a retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance are available for full-time employees. Paid on-the-job training, vacation, and sick leave also are among the benefits. Interested candidates should email mdocrecruitment@mdoc.state.ms.us to learn more.

By Kara Kimbrough Don’t remember an icebox in the kitchen? Keep reading anyway If you remember when refrigerators were called iceboxes, keep reading. This column is for you. Even if you weren’t around a few decades ago, keep reading as well – most likely, you’re a millennial with no time to bake elaborate desserts from scratch. We’re now in the 21st century, but everyone can benefit from extra time in the kitchen. Along with a cooler kitchen courtesy of a no-bake recipe, icebox pies (I’m not sure they’re still called that, but that was my grandmother’s name for them) require minimal fuss and muss and taste simply divine. Whatever you call them, one common denominator is that these rich, fluffy pies have withstood the test of time. And that’s since, as I stated above, but it bears repeating – they’re delicious. If, like me, you were lucky enough to be raised on these cool, refreshing pies or are discovering them for the first time, a common denominator is that they’re perfect for summer meals and entertaining. My grandmother’s pies in flavors like lemon, chocolate and my personal favorite, the fruity, creamy Millionaire, were my first entry into the world of delicious icebox pies. When it comes to fillings, the options are endless. Pudding mixes, cream cheese, fresh fruit and many other ingredients, either alone or in combination with others, can be used to make an icebox pie. Flavors can include, but aren’t limited to strawberry, banana, lemon, lime, chocolate, vanilla, espresso, peanut butter and many more. Crushed graham cracker, vanilla wafer or cookie crumb crusts are easy to make. To save even more time, use pre-crushed graham, shortbread or Oreo chocolate cookie crumbs available in supermarket baking sections. My versatile grandmother would have been the first to admit that pies don't have to come from the oven to be impressive. We no longer have iceboxes, but we still have its namesake, the timeless icebox pie. Favorite Millionaire Pie (This resembles and tastes like fruit salad in a pie crust!) 1 prepared graham cracker crust 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1 can 15.25oz crushed pineapple, well drained 1 cup maraschino cherries drained & chopped ½ cup pecans chopped 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 5 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice 1 ½ cups whipped topping plus extra for garnish if desired instructions In a large bowl, combine coconut, crushed pineapple, cherries, pecans, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and cherry juice. Fold in whipped topping, then pour into crust. Top with additional whipped topping and cherries if desired. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Easiest Lemon Icebox Pie Ever 9-inch graham cracker crust 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 can 14-ounce sweetened condensed milk ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel In large bowl, beat filling ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly in crust. Refrigerate 4 hours but no longer than 8 hours. Top with whipped cream if desired. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Andy was once approached by two of his church members, military men, who asked him to become an Army chaplain. As such, his military rank would have required them to salute him. In amusement, he mentioned that fact. Their laughing response? “Remember, Pastor, we are required to salute the uniform, not the man who wears it!” Are you one of the United States of America citizens who have, or have had, trouble holding your nation’s leaders up in respect? You feel they have let you down by conducting their authority badly? You listened to their speeches and have found yourself increasingly disappointed and shocked at how the job is/was handled, versus what was promised. As I’m sure you know, you are not the first to feel this way. Throughout the years since the birth of our beloved country, people have used their democratic right to vote as they see fit. “I believe that dude will help lead this country the way I think it should go, so yep, I’m gonna vote for that ‘un right thar!” Then, lo and behold! That politician let you down. Whether it was because of- ummm- financial persuasions, (No, say it ain’t so!”) or a change in their beliefs because the wind shifted. Or maybe you have had to hear that person loftily declare, “You people simply have not comprehended the complexity of the issues at hand.” Whatever the cause, you got stuck with that person in charge, and you detest where they are leading. In your opinion, some people wear the weight of responsibility and authority well, and conduct themselves with honesty, compassion, and wisdom. Others…well, not so much. But whether you or I admire the way a person is doing their job, or absolutely detest it, there is one basic truth that we must apply. It is this; You do not have to salute the PERSON in the office, but remember, it is imperative that the OFFICE itself be held in respect. Why? Because when we as a nation lessen our respect for the authority of the office itself - simply put, we lose. A people who has decided it is acceptable to hold contempt for their nation’s authoritative offices will too soon find itself spiraling downward. Abe Lincoln is quoted, “A nation divided against itself cannot stand.” The answer to disagreeing with leadership in our country lies in prayer for guidance, and then lawful action under direction of the Great Authority Himself, God Almighty. In Romans 13:1, the Holy Word of God says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.” Remember to respect the office. Like Andy’s friends told him; “We are required to salute the uniform - just not necessarily the person wearing that uniform.”

Fireworks are a fun way to make any celebration a spectacular event. But fireworks are not safe for children and can cause serious harm including devastating burns and other injuries. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public fireworks displays organized by trained professionals. Here are a few tips to stay safe around fireworks. The Hard Facts About Fireworks More than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to the emergency room each year in the United States because of fireworks. Sparklers, which are commonly given to children during holidays and heat up to 1,200 degrees account for one-third of the injuries to children under five. Top Tips for Fireworks Safety If possible, attend public firework displays. Leave lighting fireworks to the professionals. Give children glowsticks instead of sparklers. Sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees and are dangerous for young children. Keep fireworks away from children. Make sure children stay are a safe distance away from a lit firework.

By Mika Hartman The journey that I am on is filled with so much love, laughter and smiles that can fill you up to the brim, but not everything on this journey is easy or beautiful. Hudson is always wonderful, but the world can be ugly and hurtful. Some things bring sadness and make you feel broken. Sometimes it’s another family that is in pain and, therefore, it is painful for us all. Sometimes its poorly written laws or no laws at all to protect our children that leaves us feeling broken. Sometimes it’s an “I’m sorry” when telling someone about Hudson; even with love pouring from my mouth and, yet, they still look at me sadly. Why? I don’t understand so much on a journey that I love, why does the world need to believe that this isn’t a rewarding life? If you think like that, you are wrong. I recently read a Sun Herald article about a young boy here on the Coast. The headline said, “Child with Down syndrome scarred after altercation with teacher assistant, Coast mom said”. The headline alone is heartbreaking, but there is more to the story. I can’t write everything I know about this, as it is an ongoing investigation. I met the family and I have been helping guide them through uncharted territory, not just for them, but for me to learn, too. I hurt with what happened and I would love to change it, I would, but the best I can do now is make sure that it doesn’t happen again. It doesn’t matter all the wonderful changes we bring, a story like this cuts deep and it will be what stands out and keeps fear in hearts. Down syndrome (or any disability for that matter) should be best understood by those given the opportunity to care for our children; not another fear we have to learn to deal with. Oftentimes, the diagnosis of Down syndrome alone Is the “cause” for all unexplainable findings. Unfortunate, but true: He’s not gaining weight… well, he has Down syndrome. She isn’t crawling yet… well, she has Down syndrome. I could go on and on. Not that each child is different, but Down syndrome is the excuse given. This applies to behaviors and actions, too. Not always, but often a diagnosis will direct a caregiver outside the home, ie, a teacher, the automatic response for dealing with this individual, not the behavior alone. Let me explain; not all children with Down syndrome are verbal. Actually, many, especially the younger children, are unable to talk or talk well. Families usually understand communication best, followed by close friends. This opens the door for any wrongdoing to the child to be left undocumented, left undiscussed and left unresolved. A nonverbal child cannot tattle on another person for hurting them or bullying them. Actually, nonverbal children are often sexually assaulted, too. Unless a mom sees a bruise or another reports abuse, it can go unnoticed. Unnoticed, but life altering for the one who cannot communicate or stop the abuse they are experiencing. Here are a few examples: A little girl with Ds in Florida had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) that her parents signed along with her school administrators. It was written to allow her to attend school and not wear a mask. She had small airways and choking was an issue. It was asked by her doctor and family that she not wear one for safety and sensory issues. The little girl was nonverbal. For months, her teacher was tying the mask to the little girls face and removing before she would go to the bus. A substitute took the class one afternoon and forgot to remove it. The little girl stepped off the bus with the mask on. When investigating, it was found that her IEP was ignored and the girl was put in daily danger… AT SCHOOL! Unacceptable, right?! A friend of mine shared that his daughter was grabbed and shook by the chin over spilled paint. Her neck, like many children with Ds, is fragile and she needed medical attention. The teacher was required to go to training and it never happened. Another friend shared that her daughter was talking and being disruptive to the class and was tied to a chair in the hall for hours all alone. And nothing happened to insure it wouldn’t happen again. Recently, I read about a young boy with special needs being drug by his feet through the halls of the school by a school board member. This is still being investigated, but the video shows it very clearly. These were instances in other states; you can see it isn’t a one off, but systemic. Lets talk about Mississippi: In 2016, we didn’t have a seclusion or restraint policy in place. We were one of only 5 states remaining without one. One headline read: Mississippi’s Horrifying Trend of Punishing Students Through Restraint. In 2010, it was said that Mississippi students were forcibly restrained or secluded more than 700 times, but the actual numbers could be far larger. Remember that nonverbal students cant speak up and these cases are usually left unreported. A policy has been put in place that is a guideline to follow, but it is not a lawful order. It also says training is to be in place, but we haven’t learned of this training or if it is mandatory. I have learned that our children with special needs have been put in baskets with lids and closed boxes. I have learned that children have been placed in closets with something used to block the door to them in. Closets with supplies have many dangerous items what could make this terrible situation worse. The one place we should feel at peace with our children going to is school and this is what I am learning. To all the amazing wonderful teachers reading this, please know this is not all teachers, but one doing these things is too many. Training, understanding and mainly love is all that we ask for those who choose to teach. The Mississippi Department of Educations Seclusion and Restraint Policy is available for all to read. My trusted sources say it is a C or C+ policy. Why can’t it be an A+ policy? Why is it nit law? Why is seclusion still an option? And restraints are very broad and usually escalate a situation. When a child is a harm to themselves or to others, de-escalation is the only objective and its usually quick with a simple solution. It should all be in their IEP and that should be followed emphatically. It was found that children with disabilities were forcibly restrained or isolated when they were not physically aggressive, and by staff who were not trained in these techniques. Hudson is only four and we’ve experienced seclusion. Hudson was secluded to a room with no toys, no music, no playing and no other children all over hugging. Nothing aggressive. Nothing harmful. Yet, this was the first and only option they used, all within 30 minutes of arrival. If this can happen in a church, no telling what happens to our children. Especially the ones with no voice. No way to tell us that they need us. No words to communicate that they are hurt or hurting inside. My latest data is from 2015. This survey had 400 participants from Mississippi. Not all children had special needs in this survey (47% reported “yes” to child having special needs tho). It was asked if your child had been physically restrained in Mississippi. 13% answered “yes". 17% answered “I don’t know”. Remember, this is physically restrained. Reasons given for the restraining were (in order of highest recorded to least): misbehavior, other, did not do what the teacher asked, acting up, endangered themselves, threw an object, I don’t know, threatened a child, destroyed property. The “I don’t know” answers would likely impact these numbers. 50.84% of parents are unaware if a seclusion room is used at their child’s school. Now, has your child been secluded in school? 13% said “yes” and 15% said “I don’t know”. In same highest reported to least: misbehavior, did not do what the teacher asked, acting up, did not complete work, other, endangered themselves, I don’t know, threw and object, threatened another child. While secluded, 25% said there was a lock on the door. 6% said there was padding on the walls. 40% said that their child was hurt as a result of restraints or seclusion. 72% reported “no” to the question: Has your child experienced behavioral intervention methods that led to a positive outcome? Again, the “I don’t know” answers are alarming and make us worry, because, well, we don’t know and our children cant tell us. This data was collected for the public hearing for MDE Board Policy in 2015. It’s still very similar today. We can make this all preventable. If videocameras were allowed in the special needs classrooms, to give an extra layer of protection to our nonverbal children, it would allow for parents and advocates to see everything. If a child with special needs is in an inclusive classroom, there is no need for cameras there; plenty of voices to speak up are already in place. If training for all teachers was mandatory, it would provide all basic information to handle any situation. If the policy was lawful, it would protect the children better and have stronger consequences when broken. And if it was deemed a “hate crime” when abuse against a nonverbal child/adult or any child/adult with a disability is committed, it would deter some of these crimes. School shootings and how to prevent them are in all of our hearts. It’s a very evil world and protecting our children is a huge responsibility to us all. It is terrifying to think about and to hear the reports of how things were handled is appalling. We have to do better. We have to protect all children. There are some things that we cannot go back and change, but we can make sure they don’t reoccur. All children should have schools that protect them, teachers that love them and parents that feel safe when dropping their kids off. This applies to every level of care and will impact the future every of every child. Let’s protect them all to the best of our abilities. The system is EXTRA BROKEN. The policies are EXTRA BROKEN. Children and families who have suffered abuse are EXTRA BROKEN. Stories like these leave us feeling EXTRA BROKEN. I’m ready to take these broken pieces and glue them back better, glue them back stronger and glue them back the way God would. I am the glue. EXTRA broken makes me EXTRA determined.

The Mississippi Attorney General's Office has launched a new tool for law enforcement and courts statewide to use in reporting and updating incidents of domestic violence. MSDVR (Mississippi Domestic Violence Reporting) is a single statewide repository for domestic violence reports, utilizing existing report platforms to make integration for law enforcement as seamless as possible. The system utilizes the same platform as the Department of Public Safety’s eCrash system and was created by the same developers, the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety (AL CAPS). It also includes geolocating to easily save accurate location information; injury diagrams to mark size, type, and location of injuries, as well as a function for uploading photographs; fields for utilizing the Lethality Assessment Protocol to ensure the safety of victims.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages firework safety this Independence Day whether at home or at a firework show. “The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state owned properties,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “It’s up to you to set your own safety standards when shooting fireworks at home. That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire.” Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows on state-owned property. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up. Fireworks were involved in more than 15,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospitals in 2020, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC also reports a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries compared to 2019. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: • Observe local laws. o Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. o Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. • Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. • Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. • Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. • Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. • Never give fireworks to small children. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Blackened old banana peels, egg shells, used coffee grounds, moldy grapes and dried-up orange skins. The diet of champions. Loaded with antioxidants and nutrition, and guaranteed to make the body healthier. And so appealing to the eye. Just makes you drool at the very thought of loading your plate, right? Well, ummm. Most people – not so much. “Are you crazy?!” Ask any teen if they want a heaping helping of this delightfully healthy food, and you will most likely get blasted with their particular version of that statement, along with a disgusted roll of their eyes. Can’t blame ‘em. If you were to hand me a snack of any of those things, my own answer wouldn’t be much sweeter. But take a look at this garbage from another point of view. Ants will notify the queen of their colony, “Hey, Your Highness, we just came across a whole smorgasbord of really good stuff! You want us to form a line to begin transporting it all back to your storage bins?” That army of ants will cart away every tiny crumb that is loose. (And given a chance, they will remove your entire pantry.) They don’t view our garbage leftovers as trash, but as a real treasure trove. Because, the truth is, that garbage is healthy stuff! Put it in a blender with water and puree the fire out of that mess until you have a disgusting brown liquid. Mix it into your garden soil, where you are going to plant your vegetables. Then later on, watch your plants stand and salute you for having the forethought to give them some of the nutrition they need to grow big and healthy – before they were even planted. Same thing happens with us humans. What we know as painful events in our lives – things we view as horrible garbage - is the very things that our Creator and Maintainer is using to feed us and grow us into mature, useful adults. But just like if we were handed a plate of unedible food, our reaction to the bad things that happen is usually, “Are you crazy?!! This is horrible stuff! I hate what’s happening, and this can’t be good for me.” But those among us who are gardeners know what a good dose of ugly, organic food can do for a growing young plant. And so does God. You might just call Him the Master Gardener, who knows exactly what each of us needs in our life to make us grow up emotionally. He is very aware that a steady diet of ‘the good life’ will make us self-centered, undependable, and immature. So, out comes the Creator’s blender to create a hodgepodge of the needed heartaches that makes us more like Him in the end. Loving, mature and caring. I don’t care for the taste of that awful liquid He doles out any more than you. But it does do the job.

By Kara Kimbrough As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, here’s a word of caution: stock up now on your favorite prepared mustard, especially if hot dogs or burgers are on the menu. According to reports, mustard seeds are in short supply, a situation that’s certain to raise prices. The all-American spicy yellow condiment may even go MIA on store shelves. Now for the good news: Fourth of July 2022 will be a hot one BUT there are ways to stay cool and enjoy a delicious Independence Day feast. My #1 stay cook no-bake tip is one I recently mentioned– use your slow cooker to prepare as much of the food as possible. Second, delegate the grilling to someone who doesn’t mind roasting (and I’m not referring to meat) outside over a hot grill. Also, prepare as many cold salads and desserts as possible to reduce the amount of oven time. Nothing heats up an already-steamy kitchen more than an oven, at least in my opinion. And last, if burgers are on the menu (and why shouldn’t they be if someone else is grilling them?) jump on the charcuterie board craze and prepare a Fourth of July burger board similar to the one I created. Here are several recipes to make to ensure your Independence Day spread is easy to prepare, cool to eat and courtesy of the burger board, Pinterest and Instagram-worth. Happy Fourth of July! Tangy Mississippi Iced Tea 1-6-ounce can frozen lemonade, thawed 5 cups water 1 teaspoon each vanilla and almond extract (reduce amounts if you desire) 1 tablespoon instant tea mix Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until hot. Chill and serve over ice. (can be served hot straight from the slow cooker if you want a hot drink). Slow Cooker Short Ribs ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper (can use Mrs. Dash) 4-5 pounds boneless beef short ribs or 6-7 pounds bone-in beef short ribs Sauce: 1 large onion, chopped 2 cups beef broth ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup brown sugar (more to taste) ½ cup each chili sauce and ketchup 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon chili powder Combine flour, salt and pepper in a Ziploc bag, add short ribs a few at time and shake to coat each one. Brown ribs, in batches, in a hot skillet coated with vegetable oil or butter. Transfer to slow cooker. Reserve skillet drippings. Combine sauce ingredients in skillet, scraping in drippings, until mixture comes to a boil. Pour over ribs, cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours. Memphis-Style Cole Slaw (This mayo-free slaw is perfect for dining outdoors) Grate and mix together: 1 head cabbage Carrots and onion (quantity depends on your taste; I usually use ½ of an onion and 2-3 carrots) Dressing: 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup canola oil (or light oil of your choice) 1 cup sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt & pepper Tabasco sauce (to your taste) Mix dressing and pour over cabbage mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible or at least several hours. Drain liquid in a colander and serve. Best Burger Sauce 1/2 cup mayonnaise ¾ tablespoons ketchup or chili sauce (whatever you have; chili sauce makes a tangier sauce) 2 tablespoons dill pickle or sweet relish 1 teaspoon each apple cider vinegar and sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt Add mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, relish, vinegar. sugar, and salt in a small bowl and mix to combine. Use a food processor if you prefer a smoother version. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Keeps (covered) up to a week. Recipe doubles and triples easily. Sweet Baby Ray’s Slow-Cooked Beans For a Crowd 3 28-ounce cans baked beans, drained 1 pound of fried ground round, drained 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce 1 cup light brown sugar 1 tablespoon each Worcestershire sauce and prepared yellow mustard Pour ingredients in a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3-1/2 hours. (Reduce ingredients in half for a smaller batch) Patriotic Mixed Berry Cobbler Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of salt 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Berries: 16 ounces frozen raspberries (I use strawberries, but only in combination with a firmer berry) 16 ounces frozen blueberries ¾ cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch, whisked into ¾ cup water Create the batter by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, milk and oil. Fold the liquid mixture into dry ingredients until combined. Spray the crock of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and then pour batter into the bottom. Place all berries in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Pour berry mixture over the batter in slow cooker. Set the cooker to high, cover and cook for 2 hours. Remove cover and let cool in cooker at least 15 minutes, to thicken before serving. (Great served topped with -or over- vanilla ice cream!) Cobbler recipe from Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes by Quail Ridge Press. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver A biopic of Elvis Presley is an absolutely perfect fit for director Baz Luhrmann. The filmmaker is known for a garish visual style that, while not “ugly” per se (and in fact can be quite beautiful if seen with the right eyes), always screams “excessive.” He captured the spirit of flashy rebelliousness in the party scenes in “The Great Gatsby” in 2013 and turned the “Moulin Rouge!” into a paradise of hedonism in 2001. Elvis, or at least his onstage persona, was all about exploiting rebelliousness and hedonism, and looking like the most ambitious kind of eyesore in the process. It’s a shame that Elvis and Luhrmann were professionals in different eras, because one wonders what they could have created if they had worked together. As it is, we have to settle for Luhrmann simply creating this lengthy tribute to Elvis. All the expected pieces of the music biopic are covered here. We follow Elvis (Austin Butler) from his well-meaning early days on the carnival circuit to a successful tour where he picks up some bad habits to superstardom and cockiness to a humbling decline to a roaring comeback to misplaced complacency to the utter destruction of his life. Rise and fall, rise and fall, tragic end. The closest thing I’d say this movie has to an “insight” about Elvis is a scene where he confesses that he fears that he won’t be remembered. His fame has been well-established at this point, and if he were thinking more clearly, he couldn’t possibly mean what he’s saying, but still, it’s a powerful reminder that everyone thinks like this sometimes. The story is told from the point of view of Elvis’s manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Really, all three parts of that name should be in quotation marks with what a phony this guy is. Every stereotype about the greedy, manipulative, criminal manager is on full display with Parker. Come to think of it, Parker himself probably did a lot to helm that stereotype. The movie adds face-fattening makeup and a Dutch accent stolen from “Austin Powers in Goldmember” to make the character even more repulsive. It actually makes sense that he would technically be the main character in this movie. Not because everyone is the hero in their own story, that’s to be expected, but because it’s so on-brand for him to take something of Elvis’s and make it all about him. The music in the movie has its hit-or-miss moments. Butler is better at capturing Elvis’s dance magic and stage presence than his singing voice (then again, was it ever really about the singing?). But there are some memorable performances, made all the more memorable by the funny facial expressions made by screaming female extras. Sometimes the Elvis songs are remixed with hip hop, which works a few times, but probably should have been done more sparingly. I’ve been told that, like many biopics, this movie makes Elvis out to be a better person than he actually was. Apparently he did more drugs, was more of a sexual deviant, had a worse attitude, and his integration of Black mannerisms into his act was less “drawing inspiration” and more “cultural appropriation.” True, you’re just as naïve as the young version of the character if you think he was an angel perverted by cynical forces. But at the same time, you can’t expect a PG-13 movie that celebrates Elvis’s style and showmanship to paint him in too harsh of a light, even though Colonel Tom no doubt made a mint off of paintings that did just that. Come for the superficial visual style, stay for the superficial visual style. “Elvis” doesn’t need to work as a deep movie to deliver on the flair it promises. Grade: B- “Elvis” is rated PG-13 for substance abuse, strong language, suggestive material and smoking. Its running time is an appropriately over-indulgent 159 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

MCM Partners invite you to dress in your neon best and make plans to attend Neon Night on Saturday, July 16th from 8:00 p.m. – midnight! Guests will enjoy an evening with glowing neon lights, electrifying music, specialty cocktails, and savory snacks. Neon Night is an MCM Partners signature fundraising event where young professionals can connect, while supporting MCM’s educational initiatives and exploring award-winning exhibits. “Neon Night brings MCM to life on a summer night with great music, local food, and beverages. We are honored to be a part of this signature fundraising event to support Mississippi’s current and future generation of children,” says Neon Night Co-Chair, Ann Ferrell Alston. Guests over 21 are invited to dress up with glowing necklaces and bracelets and dance the night away with Powerhouse Band playing everyone’s favorite dance hits! The event was established by a dedicated group of young adults who value and support MCM’s mission to promote literacy, health, and education for children. As MCM’s “youngest” signature event, Neon Night has quickly become a must-attend party for the young and young-at-heart crowd. “This fun-filled evening will be an occasion to celebrate and support MCM, which serves as a resource to so many families throughout Mississippi,” says Madison VanLandeghem, Neon Night Co-Chair. This year the event is presented by TrustCare Kids and sponsored by Simmons Erosion Control, Inc., Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance, Atmos Energy, Monkee’s of Ridgeland, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Geri Beth and Allen Smith, The Bridal Path, Maggio Thompson, LLP, Merkel & Cocke, P.A., Ann Carter, Inc., Howard Industries, Brunini Law Firm, Smith Towing Company, Paula and Randy James, Fuse.Cloud, Phelp’s Dunbar, LLP, McCorquodale Transfer, Sue and Peter Keyes, Matrix Solutions, Inc., Align IT Group, Bossier & Associates, PLLC, Gilchrist Donnell, PLLC, Porter & Malouf, Southern Beverage Company, and Clark Beverage Group. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of food trucks including Hog Heaven BBQ, Aplos, Green Ghost Tacos, and Crooked Letter Kitchen. A specialty cocktail contest sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka will also be held, where Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, Bravo, Estelle, and Babalu will present their signature cocktail for the evening. Tickets are available for $55 online at one.bidpal.net/neonnight22 until noon on July 16 or available at the door the evening of the event July 16. About the Mississippi Children’s Museum The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of creating unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning in all children. The 40,000-square foot museum is designed around five primary initiatives, with correlating exhibits, programs, and outreach efforts. These initiatives include: Literacy, STEAM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi Heritage – the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners. In response to community needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCM shifted operating and programming priorities to best serve Mississippi’s children and combat learning loss through facilitating virtual schooling and creating online educational enrichment – services that continue today through a robust, daily afterschool program and an online platform for teacher professional development. In 2021, MCM celebrated a monumental year by receiving an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, the nation’s highest honor for museums, and through opening its first satellite museum, MCM-Meridian, which received the 2021 Governor’s Award for Travel Attraction of the Year. To learn more about MCM visit www.mschildrensmuseum.org.

A $300-million settlement ends Mississippi’s part in lengthy, multi-state FERC rate dispute Entergy Mississippi customers will receive credits on their energy bill as early as this summer and future bill reductions over the next several years as part of a $300-million settlement the company has reached with the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Earlier this week, Entergy officials and MPSC commissioners approved the settlement agreement that ends Mississippi’s part in multi-state rate proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the customer rate impacts of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. Entergy operates Grand Gulf and owns 90% of the station under its subsidiary, System Energy Resources, Inc. Entergy estimates approximately $300 million in benefits to Mississippi customers as a result of the settlement. Customers will see these benefits in three ways. First, an estimated $200 million of the benefits will be used to offset high fuel prices being incurred to generate electricity. Fuel costs are passed through directly to customers with no profit to the company. Second, an estimated $35 million of the benefits will be provided as lump sum bill credits to each Entergy Mississippi customer this year. The $35 million benefit results in a one-time credit of approximately $80 for Entergy Mississippi’s residential customers. Third, customers will receive the remaining benefits of the settlement in the coming years in the form of lower bills than they otherwise would see. In addition, Entergy Mississippi customers have already received another $50 million in bill credits through prior refunds made during the FERC proceedings. “By resolving these issues, we can focus on the long-term future of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station to ensure it remains the critical, emissions-free power source it is to serve our customers,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “With natural gas prices having tripled over the last year, raising customer power bills as a result, the low-cost power we get from Grand Gulf is a financial lifeline to our customers right now.” The settlement involved more than a dozen separate proceedings, including some that raised decades-old issues, brought by the public service commissions of Louisiana, Arkansas, the City of New Orleans and, in part, Mississippi. The MPSC disputed the company’s position on a variety of issues involving the taxing, accounting and financing of the nuclear unit and its impact on customers’ bills. Entergy has long maintained that the disputed positions regarding the taxing, financing, accounting and operating of Grand Gulf before FERC are proper, well-reasoned and in the best interest of its customers and the company. Entergy also believes Grand Gulf has provided consistent value for its customers through its operations over the years. However, Entergy officials explained that the ongoing cost of the dispute at FERC and the uncertainty it created for customers, employees and stockholders led the company to seek a resolution. “While no settlement is perfect for all parties involved, we applaud the Mississippi commissioners for taking this action. They recognized the need to represent their constituents’ interests while at the same time securing the long-term future of a vital resource to Mississippi consumers and Mississippi’s economy,” said Fisackerly. Entergy officials added that they hope the other states involved in the FERC dispute will follow Mississippi’s lead and seek to settle the remaining claims. Entergy officials will work closely with the MPSC to make sure the customer bill credits for its more than 461,000 customers in Mississippi are implemented as soon as possible. In addition, Fisackerly said he appreciated those Entergy employees who have long worked with FERC on these issues and those employees at Grand Gulf who have reached several performance milestones despite the lengthy regulatory dispute. “The more than 850 men and women at Grand Gulf have not been distracted by these issues and have continually focused on safely and reliably serving our customers. In the last year alone, they have achieved not only the highest status in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s overall performance matrix, but also have set all-time station records for gross and net generation in megawatt-hours,” said Fisackerly. “The future is bright for Grand Gulf and its important place as a clean, affordable and reliable energy resource for our Mississippi customers.”