By: Bob Garver   Poster Credit IMDB It has been 23 years (not 28, somewhat frustratingly) since British audiences were first introduced to the mind-and-body-ravaging Rage virus in “28 Days Later.” The virus turned everyone it affected into zombies, known as The Infected, obsessed not so much with feeding as with turning more people into zombies. The film’s heroes had a hard time evading The Infected, and then just when it looked like they were safe, they had to deal with the degenerate humans that had appointed themselves to power after the collapse of civilization. The Infected were still at large five years later in “28 Weeks Later” and humanity was more monstrous than ever. Nothing interesting must have happened 28 months later from the events of that film, because the series skipped right over it. Instead, it jumps to 28 years later, when older children and even adults have never known a world not affected by The Infected. Teenager Spike (Alfie Williams) lives what passes for a normal life on an island off the coast of Scotland that can’t be reached by The Infected because of high tides. His father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a hero to both family and community, going on dangerous missions to the mainland to gather supplies and kill Infected, who are just as ravenous as ever. His mother Isla (Jodie Comer) is bedridden with an illness different than the Rage virus, yet still causing her great suffering both physically and mentally. She desperately needs a doctor, but there isn’t one on the island, and Jamie warns Spike not to seek out the one setting fires on the mainland. Jamie takes Spike to the mainland, where he tries to train his son to fend off and kill Infected as best he can. Unfortunately, the Infected are so aggressive and numerous that the lesson has to be cut short in the name of just trying to stay alive. The two barely make it back to the island. Spike failed at every turn during the excursion, but Jamie tells the town that his son was competent and brave. At first, Jamie’s lies putting over his son don’t seem so bad, but then Spike catches onto more lies, and the bond of trust is broken. Thinking that his father might also be lying about the trustworthiness of the doctor, Spike persuades Isla to come with him to the mainland, even though he has minimal survival training. Will Spike and/or Isla survive long enough to reach the doctor? Ralph Fiennes is billed in the film’s advertising, and he doesn’t seem to be playing a resident of the island, so… he’ll probably turn out to be the doctor, which means at least one character will have to meet him. That predictable aspect aside, this is a movie worth taking seriously. Director Danny Boyle is just as good with his worldbuilding here as he was with a ransacked London over 20 years ago. “28 Days Later” was my first exposure to eventual Oscar-winner Boyle (and eventual Oscar-winning star Cillian Murphy, for that matter), and even with a genre that doesn’t usually lend itself well to awards, he still managed to immediately prove to me that he was one of the most gifted filmmakers in the industry. The glut of zombie media since then has over-saturated me on the concept, which is why I couldn’t work up the same enthusiasm for this film that I could for the original, even though Boyle hasn’t lost a single step. “28 Years Later” is still visually spectacular, excitingly edited, occasionally funny and touching, and successfully scary. I know that a follow-up called “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is scheduled for next January, so I won’t have to wait long, but if I didn’t know about that film, I’d say that I didn’t want to wait another 28 years to get another one of these. Grade: B “28 Years Later” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, graphic nudity, language, and brief sexuality. Its running time is 115 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Sick and tired of trying to teach little Johnny how to be potty trained, instead of leaving a tell-tale path of stain everywhere he goes? Exhausted from the constant battle to teach your two little warrior-siblings to learn to love each other and not try to kill each other every day? Ready to just toss in the towel and let those kids just live exactly how they please, because you are too sick of it all to care anymore? Could be, but sorry, you don’t have the right to walk away and let them live any way they choose. And not just for their sake. For the sake of the nation. Parents, you cannot afford to get lazy. To not firmly discipline the generation after you. Whatever we parents teach them, or fail to teach them, are the only things our kids will have learned. And what they have learned about functioning in life is the only things they can possibly pass on to their children and grandchildren to come. And don’t say, “That’s ridiculous, I’m not their only source of learning, they are surrounded by school-teachers, friends, and (God forbid) our government programs to give them training.” Mom and Dad, they are YOURS and therefore  your  total responsibility, not the schools or the government. Neglected kids are going to grow up and reproduce. They will replicate what they have learned, and think it is normal and natural. And if you are a lazy parent, your kids will only know how to be lazy, uncaring, and self-serving people. Might as well teach them that they are not humans, they are pigs. If every parent acts like that, our country will soon have pigs running the schools, the government, and parenting families. Those pigs will teach their babies how to be pigs. And human behavior, the way God intended His created humans to behave, will be lost forever. Think I am being ridiculous and a fear-monger? Yes, I am exaggerating purposely. But let me ask you; What happens if a baby is never encouraged to learn to speak? What happens when a toddler is never taught that it is wrong to hit and bite other toddlers? Answer: That behavior continues. And that is what I am saying. A few hundred years later, and that standard will be all that our nation will know. Because generations pass on exactly what they have lived. Parents and grandparents, you do not have the right to raise your kids any way you please. Yes, of course, your children are yours to love and guide and discipline. But if all of us choose to raise our kids without any morals and discipline, just because we have that right, then in just a few generations we will have grunting, rooting-in-the-mud pig leaders of our families and our good ol’ USA. Scary picture. It's past time to grow up, man up, and become real parents who teach their kids to be human. Oink, oink.

The Mississippi Farmers Market will host its annual Summer Kick-Off event on Saturday, June 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This family-friendly celebration will feature live demonstrations, summertime staples, select Genuine MS® members, and food options that highlight the best of Mississippi agriculture. Shoppers can enjoy product demos from the Mississippi Spice Company and a visit from the popular Grumpy Man, who will be sampling his signature pickles and sauces. A planting demonstration will also be led by Sabrina S. Fields, Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, who will provide tips on growing fruits and vegetables in home gardens, including beginner containers and raised beds. In coordination with the planting demo, Fields will lead a small educational discussion at 8:00 a.m. to promote diabetes prevention and healthy eating habits. Attendees will learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program and ways to incorporate fresh, local produce into everyday meals. Additional offerings at the market include fresh produce, meat and dairy products and other staple goods, as well as cookout and BBQ-style foods from the Market Cafe that are perfect for weekend gatherings. "This event is a great way to celebrate the start of summer while supporting local farmers and vendors," said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "Learning how to grow your own healthy foods, and buying fresh and local foods, are key ingredients to Making Mississippi Healthy Again. We invite the public to come out, learn something, buy something, and enjoy the day with us." The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday and on select Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For additional information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit  www.msfarmersmarket.com  or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and X.

By: Kara Kimbrough Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad is the easiest possible dessert to make for a Fourth of July gathering, but you wouldn’t know that from the creamy, delicious taste.   The Fourth of July is only a few days away, so the first thing I did was check the extended weather forecast. Yep...it’s going to be a scorcher.     Even though I did pick up a new charcoal grill the other day simply because it was on sale post-Memorial Day AND already assembled, I doubt I’ll be standing out in the heat grilling anything on the 4th. However, every traditional Fourth of July meat – burgers, hot dogs and my favorite, ribs – can be baked in the oven and here’s the important part – tastes almost as good as if they’d been grilled over an open flame.   To get a jump on your holiday meal planning, I’m sharing recipes for my favorite oven-baked ribs, an old-fashioned macaroni salad that piqued my interest after watching vintage videos of Martha Stewart making one and last, a fluffy, delicious and patriotic cheesecake salad that requires no baking. If there are other patriotic food items you’d like to make, drop me an email and I’ll share a few recipes from my files.      Happy Fourth of July!     Oven-Baked 4th of July-Worthy Ribs  (Serves 6-8) 6 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) ½ cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups barbecue sauce      Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse and pat dry the ribs; remove the silver skin from the bone side. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.      Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and coat evenly with the dry rub mixture. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 3 hours. Unwrap ribs, brush with barbecue sauce, and bake uncovered at 375 degree for an additional 20 minutes until caramelized.   Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Macaroni Salad 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced about 1/2 a small onion 1/4 cup finely diced Dill pickles about 1 small pickle 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped (optional) 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper      Cook the pasta according to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, and chopped egg. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until well-combined.      Pour the dressing mixture over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.   Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad 2  cups miniature marshmallows 16 ounces vanilla yogurt (I used fat free Greek yogurt) 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (1 tub, you can use the lite version if desired) 1 package (11.2 ounces) no-bake cheesecake mix 2  cups sliced strawberries (extras for topping) 2  cups blueberries (extras for topping)        In a large bowl, mix all ingredients (except the graham cracker crumbs that may have been included with your cheesecake mix). Top with extra strawberry slices and blueberries. Serve immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages firework safety this Independence Day.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , injuries from fireworks have increased overall between 2008 and 2023. “It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire.” To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: 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. Observe local laws. Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. 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.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three weeks of domination by the Disney live-action remake “Lilo & Stitch,” it’s time for the top spot at the domestic box office to be taken over by the Dreamworks live-action remake “How to Train Your Dragon.” It feels like it’s too soon to do a remake of a movie from only 15 years ago (Disney has yet to do one from inside of 20 years), but the studio has to promote a new attraction at the Universal Orlando theme park. Movies are always a business, of course, but this one’s existence seemed to be especially motivated by money-grubbing. Fortunately, the quick turnaround means that some of the creative voices of the original, like writer/director Dean DeBlois (also a writer/director of the 2002 “Lilo & Stitch”) are still around to work on this movie, leading to much of the original’s charm being retained. The story remains the same: young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames) desperately wants to impress his chief father, Stoick (Gerard Butler, also carrying over from the original), who seems to care more about killing dragons than his own son. Using a crude homemade weapon, Hiccup manages to hit a dreaded Night Fury, which crash-lands miles away. But nobody sees either the hit or the dragon, and Hiccup is regarded as a nuisance around his island homeland, including by his crush Astrid (Nico Parker). Hiccup is soon remanded to dragon-hunting training under family friend Gobber (Nick Frost). It looks like Hiccup will screw that up like he screws up everything else, when he discovers the Night Fury wounded on an uninhabited part of the island. He has the opportunity to finish off the dragon, but he just can’t kill the scared creature. Instead he befriends the dragon, which he names Toothless, in the process learning about dragons and how to train them for a mutually-beneficial relationship. This makes him a standout in his hunting class, and even his father starts showing him rare affection. There’s potential for him to graduate at the top of his class, which will earn him a ceremony where he “gets” to kill a dragon in front of his father and the whole tribe. The problem is that he no longer wants to kill dragons, knowing from Toothless that humans and dragons can co-exist. What can he do to make everybody happy? It worked to the film’s advantage that I’d forgotten a lot about the original since I last saw it. I remembered the broad strokes, obviously the dragon gets trained, but I mostly just remembered the original for being sweet, having a cool visual style, and most of the jokes landing, even if I forgot what most of those jokes were. The new film is sweet, it has a cool visual style (Toothless’s big green eyes are as adorable as ever), and most of the jokes land. “How to Train Your Dragon” isn’t immune to some of the problems that notoriously plague live-action remakes of animated films. Certain visual gags don’t work well without the fluid movements of animation. It can be distracting that much of the cast, especially the teenagers, are clearly kids raised in the modern era. And I had to grit my teeth while Stoick had to learn the same lessons about communication all over again. But the movie pulled itself up to a recommendation with its stunning visual style and undeniable heart. I don’t want Dreamworks to get too reliant on the live-action remake formula (and Disney is welcome to buck the trend whenever they want), but in this instance, they did it pretty well. Grade: B- “How to Train Your Dragon” is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril. Its running time is 125 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com That would definitely be wonderful, wouldn’t it? To have total amnesia regarding the awful things you have said or done in your past. To not remember the hurt you have caused, and the shame you have brought on yourself. If everyone had that rare ability to be totally honest about their life, you would find there is one thing that we all have in common.  We all have regrets about our past. And that is because we all have something else in common – we are human, and awfully self-centered and stupid. I have yet to find the person who looked me in the eye and said, “No, I’ve never said or done even one little thing that I regret. There has never been a night when I have lost five minutes of sleep, thinking and wishing I hadn’t done something at some point.” But if you are that one-in-a-jillion who actually can say that, then please, contact me on our website, I would absolutely love to talk with you. You would be the one person to prove the Bible to be wrong when it says, “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;   no one does good, not even one.” You will find that verse in Romans 3:12, should you be interested. So. Who am I talking about when I say ‘Help me to forget what you can’t remember?”  And why should that phrase that became a song title even be important to you? Simple stuff. Here is why. There truly is a living God, with absolute authority and power over your life and mine. And He hates sin – the things that you and I do that brings on pain and shame. Your Creator has a memory that never fails – He never forgets what you and I have done. With one exception. He promises to forgive and forget the sin of the one who confesses being a sinner, and begs Him to help them be better. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” You can find that  promise in Hebrews 8:12, should you be interested. Something else you need to know. God didn’t have  to forgive; He chose  to forgive. But He put this strict requirement on His forgiveness – you have to ask. But even if you took God at His word, that He would forgive you and promise to not remember your sins ever again, how would that help you to quit reliving those bad things in your life? To actually relax and finally feel good about yourself? Answer: You have to realize that certain part of your life is totally forgiven and forgotten -so why drag up non-existent garbage to torture yourself? And you probably will have to realize it over and over again, until you finally learn that God meant what He said. That His promise is true and real for you.

Recently, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the completion of statewide Operation Safe Online Summer, which resulted in 11 arrests and one victim rescued. "Summer break is in full swing for many Mississippians, and our children are spending more time on screens," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "My office is working hard to protect our young people wherever they are – including online, but it is important for parents to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect the kids they love. Together, we can make Mississippi a safer place for everyone." Mississippi's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force completed Operation Safe Online Summer which led to execution of 53 state and 3 federal search warrants, issuance of 28 state and 3 federal subpoenas, investigations of 33 citizen complaints and Cybertips, 11 arrests, and 1 child victim rescued from ongoing abuse. ICAC investigators examined more than 16 Terabytes of data, including 17 computers, 60 cell phones/tablets, and 16 pieces of other digital storage. The Attorney General's Office runs the state's ICAC Task Force, comprised of nearly 90 law enforcement agencies and 145 law enforcement personnel from across the state to address threats to Mississippi's children. In addition, during the operation, AGO and ICAC affiliates engaged in 12 community presentations and activities to raise awareness of online safety tips. Actively engaging in discussions about online safety with children at an early age and continuing the conversation over time can assist them as they learn to better navigate the online world. The following topics may assist families as they facilitate conversations about enhancing your child's cyber safety: Elementary School-Age Children: Review Digital Games, Apps, and Social Media Sites  before they are downloaded and pay close attention to apps and sites that utilize end-to-end encryption features, direct messaging options, video chats, file uploads, and user anonymity, which are often exploited by online child predators. Adjust Privacy Settings and Use Parental Controls  for online games, apps, social media sites, and electronic devices. Exercise additional caution if allowing access to gaming platforms, as they can expose children to cyberbullying, scams, predators, and inappropriate content. Supervise Young Children's Use of the Internet and Gaming Platforms , including checking their profiles and posts on a periodic basis. Store electronic devices in open areas of common use and consider implementing time limits for their use of the devices. Encourage Children to Tell a Parent, Guardian, or Other Trusted Adult  if anyone asks them to engage in inappropriate behavior. Middle School and High School-Age Children: Establish the Importance of Online Privacy  by emphasizing the dangers of sharing personal information, photos, and videos online, especially in public forums or with individuals they do not know in real life. Educate them on the permanency of posting images online, as they are accessible online permanently once posted. Teach Children About Body Safety and Boundaries , including the importance and use of saying 'no' to inappropriate requests in the physical and virtual world. Develop Healthy Skepticism  by emphasizing the ability to challenge the authenticity and intentions of what they see and read in online posts, messages, forums, and social media sites. Urge them to be wary of fake accounts that may pose as their peers and use fake, but convincing, photos and videos to share pictures and videos of themselves. Be Alert to Potential Signs of Abuse , including changes in children's demeanor, behavior, emotional state or warning signs of anxiety and depression, and any changes in their use of electronic devices or efforts to conceal online activity. Adolescents and Young Adults: Reinforce Strong Online Habits  including robust passwords, two-factor authentication, utilizing a password manager, and completing routine system updates on devices and operation systems. Build Upon Privacy Lessons  and emphasize how oversharing personal information on social media sites can lead to potential adverse effects. Avoid Dangerous Distractions  through the responsible use of devices while driving. Be Vigilant Against Scams  that are prevalent on advertisements which appear on shopping platforms, social media sites, and web browsers, and can lead to fraudulent sales of defective or counterfeit items or to non-delivery of items. Protecting Against Phishing  schemes in texts, emails, and social media posts where individuals are impersonating a trusted individual or organization and trick users into providing login credentials, sending money through CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo, or unknowingly installing malware on devices. In 2023, Attorney General Fitch launched  Be Aware Before You Share , a campaign to raise awareness of social media's dangerous impact on children's mental and physical wellbeing. You can find resources like the  Guide to Internet Safety for Parents  and  Safety Tips for Children  by visiting  AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com . If you have information about a child being sexually exploited online, please report it to 1-800-843-5678. You can also make a report online at  www.cybertipline.org . The hotline is manned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and tips are reported to the Attorney General's Office.

Mayor Elect- Alisa Butler-Kidd The Town of Bolton will mark an important civic moment on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as newly elected Mayor Alisa Kidd-Butler is officially sworn into office. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Bolton Municipal Building, located at 130 East Hamilton Street. The event will include the formal oath of office, which will be administered by a local official, followed by remarks from Mayor Kidd-Butler. In her speech, she is expected to share her vision for the future of Bolton, with a focus on community engagement, public safety, and continued improvements to infrastructure and quality of life. Community leaders, town officials, and residents are anticipated to attend and show support as the town welcomes its new leader. Following the ceremony, the Bolton Board of Aldermen will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will cover ongoing town business, including committee reports, budget discussions, infrastructure updates, and an open forum for public comment. This seamless transition from ceremonial to administrative proceedings symbolizes a continued commitment to transparent and effective local government. Mayor Kidd-Butler’s swearing-in represents a new chapter for the town of Bolton. Residents are encouraged to attend both the ceremony and the board meeting to witness this important moment in the town’s history and to take part in the civic process from the very beginning of her administration.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s June, considered by many to be the perfect vacation month. And, it is technically summer, but without the oppressive heat that typically arrives next month. Even so, the thought of packing the car, unloading everything in a beach rental, then traveling to and from restaurants and entertainment can be overwhelming. Here’s a solution: head to Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, where everything for the perfect summer beach vacation – including an entertaining, family-friendly musical production in June– is under one roof. Beach access…a few steps away Notice I included the word “beach” in my description of the perfect plan for a relaxing vacation. That’s because “The Beau,” as it’s widely known, is literally on Biloxi Beach. Guests are able to leave their hotel rooms and step right out onto the beach to relax on the sand, walk along the water’s edge to view mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets and engage in any number of water sports. But the real magic exists inside the cocoon-like exterior of the sprawling resort.   Everything under one roof Once you’re inside, there’s really no reason to leave. First, there’s the massive pool lined with palm trees, comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas for an even more luxurious experience. Lounging by the shimmering pool underneath the swaying palm fronds, it’s easy to forget you’re not on a tropical island. Pool access is limited to hotel guests, insuring a secure, private experience.   Beau Rivage’s pool area is filled with comfortable lounge chairs, covered pavilions and private cabanas that can be rented for the day. Photo credit: Beau Rivage Back inside, everything needed for a leisurely vacation is at your disposal. After enjoying a comfortable night’s rest in one of the modern, well-appointed guest rooms or suites, many with stunning gulf views, there are opportunities for shopping, dining, nightlife, entertainment and relaxation. If self-care and pampering are high on your list, a quick elevator ride whisks guests to a serene full-service spa and salon. In the breathtaking lobby, hundreds of fresh flowers and seasonal décor are perfect backdrops for family photos or selfies. Head down the spacious promenade, where a variety of boutiques and specialty stores offering a multitude of shopping opportunities. Dining at its finest When it’s time to dine, 12 restaurants representing a variety of cuisines at various price points are spread throughout the property. One of my favorite restaurants is BR Prime. Each visit to this glamourous steakhouse has been better than the last. With elegant “Vegas glam” décor and ambiance, personal service and outstanding steaks, seafood and desserts, it’s a fine dining experience like no other. While BR Prime may never loose it’s first-place standing in my mind, running a close second after last week’s visit is Coraline’s. Settling into a cozy leather booth next to massive curved windows offering stunning water views of boats lazily floating along the gulf as a massive orange sun sunk below the horizon was an unexpected treat. Equally impressive was the restaurant’s tasteful, elegant décor reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Since its opening last summer, Coraline’s has quickly become a favorite dining destination for guests and it’s easy to understand why. If you’re an oyster-lover, you’ve come to the right place. Coraline’s oysters are prepared at least a half-dozen ways, as are numerous fresh seafood offerings. Equally prominent are Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, along with creative versions of nostalgic offerings like deviled eggs paired with pan-fried okra slices, moist cornbread loaves served with whipped butter and syrup and pork belly with apple and jicama slaw.   Coraline’s Redfish Court Bouillon is a delectable dish of fresh seafood prepared with New Orleans-inspired flair and flavors. Photo credit: Beau Rivage Other popular dining spots are Jia, an award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant; Italian favorite Stalla and Salt & Ivy, known for Coastal-inspired dishes and weekend champagne brunch. Interspersed throughout the resort are eateries serving coffee and pastries, snacks, adult beverages and to-go meals, among other offerings. One of the most frequent stops for guests is the Beau’s famous buffet. A multi-million-dollar refresh has increased the number of daily visitors who line up early for breakfast, followed by meals of fresh seafood, specialty meats and numerous dishes ranging from Southern favorites to ethnic flavors. The buffet opens for breakfast at 8 a.m. and offers lunch and, on most days, dinner until late in the evening. ‘ Grease is the word!' Experiencing the excitement of opening night of the hit Broadway rock n’ roll musical  Grease  was the crowning touch of last week’s mini-vacation. Based on the iconic film of the same name,  Grease  is playing Beau Rivage for a limited engagement through June 29. The show features legendary music, including the Academy Award-nominated song, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” as well as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together.” Performed with a live band, and high-energy choreography, the production is fun, entertaining and a pleasant escape from reality. Unlike many stage recreations of famous movies, this live rendition of the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John exceeded my expectations. With a professional cast of actors, singers and dancers, many of whom bore a striking resemblance to original cast members, and colorful sets and props,  Grease  surpassed some Broadway plays I’ve seen in New York City. Before planning a vacation that involves packed itineraries and activities requiring lots of travel time, consider everything the Beau has to offer. Like me, you’ll quickly realize everything needed for a relaxing summer break is at the Beau. In simple terms, everything about a visit to the Beau is enjoyable, memorable and here’s the important part: stress-free. Make sure to check out Beau Rivage’s website for detailed information on room rates and special packages,  Grease  tickets and show times, restaurants, menus and much more. If You Go: Where:  Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530 Contact:  Guest Services: 228.386.7111 Reservations:  888.567.6667 or book online Website:   beaurivage.mgmresorts.com/en.html Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Mississippi has often been called one big small town—a place where hospitality is a way of life and charm runs deep. Scattered across the Magnolia State are dozens of quiet communities, rich in history and personality, waiting to be discovered. One of those places is Bolton. Tucked away in Hinds County, just 18 miles from Jackson and 25 miles from Vicksburg, Bolton might not make many headlines, but it certainly deserves recognition. Founded in 1830, Bolton was built by early Italian immigrants who established it as a farming community. Back then, Mississippi Highway 18 served as a lifeline, bringing travelers straight through downtown. For years, local businesses thrived on that steady stream of traffic. But the arrival of Interstate 20 rerouted the flow of visitors, and many of those mom-and-pop shops struggled to stay afloat. Despite that shift, Bolton has never lost its spirit. Its people remain rooted in tradition, proud of their heritage and always ready to welcome newcomers. Though small in size, the town has produced a long list of notable figures. Blues legends Bo Carter and Charley Patton once called Bolton home. So did jazz musician Walter Vinson, singer Lucille Jenkins Spann, Olympian Calvin Smith, NFL player Cleveland Green, and author Alan Huffman. The town also gave rise to actress Amia Edwards and Congressman Bennie Thompson, who previously served as Bolton’s mayor before becoming chair of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. Leading the town today is Mayor Lawrence Butler, who has held the office since 1980. Originally from Edwards, he moved to Bolton after marrying a local woman, and has since become the longest-serving mayor in Mississippi. His commitment to the town is a reflection of its overall character—steady, loyal, and deeply rooted. At the center of Bolton’s downtown sits a business that has become part of its identity: Gaddis and McLaurin Mercantile. Founded in 1871 by Dr. John Gaddis and George C. McLaurin, the store originally served as a supplier for local farmers. Over the years, it has grown into a one-stop shop for almost anything—seed, feed, hardware, lumber, clothing, and more. Walking through the store today feels like stepping back in time. Original wood floors creak underfoot, antique decor lines the walls, and customer service is still delivered with a handshake and a smile. In many ways, Gaddis and McLaurin isn’t just a store—it’s the heartbeat of Bolton. But Bolton offers more than history and hardware. Since 2021, B-Town Steakhouse has been serving up one of the best meals in the region. Open only Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., the restaurant has built a loyal following with its cozy atmosphere and flavorful menu. A must-try is Emily’s Famous Pimento Cheese served with buttery crackers, followed by a Certified Angus Beef steak cooked to your liking. Reservations are welcomed but not required, and the experience is worth the drive. So next time you're traveling down I-20, consider taking Exit 27. Spend a little time in Bolton. Visit the mercantile, enjoy a steak dinner, and take in the quiet strength of a town that’s still standing tall despite the odds. Small towns like Bolton aren’t just a part of Mississippi—they're the heart of it.

Shoppers in Mississippi will get some considerable tax breaks in July and August, with one of them going into effect permanently in the Magnolia State on July 1st. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR) is slashing the sales tax rate on groceries purchased in the state by two-percent, from seven-percent to five-percent, effective July 1st. Then, on July 11 through July 13, Mississippi shoppers will get another, temporary sales tax break through the state’s Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, just in time for school clothes and supplies shopping before the 2025-2026 school year arrives. In August, Mississippi Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will take place from August 29 -August 31. Be sure to check out our upcoming posts of The Bolton News for a breakdown on all the products covered and savings.