By: Kara Kimbrough Easy Strawberry Butter Cake is the perfect spring dinner party (or meal) dessert.        It doesn’t take much to impress me. In fact, I’m often inspired by the simplest things. Take a video I watched this week of a cookbook author preparing four simple items for a spring dinner party: a large green salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing; white bean salad with crunchy vegetables; dry-brined, roasted chicken and for dessert, a simple strawberry butter cake.     Transfixed, I watched as she whisked the cake ingredients together in one bowl, then baked everything in a springform pan. It’s a dessert that can be baked the day before a party or special meal to save time as the meal is prepared.    For the meal, she coated chicken pieces with coarse salt and brined them overnight in the refrigerator. The day of her dinner party, she tossed a simple green salad with vinaigrette, then grated, chopped and sauteed vegetables for the white bean salad.     Continuing with the simplistic theme, she compiled a tray of appetizers that included sliced cheese and meat, pickles and olives. The bare table was simply set with two plain taper candles in glass holders, along with a milk glass vase of yellow daisies. Once the candles were lit, the stage was set for a casual evening filled with good food and fellowship.   End result: a tablescape and most importantly, dishes that are simple to make, yet create a delicious dinner that guests will long remember.    Here are recipes for similar dishes to the ones served at the “simple yet elegant” spring dinner party. Whether you’re expecting guests or just a regular night at home with family or, like the dinner party I witnessed, it will result in the perfect spring meal. White Bean and Charred Bok Choy Salad 1 bunch bok choy, rinsed and patted dry 1 bell pepper, sliced and finely chopped 1 stalk celery, sliced and chopped 2 can white beans, drained 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup dill, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for sauteing Dressing: ⅓ cup olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ¾ tablespoon honey, adjust to your sweetness preference Pinch of salt and pepper      Remove stalk from bok choy and add leaves to skillet filled with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and saute, tossing frequently, until leaves are slightly charred and any excess water has cooked out, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the charred leaves from the skillet, coarsely chop them and add to a large salad bowl.    Add remaining salad ingredients to the bowl. Mix together dressing. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, preferable longer, before serving. Dry-Brined Roast Chicken 6-8 chicken pieces (breasts, wings, drumsticks) 2 tablespoons coarse salt, more as needed 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme    Pat chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix salt, orange zest, rosemary, and thyme together in a small bowl; rub mixture all over chicken. Cover dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1-3 days.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove plastic wrap and bake chicken in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 2-2-1/2 hours depending on size. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone should read 165 degrees. Strawberry Butter Cake 1 package strawberry cake mix 1/2 cup butter, melted 4 large eggs, divided 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries Powdered sugar for dusting      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x3-inch round springform baking pan. (can also use a 9x13 pan)      In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, and 1 egg. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan. In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3 eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until combined. Stir in strawberries.     Pour mixture over cake mixture; bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is set and top is lightly browned.     Cool before cutting. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Brownsville M.B. Church Situated in the heart of Bolton, Mississippi, Brownsville M.B. Church has long served as a pillar of faith and fellowship within the community. This historic congregation has provided generations of worshippers with a spiritual home rooted in the Baptist tradition. Its legacy continues today, offering both a place of worship and a hub for outreach and connection. Located at 7565 Bolton Brownsville Road, the church is more than just a landmark—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and enduring faith. Over the decades, the church has remained committed to its mission of spiritual growth, service, and inclusion. Its long-standing presence reflects the strength of the congregation and its dedication to the people of Bolton and surrounding areas. Visitors to Brownsville M.B. Church are welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The congregation gathers each Sunday to reflect on scripture, uplift one another through worship, and strengthen their collective commitment to service. Sunday School begins at 9:00 AM, followed by Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 AM. Midweek spiritual growth is fostered during Wednesday Night Bible Study, held from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Pastor Reginald Garrett, Sr. Under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Garrett, Sr., the church continues to thrive as a place where tradition meets purpose. Pastor Garrett’s vision emphasizes community involvement, spiritual education, and the nurturing of faith in everyday life. His leadership has helped guide the church through times of change, while honoring the principles that have defined Brownsville M.B. Church since its founding. Beyond its regular worship services, the church engages in meaningful outreach initiatives that benefit individuals and families throughout the region. These efforts are a testament to the congregation’s dedication to living out their faith through action, compassion, and a sincere desire to make a difference. Brownsville M.B. Church remains a cornerstone of the Bolton community, not only for its historic significance but for its ongoing impact in the lives of those it serves. With a rich past and a vibrant present, the church continues to be a beacon of light, hope, and unity for all who enter its doors.

In recognition of the vital role hospitals and healthcare professionals play in the well-being of Mississippi communities, Mississippi legislative leaders have officially proclaimed May 11–17, 2025, as Hospital Week in the state. "Mississippi's hospitals are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential services and compassionate care to our citizens," said Richard Roberson, President and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA). "During Hospital Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering commitment of our state's hospitals - and the physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, therapists, food service workers, administrators, volunteers, and many other devoted professionals - who work tirelessly to improve the health of our communities. We also appreciate our state's leaders joining us to recognize and celebrate hospitals across our state by issuing proclamations of support."  "The role that hospitals and health systems play in rural areas is even more essential," said Chad Netterville, director of the Mississippi Rural Hospital Alliance. "They serve as anchor institutions in our rural communities and are oftentimes the largest employer in those communities." National Hospital Week has been celebrated for more than 100 years. It began as National Hospital Day in 1921 and was changed to National Hospital Week in 1953. Mississippi hospitals will host various events and activities throughout Hospital Week to honor their staff and engage with their communities. These may include health fairs, staff appreciation luncheons, community outreach programs, and educational seminars promoting health and wellness. During Hospital Week, MHA will concentrate its social media messaging on celebrating Mississippi hospitals and health systems and recognizing the many ways they are more than healthcare.  MHA has teamed up with the American Hospital Association and hospital associations nationwide to encourage participation in Hospital Week by sharing stories and expressions of gratitude to Mississippi hospitals and healthcare professionals using the hashtags #HospitalWeek and #WeAreHealthCare on social media. This initiative aims to highlight the diverse roles within healthcare and the collective effort to provide outstanding care. For more information on National Hospital Week and resources to participate, visit the American Hospital Association's website at  https://www.aha.org/ahia/get-involved/national-hospital-week . For more information about MHA, visit  www.mhanet.org .

By: Bob Garver             “Thunderbolts*,” the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, seems like awfully familiar territory. In the film, a group of assassins, criminals, and burnouts band together to form a ragtag group of do-gooders looking for redemption. There are definitely shades of the MCU’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” in play. Or how about that Sony-controlled “Sinister Six” movie that may never materialize? Actually, the real template seems to be “Suicide Squad” from the DC Extended Universe. That was the crummy team-up of also-ran villains that had the hook of Margot Robbie playing Harley Quinn. “Thunderbolts*” can’t even boast Robbie’s Harley, but it also isn’t saddled with Jared Leto’s miserable Joker, so it’s roughly a draw.             For all the emphasis on the team effort, there is an unadvertised clear-cut lead. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the adopted sister of the late Black Widow, is starting to feel bored with an unfulfilling life of black ops work. She visits her father, Red Guardian (David Harbour), but he isn’t much help. He loves her very much, but he’s never been the best father, and he mostly wants her to help him advance his own shambled career.             Yelena takes an assignment in the base of a mountain, but it’s a trap. She’s ambushed by the molecularly unstable Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), seen here for the first time since 2018’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” Then the two of them are ambushed by disgraced soldier U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), seen here for the first time since the 2021 Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Then they’re all ambushed by Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), seen here for the first time since 2021’s “Black Widow,” and if this group is the Suicide Squad, then she’s the Slipknot. Also present is an amnesia-stricken stranger named Bob (Lewis Pullman), but there’s not much time to learn his story, as the mountain is about to be incinerated.             Pulling the strings and trying to cut off loose ends is CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Much like Amanda Waller of “Suicide Squad,” she’s a morally-compromising government official who’s a little too eager to sacrifice her own people. She’s in the middle of an impeachment and wants to eliminate four of her most embarrassing assets. So she assigned them all to attack each other, with a follow-up plan to blow up the whole mountain anyway. Even though they don’t like each other, they work together to escape. With some help from Red Guardian and the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), frustrated that he can’t stop the dangerous de Fontaine as an elected official, they form a team temporarily known as the Thunderbolts, named after Yelena’s pee-wee soccer team.             de Fontaine still wants to eliminate the Thunderbolts, but she’s intrigued by escaped test subject Bob. He unwittingly has tremendous superpowers, and with the right molding, he could be the best asset to the U.S. government since The Avengers. The problem is that he’s also capable of tremendous destruction and could also be the biggest threat to the world since Thanos. He’s so unstoppable with his ability to instantly turn victims into lifeless shadows that the Thunderbolts have to try to get him to choose to stop attacking people because they are in no way a match otherwise.             There’s an admirable emphasis on mental health in “Thunderbolts*,” with the movie taking sensitive looks at Bob’s repressed dark side, Yelena’s uncertainty about her place in the world, and everybody’s past traumas. It’s why a lot of people have been won over by this movie, and I’m glad they’ve been able to find something of value here. But all I saw was the MCU realizing that they had too many directionless minor characters, so they consolidated them into one unoriginal, uninteresting movie. Grade: C- *The asterisk in the film’s title is because the MCU wants fans to call the movie something different once they’ve seen it. I’m not getting behind that nonsense, and I hope the practice doesn’t catch on. “Thunderbolts*” is rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

As the school year draws to a close, Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is preparing to honor its students with a series of End-of-Year Awards Day programs. These ceremonies are a proud tradition, offering the school community an opportunity to celebrate the academic success, growth, and milestones of students from PreK through 8th grade. Awards Day Schedule: Thursday, May 16  – 1st through 7th Grades  at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 19  – PreK and Kindergarten  at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21  – 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony  at 9:00 a.m. All ceremonies will be held on campus in the school gymnasium. These programs highlight the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in academics, citizenship, attendance, and leadership throughout the school year. Teachers and administrators will present awards, celebrate student progress, and offer words of encouragement as each grade level prepares for the next step in their academic journey. The 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony on May 21 is a particularly special occasion, marking a significant transition as students complete their middle school years and prepare for high school. It will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of the dedication and resilience these students have shown. Important Note for Guests: To ensure the safety and visibility of all students, no balloons are allowed at the school  during any of the awards day programs. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and be seated before the ceremonies begin. BEEMS looks forward to welcoming families, guardians, and supporters to these meaningful events. Together, we’ll honor the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of our students as we close another successful school year.

The Bolton-Edwards Elementary and Middle School (BEEMS) community is gearing up for an evening of celebration and pride as it prepares to honor its student-athletes at the Royal Blue Sports Athletic Banquet. The event will take place on Monday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the BEEMS Gymnasium. Attendance is by invitation only. This annual banquet serves as a time-honored tradition, recognizing the hard work, commitment, and resilience of student-athletes who have represented BEEMS with distinction throughout the school year. From early morning practices to late-night games, these athletes have balanced academics and athletics with determination and heart. Royal Blue stands as a powerful symbol of BEEMS pride, representing the strength in unity and the commitment to excellence found in every athlete. Guests can expect an evening filled with celebration and recognition, including award presentations for outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship across various teams. Coaches and staff will also take a moment to reflect on the season's highlights and acknowledge the growth and achievements of each team. The banquet is more than just a ceremony—it is a tribute to the student-athletes who wear the BEEMS name with pride, and to the families, teachers, and coaches who support them. As the athletes are honored under the gym’s lights, they stand as shining examples of what it means to rise to a challenge, support one another, and strive for greatness. With excitement building, the BEEMS community looks forward to a memorable night where excellence is not just acknowledged, but celebrated in true Royal Blue fashion.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     Many things like our car washes, ATMs, and grocery stores now boast that they have contactless accessibility. “NO TOUCHING, KEEP TO YOUR YOURSELF SO YOU WON’T RISK BEING CONTAMINATED OR INVOLVED.” And that concept works for keeping yourself germ-free in this scary disease-ridden world. But not so effective in rearing kids. We are now seeing the effects of living as touch-me-nots, where impressionable kids have too many of their relationships through texting, social media, and phone calls. Instead of eye-to-eye conversations, hugs, and hands-on discipline. I believe this type of hands-off emotionally distant parenting has resulted in a generation of kids living in loneliness, despair, and depression. Sure, you may not hear a child specifically verbalize that is how they feel. But watch. Listen between the lines. If you take the time, I think you will realize that our current remote style of relating is taking its toll. Too many of America’s families are suffering from the lack of home-time and intimacy. Being gathered around the dining room table eating together, talking, listening, and even the inevitable arguing among siblings is a vital part of learning how to function in life, how to relate to others. And having to share a bedroom, “Oh, God forbid!” with a sibling is not a bad curse on a child. On the contrary, a kid learns to share, to compromise, to lay in their bed and listen to another’s hurts and successes.  And learn that the feelings and opinions of others really do matter. Pretty successful training for a budding adult. Isolationism is taking a tragic toll on our country’s society. Remember, as the kids go, so goes a nation. After all, the way you are raised as a child plays a part in how you function as an adult. If you are emotionally isolated in childhood, there is a good chance those young years will influence how you function in your grownup years.   As a result, many neighborhoods are segregating into many small microcosms, where only very few make a concentrated effort to care for more than those within their small circle. Gone are the days when neighbors deliberately became friends, or at least made that effort. Therefore, trust and closeness in our neighborhoods, where we each care about the welfare of others on our street, is just about down the drain. How do we begin to turn this around? In your own home, first of all. Secondly, start with a neighbor. Be it the little widow lady who lives on the corner, or the huge family next door. Reach out in warmth, friendliness and kindness. Go out of your way to introduce yourself. Retrieve their empty trash can for them after trash pickup day – it won’t kill you. Offer to help them with a chore, and don’t take it personally when they shy away at first offer. After all, nowadays, neighbors aren’t really trusted at first. Just begin. Our country’s worth it.

By: Kara Kimbrough Spaghetti salad, full of chopped vegetables and tangy dressing, is the perfect hot-weather meal or side dish.     When I say “salads are spring/summer survival food,” I’m not referring to pale leaves of iceberg lettuce topped with a few shakes of tasteless low or no-fat dressing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think a top-heavy salad of rich ranch dressing, oil-laden croutons and salty bacon pieces on a miniscule layer of lettuce constitutes a healthy meal. But at the same time, there has to be “just a little” substance to my salads. And there’s no time like the present to begin compiling a list of some of my go-to salads as spring and soon, summer, requires lighter meals and side dishes without turning on the oven.        First, I absolutely love pasta, so finding a new way to transform my favorite carb into a salad always makes my day. I jotted down the ingredients for Spaghetti Salad. A quick trip to the supermarket yielded the ingredients for the easy dish that turned out even better than expected. The tasty, satisfying dish will be a staple in my refrigerator for a quick meal or to take to gatherings when a side dish is required. Due to the oil-based dressing, this salad will hold up well outdoors at backyard cookouts and on summer picnics and beach trips.       Following this discovery, I watched an online demonstration of a busy mom creating easy lunches to take to work to save money. First, I was intrigued by her salad prep work. Using her grandmother’s recipe, she pickled sliced red onions to serve as crunchy toppings. For protein, she bakes or grills several chicken breasts and slices 1-2 daily to top the salad. And the creamy dressing looked easy and delicious. Because the salad is so tasty, she claims to never tire of it, bringing it or a variation to work every few days.      Here are two of the spring/summer salads I tried this week, along with my new find, a way to pickle red onions…the old-fashioned way, of course.   Spaghetti Salad 1 pound spaghetti (heavier than angel hair) 1-2 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 green pepper, sliced 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin ½ cup sliced black or green olives ½ cup pickled onions (more to taste) 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing (I like Wish-Bone) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ½ cup grated parmesan 2-3 tablespoons Salad Supreme   Boil pasta until al dente. When done, drain in colander and run under cold water until cooled. Pour into a large serving bowl and add chopped vegetables, stirring well to combine. Pour in dressing and additional toppings; stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; preferable overnight, before serving. Pickled Onions 2 small red onions 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups water ⅓ cup sugar 2 tablespoons salt      Thinly slice onions and divide the onions between 2 (16-ounce) jars or 3 (10-ounce) jars. Heat the vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve, about 1 minute. Let cool and pour over the onions. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The onions will be ready to eat once they're bright pink and tender - about 1 hour for very thinly sliced onions, or overnight for thicker sliced onions. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.   Everyday Salad Salad: 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped green leaf lettuce 4 ounces sliced cooked chicken Pickled onions Slices of avocado, tomato or other favorite vegetable Dressing: ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (I used olive oil-based) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese    Add dressing ingredients to bottom of mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add chopped lettuce and toss well to combine. Top with diced chicken, pickled onions and sliced vegetables.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

The next adoption and foster care class hosted by Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry will be on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at Crossgates Church from 6:05-7:00p in room 207. The keynote speaker for this class will be the Fisher Family. The Fisher family will be sharing their amazing adoption testimony. You will not want to miss out on hearing what God is doing in their adoption journey. These classes are offered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of each month through Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry. The classes offer both adoptive and foster families a 360-degree holistic view of the adoption and foster care process.  The classes are designed to inform, equip, and encourage adoptive and foster families as well as to build relationships with other families who are going through the same process through biblical perspectives. As always, bring a friend or family member with you, so that they can learn more about your adoption or foster journey. I know you are getting off work, so if you need to bring something to eat to class, you are welcome to do so. Finally, should you have any questions, please contact Chris at 601-876-2550 or christopher.gray1@yahoo.com Here is some helpful information for those who choose to use the free childcare provided by Crossgates Church. Currently, there is only one entrance to the church as the church is under renovation. You will use the main entrance to enter the building. Once you enter the church, the church will be serving a meal, and you are welcome to eat as well. You will see a big flight of stairs leading upstairs, and you will walk past the stairs where you will see the ‘Welcome Center.’ If you are a first time guest, a member of the welcome center will gather your information to get your child registered the first time. This is a security measure that the church uses to ensure the safety of your child while you are in class. The welcome center will issue you a sticker for you and your child, and you will use this sticker with your family’s information to check your child out when the class is finished. Someone from the church can walk with you to your child’s class so that you know where to go. The adoption and foster care classroom is located up the big flight of stairs. Once you reach the top, you will turn right, and we are the last class on the left. They church also has an elevator if this service is needed. You are the most important guests, so should you need anything once you arrive; you can call Chris on his cell phone at 601.876.2550, and he will make his way to you.

Robert L. Crook was born in Bolton, Mississippi, on April 22, 1929, and spent his childhood in Ruleville. He pursued higher education at the University of Mississippi and later attended Jackson School of Law, preparing for a career that would leave a lasting mark on the state. Proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps, Senator Crook carried the discipline and sense of duty he learned there into every aspect of his professional life. His commitment to public safety led to his appointment as State Director of Civil Defense from 1960 to 1964 under Governor Ross Barnett. Senator Crook began his legislative career in 1964, representing Sunflower, Bolivar, and Coahoma Counties for 28 years. Over nearly three decades in the Mississippi Senate, he emerged as a key leader in a period when the Legislature played a powerful role in guiding the state's direction—particularly through its control of the budget and oversight of executive agencies. He championed the interests of the Mississippi Delta with clarity and purpose. Known for his strategic insight and firm grasp of legislative authority, Senator Crook often remarked that he exercised that power “to the hilt.” Among his most notable accomplishments were the legislative efforts that helped modernize state government. At a time when computer technology was just beginning to shape the public sector, he recognized its potential and authored the bill that created the Central Data Processing Authority—now known as the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services. He also wrote the legislation that established the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration, which remains a core part of the state's operational structure. In response to a 1985 Mississippi Supreme Court decision that barred lawmakers from serving on major executive boards and commissions, Senator Crook drafted Senate Bill 3050. That legislation restructured the state’s governance model and remains the foundation for Mississippi’s current system. His leadership on this issue earned him national recognition from the U.S. General Services Administration. Senator Crook also played a significant role in reforming public utility oversight. He spearheaded the reorganization of the Public Service Commission and introduced the concept of an independent Public Utilities Staff. As the first chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER), he led the committee to Washington, D.C., where he helped develop the auditing practices that Mississippi would later adopt. He also chaired the Senate Fees, Salaries, and Administration Committee, handling legislation concerning the pay structures of public officials across all levels of government. Beyond his legislative work, Senator Crook was a successful attorney and a strong advocate for legal reform. He was actively involved in legislation related to civil law, including workers' compensation, and served on the Mississippi Supreme Court Bar Tribunal. Senator Robert L. Crook’s impact on Mississippi's government and legal landscape remains profound. His vision, leadership, and dedication to public service helped shape the modern structure of the state's administration and left a legacy that continues to serve the people of Mississippi.

Governor Reeves declares May 4 – May 10, 2025, Hurricane Preparedness Week for the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges citizens to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, there were 18 named storms, 11 of which formed into hurricanes, and five intensified into major hurricanes. According to the National Weather Service, an average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.    "The upcoming hurricane season marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which serves as a reminder about the significant challenges our state can face from powerful storms," said Governor Tate Reeves.  "I encourage all residents to take proactive steps in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season. Being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and minimizing damage."   "I encourage all Mississippians to use Hurricane Preparedness Week to prepare now, by assembling an emergency supply kit, developing a family emergency plan, and determining evacuation routes," says MEMA's Executive Director Stephen McCraney. "By taking precautions now, we can safeguard our communities from any potential tropical storms. Let's work together to ensure the safety and resilience of Mississippi during this hurricane season."   Every Mississippi family should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with necessities like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, etc. To download a copy of the disaster supply checklist,  click here . MEMA encourages homeowners to do an insurance check before hurricane season; homeowners should also purchase flood insurance if their home is in a special flood hazard zone.   During Hurricane Preparedness Week, MEMA will highlight key messages, facts, and ways to be prepared on our social media platforms. Here are the key topics for each day:   • May 4, 2025 - Know Your Risk: Wind & Water • May 5, 2025 - Prepare Before Hurricane Season • May 6, 2025 - Understand Forecast Information • May 7, 2025 - Get Moving When a Storm Threatens • May 8, 2025 - Stay Protected During Storms • May 9, 2025 - Use Caution After Storms • May 10, 2025 - Take Action Today   The official Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, 2025- November 30, 2025.   Mississippians can also view MEMA's Hurricane Preparedness Guide  here. MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Spanish can be viewed  here. MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Vietnamese can be viewed  here.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB         “The Accountant” was a midsized hit from 2016 that until recently had a reputation as a wannabe franchise-starter that never got a follow-up. I watched the first movie for research last weekend, and I would have guessed that the reason the film went so long without a sequel was that the key players knew that they had made a lousy movie and wanted to do better things with their careers. But apparently there was enough interest to bring about “The Accountant 2,” a film popular enough to make for one of the most crowded screenings I’ve attended in recent memory. I can’t say that I really see the appeal – either before or after the screening.             Ben Affleck is back as genius accountant Christian Wolff. He takes jobs from the most dangerous people on the planet: mobsters, cartels, even terrorist organizations. So that nobody can ever track him to a permanent address, he lives a nomadic lifestyle in a trailer. He also has the extra insurance policy of being a highly-trained killer, though he prefers to not put those skills to use. To ease his conscience a bit, he supplies occasional tips on clients to the Treasury Department and donates much of his income to a private school for autistic children, where his mute partner Justine (played by Allison Robertson, with the voice of Alison Wright via computer) handles many of his operational logistics. Christian himself is autistic, which leads to difficulties in communication that range from funny to sad to scary.             The film opens with Ray King (J.K. Simmons), Christian’s former contact at the Treasury Department, meeting with mysterious assassin Anais (Daniella Pineda) about the whereabouts of a Mexican family. The meeting is… violently broken up. Current Treasury agent Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) is determined to find out and fix the matter that was so important to her mentor. Her investigation leads her to teaming up with Christian, but continuing Ray’s mission may be too dangerous even for the two of them. Christian is going to have to reach out to his estranged brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal).             The first “Accountant” kept Christian’s connection to antagonistic assassin Braxton a secret until the end (I know hindsight is 20/20, but it seems like this was an incredibly easy twist to guess, considering we knew from flashbacks that Christian had a brother raised by the same tough-love father), so they really only had one scene together. This movie, to its credit, takes much better advantage of Affleck and Bernthal as actors. Their chemistry, which mostly consists of sibling squabbling, is the highlight of the movie.             Far from the highlight of the movie is the convoluted storyline about illegal immigration rings, prostitution rings, child internment camps, and how violent wildcard Anais fits into it all. The first movie was just as bad in this department, but at least it had squirrely villain John Lithgow to root against, it’s easy to forget that this movie’s fish-market-owning villain (Robert Morgan) is even a character. With the exception of gray-area Anais, all the bad guys in this movie are so inept that it’s impossible to take them seriously as threats to Christian and Braxton.             Most of the reviews I’ve read either paint “The Accountant 2” as a decent buddy action movie hampered by a confusing mess of a story or a confusing mess of a story elevated by decent buddy action. I’m in the latter camp, which means I don’t recommend the movie overall. I was going to give it a “C-,” but then I decided that I should reward it for improving on the first movie by giving us more Affleck/Bernthal banter, so I’m bumping it up a little. Still, I hope that any future “Accountant” movies recognize and retain what worked about this movie (and the first) while also acknowledging that there need to be improvements made to the way the story unfolds. Grade: C “The Accountant 2” is rated R for strong violence and language throughout. Its running time is 124 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .