On Monday, December 2nd, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) and the White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. will hold a public forum at Hinds Community College to highlight the excellent work in Central Mississippi by local higher education institutions to strengthen the local cybersecurity workforce and expand the broader cyber ecosystem to build the cyber talent the nation needs. This event is open to the media and will include a panel discussion moderated by Hinds Community College Vice President Dr. Ginger Robbins.   In addition to the public forum, Congressman Thompson and Director Coker will tour Hinds’ Raymond Campus and meet with administrators and students from local colleges and universities – including Hinds Community College, Jackson State University, and Tougaloo College.    Details:   WHEN: 12:30pm CT, Monday, December 2nd   WHERE: Hinds Community College (Raymond Campus), Sonny Fountain Hall, 501 E. Main Street, Raymond, MS 39154   SPEAKERS: Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security Hon. Harry Coker, Jr., White House National Cyber Director Dr. Ginger Robbins, Vice President of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs, Hinds Community College   PANEL DISCUSSION: Dr. Ginger Robbins, moderator Dr. Jonathan Townes, Vice President of Career and Technical Education and HBCU Initiatives, Hinds Community College Dr. Demetria Howard White, Director of Academic Computing, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and Cybersecurity Clinic Director, Tougaloo College Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Dean for the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University

By: Bob Garver             “Red One” desperately wants to be an “edgy” Christmas movie. Edgy Christmas movies throughout history have included everything from raunchy comedies (“Bad Santa,” “The Ref”) to intense action (“Fatman,” “Violent Night”) to straight-up horror (“Black Christmas,” “Silent Night, Deadly Night”). When edgy movies turn Christmas on its head just right, they can become blockbusters and classics like “Home Alone” or “Die Hard.” When they fail, well, they’ll do whatever “Red One” is going to do at the box office because this movie is a big miss.             The heroes of “Red One” are security chief Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) and hacker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Callum works for the one and only Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons), and both love delivering presents to the good people of the world. But Cal has become jaded and lost passion for his work. It’s not that he doesn’t love being around Santa and his positive energy, he just thinks that the world has become overrun by people like Jack. Jack is a deadbeat dad, an unscrupulous hacker, and – given that he literally steals candy from a baby in the film’s opening moments – a total sociopath. I know the point is to show that this character needs the redemption that he’ll earn through the rest of the movie, but after he does that, I wasn’t rooting for him to earn anything besides a prison cell.             Despite Callum’s best efforts, Santa gets kidnapped by evil witch Gryla (Kiernan Shipka). Callum’s boss Harlow (Lucy Liu) learns that Jack did some hacking in relation to the abduction, and orders him brought in for questioning. The civilian gets a peek at the M.O.R.A. (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), which hints at the start of a cinematic universe that I doubt will ever be expanded.             Jack doesn’t know who exactly was paying him, but middleman Ted (Nick Kroll) might. Cal reluctantly escorts Jack to Aruba to follow the lead. The scenes in Aruba last about five minutes, yet I suspect that about $200 million of this film’s reported $250 million cost was spent there. The money sure didn’t go toward making the movie decent, I can assure you of that.             Jack and Cal eventually have to visit Santa’s brother (Kristofer Hivju) for more information. The film builds suspense around the identity of the brother, and I was like, “Krampus, right?” The movie treats the answer like some kind of big reveal, but I was more shocked that Benedict Cumberbatch in “Star Trek Into Darkness” wasn’t playing a guy named Harrison.             Jack and Cal make a pair of unlikely partners as they race to save Santa by Christmas. There are chases and fights and hustles and one-liners, barely any of which are funny and none of which are exciting. The action scenes are all murky and cheap, and Gryla is one of the most underwhelming villains in recent memory. Somewhere along the way, Jack gets the redemption he needs and Cal learns to see the good he needs to see – which means he’s not watching this movie.             Since “Red One” is all about the season of giving, I’ll give the movie a gift and boost it above a “D” rating. The reason is simple: J.K. Simmons. The Oscar-winner is primarily responsible for the one good scene in the movie, where Santa and Cal debate the necessity of generosity in an increasingly-cruel world. And I guess some of the tricks Santa uses to visit houses all over the world are cute – like wormholes, transformation technology, and military escorts (“Red One” refers to the sleigh, by the way). But the movie spends a good 90% of its runtime in “D” territory. The better edgy Christmas movie of 2024 was “Terrifier 3,” and it’ll be a Christmas miracle if that one stays in theaters much longer.   Grade: C-   “Red One” is rated PG-13 for action, some violence, and language. Its running time is 123 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Empower Mississippi has just announced speakers for its annual Solutions Summit set for December 10. Kyle Mann, Editor-in-Chief of the popular satirical news site The Babylon Bee, will give the keynote presentation. Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Jason White were also announced as speakers for the Summit this week.  Mann is a prolific comedy writer, public speaker and podcast host who has written thousands of headlines and articles for The Babylon Bee. Known for his wit, humor, and thought-provoking commentary, Mann brings a fresh voice to important conversations shaping our society today. The annual Empower Solutions Summit brings together Mississippi's leaders, policy experts, and everyday citizens for a solutions-centered discussion on how to tackle our biggest challenges and help all Mississippians rise. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy panel discussions and in-depth conversations on topics critical to our state's future, including workforce development, criminal justice, and education.  The Empower Solutions Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Sheraton Refuge Hotel & Conference Center, located at 2200 Refuge Boulevard in Flowood, with a reception to follow. Tickets to the event are now available, and the full slate of speakers and panelists will be released in the coming weeks. For more information or to register for the Summit, visit  empowerms.org/empower-solutions-summit .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Everybody knows finances are tight today. Now, one can only hope against hope that by the time this column hits your hands, the sentence I just wrote is a lie. That by some miracle the ever- escalating balloon of inflation in our country has run into a sharp knife and rapidly became a splattered has-been on the ground. I’m hoping all of us are crowding the stores, once again stocking our pantries and keeping our credit cards smoking. Yeah, I know, the eternal optimist. But let me leave that topic for a few paragraphs, because this eternal optimist wants to take you on a trip into the very near future – Thanksgiving Day. You remember it - the Feast To End All Feasts, or unfortunately in some households, the Fight To End All Fights. Now I could wax eloquent on the true meaning of that holiday, our gratefulness for blessings, the chance to gather around a groaning table, being with loved ones, and thanking our Creator for His presence in our lives. I could, but not this time. This time I choose to tell a very different truth, one that I fear smacks way too many folks right in their face. That truth? Thanksgiving Day means Christmas Day is only twenty-seven panicky, stressful days away! Honestly, with that thought, who can relax enough to sit down at the dining room table and peacefully gorge themselves on Lucy’s homemade noodles and Uncle Roger’s deep-fried turkey, followed by six slices of Mom’s pecan pie. Knowing that marathon days of working your regular job, housecleaning, grocery shopping, Christmas parties, and expensive gift-buying are getting ready to descend on you like a ton of bricks falling off a freight train. But, let me be your champion, your hero, your lifesaver! Ready for a thought-provoking idea that could rescue you from some of that dreaded drudgery? Here it is; on Thanksgiving Day, by all means, bake your favorite green-bean casserole, whip up those deviled eggs, and sail into Grandma’s house with a smile or a frown for everyone there. Be the life of the party, or the grouch in the corner – whatever makes you comfortable. Eat, drink, and play your part in that scenario. But. After you have cleaned your overloaded plate for the last time, make your move. Deliberately lean forward, clear your throat, and then loudly proclaim that this presidential election was bogus, all kinds of cheating has been proven, and you are more than ready to take on anyone who is ready to challenge what you just said. I almost guarantee you this; your next twenty-seven days will miraculously clear themselves of a lot of clutter. Oh sure, you will still have to appear at work every day, but many family Christmas get- togethers could likely disappear, and all the pressure of obligatory gift-buying could shrink to an all-time low. Inflation or not, you will save some of your money. Despised in the family maybe, but you could relax in your recliner a lot more.

The Mississippi Public Service Commission has been made aware of a scam targeting businesses, especially LLCs, who are required to submit an annual report to the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office each fiscal year. The scam consists of a misleading mailer sent by a private entity called C.F.S. In the mailer, the company offers to prepare 2025 annual reports for a $125.00 fee. The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office has previously shared  warnings  of this scam. It's important for both businesses and consumers to stay alert during the holiday season, as scams tend to increase. The Commissioners highlight the need for vigilance to protect against fraudulent activities. Always check the legitimacy of any calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from companies or government entities requesting payment, and never share personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you are sure of the recipient's identity. Be wary of red flags, including high-pressure tactics, threats, or offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often play on emotions, especially during the holidays. Ensure that everyone in your household or business is aware of common scams and knows how to respond. Staying informed and cautious can help protect you and your community during the festive season. Businesses may report deceptive or misleading solicitations to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline is 1-800-281-4418.

The Town of Bolton is currently seeking a dependable and hardworking individual to fill the role of General Maintenance Man. This position offers a great opportunity to contribute to the community by helping maintain public spaces and facilities. Responsibilities include maintaining town properties, handling minor repairs, and ensuring public spaces are safe and welcoming for residents. If you’re ready to support Bolton’s growth and beautification, don’t miss this opportunity!  Interested candidates should contact Town Hall at 601-866-2221 for details and application instructions.

By: Kara Kimbrough  I’ve often shared my love of food stores…large supermarkets…family-owned food markets…neighborhood grocery stores and local bakeries…I’m no discriminator between any of them. Bottom line: I just want to shop locally for my food. As a result, I recently explored a “supermarket on steroids” and compiled a list of my favorite products in case you’re ever near a Trader Joe’s store.      My obsession with supermarkets was primarily spurred by the 12+ years I spent as communications manager for Jitney Jungle Stores of America. I saw firsthand how supermarkets serve as an employer for thousands and are the heart of any community. Plus, I simply like selecting my own food items so that I can comparison shop (reading the shelf labels is a must) but make sure I’m getting the very best products.    As the holidays approach, I hope you’ll shop locally for your family’s meals. I realize some need the convenience of online ordering, but if you don’t, consider supporting local supermarkets, food stores and bakeries. The positive ripple effect of doing business with local businesses far surpasses any temporary convenience afforded by ordering from out-of-state corporations.   OK, I’ll get off my soapbox and share my thoughts on Trader Joe’s. For years, I’m listened to Mississippi friends talk about stopping by the Metairie location of the specialty supermarket when traveling near New Orleans. They shared the joys of purchasing hard-to-find gourmet items as well as the chain’s signature private label brand products. And, a couple of foodie friends from Jackson regularly drive straight to Trader Joe’s, shop for their favorite items and head straight back home.     After asking for their top picks and watching several online videos from devotees of the store, I was excited to take a short detour to Metairie while returning from a recent trip to New Orleans. Here are the items I’d definitely purchase again, along with my thoughts at the end: 1.     Apple cider doughnuts – Trader Joe’s bakery gets an A+ for its large selection of delicious specialty breads, muffins, pastries and doughnuts. The apple cider ones were so good that I ended up making a batch at home after the box was empty. 2.     Rustic apple galette – Again, Trader Joe’s bakery did not disappoint. This tasty deconstructed tart was one of my favorite items. 3.     Burrata, prosciutto and arugula frozen flatbread pizza – Trader Joe’s frozen offerings were touted as some of the best around. I must admit, I wasn’t overly impressed with what I found, but did love this pizza topped with delicious ingredients. 4.     Maple fudge – It’s rare to find prepackaged fudge that actually tastes fresh, but this product did. I loved the creamy taste, but was disappointed in the small package size. 5.     Cream cheese spreads – I love cream cheese in any form or flavor, so finding two spreadable versions – onion and chive and red bell pepper, garlic and parmesan – was a special treat.  On the flip side, I was disappointed in some items, either due to the price, product size or flavor. And, the Metairie location was either out of stock or had discontinued some of products I'd heard about or seen online. I'm glad I experienced it, but when it comes to specialty or “fun to shop” supermarkets, my allegiance remains with Jackson-area based Whole Foods and Fresh Market, along with the Gulf Coast’s Rouse’s stores.     After my Trader Joe’s experience, I searched for a recipe for one of my favorites, the rustic apple galette. It’s easy to put together, is the perfect accompaniment to morning coffee and serves as a delicious fall dessert. Rustic Apple Galette 1 single crust (can make or use prepared frozen crust) 3 large baking apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices 5 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon fine salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg, beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons water, divided Coarse sugar, for sprinkling 1 tablespoon apricot jam or jelly      Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees. If you have a baking stone, place on the rack to preheat with the oven.     Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.      Gently toss apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and vanilla together in bowl.     Roll out the prepared dough into a 13-inch circle on lightly floured counter, then transfer to prepared pan.     Using a slotted spoon, pick up the apples from the bowl leaving the excess juices behind, and arrange them in center of dough, leaving 2-inch border around edge. Carefully grasp 1 edge of dough and fold up 2 inches over apples. Repeat around circumference of tart, overlapping dough every 2 inches; gently pinch pleated dough to secure, but do not press dough into fruit.    Beat the egg with 1/2 teaspoon of water. Brush all over the top crust. Sprinkle the crust with coarse sugar. Bake until crust is deep golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove pan to a wire rack and let tart cool for 10 minutes.     While the galette cools, combine the apricot jam and 1 teaspoon of water in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until bubbling. Brush over the apples. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

by me At last check, there have been 58 fire deaths statewide in 2024. Unattended cooking was the cause in six of those fire deaths. There were seven cooking-related fire deaths in 2023. "Many people have family and friends over for the holiday," said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. "Don't let distractions put you and your guests in danger. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove." Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal's Office when preparing your Thanksgiving meal: Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves that could catch fire. If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible. Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If you have a fire: Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave. Create an escape plan with multiple exits that all family members know and set a meeting place outside. If using a turkey fryer: Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials. Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If you use one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully. Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Never leave the fryer unattended. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends you thaw a turkey 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6 feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that starting November 18, 2024, applications for funding from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund are available through the Office of the Attorney General and service providers are welcome to begin the application process. "Human trafficking is real and it is here in Mississippi. Working together, we can put an end to this dangerous enterprise," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "I am pleased to announce that the Legislature has appropriated another $2.5 million for the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund, and organizations that are helping human trafficking victims recover and heal are invited to apply. Applications must be received by December 13." Originally created during the 2020 Legislative Session to provide funding to direct service providers for trafficking victims in Mississippi, the Fund is managed by a seven-member committee, including appointments by the Attorney General, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and Commissioner of Child Protection Services, and one representative of a services provider. The Fund is administered by the Attorney General's Office. By statute, funding comes from assessments for convictions of certain crimes, donations, and legislative appropriations. AG Fitch Announces 2024 Human Trafficking Victims Fund Application Period Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on December 13, 2024. Visit https://www.ago.state.ms.us/human-trafficking-fund/ to learn more and apply.

By: Chris Gray, President and Founder Zacchaeus' Tree Adoption Ministry The next adoption and foster care class will be on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at Crossgates Church from 6:05-7:00p in room 207.   * The class is free to attend and open to the public. * Childcare is provided for free through the church. * RSVP is not required . *  Foster families will receive a  one-hour training credit  for attending the class. * Our classes are approved through the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services . * Everyone is welcome to attend no matter if one is a seasoned veteran or coming for the 1st time. * You do not have to be a member of a church to attend the classes.   ***Read this paragraph*** Important info here: Crossgates Church will be hosting their Kingsinger’s Christmas musical on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, for 3 year olds – 5th grade, so there will be no childcare this week because the teachers will be working the musical. However, if your child is 2 years and younger, then childcare will remain as usual. With that being said, you are welcome to bring your child to class with you.   Their keynote speakers will be David and Chanda Davis.  They will be talking about the ‘Surviving the Wait’ of their adoption journey. There’s no doubt that ‘waiting’ is hard for everyone involved in the adoption and foster care journey. So, if you are in need of encouragement for ‘waiting,’ then you’ll want to come to this class.   The 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. They 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 by phone or email.   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 front 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. When you enter the building, walk straight ahead to the ‘Welcome Center’ where you will register your child for the 1st time or get your sticker for returning guests.   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 our 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.

By Bob Garver The battle for second place at the domestic box office this past weekend (behind the fourth weekend of “Venom: The Last Dance”) was awfully close, with two films hovering around the $11 million mark. Since neither film is a big hit, I’ve decided to toss them both a quick review. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”               Sadly, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” started off at a disadvantage with me from which it never quite recovered. It wasn’t the lack of flashiness or edginess or intensity. I’m perfectly fine with watching a family-friendly movie about a small-town Christmas pageant. It’s that I read the book by Barbara Robinson as a child, and the movie couldn’t measure up.             The story follows young Beth (Molly Belle Wright, though the movie is narrated by Lauren Graham as an adult Beth) as she sees her mother (Judy Greer) take over as director of the church’s high-pressure Christmas pageant. Things fall apart almost immediately when the six unruly Herdman kids – led by oldest sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider) – insist on taking the six biggest roles in the play. Will the pageant be the disaster that most of the community is expecting? Or will Beth’s mother pull off a miracle and get a decent show out of the little misfits?             Even if I hadn’t read the book first, I could probably guess that the movie was heading in a direction where the Herdmans are reluctantly made better by the church and the church is reluctantly made better by the Herdmans. This is not a movie that takes many risks or makes many deviations from the source material. I was able to recall dialogue word-for-word from the book in some scenes. It’s not a “bad” movie, just an unambitious one. I must dismiss it with the line that adaptations dread: the book was better.   Grade: C   “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is rated PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking. Its running time is 99 minutes.   “Heretic”               “Heretic” follows two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) as they pay a call on potential new convert Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). The stranger is friendly, intelligent, and bubbly, essentially the Hugh Grant from all those romantic comedies. Except this isn’t a rom-com, it’s a horror movie. Unlike with the other movie, I didn’t know much about this one going in, but I knew that once the young women were invited into Mr. Reed’s house, they wouldn’t be getting out anytime soon.             Not that Mr. Reed’s true colors are immediately apparent, even once the door has closed behind the visitors. He plays the gracious host, offering them warmth from the blizzard outside. He engages them in thoughtful religious discourse, occasionally veering into controversial topics as red flags gradually pop up all around him. I couldn’t pinpoint an exact moment where his villainy becomes official, but after several scenes of discussion and debate, the women find themselves trapped in his basement and at his mercy. Mr. Reed doesn’t want to kill them, he’s not that kind of villain. But he does want to do some converting of his own.             “Heretic” is a taut, slow-burn thriller that focuses more on mind games and suspense than action and violence. The three main performances are all excellent, with Grant at his career best and Thatcher and East immediately establishing themselves are future stars. Unfortunately, the film loses steam in the third act, when the script gets greedy with how many twists it wants to pile on. The movie does so well for so long, some early scenes are truly memorable (especially a lengthy board game analogy), and I do recommend it overall, but it just misses out on becoming a contemporary classic.   Grade: B-   “Heretic” is rated R for some bloody violence. Its running time is 111 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Drivers will soon see several safety enhancements at the frequently traveled intersection of State Route 18 and Sunset Dr. in Brandon. In an effort to enhance safety and reduce accidents at the intersection, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently implementing new safety improvements, including the installation of rumble strips, a flashing stop sign, and flashing intersection warning signs. Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons recently joined Brandon Mayor Butch Lee to meet with community members to listen to concerns about the intersection and accidents that have occurred there. Following a comprehensive review of traffic data and accident history at the intersection, state traffic engineers have determined improvements such as rumble strips and flashing stop sign lights will improve safety at the intersection more than a traditional traffic signal. "Our engineers and safety personnel have conducted another study and carefully analyzed the data. Based on current data coupled with federal and state regulations, a traffic signal is not warranted at this intersection," said Commissioner Simmons. "However, we have concluded that there are some safety measures that we are installing to enhance safety at this intersection." According to MDOT's Highway Safety Division, traffic signals are not always the safest countermeasure. Traffic signals are necessary to assign right of way at high volume intersections from an efficiency standpoint. From 2019-2023, 149 of the top 150 intersection crash locations occurred at signalized intersections. Further, 1% of all intersections statewide are signalized, and from 2019 to 2023, 31% of all fatal and suspected serious injury intersection-related crashes occurred at signals. "In looking at traffic data, traffic signals can make an intersection more dangerous, which is the last thing we want to do," said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. "We are in the business of improving safety. These enhancements are designed to improve visibility, reduce traffic speeds, and create a safer intersection." Rumble strips are being installed on the approaches to the intersection to alert drivers of the upcoming stop sign. These textured strips on the road surface produce a noticeable vibration and sound when driven over, helping to reduce vehicle speeds and grab drivers' attention, especially in low-visibility situations. A new flashing LED stop sign is replacing the existing standard stop sign, providing a highly visible, illuminated sign that will alert drivers approaching the intersection. This measure is particularly effective in reducing incidents where drivers fail to notice or adhere to the stop sign. Crews are also installing a flashing intersection warning sign on SR 18 to alert drivers approaching the intersection to use caution. Drivers can expect to see these enhancements completed next week. Stay updated on this project and others at  MDOTtraffic.com , download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.