Here’s what happens so often. A person becomes an adult, marries, has children, grows ill or old, and dies. Then the family of the deceased comes together to grieve, and to then plan the funeral. The flower shop gets notified to send flowers, and they all attend the service where the bouquets are usually on display. Afterwards, they often follow the casket to the burial site and watch attentively as the flowers they ordered are placed on the grave. Then the family slowly and mournfully walks away, to grieve and attempt to somehow get on with their lives again. Putting the pieces back together somehow, so they can begin living day to day. But without the one they lost. A life over, body buried, love expressed by the beautiful bouquets of flowers that were laid on the fresh grave. This is a repeated heart-wrenching scenario in this country when we lose a loved one. Flowers ordered and placed on the grave. And honestly, because it has happened with such regular frequency throughout time, it is accepted as the normal way to honor those we lose to death. But I would love to see a different scenario. One that isn’t dependent just upon flowers placed on a lonely grave to express our love and grief for the person we lost. We need to acknowledge something…our loved one who died can’t see those flowers! They are incapable of inhaling the gorgeous scent, nor are they able to feel the heartbreaking sadness in our spirit as we gaze down at the flowers placed on their grave. They have no way of looking into our eyes and seeing the love that those flowers represent. It is too late to tell them, to hug them, to express our love and appreciation for what they have meant to us. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Don’t wait and send beautiful flowers to be placed on the grave. Send the flowers now, while they can still see the vibrant colors, while they can bury their nose in them to catch the fragrance. Go to their side and whisper ‘I love you so much,” while they are still living and can smile into your eyes, hug you tightly and say, “I love you too.” We are missing out on a chance to possibly mend a splintered relationship, or express our deep tender feelings, or to show our appreciation for a life that intersected with ours - by waiting to simply send flowers that get placed on a silent grave. I’m not saying to quit sending flowers to honor the loss of someone you loved and respected - not at all. But I am saying this. Give verbal flowers and warm hugs now, while that individual is still breathing, alert and alive. While they can hear and feel your love surrounding them. We are missing out on so much, by just sending flowers to be placed on a grave.kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Child Nutrition is seeking sponsors to operate the 2024 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in counties across the state of Mississippi. The federally funded program provides nutritious meals to children during school vacation periods, though the program operates from June through August in most areas of Mississippi. Meals and snacks are served to children in places such as schools, churches, playgrounds, libraries and parks. Public or private nonprofit schools; units of local, municipal, county or state government; residential summer camps; and public or private nonprofit organizations may qualify as sponsors of the program. To be eligible, potential sponsors must: Be currently licensed through the State Department of Health Possess a current food permit Show you are financially and administratively capable of operating the program Provide continuing services to the community Serve meals on a regular schedule to children or provide meals as part of an organized program for enrolled children at camps New and returning sponsors are encouraged to attend a virtual training session set for Thursday, Jan. 11. For additional training information, contact SFSP Outreach Coordinator April D. Catchings at acatchings@mdek12.org or call (601) 576-5000. More information about the SFSP may be accessed through the USDA website at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Full nondiscrimination statement: https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s time for my annual “Please stop sending all your hard-earned money to large out-of-state conglomerates with no interest in Mississippi” plea. On a more positive note, I'm also asking you to at least consider baking some of your Christmas gifts. But first, the shopping dilemma. I don’t consider shopping at large supermarket and specialty chains located throughout our state a bad thing. They employ local residents, pay local and state taxes, support local causes and keep the economy strong. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating: If we stop shopping with our local stores, we’ll be reduced to a nation of 18-wheelers (try traveling on crowded highways now for a preview) and empty cardboard box landfills. Last, for no other reason, shopping locally can be fun, invigorating (it’s free therapy!) and you actually get to see and touch firsthand the items you’re buying. With that out of the way, I’d also like to encourage everyone with a working oven to at least consider making homemade Christmas treats for friends, family, teachers, co-workers and bosses and others who deserve a pat on the back during the spirit of giving. Nothing says you care more than a bag filled with Christmas tins containing a few sweet treats you made yourself. This Christmas, I’m feeling nostalgic for a bygone era, so I began searching for tried-and-true Christmas treats that have withstood the test of time. Here are four of my favorites; I’ll share more as we get closer to Christmas. Last, don’t forget…do your part to keep your community viable and healthy...shop local! Rocky Road Fudge 12 ounces chocolate chips 1 cup butter 4 cups sugar 1-1/2 cups evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk) 1 teaspoon vanilla 20 large marshmallows, left whole 2 cups chopped nuts 10-15 large marshmallows cut into pieces (then freeze them) In large bowl, cut the chocolate chips into the butter. Set aside. Next, combine the sugar, milk and the 20 marshmallows to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour this mixture over the chocolate chips and butter mixture. Stir until thick. Add the nuts and the vanilla and the frozen marshmallows. Pour into buttered 9-inch by 13-inch pan. Chill until firm. Cut into squares. Candied Pecans ½ cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 large egg white 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 pound pecan halves (about 4 cups) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until very foamy, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and stir until well coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until fully coated. Spread pecans into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Stir and spread out evenly again. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the nuts are very fragrant and are starting to darken in color. Let the pecans fully cool in the pan on a wire rack (the sugar will harden as it cools). Break into individual pieces. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 weeks. Old-Fashioned M & M Sugar Cookies 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened just to room temp ⅔ cups sugar 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding (dry powder) 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup white chocolate chips Shaker of red and green Christmas sprinkles or sugar Cup of red and green M&M's, divided In a large bowl, add flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together well and set aside. In bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar on medium high, until light and fluffy. Add pudding mix and beat until incorporated. Add eggs and vanilla extract, blending well. Slowly add in the flour mixture. Using rubber spatula, fold dry and wet ingredients together just until fully incorporated. Add the white chips and 1/2 cup M&Ms and mix into the dough. (If it gets too hard to mix, use clean hands) Gently work in 3 TB sprinkles, taking care not to manipulate the dough too much, which may result in the bleeding of sprinkle colors. Dough will be a bit sticky. Cover tightly and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Form 1 inch balls of dough and lightly press down on dough balls to form 1/2 inch rounds. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Sprinkle on more of the colored sprinkles on top (or lightly roll cookie tops in a bowl of sprinkles.) Press on the remaining 1/2 cup of M&M's on top of each dough round. Bake about 8 minutes or just until edges look golden brown. Cookies may seem slightly underdone, but they will firm up upon cooling. Don't over bake. Cool on baking sheet about 10 minutes, and remove to wire rack to finish cooling. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver I’ve been referring to this movie as “Hunger Game of Thrones.” It’s a prequel to “The Hunger Games,” but the influence of a certain HBO fantasy series is pretty apparent with the casting of Peter Dinklage and the “Song of Ice and Fire”-like subheading. I’ve seen it as little more than an attempt to combine two franchises that were wildly popular in their 2010’s heyday, but audiences have since left behind, frankly with a bad taste in their mouths after underwhelming finales. Watching the whole movie as opposed to gleaming the advertising does make it feel like less of an ill-advised cash grab, but still not great. We follow young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), the son of a former President of Panem (formerly North America), as he struggles to restore his family’s name in a government that has barely rebuilt itself after the rebellion that killed his father. The rebellion ultimately failed, and every year each of the twelve remaining “Districts” have to send two child “Tributes” to the “Hunger Games” where they’ll battle to the “Death.” Sorry, I used quotes on that last one out of habit, they’ll battle to the death. The good news is that Snow lives in the Capitol, which doesn’t have the problems of the Districts, and he has the highest grades in his class, so he’s looking at a promising career. The bad news is that he and his remaining family are on the verge of financial ruin, and the school’s dean Casca Highbottom (Dinklage) has declared that lucrative grants are no longer given just for good grades. The only way to get a grant now is to mentor a Tribute into becoming the biggest spectacle of the Hunger Games – not necessarily the winner, but the biggest generator of public interest. Snow is randomly (or perhaps not – Highbottom hates him) assigned Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) from District 12, the district with the lowest chance of winning. There’s no way she’ll last long in the Games, so Snow has to focus on making her popular in the media while she’s still alive. Lucy Gray has a nice singing voice, maybe Snow can exploit that. The Hunger Games have been going on for ten years at this point, yet somehow Snow’s idea of turning the Tributes into likeable characters is considered revolutionary, so much that it impresses Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis), the Games’ sadistic overseer. She has a nasty surprise in store for the Tributes this year. It’s there in the movie’s title, and it’s not a ballad. Snow strives to make Panem fall in love with Lucy Gray, and in the process he falls in love with her. The film is divided into three chapters: Snow preparing Lucy Gray for The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games themselves, and… the events following The Hunger Games. I won’t get into spoilers, except to say that the third act is lengthy. I expected the movie to wrap up maybe ten minutes after the Hunger Games, which are its selling point, but it kept going. I suppose I should be grateful that this “Hunger Games” movie even contains the actual Hunger Games – both the third and fourth movies went without them – but the movie plods along afterward for an unnecessarily long time, especially considering that we know certain things will and won’t happen. The prequel aspect takes a lot of the suspense out of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” We know Snow will be alive 64 years in the future, and he’ll be President, so things will work out there. We can be less optimistic about the fates of his cousin Tigris (Hunter Schafer), his District-sympathizing friend Sejanus (Josh Andres Rivera), or Lucy Gray. Some of the action scenes work, some of the scenery-chewing from pros like Dinklage and Davis and Jason Schwartzman as the Games’ host is enjoyable, but mostly this movie is the unwelcome slog that I expected. Grade: C- “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is rated PG-13 for strong violent content and disturbing material. Its running time is 157 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Seems like I am noticing a trend – and not a healthy one. As a whole, our nation is losing the ability to pronounce some words. In fact, people seem to have forgotten some words exist in the English language. Phrases like, “Thank you,” “Thanks so much,” “I appreciate that,” seem to have slid into a dark hole somewhere and vanished. And if you do hear those magic words spoken, it is more of an auto-reply rather than a sincere response. Today people seem to feel so entitled to services and products that there is very little appreciation shown to the worker who delivers it. Or maybe, folks have gotten so trapped by their personal worries, fear and woes that they don’t even realize they are not really connecting with others anymore. After all, when your most of your focus is all about you, it can be difficult to remember to look into the eyes of another and genuinely care about their feelings. Either way, it means we are seeing our United States citizens evolve into people who are acting like they are the only ones living and breathing. Think about it. When was the last time you sat down with someone who was a positive part of your childhood and thanked them? And when was the last time you really noticed the depressed-acting young teller at your bank, or the older lady who slowly and painfully works her job at WalMart? Has anyone ever heard a sincere word of appreciation come from your lips? Or is your attitude more “Hey, that’s their job, deal with it. After all, I have to.” Yes, absolutely, it is an employee’s job, and they certainly should earn their pay by doing good work. But here is my point: Everyone needs and thrives on being appreciated. All of us need to know that we are seen and that what we do matters to someone. (Yes, if you’re being honest, you would agree that includes you.) Gratitude is very important in a healthy society. Whether it is expressing thankfulness to your pouting teenager who obeyed your request that their bedroom be vacuumed and fumigated, your local car mechanic getting your car back to you by closing time, or the waitress who isn’t snarling in your face as she takes your order. We all need to play nice-nice with each other. Because when we don’t bother making that effort for the other person’s sake, then we start to become self-centered, and blind to everyone else. And that begins a downward spiral of me-centeredness, where ME and mine is all that matters. That attitude is viral and infectious, eventually descending into a broken society. And that is the beginning of the end. This can also refer to the world’s end of time, where the Bible says in II Timothy 3:2, “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” Gratitude is important.

By Kara Kimbrough For the first time in six months, give or take a few pleasant days, it’s finally cool enough to venture outdoors and enjoy the best of Mississippi’s wide open spaces, natural beauty and colorful fall foliage. There’s no way I can narrow down each and every category into a “best of” list. I’ll just say, here are a “few” of the best places and pastimes to enjoy fun fall activities before winter’s chilly weather arrives. Feel free to email me your top pics in each of these areas and I’ll include them in future columns. 1. Enjoy an Outdoor Picnic – From Oxford’s Rowan Oak to scenic state parks in almost every county to beachfront spots on the Gulf Coast, picnic grounds abound. If I had to recommend just one, I’d list Natchez’ Bluff Park. Overlooking the Mighty Mississippi, the park is the best vantage point from which to take in the beauty and splendor of the river. The best time to be on the bluff is at sunset, because, weather permitting, sunsets on the river are, well, a spectacular sight. Spread a blanket in one of the spacious picnic areas or under the gazebo and bask in cool breezes and magnificent vistas near the water’s edge. 2. Go Outdoors for Leaf-Peeping and Photographing Fall Foliage –Many are surprised to learn Mississippi boasts a number of areas filled with varying shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and bronze leaves and foliage. The Natchez Trace Parkway, which begins in Natchez and winds through Ridgeland and through northeast Mississippi enroute to Nashville is, hands-down, the best road on which to travel to view fall's splendor. If you want to stop and stay awhile, Tishomingo State Park, also in the northeast part of the state, offers breathtaking scenery in a myriad of vibrant colors. 3. Hiking Season is Here – Mississippi is packed with hundreds of state parks, national forests and off-the-beaten path wooded areas highlighted by hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. One of the best (notice I said “one of”) destinations is Clark Creek Natural Area in Woodville. Three separate trails, including one leading to the majestic waterfall, are found in this southwest Mississippi oasis. 4. Sit Down to Comforting Fall Soup -I’ve often lamented the lack of good homemade soup in today’s restaurants. Luckily, there are still a few locally and family-owned eateries that serve their own versions of my favorite fall comfort food. One of the best bowls can be enjoyed at Madison’s Strawberry Café. A rotating soup of the day is always a good choice, but the best of the best is cream of crab soup. 5. Al Fresco Coffee with a View – I’m a major coffee lover, but sitting outdoors while sipping on a hot cup of java isn’t recommended for most of the year. Take advantage of cool fall days and grab a cup of coffee at Cat Island Coffee House located inside Pass Books in Pass Christian. Outdoor seating offers a breathtaking view of the Pass’s harbor and shimmering gulf waters. In addition to several coffee drinks, Cat Island serves breakfast and lunch items. Last, readers have asked for help in planning an affordable, yet enjoyable fall trip to New York City. I’ve visited the city at Christmas and in the fall and while both seasons are amazing, I preferred the latter’s milder temperatures and vibrant colors. New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for NYC’s five boroughs, shared a selection of free and affordable ($10-and-under) experiences for visitors this autumn. Here’s a small sample; email me if you'd like the complete list: Go leaf-peeping: NYC is home to more than 29,000 acres of parks and open spaces across all five boroughs where visitors can view breathtaking fall foliage. Central Park is one of the world’s most iconic parks. Spanning 843 acres, the park features open fields, woodlands, a zoo, ice-skating, ponds and more. It's one of my favorite places to visit in NYC. Walk the High Line: Built on a former elevated rail line, the High Line offers unparalleled views of Manhattan’s far west side. The park has several different gardens and green spaces along with free wellness programs and artwork. Arts & Culture: There are literally hundreds of museums in New York City, many offering year-round free (or sometimes free) admission. Two with no admission fee include the American Folk Art Museum and The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. For a complete list of all there is to do and see in New York City, including hundreds of upcoming holiday events, visit nyctourism.com. Whichever fall activity you choose, you’ll likely have less time to cook elaborate desserts. Here’s a solution: use your Crockpot to make dinner – and dessert -while you experience fall’s fleeting days. This recipe is easy to prepare, cooks quickly and due to the addition of oatmeal, is healthier than most traditional desserts, affording the opportunity to add a scoop of ice cream, guilt-free! Crockpot Apple Dessert with Oatmeal Crust 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 2/3 cup old-fashioned oatmeal (not quick oats) 2/3 cup flour 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Few grates of fresh nutmeg 1 stick of butter Add and arrange the sliced apples in the bottom of the Crockpot. Mix together the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut in the butter to make crumbs using a pastry blender or your fingers. Crumble the oatmeal mixture over the apples. Place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the Crockpot to absorb any condensation, then top with the lid. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream if desired. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

50 million Americans will take to the roads for the long Thanksgiving weekend this year, says the American Automobile Association (AAA). AMR, Mississippi’s busiest ambulance service, urges drivers to put safety first in their holiday driving. Ryan Wilson, operations manager for AMR says, “Every year, Thanksgiving is one of the with a huge surge in traffic crashes. This year, lower gas prices may well increase the number of travelers, which brings more crashes. Our paramedics and EMTs want everyone to reach Grandma’s house safely and return home without a scratch.” Wilson advised drivers to: Be sure the vehicle and the drivers are in good condition. Have the vehicle serviced before the trip. Especially check the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, headlights, tail-lights, belts and hoses. Be sure the driver is alert at all times. Drivers should be well-rested before departing. Take frequent breaks. Switch drivers every two hours or less. If all drivers get drowsy, go to a motel and sleep. Do not pull off the road, take a short nap and then resume driving. Schedule the trip so you drive mainly if not totally during daylight hours. Start your trip early enough to avoid rushing to reach your destination. Expect heavy traffic and delays. Stay on interstates and divided four-lane roads all you can. Avoid two-lane roads if possible. Insist that everyone in the vehicle wears safety belts or uses a child safety seat anytime the vehicle is moving, no matter how short the trip. Almost half of those killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing a safety belt. Avoid distractions behind the wheel. Turn cell phones off and put them out of reach. To make your vehicle more visible, drive with headlights on, day and night. Remove items on dashboards and rear view mirrors which may restrict the driver’s view. Holiday traffic often includes big, slow recreational vehicles. Be on the lookout for them, especially on hills and curves. Stay alert for construction zones, stalled vehicles and deer. Impatience can kill. Observe the speed limit. Don’t pass in no-pass zones. Don’t rush through yellow lights to beat the red light. If your vehicle begins to fail, pull off to the road shoulder. Park as far as you can from the traffic. Pulling off at an exit ramp is safer than parking next to the main road. If at all possible, stand on the side of the vehicle furthest from the traffic. Designated drivers save lives. Never drink and drive. Remember: A designated driver is someone has drunk zero alcohol, not the person in your group who has drunk the least.

The Salvation Army is delighted to announce its annual Thanksgiving Day holiday feast, a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and nourishment to elderly senior centers and underserved seniors across the Greater Jackson area. This Thanksgiving, we are on a mission to deliver traditional hot meals to those who may otherwise spend the holiday alone. Over the past week, The Salvation Army has been hard at work, smoking more than 120 turkeys in preparation for the grand Thanksgiving feast. The savory aroma of these delicious birds wafting through the air is a testament to the care and dedication we put into ensuring a memorable and satisfying Thanksgiving for our community. On Thursday, November 23rd, starting at 9:00 am, volunteers are invited to join us at our Corps Community Center located at 570 E Beasley Road. Together, we will embark on a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and service as we package and hand-deliver over 1500 meals to seniors in need. The spirit of Thanksgiving truly comes alive when the community comes together to make a positive impact. "We are thrilled to once again host this special event, and we extend an open invitation to all who wish to join us in spreading love and joy this Thanksgiving," said Major Timothy Delaney, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army. "Our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in making this day a success, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving others." As we gather to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, let us also remember those who may be facing challenges. The Salvation Army is proud to be a beacon of hope and compassion not just during the holiday season, but all year long. For more information or to volunteer for The Salvation Army's Thanksgiving Day feast, please contact: Major Timothy Delaney (601) 982 – 4881 110 Presto Lane Jackson, MS 39286

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning completed its search for the 13th President of Jackson State University by voting to name Dr. Marcus L. Thompson as President during its meeting held today in Jackson. Dr. Thompson has more than 20 years of leadership experience in early childhood, K-12 education, and higher education. Thompson serves as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), Mississippi’s public university system, where for over a decade he has been responsible for overseeing IHL staff. In this role, all senior-level leaders report to him, and he manages all facets of day-to-day operations of the agency, including IHL Board relations, communications, legislation, technology, data management, and facilities. “The Board selected a leader who knows the unique historic importance of the university who will articulate a bold vision for the future and will be indefatigable in the pursuit of excellence for Jackson State University,” said Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, chair of the Board Search Committee. Thompson serves as a liaison between the IHL Commissioner’s Office; the IHL Board of Trustees; and Mississippi’s eight public universities – Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the past 15 years in higher education, Marcus has advised the IHL Board of Trustees, the IHL Commissioner, and Mississippi’s public university senior leadership and institutional executive officers. “I’m very honored to be named President of Jackson State University because I believe in its mission, purpose and most of all, the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students who embody our school’s motto of challenging minds, changing lives,” said Dr. Marcus L. Thompson. “I look forward to working closely with all of them to develop a consensus about strategic goals and objectives we can achieve by working together.” “I can’t think of a leader in Mississippi who has invested more time and thought regarding the issues at Jackson State than my friend Marcus Thompson,” said Dr. Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former interim president at Jackson State University. “He is one of the only people I can think of who has a full comprehension of the history, trajectory, strength, vulnerabilities and basic needs of the university. I cannot think of an individual who could be more involved and have more connections with the people pertinent to the university than him. I think IHL has made a wise choice in making Marcus Thompson president, and I’m very proud that he will take advantage of this opportunity.” As Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer, Thompson led the formation of the IHL ADA/Accessibility Services Task Force which was launched to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive within the university system. The task force includes representatives from the eight public universities, the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration and the IHL System Office. Thompson also leads the IHL Board of Trustees’ efforts to encourage diverse campus environments and to ensure that all aspects of institutional practice affirm the IHL Board’s commitment to access and success, with particular attention to heightening participation and achievement of underrepresented individuals. Thompson is a former educator and administrator, serving private schools and public schools in the Jackson Public School District and the Copiah County School District, where he enjoyed and excelled at one-on-one student interactions the classroom provided. He has held endorsements to teach elementary education and licenses to teach English, history, mathematics, and Spanish. He ultimately left the classroom and joined the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to have a broader impact on students across the state. At MDE, he became Chief of Staff and Assistant to the State Superintendent of Education. “We are appreciative of the time and energy the IHL Board and search committee put into this presidential search,” said Patrease Edwards, President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. “The JSUNAA will support Dr. Thompson and his administration. We are hopeful that he will be a capable administrator with the ability to bring stakeholders together to achieve common goals. His leadership and vision to secure resources, philanthropic support and business partnerships for JSU will be key and a catalyst for the growth and continued success of the university.” Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Education from Mississippi College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Jackson State University in urban higher education. Thompson is married to LaToya Redd Thompson, a practicing attorney. They are the proud parents of Kaelyn, Jessica, and Marcus, Jr. “Marcus Thompson has a deep understanding of the vital role HBCUs play in higher education,” said Senator Sollie Norwood. “His proven leadership will serve him well in taking Jackson State University to new heights.” Thompson’s appointment as the 13th President of Jackson State University will be effective November 27, 2023. A welcome reception to introduce Dr. Thompson to the campus will be scheduled at a later date.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports the first confirmed pediatric influenza death in Mississippi for the 2023-2024 flu season. Pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals under 18 years of age. Including this reported death, there have been a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths reported in Mississippi since pediatric flu deaths became reportable in the 2008-2009 flu season. Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi, and the flu shot usually takes up to two weeks to produce immunity. "Vaccination is the best protection against flu and the severe outcomes from flu infection." says Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathryn Taylor, "All individuals 6 months of age and older are recommended to get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine this season." Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at County Health Departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children's flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH. The agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health invites Black women aged 18-50 to participate in a crucial research survey to address the impact of healthcare providers' implicit bias on the utilization of breast cancer services by Black women in the State of Mississippi. Black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before age 60 and have a higher prevalence of difficult-to-treat subtypes (such as triple-negative breast cancer). To combat this disparity and foster equity among breast cancer patients, the Institute is working to identify unique and actionable solutions. The research survey is not limited to assessing bias. It will also investigate the impact of perceived discrimination on the quality of healthcare delivered to African American women between the ages of 18-50. This study is funded by the Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC). PTEC awarded three $50,000 grants to multi-disciplinary research teams, like the Institute, that are identifying metrics and outcome measures that can be used to encourage policy and practice change. The ultimate objective is to decrease inequity in breast cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes. Black women 18-50 who've visited a healthcare provider within the past two years are encouraged to register and participate in this vital survey. “The Institute believes results from this survey may be useful in identifying factors that influence the development of breast cancer disparities,” said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on healthcare equity.” For more information and to register for the survey, please visit https://qualtricsxmfjg5mbl9b.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vK8B69KMGEWS0e?Q_CHL=qr

By Bob Garver The fall from glory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues with “The Marvels.” This is not to say that this movie is the “worst” the MCU has ever put out (for one thing, there’s no M.O.D.O.K. in sight), but the franchise has seen better days, both commercially and creatively. I think the problem lies with its middling ambition. It tries to upgrade elements that had been previously relegated to the small-screen when it probably should have made the hard decision to downgrade some big-screen elements. When villain Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) tears a hole in the universe, Carol “Captain Marvel” Danvers (Brie Larson) goes to investigate and is countered by Dar-Benn’s minions. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) works on solving the problem from a space station under the supervision of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Meanwhile, teenager Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan (Iman Vellani) just hangs out in her room in Jersey City, fantasizing about using her mutant powers to help the Avengers, especially Captain Marvel. Suddenly the three switch places and are instantly in different settings. Without trying, they switch places several more times, ending up on the alien planet, the space station, or Kamala’s family home. Carol’s cat-like pet Goose also gets caught up in the switching, as do some of the similarly-bewildered henchmen, who nevertheless keep the battle going. After much confusion and hijinks, the day is won, but Carol, Monica, and Kamala all need to convene on a spaceship to sort things out. They determine that using their light-based powers at the same time is what causes the switch. They’d like to get a better handle on the matter, but Dar-Benn needs to be stopped before she tears the whole universe apart. The film’s action sequences mostly consist of the trio doing what they can with their individual powers, even though their individual powers may not be what’s needed at the moment. Staying close together means that the same three people are basically in the same place (hence why the inexperienced Kamala needs to be on the spaceship), but separations are inevitable. On the other hand, and this is learned through experience, the system also means that one can swap themselves out for another if the situation calls for the other person’s powers. It's fun watching the characters having to adapt to new settings in the midst of an action sequence. It’s also fun watching them train to become fluent in switching. They visit a planet at one point where people only communicate in musical numbers, and of course that’s fun. A sequence toward the end with Goose is one of the most fun Marvel has ever put out. And yet the film never succeeds on a level higher than “fun.” “The Marvels” lacks the gravitas that one expects from the MCU – especially on the big screen. Heck, it lacks the characters one expects from the MCU on the big screen. Yes, Captain Marvel had her own movie back in 2019 and was an important part of “Avengers: Endgame,” but so far the adult version of Monica Rambeau and the entire character of Ms. Marvel haven’t been proven outside of streaming on the small screen. And I think a streaming series would have been a better fit for this chapter of the MCU. Given some of the qualms I have with “The Marvels,” a streaming series makes total sense. The movie’s visit to singing planet Aladna seems rushed, maybe it could get its own episode. A minor conflict about Carol never returning to Earth to see Monica could be further explored instead of briefly mentioned and forgotten, all seemingly because an outline of the script called for a dramatic moment. Dar-Benn herself could be developed beyond a thousand-yard stare that’s practically begging to be mocked. Most importantly, home viewing is more conducive to the hangout atmosphere where these characters thrive. I know that the MCU can produce hits for both the movies and home, but it needs to make better decisions about which properties should be which. Grade: C “The Marvels” is rated PG-13 for action/violence and brief language. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.