The Clarion-Ledger

1 day ago | clarionledger.com | Mary Boyte |Charlie Drape

Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, Mississippi, has been cleared to reopen by the State Fire Marshal after a year of renovations following an HVAC malfunction and mold discovery. Despite the clearance, a reopening date is yet to be determined as the building still requires elevator and escalator inspections, and a new fire curtain installation.

1 day ago | clarionledger.com | Sam Sklar

Sam SklarMississippi Clarion LedgerMississippi State introduced Brian O'Connor as their new baseball coach with a grand celebration at Dudy Noble Field. O'Connor, formerly the coach at Virginia for 22 seasons, brings a wealth of experience, including a national championship. O'Connor's four-year contract, worth $2.9 million annually, makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college baseball. STARKVILLE — Everything about Brian O’Connor’s public introduction was grand.

1 day ago | clarionledger.com | Pam Dankins

Jackson, Mississippi has seen a significant decrease in homicides in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. From January 1 to May 31, 2025, there were 30 homicides, a substantial drop from the 51 cases during the same period in 2024. Police Chief Joseph Wade attributes the decline to increased police efforts, interagency collaboration, and community engagement.

1 day ago | clarionledger.com | Sam Sklar

Sam SklarMississippi Clarion LedgerNew Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O'Connor retained interim coach Justin Parker as pitching coach. O'Connor was impressed with Parker's pitching staff during the Charlottesville Regional matchup between Mississippi State and Virginia last season. STARKVILLE — New Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O'Connor brought two assistant coaches with him from Virginia, Kevin McMullan and Matt Kirby.

1 day ago | clarionledger.com | Sam Sklar

Brian O’Connor left Virginia after 22 seasons to become Mississippi State's baseball coach. O’Connor cited MSU Athletic Director Zac Selmon and career timing as key factors in his decision. STARKVILLE — Brian O’Connor said there were two factors that led to him leaving Virginia to be the next Mississippi State baseball coach. The first was MSU athletics director Zac Selmon. The second was the timing of his career. O’Connor was hired by the Bulldogs on June 1 after 22 seasons as the Virginia coach.