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Please note this episode contains explicit language.

A seismic shift has rocked the Golden Triangle as economic development powerhouse Joe Max Higgins was suddenly and unanimously fired by the Link's executive committee after 22 years at the helm. We dive deep into the fallout with special guests Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill and Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston, who offer candid insights into both Higgins' remarkable achievements and the controversial behavior that ultimately led to his downfall.

The conversation doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths. Hosts Zack Plair and David Chism explore Higgins' documented history of crude language and controversial statements, while questioning what undisclosed actions could have been severe enough to warrant termination mid-contract. Higgins was known for his unapologetic language, and the guys recap some quotes from Higgins' past to help determine the severity of language that got him fired. 

What emerges is a fascinating examination of leadership styles, economic development strategy, and the complex calculus of weighing results against behavior. Higgins' legacy includes the creation of 10,000 jobs, five TVA Megasites, and more than $10 billion in capital investments that transformed the region from an "industrial wasteland" to what Hairston calls "the envy of the Southeast" for regional cooperation.

The discussion raises profound questions about what comes next for the LINK, expectations of the Executive Committee, how quickly new leadership can be established, and whether ongoing economic development projects might stall during the transition.

Whether you're concerned about the region's economic future, fascinated by the dynamics of local politics, or simply intrigued by this dramatic local story, this episode offers thoughtful analysis from some of those closest to the situation.

Check out Between the Headlines, episode 5 to hear our previous interview with Joe Max Higgins.

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Columbus's long-fallowed Burns Bottom neighborhood is poised for a remarkable transformation as local developers Nic Parish and Saunders Ramsey of Friendly City Development share their vision for Parkview Columbus. After a decade-long effort by the Columbus Redevelopment Authority to acquire and prepare the site, this partnership marks a turning point for the area.

The developers unveil inspiring plans for approximately 50 single-family homes built in traditional architectural styles that honor Columbus' historic character. Drawing inspiration from successful projects like Starkville's Adelaide development, Parkview will feature front porches, walkable streets, rear-loading garages, and thoughtful integration with existing amenities like the nearby soccer complex. With $5.2 million in public funding secured for infrastructure improvements, the project combines public investment with private expertise to create a neighborhood that emphasizes community connection over mere profit.

What sets this development apart is the deep personal investment of its creators. Parrish lives just blocks from the site and speaks passionately about finding his own sense of community after moving downtown. Both developers emphasize that while financial viability is necessary, their primary motivation is improving Columbus by creating housing options that will attract more residents to downtown. The timeline calls for groundbreaking by year's end, with homes potentially ready by 2028, bringing new energy to the entire downtown ecosystem.

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Transparency isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of public trust. When Columbus city officials issue misleading statements and then refuse to acknowledge their mistakes, who holds them accountable? This question echoes throughout our latest episode as we examine the proposal for a Public Information Officer at City Hall and the disturbing absence of the CPD Citizens Overview Committee. Will a new city PIO position enhance transparency or simply become another layer of bureaucracy shielding officials from scrutiny? 

Our in-depth interview with State Senator Chuck Younger offers insights into Mississippi's most pressing challenges. As chair of the Highway and Transportation Committee, Younger pulls no punches about the state's infrastructure woes. His candid discussion of agricultural struggles hits close to home—this year marks his first not farming row crops since age 21 due to economic pressures facing the agricultural community.

Education takes center stage as we explore the controversial proposal to relocate the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science from MUW to Starkville. Senator Younger strongly opposes this move, questioning both its necessity and its substantial cost. The conversation extends to school consolidation, education funding, and the delicate balance between tradition and progress in Mississippi's educational institutions.

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Columbus finds itself embroiled in a perfect storm of controversy this week as multiple scandals rock the city's law enforcement and justice systems. The deepening College Street Collision saga has taken a bizarre turn, with Mayor Jones making claims that the hospital and sheriff have disputed. 

Meanwhile, Columbus City Prosecutor Nicole Clinkscales has been sentenced to jail for contempt of court after Judge Gary Goodwin described her behavior as disruptive and disrespectful. According to court documents, Clinkscales refused to apologize when directed and turned her back on the judge to address the gallery. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that despite a previous reprimand from the state's Commission on Judicial Performance in 2016, Clinkscales has applied to return to the bench as a city judge.

Adding to the community's concerns is the handling of a disturbing video showing a 16-year-old white teenager threatening a 13-year-old Black child with a handgun, using racial slurs and physically assaulting him. The case, currently being processed as a misdemeanor through youth court, has sparked debate about potential disparities in the justice system and prompted community members to organize a demonstration. 

These incidents collectively highlight critical issues of accountability, transparency, and equal treatment under the law. 

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We've got a mixed bag this week with a breaking investigative story and two interviews!

A shocking cover-up attempt rips through Columbus as we uncover disturbing details of police deception following a high-speed crash. Investigation files reveal a police officer was traveling at a staggering 77 mph down College Street when he struck a civilian's car, causing injuries serious enough to require helicopter transport for a brain bleed.

The evidence is damning. Body camera footage shows the officer flying airborne over railroad tracks with no seatbelt, one hand on the wheel, before losing control and T-boning a citizen's vehicle—which contained the man's wife and children. Yet what followed was even more troubling: two officers provided false statements, claiming the citizen pulled out in front of the officer. A sheriff office investigation disputes that claim. While the citizen was drug tested (results clean), the department mysteriously canceled the officer's toxicology screening, claiming they'd "handle it internally."

Beyond this explosive story, we explore the upcoming Possum Town Book Festival featuring more than 30 authors, including Wright Thompson, and chat with Vanessa Poteet who moderates popular Facebook group Columbus MS (what's going on), which has 20,000 members. Discover how this digital gathering place has become a force for good, raising thousands for local charities while keeping residents informed.

We want to hear your thoughts. Follow us, share this episode, and join the conversation as we continue to shine light on stories that matter in our community.

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The battle for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) takes center stage again as MUW President Nora Miller breaks her silence on the controversial relocation proposal. With remarkable candor, Miller dismantles the flawed process that led to the recommendation to move MSMS to Mississippi State University—revealing how public input was overwhelmingly against relocation by a stunning 185 to 3 margin.

"It was predetermined what the decision was going to be," Miller states, explaining how the evaluation criteria were suspiciously developed only after proposals were submitted. She pulls back the curtain on the severe funding disparities, noting that while MUW maintains MSMS facilities for just 69 cents per square foot (when industry standards call for $4-6), the State Board of Education has consistently failed to advocate for proper funding.

Miller's leadership approach has evolved throughout this controversy. Initially giving state officials "space" to fulfill their responsibilities, she's now stepping forward as MSMS's champion when others wouldn't. "The State Board of Education has not been putting forth a request for funds for their buildings," she reveals, highlighting a critical advocacy gap she now feels compelled to fill.

Beyond MSMS, Miller addresses the W's strategies for growth through community college transfer pathways and specialized programs like nursing and speech-language pathology. She tackles the lingering name change controversy with refreshing honesty and acknowledges the political vulnerabilities facing regional universities in Mississippi. "Typically, before they would go after an HBCU, they're going to come for us," she notes, referencing recurring consolidation threats.

As this high-stakes education battle continues, Miller's mobilizing the university's passionate alumni base while working with a PR firm to amplify their message statewide. The fundamental question remains unanswered: will legislators invest $85 million in a new facility in Starkville, or will they properly fund the existing MSMS campus in Columbus? This pivotal conversation reveals how education, politics, and community identity intersect in ways that will shape Mississippi's future.

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When incumbent State Representative Kabir Karriem and challenger Pierre Beard stepped into our studio, we knew we were in for an enlightening conversation—what we got was political theater at its most raw and revealing. Their face-off for Mississippi House District 41 quickly evolved from policy discussion to personal confrontation, giving voters an unfiltered look at both candidates.

The special election, triggered by redistricting efforts to increase Black representation in the state legislature, has both candidates presenting vastly different visions for District 41. Representative Karriem leans heavily on his experience and established relationships in Jackson, positioning himself as the seasoned legislator with the connections needed to deliver results. Beard, fresh from a council loss, counters with a message of change and accessibility, repeatedly questioning Karriem's visibility and effectiveness despite his years in office.

The debate revealed significant agreement on keeping the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) in Columbus, with both recognizing its vital importance to the local economy and the Mississippi University for Women. However, they diverged sharply on priorities like Beard's proposed public transportation system, which Karriem dismissed as impractical and symptomatic of legislative inexperience.

Most surprising was the unexpected detour into personal territory, with both men trading accusations about past arrests and behavior. This raw exchange highlighted the deeply personal nature of local politics and gave voters insight into how each candidate handles conflict—an important consideration for a Democrat representing district interests in a Republican-dominated legislature where relationship-building is essential.

Whether you're looking for experienced leadership or fresh energy, this debate offers crucial insights into the candidates vying to represent District 41. 

Zack and David also introduce 3 Things to Know, a new feature that gives brief updates on the week's top headlines.

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Columbus City Attorney Jeff Turnage joins us to discuss the overwhelming public support for keeping MSMS at MUW, revealing 185 public comments sent to Mississippi Department of Education, favoring the school's current location versus only three supporting relocation to MSU. MSU's response through spokesperson Sid Salter has stoked the controversy, leading to a discussion about the roles people are playing in this issue.

• The public feedback on MSMS's future was made public through an open records request filed by Turnage. Those records can be reviewed at the bottom of the Dispatch article here.
• Three main concerns emerged: cost differences, potential loss of MSMS identity, and campus safety
• MSU's Sid Salter dismissed public comments as "an organized effort to generate appearance of support"
• W President Nora Miller has taken a stronger stance on keeping MSMS at her institution. Zack and David agree she should continue to mobilize MUW alumni. 
• Turnage says the legislature, not the State Board of Education, will make the final decision, and they are subject to public pressure.

Also:
• Columbus City Council discusses a new data-driven approach to road maintenance
• The price for residential trash pickup in Columbus is increasing. Will residents have to pay more?

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Mayor Stephen Jones' inauguration sets a new tone for Columbus leadership, offering hope paired with practical challenges. In a ceremony and first council meeting marked by unity and unanimous votes, Jones emphasized his commitment to serving all citizens while acknowledging his faith as a guiding principle. The true test of his administration will come when inevitable disagreements arise.

As our guest and local Realtor and community advocate Colin Krieger notes, "Columbus has all the ingredients for success" - but turning potential into progress requires navigating difficult conversations with grace. From the city's approach to visible homelessness downtown to addressing workforce development gaps despite available manufacturing jobs, Columbus faces multifaceted challenges.

Education emerges as another flashpoint, with MSMS potential relocation and school consolidation rumors creating uncertainty. Meanwhile, economic realities reveal surprising statistics: only about 32% of factory workers in the area's industrial developments actually live in the Golden Triangle region, highlighting disconnects between economic opportunity and local workforce readiness.

Join the conversation and attend local government meetings – because as Krieger reminds us, these leaders are uniquely accessible if we simply show up.

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Stepping into Sim Scott Park for the Juneteenth Festival offered a powerful glimpse into how Columbus celebrates freedom. As a first-time attendee, David discovered a vibrant community event that brought together people from across Lowndes County to honor the significance of emancipation through food, music, and conversation.

Through candid conversations with attendees ranging from County Supervisor Leroy Brooks to local vendors and Police Chief Daughtry, one message emerged consistently: Juneteenth represents freedom for everyone, not just one segment of our community.

The second half of this  episode features a conversation with Commercial Dispatch sports writer Colin Damms about Mississippi State athletics. We explore the dramatic changes in the baseball program with new $3 million coach Brian O'Connor, expectations for the football team, and recent classification changes that will put Columbus, Caledonia, New Hope and West Point in the same division across all sports.

Join us for this community-focused episode that celebrates freedom, explores local perspectives, and looks ahead to exciting developments in both our community and our sports teams. Have feedback or news tips? Email us at [email protected] or reach out on social media.