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While premature deaths across the country are increasing primarily because of more drug overdoses, Mississippi managed to avoid that national trend by seeing improvements with decreases in deaths throughout a number of counties across the state.
That’s according to an annual analysis of county health data compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute released this week.

Breeland Speaks was embarrassed by what Ole Miss defense became last year. It didn’t live up to the Land Shark standard, he said. Speaks wants to see the unit become respected it again, and he wants to see that improvement begin with his play. He’s been a standout in spring drills as coaches and players continue to praise the “high motor” and energy he brings to each practice. Among the challenges facing Speaks, a junior defensive tackle, is playing with his hands in a different way.

A team of teenagers is tasked with saving the planet in “Power Rangers.” (Kimberly French/Lionsgate via AP)
By M. Scott Morris

By Chaning Green
Oxford Citizen
For the past 24 years, the Oxford Conference for the Book has been bringing in writers and readers from across the country to congregate in Oxford and celebrate the written word.

New Mississippi State defensive coordinator Todd Grantham talks about the Bulldogs’ progress on that side of the ball this spring. Grantham discusses what stood out to him from the first scrimmage and what he’s hoping to see in the second on Saturday.