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Mississippi’s Gaining a Competitive Edge, While Others Falter

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Mississippi’s Gaining a Competitive Edge, While Others Falter


Mississippi Energy Institute’s Patrick Sullivan says the future looks bright for recruiting energy intensive business to the Magnolia State.

In 2008, then-Governor Haley Barbour in speaking on his ‘More Energy’ policy, said, “ten or fifteen years from now, companies looking to site facilities will not only ask about energy ‘What does it cost?’ but ‘Can we get it?’.” No one knew then how right he would be.

Ill-advised politicians in Washington D.C., Germany, England, California, New York, and elsewhere have taken one action after another to prevent development or cut back on large-scale, reliable energy sources, like natural gas, coal and nuclear. The result?

Electricity becomes too scarce and too expensive to support manufacturing and industrial growth. Energy costs get so high industrial output and the economy decline. And households and small businesses end up using an outsized share of their income to pay electricity and winter heating bills.

At a high level, it’s not complicated. When government policies effectively cut energy supplies without adequate replacements, trouble eventually follows.

Apparently, politicians in these places missed the first day of economics class – when the supply of something goes down, price goes up, and when demand exceeds supply on a critical good like energy, then chaos. There was no lesson on governments cleaning up the economic mess they cause.

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Meanwhile, Mississippi and other like-minded states have stayed constant favoring policies that encourage development and investment in any and all energy sources to work together in a balanced system, including the infrastructure to support the vast delivery systems that gets it to where we need it. Good energy policies support greater supply with the primary goals of lower cost and greater reliability.

When Mississippians recharge our devices tonight, we’ll pay a lower rate than citizens in 39 other states, half what Californians will pay, and a third what Germans will pay. Why does this matter?

Mississippi stands to increase its presence in an ever-changing, technology-driven, energy-consuming global marketplace. Our state is on a constant quest to recruit private capital investment and, importantly, high-quality employers to offer more Mississippians the chance at a high-paying job.

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Like you and me, companies despise paying unnecessarily high energy bills, so those companies requiring lots of energy naturally seek places where they can operate more profitably and minimize the risk of outages and shut downs. Mississippi’s excess supply and comparative low rates to the rest of the U.S. and the world give the state a competitive advantage as large energy-consuming industries, like metals, automotive, defense technology, and data storage consider new operations.

Now more than ever, whether they recognize it or not, other countries and states are steadily removing themselves from the competition due to overpriced energy and the heightened threat of supply shortages caused by their own policies.

Time will tell, but the future looks bright for recruiting energy intensive business to Mississippi. Of course, one reason could be we’ll have less of a struggle keeping the lights on.





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Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi completes restoration of power

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Entergy Mississippi completes restoration of power


JACKSON, Miss. – Entergy Mississippi has successfully completed restoring power to all customers in our service area whose homes and businesses could safely take electricity following winter storms.

More than 87,000 Entergy customers were left without power after sleet, freezing rain and ice moved through the state.

Approximately 2,800 Entergy employees, contractors and mutual assistance partners were engaged in safely restoring power to Entergy Mississippi customers, despite the numerous severe damages to our infrastructure, difficult terrain and weather conditions.

“I am extremely proud of all the dedicated people at Entergy Mississippi and from utilities and contracting companies around the country and Canada who provided so much support during this grueling effort,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO, Entergy Mississippi. “And I’m equally grateful to our customers for their unwavering support and patience during this trying time.

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“We realize many of our neighbors are still experiencing impacts from the storm, even though the weather has passed and the power is restored. We have supported the Red Cross and Extra Table to specifically help address the community needs and appreciate their focus on helping our customers.”

If a customer still does not have power, it could be because of damage to the home’s weatherhead. Such damage must be repaired by a licensed electrician before Entergy Mississippi can safely restore power to the structure. Please report a power outage through one of the following options:

  • Entergy app: Download our app for iPhone or Android and use it to report an outage or check if power is restored on your street.
  • Text us: If you are signed up to receive our notifications, you can text OUT to 36778 to report an outage or STAT for the status of your power outage. To sign up for text messaging, go to myEntergy.com or text REG to 36778. Have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code).
  • myEntergy: Report an outage by visiting myEntergy. You can log into your online account or submit as a guest.
  • Call us: Call us at 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243). Note that during a major event, you may experience delays when calling our centers.

Understanding your bill after a storm

We know after a major storm, you already have a lot on your mind — and your electricity bill shouldn’t add to your stress. Some tips to remember about the next bill you receive after a storm include:

  • Your electricity use could be estimated. Most customers have advanced meters allowing us to read usage remotely, but severe weather can sometimes impact our infrastructure and temporarily prevent systems from receiving meter data. When this happens, your electricity usage could be estimated to keep your account up to date. If your meter is read manually, those readings can also be delayed during restoration efforts due to accessibility challenges.
  • Adjustments may appear on the next bill. Once we retrieve your actual meter data, any adjustments needed from the prior estimated bill will appear on the next bill. This process ensures that your account reflects your actual usage.

We are committed to delivering affordable, safe power to the communities we serve and helping customers manage their electric usage to generate savings on their bill. For customers struggling to pay their bill, we offer payment arrangements and flexible payment options for qualifying customers. Customers are encouraged to visit BillToolkit.entergy.com for additional resources. They can also reach out to us to manage their account online at myEntergy or by calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) for assistance.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at EntergyMississippi.com and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

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Weather-related death toll rises to 29 in Mississippi

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Weather-related death toll rises to 29 in Mississippi


JACKSON, Miss (WMC) – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that another weather-related fatality has brought the state’s death toll to 29.

The new confirmed death includes one in DeSoto County.

MEMA did not release any further information regarding these deaths.

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Dixie National Rodeo 2026: Your guide to shows, concerts, parade, more

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Dixie National Rodeo 2026: Your guide to shows, concerts, parade, more


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  • The 61st annual Dixie National Rodeo will take place in Jackson, Mississippi, from Feb. 2 with livestock event and Feb. 13-22 for rodeo events, concerts.
  • Rodeo shows and concerts, featuring artists like Tanya Tucker and Joe Nichols, will be held in the Mississippi Coliseum.
  • Other events include the Dixie National Parade, a marketplace, an outdoor expo, and livestock competitions.
  • The Sale of Junior Champions provides scholarships for young 4-H and FFA competitors.

Every year, the Dixie National Rodeo takes over the fairgrounds in Jackson, bringing rodeo shows, livestock competitions, a marketplace, an outdoor expo and more.

The festivities for the 61st Dixie National Rodeo begin on Feb. 2 and conclude on Feb. 22.

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A full schedule is available on the Dixie National Rodeo website.

Rodeo shows

  • Where: Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.
  • Rodeo shows will take place in the Mississippi Coliseum up to twice a day from Feb. 13 to Feb. 21, with a break on Monday, Feb. 16, and Tuesday, Feb. 17.
  • The Dixie National Rodeo, dubbed the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” will return with familiar favorites, including bull riding and calf roping.
  • Admission prices range from $25 to $50, with children under 18 months getting in free.
  • Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the shows at the Coliseum or in advance online through the Dixie National Rodeo website and Ticketmaster.

Following are the dates and times of this year’s rodeo shows:

  • 7 p.m., Feb. 13
  • 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Feb. 14
  • 2 p.m., Feb. 15
  • 7 p.m., Feb. 18
  • 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Feb. 21

Concerts

  • Where: Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.

The concerts in the Mississippi Coliseum that follow each rodeo show have featured big names in the past, including Morgan Wallen, Little Big Town and more.

Country music icon Tanya Tucker will perform at the 61st annual Dixie National Rodeo along with other long-time country favorites and some up-and-comers.

Following is the concert lineup for the 2026 Dixie National Rodeo:

  • Ole 60: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.13
  • Bayker Blankenship: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
  • Joe Nichols: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15
  • Tanya Tucker: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18
  • Waylon Wyatt: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
  • Muscadine Bloodline: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20
  • Mark Chesnutt: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
  • Tickets are separated by concert and also include admission to the accompanying rodeo show. Concerts start right after each rodeo show.

Dixie National Parade

Every year, the Dixie National Parade helps kick off the rodeo festivities. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson will lead the procession of antique cars, floats, marching bands and the Dixie National Wagon Train.

The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 14 on the corner of Mississippi Street and Jefferson Street and follow a mile-long route ending at the corner of Amite Street and Jefferson Street.

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This year, the parade’s theme is “For Love of Country,” which corresponds with America250, a nonpartisan celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

Dixie National Marketplace

  • Where: Mississippi Trade Mart, 1200 Mississippi St.

Before enjoying the rodeo shows, visitors can browse a multitude of vendors selling cowboy Western wear, leather goods and even tractors in the Mississippi Trade Mart.

The Dixie National Marketplace will open for the first weekend of the rodeo.

Following is the Dixie National Marketplace schedule this year:

  • 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 13
  • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 14
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 15

Ag and Outdoor Expo

  • Where: Mississippi Trade Mart, 1200 Mississippi St.

During the second weekend of the rodeo, the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo will take over the Trade Mart.

The largest outdoor expo in the state, this year’s display will include fishing and hunting tools, UTVs, ATVs, tractors, farming equipment and more at special pricing.

The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo will be open in the Trade Mart during the following dates and times:

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  • 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 20
  • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 21
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 22

Sale of Junior Champions

The annual Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions is a way for young livestock competitors to show off their skills and potentially win scholarships.

Last year, 1,941 animals were exhibited by 1,269 4-H and FFA youth competitors, according to the Dixie National Rodeo. Of those animals, 49 were sold, totaling $591,284.

Since 1993, the Sale of Champions Promotion Committee has awarded more than $1.27 million in total scholarship money. Last year alone, 39 scholarships, a total of $85,000, were awarded.

Various shows will take place during the rodeo. A full schedule and rulebook are available on the Dixie National Rodeo website.

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Scholarships will be presented during a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Feb. 12 in the Mississippi Trade Mart.

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com



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