Canton Public School District recently  announced that the Tiger Tycoons have earned a commendable second place in the highly competitive 2026 Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) State Personal Finance Challenge. The event took place at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting facilities, where the team faced off against three other talented teams in their division.

Throughout the competition, coordinators said the Tiger Tycoons demonstrated financial literacy skills, critical thinking and outstanding teamwork, all of which were crucial for navigating the challenging scenarios presented to them. Their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts was reportedly impressive, showcasing the rigorous preparation they undertook leading up to the event.

In recognition of their achievement and dedication, each team member received a $250 scholarship, not only highlighting their success but also serving as a stepping stone for furthering their education and financial acumen.

School district representatives said, “Congratulations to the Tiger Tycoons for becoming two-time State Champions and three-time state winners! Your hard work, determination and commitment to excellence continue to make us proud. You consistently represent our organization with integrity and skill, and we look forward to your future accomplishments!”

The dynamic Tiger Tycoons team is comprised of Alexandria Luckett, Nelly Cardona-Rosales, Jalynn Dunigan and Henser Vicente, and they are coached by Teena Ruth.
 

From the fifth “Scream” movie proving a shockingly strong January release in 2022 to “Backrooms” opening to over $81 million just last weekend, the past few years have been some of the best ever for the horror genre. So it makes sense that this would be a good time to revive the “Scary Movie” franchise and spoof some contemporary classics. And not only are franchise mainstays Anna Faris and Regina Hall back for this sixth installment after missing the fifth, but originators Marlon and Shawn Wayans are back after absences from the third, fourth, and fifth. Everything is in place for this silly movie to give its audience a seriously good time, but it turns out the movie itself is an unfunny joke. 

Following an actually-promising opening sequence featuring recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, the loose premise kicks in: a new Ghostface is terrorizing the families of Cindy Campbell (Faris) and Brenda Meeks (Hall). Cindy, now a parody of Jamie Lee Curtis in the recent “Halloween” reboot, has estranged daughters Sara (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif), based on sisters Sam and Tara from the 2022 “Scream” (with Tuesday also a spoof of Wednesday Addams, because Jenna Ortega has played both Tara and Wednesday). Brenda, a parody of Octavia Spencer in “Ma,” has son Brad (Gregg Wayans) and nonbinary child Dei (Sydney Park), based on twins Chad and Mindy from the 2022 “Scream.” Since the 2022 “Scream” is apparently the only movie being parodied that the filmmakers have watched closely, you can probably guess how Sara’s boyfriend Jack (Cameron Scott Roberts) and Brad’s girlfriend Elle (Ruby Snowber) figure in. 

Of course, Cindy and Brenda aren’t the only familiar faces. Brenda’s stoner brother Shorty (Marlon Wayans) still lives in town, attending the same school as his niece and nephew because he’s too stupid to graduate. Brenda’s ex-gay (though still very gay) ex-boyfriend Ray (Shawn Wayans) is also back in the picture. Other returning characters include bumbling Officer Doofy (Dave Sheridan, also the voice of Ghostface), reporter Gail Hailstorm (Cheri Oteri, here to parody Demi Moore in “The Substance”), weirdo Hanson (Chris Elliot, doing Nicolas Cage in “Longlegs”), and presumed original killer Bobby (Jon Abrahams, offering little more than a “Smile). 

The movie blows one opportunity after another to get in juicy gags about the recent glut of successful horror movies. “Sinners”? The movie can’t do more than set a series of sex jokes at a church and have corny white people show up uninvited at a black party. “Weapons”? This movie knows about “the run,” but can’t have its characters do anything funnier than yell “Six Seven” and get hit by a car, this franchise’s go-to lazy way of ending a scene. The only parody that really worked at my screening (and it did work – the audience was roaring) was of an animated movie that I’m not sure qualifies as “scary,” though I guess demons are in the vicinity of scary. 

There’s minimal heart at work in this new version of “Scary Movie,” and even less brain. I know to expect “dumb” humor from this franchise, but the people who made this movie simply didn’t do their homework. Example: a character goes over the top with emotion in one scene, and another character corrects her, “Stop trying to win an Oscar. It’ll never happen for a horror movie. Just ask Demi Moore.” Yes, Demi Moore did lose in her Oscar bid for “The Substance” (to 2022 “Scream” cast member Mikey Madison), but you know who did win an Oscar for a horror movie? Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” I could overlook that blunder – even in a movie that parodies “Weapons” – if there hadn’t been a reference in the beginning of the movie to Teyana Taylor losing the Oscar that Madigan won. How can I care about this “Scary Movie” when it doesn’t care about its own scary movies?

Grade: C-

“Scary Movie” is rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, strong violence, and drug content and language throughout. Its running time is 96 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

It won’t be just the distinctive aromas in the air - the pitter pat from the local population of mice and rats’ little feet running thru the mountains of garbage will soon begin to probably sound like non-stop cannon shots to you. Not worth it. You would be a lot better off to find a homey-feeling bungalow with a single tree in the backyard. In a simple neighborhood with good people. Far, far away from the rodent- infested garbage dump.

In real estate, location is key. Any realtor with a grain of knowledge concerning home ownership will tell you that. You have to check out the neighborhood and its future demise or growth before investing your hard-earned money in a house. No matter how gorgeous and promising that mansion may look inside and out, things are not always as they seem.

The exact same logic applies to the selection of your eternal home. When you have breathed your last breath of earthly air, and step out into eternity, you need to already have your new home promised, purchased and prepared for you. Thinking you don’t need to be in a hurry to find your permanent home, and waiting until the last millisecond you need it? Going to be way too late…forever. 

Because if you don't already have your eternal home in a fantastic location, paid for and waiting just for you, then the sad news is this: one will be already selected and waiting for you. And I promise upon the words of the Bible, you will not like what you will be given. But you will have forever to regret putting off that crucial decision regarding the location of your eternity. Because after you arrive there is no second chance, no selling your home and moving to a better location. A location that is far away from unrelenting fiery heat, rodents, worms and merciless remorse.

Location, location, location. There is absolutely nothing more important to your happiness. It is definitely worth your time do start doing your research… today. Probably a great idea to pick up a home buying guide, called a Bible, and take a good long look at the two only possibilities for your future home. 

The Canton Career Center is recognizing several local industry professionals for helping provide students with hands-on career exploration opportunities during the school’s Non-Traditional Industry Tour held recently.

The tour focused on exposing students to career pathways in automotive and collision repair industries while highlighting opportunities for young women interested in pursuing non-traditional career fields.

Industry leaders welcomed students into their workplaces, shared professional experiences and offered insight into careers that play an important role in the local workforce.

Those recognized for their participation include Marilyn Bolden, owner of Bolden Body Shop in Jackson; Tanya Bell-Yates, store manager at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Canton; and Tinya Lindsey, commercial specialist at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Career Center officials said opportunities like the industry tour help connect classroom instruction with real-world applications, allowing students to see firsthand how skills learned in school translate into future careers.

School leaders also emphasized the importance of mentorship and community partnerships in preparing students for life after graduation, particularly in fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented.

By opening their doors and investing time in students, local industry professionals helped provide meaningful experiences designed to encourage, inform and inspire the next generation of female workforce leaders.
 

People with one or more of these 10 symptoms should see a physician to determine the cause:

1.    Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2.    Challenges in planning or solving problems

3.    Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure

4.    Confusion with time or place

5.    Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations

6.    New problems with words in speaking or writing

7.    Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps

8.    Decreased or poor judgment

9.    Withdrawal from work or social activities

10.   Changes in mood or personality

Hinds County is ranked fifth for Alzheimer's prevalence for the second consecutive year, and Black Americans are twice as likely as White Americans to develop it. In addition to seeing your doctor if you notice symptoms, we recommend taking these steps to help prevent the disease.

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. For more information on recognizing and preventing brain diseases, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/dementia. You can also call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline: (800) 272-3900.

Stay up to date on news on the MSDH Healthy Mobile App, on our website www.msdh.ms.gov, and on social media: facebook.com/healthyms, twitter.com/msdh and Instagram.com/healthy.ms   

Recently, Cantonians Nelson Chisholm and Kyle Michael Millican were recognized for their work in the police force.

 Chisholm was recognized as the Top Cop for the Secret Service this year and awarded by Lynn Fitch and Delbert Hosemann. 

Millican was named Top Cop for the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.  

Both are Canton Academy graduates and live in the Canton area.

As part of the update, all Mississippi EBT cards will automatically be set to block online and out-of-state SNAP transactions beginning June 11. This default security setting is designed to reduce the risk of fraud while still allowing SNAP clients to make purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers.

The ConnectEBT app is available for free on Android or Apple devices, allowing clients to manage their benefits directly from their phones. Clients can register a new account or log in using their ConnectEBT client website username and password.

Clients will have access to three security settings:

• Lock My Card Everywhere
  Provides the highest level of protection by blocking all EBT transactions until the client chooses to unlock the card.
• Block-High Risk Transactions (Default Setting)
  Blocks all online and out-of-state SNAP transactions while still allowing purchases at authorized Mississippi retailers.
• Unlock My Card Everywhere
  Allows transactions wherever EBT cards are accepted, including online and out-of-state purchases.

These features are also available through the existing ConnectEBT website.

Mississippi is among a limited number of states offering the ConnectEBT app and the advanced card-locking functionality. Reflecting Mississippi's continued efforts to strengthen benefit security and reduce fraud.

In addition to the card security features, ConnectEBT app users can also:

• Change their EBT PIN
• Lock and unlock their EBT cards between purchases
• Monitor their account activity

Clients who need to make online purchases or use their SNAP benefits while traveling can adjust their security settings through:

• ConnectEBT App: Available for free on Apple and Google Play
• ConnectEBT Website: Users can change their PIN online via the Connect EBT website
• EBT Cardholder Assistance: 1-866-512-5087 (available 24/7)

MDHS encourages clients to regularly monitor their accounts, lock their card manually or use the auto-lock feature following every purchase and change their EBT PIN at least monthly.

For more information on the new security features and ConnectEBT, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/upcoming-snap-updates/.

The Old Jail Farmers Market is returning to downtown Canton this summer, bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and local vendors to the historic grounds of the Old Jail.

Hosted by the The Canton-Madion County Historical Society, the market will be open every Saturday in June and July from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Residents and visitors are invited to shop a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade products, artisan crafts, and more while supporting local farmers and small businesses.

The 2026 market dates are June 6, 13, 20 and 27, as well as July 4, 11, 18 and 25. The market is held at the Historic Old Jail grounds at 234 E. Fulton Street in Canton.

Organizers encourage the community to come out early, enjoy the summer atmosphere, and take advantage of fresh, locally sourced products each week.

For more information, visit the Canton-Madison County Historical Society’s farmers market page.

The championship tradition continues at Canton Academy, as the Lady Panthers once again proved themselves among the state’s elite, earning the 2026 MSAIS Track & Field State Championship title. The team is coached by Ben Williams, Canton Academy Athletic Director and head track coach. 
 

With determination, teamwork and standout performances across multiple events, the Canton Academy girls track and field team claimed gold and added another championship trophy to the school’s growing legacy of athletic excellence.
 

The state title marks another milestone for the program, highlighting the dedication of the student-athletes and coaches whose hard work throughout the season led to success on the state’s biggest stage.
 

State titles included Claire Warren for first place discus, Lucy Glaze for first place two mile race, Abby Robinson for third in discus and Harper Lampkin for triple jump.
 

            Last week, I reviewed “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which was based on a series that I hadn’t seen, but I was well-aware of its larger world and its place in popular culture. This week is “Backrooms,” which is also based on a series that I haven’t seen, and was in no way known to me until a few weeks ago. Even once I did hear about it, it struck me as an obscure, niche product for horror nerds. Yet both films are estimated to have made over $81 million at the domestic box office in their first three days. How does this movie based on a simple series of web shorts find itself performing just as well as an entry into one of the biggest franchises in history? Like everything about “Backrooms,” I don’t know, it makes no sense, but I like it. 

            The film, which I understand to feature characters never before seen in the series (I also understand that one does not need to have seen the series to understand the movie… to the degree that one can understand the movie), follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an unhappy, unsuccessful furniture salesman in early 90’s Santa Clara. He sees psychiatrist Dr. Kline (Renate Reinsve) following an ugly divorce, but she doesn’t seem to be much help, partly because he isn’t receptive to her treatment, and partly because she can’t help but be distracted by her own emotional baggage. 

            Late one night, Clark notices light coming through a crack in the wall in the office of his store. He goes to investigate, and finds himself inexplicably transported through the wall. On the other side is a room not unlike what one would expect to find in the back of a furniture store: dull and dingy with annoying fluorescent lights and a big stack of furniture that doesn’t seem fit for the showroom. Even though it’s his store, Clark has never seen this room before, and he certainly didn’t know about the magic portal. Further investigation reveals that there are more, similar rooms beyond the first, to the point where he can’t tell where they end. Also, “something” is skulking around back there. 

            Clark is able to escape the Backrooms through the same portal, and tells Dr. Kline, who doesn’t believe his far-fetched claims about walking right through a wall and a series of rooms with furniture that isn’t quite right. He goes back in with his employee Kat (Lukita Maxwell) and her cameraman boyfriend Bobby (Finn Bennett) to document the labyrinth, but things don’t go so well this time. Eventually Dr. Kline tries the Backrooms herself to find that Clark has gone mad, among other horrors. 

            You never know what will be around the next corner in “Backrooms,” except that it will make you feel uneasy. Not “terrified,” necessarily, there’s not much traditionally scary about piles of laundry or an indoor stop sign. But why is there so much laundry nowhere near a laundry machine and why is there a stop sign planted indoors? It’s unsettling in a way that you can’t quite put your finger on, like the hexagonal carpet pattern from “The Shining.” Of course, there are also things in the film that are meant to be scary in the traditional sense, but I found them underwhelming. The film is at its best when it’s subtle and mysterious, like a dream where things are recognizable, and yet not. 

            I mentioned “The Shining” as a clear influence on “Backrooms,” I also got hints of “Being John Malkovich,” “Cube,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and anything directed by David Lynch. All weird movies, combined, twisted and given elaboration by writer/director Kane Parsons – a name that this movie will instantly shoot to the top of the horror genre. Some critics are saying that it’s the performances that make “Backrooms” stand out, and while the Oscar nominees do put in excellent work, I say the real star is the Backrooms themselves, in all their uncanny-valley glory, as they do not-quite-convincing impressions of actual backrooms. 

Grade: B-

“Backrooms” is rated R for language and some violent content/bloody images. Its running time is 110 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

Then it happened. The slightly off-balance bucket suddenly reached its tipping point and completely doused the boy, causing him to run away screaming in delight.  Then returned to wait for the exact same thing to happen again.

Water parks are great fun for kids. And being hit with a wall of cold water on a hot day? Perfect.  Jimmy knew what was coming and loved the shock to his little body. Time and time again, he would return to that spot under the tipping bucket.

But Shawna was no little four-year-old. Shawna was an adult, an adult young woman who carried her responsibilities in life with seeming ease. Even as a child, her parents had watched her juggle schoolwork along with her own chores at home, and still had plenty of time for fun and friends. When her teen years came, she had no problems adding a part-time job to that mix.

She was intelligent, driven, balanced, and knew she was capable of accomplishing whatever was needed. Huge amounts of homework added to her school load her senior year? No problem. She could handle more water in her bucket. Her work supervisor suddenly needing her to cover extra hours every week? She confidently worked it into her busy schedule.  Her bucket definitely felt heavier, but “Hey, I’m strong and smart, and I like a challenge, I can handle this!”

Then one day her parents sat down with her, and reluctantly told her the truth of their marriage. Dad was leaving, and Mom was going to need a lot more support and help with Shawna’s two younger siblings. The water rose a little more in the bucket, but Shawna took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and did whatever was needed. Every day. Every night.

Life rocked on, with Shawna accepting every challenge head-on.  A ready smile on her face, and a “Let’s do this!” attitude in everything that came her way. Marriage, high-pressure job, and tiny time-demanding kids of her own.  

But the bucket’s water level was nearing the top.

Shawna was no dummy, she knew that lately she was feeling way too tired and stretched emotionally. But she also knew that she was needed. More than needed, she was irrevocably essential, on so many fronts. There was simply no way to slow down and change things. 

The bucket was teetering.

One running-behind-again-morning, she was giving the baby her bottle and frying bacon, while refereeing another argument between her two preschoolers. Suddenly her husband bolted into the kitchen holding out his work shirt that was missing a top button, the shirt he had to wear today.

The bucket tipped completely. A complete ‘unexplainable’ breakdown came next. With a doctor-ordered extended rest next on the list.

Learn before it happens to you. Heed the warnings your body and your emotions are sending you.

Heard joined PriorityOne Bank in 2020 after previously working for BancorpSouth. Since joining PriorityOne, she has served as Assistant Vice President, Credit Analyst.

Laura is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. She is also an ICBA Certified Community Bank Credit Analyst.

She and her husband, Sykes, reside in Madison with their children, Saunders and Wells.

The Canton High School Class of 2026 is making history.

With 210 graduates, the largest graduating class in more than fifteen years, Canton High School seniors are leaving behind a legacy defined by academic achievement, leadership, service and determination. As graduates crossed the stage at L.C. Greenwood Stadium on May 23, family members, teachers and community supporters celebrated a class that has demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

The Class of 2026 earned nearly $1 million in scholarships, highlighting years of hard work and dedication. Students also excelled academically, with 98 graduates earning Highest Honors or Honors recognition, and 24 students graduating with endorsements.

Standardized testing and career readiness benchmarks further showcased the class’s success. Fifty-seven students scored above a 20 on the ACT, while 40 students earned Silver status or higher on ACT WorkKeys assessments. Twenty graduates completed industry certifications, demonstrating preparation for careers in high-demand fields.

Beyond academics, Canton High School seniors proved their talents extend into athletics, music, entrepreneurship and service.

Seven graduates signed to play collegiate sports, while two students earned full band scholarships. Seven members of the Class of 2026 will pursue military service, fifteen graduates plan to attend vocational or technical schools, and 87 students will continue their education by pursuing college degrees.

The entrepreneurial spirit was also evident among this year’s seniors, with seven graduates already owning businesses before receiving their diplomas.

School leaders recognized the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 Top Ten Scholars, whose academic excellence distinguished them among their peers.

Leading the class as Valedictorian is Arianna Williams, followed by Salutatorian Kinsley Pierce. Kimberly Guevara earned recognition as Distinguished Scholar.

Additional Top Ten Scholars include Chrishawn Grant, Ke’ambriah Goines, Seth Branch, Brooklyn Cole, Phillip Black, Rochelle Williams, Zanieya Turner and Dekendra Mitchell.

Together, these students represent a graduating class that has embodied Canton High School’s guiding message: “Excellence Today. Leaders Tomorrow.”

As the Canton High School Class of 2026 begins the next chapter, whether in college classrooms, military service, technical training programs, businesses or careers, school officials say graduates carry with them lessons learned, friendships built and a foundation prepared to shape the future.

The Canton community now celebrates not only what this class has accomplished, but what it is certain to become.

The celebration began with a program at the North Madison County Community Center, followed by the official unveiling of the marker at its permanent home in Camden Park. The event included remarks from state and local officials, community leaders, and special guests, followed by the unveiling and dedication of the marker. 

John Primer, a native of Mississippi, has long been regarded as one of the most influential torchbearers of traditional Chicago blues. Over a celebrated career spanning decades, Primer has performed alongside blues legends, carried forward the authentic sound of Mississippi blues, and earned national and international recognition for his artistry. 

“John Primer’s story is a testament to the global impact of Mississippi’s blues legacy,” said Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks. “Honoring John Primer with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker ensures his contributions will be understood and celebrated for generations to come.” 

About the Mississippi Blues Trail:  

The Mississippi Blues Trail celebrates the profound cultural impact of blues music by honoring the musicians, venues, and cultural landmarks that have defined Mississippi's reputation as the Birthplace of America’s Music. Administered by Visit Mississippi, this statewide initiative highlights over 200 markers commemorating the roots of blues music in Mississippi and inviting visitors to experience its enduring legacy firsthand. 

For more information about the Mississippi Blues Trail, visit msbluestrail.org.  

Canton Academy sixth-grader Dylan Gilmore earned first place in the K–6 division at the Mississippi Children’s Museum Spring Chess Tournament.

Gilmore finished the competition undefeated with a 5-0 record, securing the top spot among participants.

School officials praised Gilmore for his achievement and for representing Canton Academy with excellence.
 

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is coming at an interesting time in the history of “Star Wars.” It is a test to see if the franchise’s recent success on the small screen can translate to blockbuster status on the big screen. I have not seen “The Mandalorian” streaming series on Disney+, though I know of its massive success. I could even imagine a world where a “Mandalorian” movie makes enough money to have a legitimate place alongside classic installments like “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” That world just isn’t this one, not with this movie that nearly put me to sleep. 

The movie follows Din “The Mandalorian” Djarin (voiced and played in “face scenes” by Pedro Pascal), a helmeted human bounty hunter who resembles, but is not related to, beloved franchise character Boba Fett. His young apprentice is Grogu, a non-speaking alien who resembles, but is not related to, beloved franchise character Yoda. I’m sure the origin of the team-up is explained in the series, but for now all I need to know is that that they are a team. 

The opening moments of the movie follow The Mandalorian and Grogu as they take out a leftover Empire loyalist (Hemky Madera) running a protection racket. The sequence is filled with action, comedy, and visual spectacle on a level that the rest of the film lacks. I’ve heard some critics saying that this film could have been a few episodes of television, I’m saying that everything after this sequence could have been cut and the whole thing could have been a short that plays in front of another Disney feature. I know it’s wishful thinking, but it could have added some much-needed incentive to see a fledgling effort like… “Wish,” come to think of it. 

The rest of the story follows the team as they’re sent on a mission by their employer (Sigourney Weaver) to capture another Empire henchman who has thus far escaped justice. This person’s identity is known only to the deplorable Hutt family, and Jabba’s twin siblings won’t give up the information for free. Mando and Grogu first have to rescue Jabba’s son Rotta (Jeremy Allen White) and return him to his aunt and uncle. It turns out that Rotta has carved out a nice little life for himself on another planet as a gladiator of sorts fighting for unscrupulous promoter Janu Coin (Jonny… Coyne is the actor’s name), and he doesn’t want to leave. The “rescue” mission is going to have to be more of a “capture.” 

At first I liked the adorable, Force-enabled Grogu so much that I wondered if the movie even needed The Mandalorian. Around the two-thirds mark, I got my answer when Mando was incapacitated for a stretch. The answer is that yes, the movie very much needs The Mandalorian, because with just Grogu, this movie fell apart. Bless the writers for trying to give him a solo arc and the puppeteers for trying to make him sympathetic, but he just does not have a mode other than “cute.” He works in small, scene-stealing doses, but anything more than that is a mistake. 

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is every action movie you’ve ever seen about a shady hero dealing with shadier secondary players, including, but not limited to, other “Star Wars” movies. Except it doesn’t quite have the ambition of other “Star Wars” movies. There’s too much blandness to the settings and periphery characters. I can see where Disney thinks this property is “too big” for television, but I can’t say this movie is theater-worthy, at least on the level that a “Star Wars” movie should be. It’s stuck awkwardly between the two tiers of entertainment hierarchy. I’m sure there will be another movie, and I encourage the creative team to step up their efforts (it won’t take much, just a few extra flourishes) so that film can unmistakably belong in theaters.

Grade: C

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. Its running time is 132 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

 Your fiancé lets you know that after thinking about your relationship, you just aren’t the perfect one? Go ahead and sob brokenheartedly for a while, mope around the house in your pjs, eat a gallon of chocolate ice cream, get angry and tear up the picture of you two enjoying a day at the beach together… and then determinedly move on. 

Grief over the death of a loved one?  You definitely do need to grieve. Feel the depression that comes, experience the total loss that weighs you down and makes even simple walking feel impossible. That is normal. Painful, but normal. But, after falling headfirst into that mud puddle of despair, do not let yourself lay there endlessly. There has to come a time when you sit up, look around you, wipe off your face, then sigh and begin your life again. 

I could cite an endless list of things that can ruin your days…or even your life for years. But I’m telling you as emphatically as I possibly can – WHAT EVER IT IS, DO NOT LET IT CONTROL YOU ENOUGH TO DESTROY YOU. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is worth that.

There is a real fact in life, and that is this; a traumatic day, or week, or even years, all fall into the category of ‘the past.”  And when that day comes when you get hit below the belt by life - and you will - you will have to choose to move on past that painful yesterday. After all, you can't change what has happened, and dwelling endlessly on it is depressing and paralyzing, so don’t make that mistake. Give your pain all the attention that it is due, and then pull yourself up by your bootstraps, as your grandfather would say, and determinedly choose to start over.

I say this because the day after that traumatic day happens, your tomorrows will rapidly begin arriving, one after another, and you will have no choice but to make a choice. Between starting over, or laying in that mud puddle of pain. One is guaranteed to keep you hurting and depressed. The other gives you a fighting chance to create a life you can enjoy.

Choose wisely. Because you are the only fighter in this war. Sure, others will want to help you, and will offer endless advice, support, and loving wisdom. But ultimately, you and you alone, will decide if that painful ‘yesterday’ wins the battle and has the power to cause you to live the rest of your life on earth, wishing you weren’t here.

In May 2025, narcotics investigators with the Madison County Sheriff's Department conducted  multiple controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Manning at his Canton, Mississippi residence. During all the undercover drug purchases, a confidential informant was fitted with a  covert camera that recorded Manning selling the drugs. After further investigation into  Manning's drug distribution scheme, investigators executed a search warrant at his Canton home  and discovered crack cocaine, marijuana, alprazolam, and a handgun.  

Manning was charged with three counts of sale of cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine  with the intent to sell while in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm  by a convicted felon as a subsequent drug offender and non-violent habitual offender. He pled  guilty on May 19, 2026 and was sentenced to sixty-four years to serve. Manning had been  previously convicted twice in the Circuit Court of Madison County for Sale of Cocaine—first in  2003 and again in 2007.  

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “We want to thank the Madison County Sherriff’s Department  for their continued efforts to crack down on drug dealers in our area. Mr. Manning had already been convicted twice of selling cocaine, and yet, almost twenty years later, he was still selling  narcotics in Canton. We will not tolerate individuals pushing drugs into our streets and  communities. I hope this sentence is a message and a warning for not only Mr. Manning, but  anyone else who thinks that this is a good way to make a living.” 

Fantasy readers, this is our moment. When I saw that all of these are coming in the fall, I honestly had a small moment of panic, because what do you mean I need to reread every one of these to prep?! I’m going to. 

If your bookshelf has been feeling a little quiet lately, that’s about to change in a big way. Some of the most talked-about names in modern fantasy are preparing to release new stories, making this the perfect time to dive in, or dive back in, to some unforgettable series. Now, this is by no means a complete list of the new releases, but it’s like a line up of our heavy hitters. These are the books that have taken over social media, and some of these books have even gotten people back into reading. I will make a note here - none of these are YA or for younger audiences. 

Fans of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” have a lot to anticipate. Sarah J. Maas is continuing her bestselling saga with ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7. She announced this on a podcast recently, and people (me, I am people) were absolutely losing their minds at the hints she made towards this series. I have already started rereading it. 

About the series: This series follows Feyre, a young woman pulled into a dangerous Fae world after a single mistake changes her life. What begins as a loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” quickly expands into a sweeping story filled with political alliances, powerful magic, romance and war across richly imagined courts.

This series is so much more than just magical Fae. It tackles ideas about doing the right thing even when it’s hard, standing up for yourself, and finding your purpose after losing everything you thought you were. 

Another exciting release is Burn of the Everflame, by Penn Cole.

About the series: The Everflame series centers on a world divided by power, rebellion and destiny. With a strong female lead at its core, the story blends romance and action as characters navigate dangerous secrets, shifting loyalties and the fight for freedom in a land shaped by magic and conflict.

This was a new series for me this year! I read the first three books in a matter of days and regret nothing. The world created by Cole is something fun and new, but the need for justice and taking down the bad guy still remains at the core of this one. It’s plot twist after plot twist, and I already have the preorder ready. 

And, in a surprise announcement, Rebecca Yarros is releasing a new, untitled novella set in the Empyrean series universe—the same world as Fourth Wing. The 176-page story is set to release on September 29, 2026.

About the series: The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail, a student forced into a brutal dragon rider training program where survival is never guaranteed. Packed with high-stakes trials, fierce competition and slow-burn romance, the series combines military fantasy with emotional depth and nonstop tension.

I have many thoughts about our girl Rebecca. First of all, she didn’t announce this book until Maas announced hers and took over the internet. Part of me wonders if it’s an attention grab. There were many reviews that said she wrote book two of this series way too fast because the fame went to her head. It was a very rushed story and left many readers dissatisfied (including myself). That being said, I will still read the novella, but I wish someone would tell her to relax and take her time. Good stories are worth waiting for. Look at how long we waited for Maas to give us her next ACOTAR book! 

All signs point to one thing: fantasy is having a major moment. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite series or starting one for the first time, now is the perfect opportunity to catch up before these highly-anticipated releases hit shelves.

The Canton Mayor and Board of The City of Canton will shine brightly in August 2026 as “The Best of Canton” launches its inaugural Weeklong Awards Celebration, honoring excellence, legacy and community impact. This historic event is hosted by “The Best of Mississippi Awards” in partnership with the City of Canton Board of Aldermen and the Honorable Mayor Tim Taylor.

The celebration will begin on Sunday, August 2, with “Pray Canton,” a community prayer walk around the Canton Square from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The week will continue with a virtual spotlight series recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations whose contributions reflect the heart and progress of Canton, proudly known as the “City of Lights.”

On Friday, August 7, the community is invited to attend the “Best of Canton Fest,” featuring local vendors, family-friendly activities and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the city’s culture and spirit.

The weeklong celebration will culminate on Saturday, August 8, with the “Best of Canton Awards Gala,” where honorees will be formally recognized for their outstanding contributions. The official venue will be announced soon.

“The Best of Canton” was created to restore honor, celebrate legacy and spotlight excellence across generations. This annual celebration is designed to become a lasting tradition that strengthens civic pride, unity and community connection.

Additional details, including nominations, sponsorship opportunities, event schedules and venue announcements, will be released in the coming months.

For updates and announcements, follow The Best of Canton on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thebestofcanton, where residents can also access the Best of Canton app.

            With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Michael” still ruling the domestic box office, I thought I’d give this week’s review spot to a couple of also-rans from the past two weeks. 

“Mortal Kombat II”

            The 2021 “Mortal Kombat” movie was a disaster that left fans disappointed for many reasons, not least of which was that it didn’t feature any fights from the much-hyped tournament for universal supremacy. At least in “Mortal Kombat II,” we finally get the tournament. Only the first round is done somewhat properly before the thing breaks down into cheating, sneak-attack shenanigans, but it can’t be said that we are denied the tournament entirely. 

            A new character, outstanding-fighter-turned-action-movie-star-turned-washout-at-both Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), is the audience surrogate into the five-on-five fighting series on a distant planet that will determine the fate of our world. Cage fights alongside Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), Cole Young, (Leweis Tan), and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) under the mentorship of Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) against the forces of the evil Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), such as his queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), stepdaughter Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), her bodyguard Jade (Tati Gabrielle), and resurrected minions Kung Lao (Max Huang) and Kano (Josh Lawson). The first movie made another mistake killing off humoristic highlight Kano, fortunately this movie brings him back so he can steal the movie all over again. 

            “Mortal Kombat II” is good at the things that fans want most from a “Mortal Kombat” movie: it’s creative with its fighting sequences and the jokes usually hit. But it’s bad at the things that audiences want from movies of any genre: it’s hard to care about many of these characters and the story is an overcomplicated mess that can’t even stick to its own ridiculous rules. Like “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I admire the way this sequel steps up its game from an original that I didn’t enjoy, but unlike that film, I can’t say I’m now “won over” by this franchise. 

Grade: C

“Mortal Kombat II” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, and language. Its running time is 116 minutes. 

“Obsession”

            In 1992’s “Aladdin,” one of The Genie’s few rules with wishes was that he couldn’t make people fall in love. “Obsession” is a movie about what happens when a wish for love is granted. It’s a horror movie, and a nasty one. The Genie was right to have that rule. 

            Awkward dork Bear (Michael Johnston) wishes for the romantic love of his longtime friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) on a novelty willow stick. The wish comes true, Nikki is immediately smitten with him, and Bear reaps the rewards of her vehement affection. The woman Bear loves may not have any agency in the matter, and that’s problematic if he thinks about it, so he decides not to think about it. But of course, things go south for Bear once Nikki starts inserting herself into every corner of his life and finding creepier and creepier ways to express her devotion. Her love becomes… wait for it… obsession. 

            This movie gamely features some of the sickest scenes from a stalker thriller ever put to film, even if they borrow heavily from other stalker thrillers like “Fatal Attraction.” And Navarrette puts in a horror performance for the ages, both when her character is and isn’t under the magic spell. But the movie falters when the story has to give us something other than Nikki spinning further and further out of control. The ending (not Navarette’s contribution to the ending, which is excellent, but the ideas that go into the ending) is a lazy letdown and ends what had previously been an engaging horror film on such a down note that I can’t bring myself to recommend it as a whole. “Obsession” doesn’t lose my recommendation because of anything it “does,” but because of how much potential it leaves on the table. 

Grade: C

“Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. Its running time is 108 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

Keep Canton Beautiful recently hosted a community clean-up at the eponymous Saab Park.

The Saab family’s roots extended back nearly a century and a half through the record books of Canton, with the family immigrating in the late 1800s to Mississippi by way of New Orleans.

Pictured were family patriarch Anton Saab and his wife, Lizzie Messihi Saab.

The following history of the Saab family was transcribed from the archives of the Madison County Library System:
Anton Saab was born around 1865 in Jounieh, Lebanon. Lizzie Meeshil was born in Sahel Alma, Lebanon, in 1870. The two met and married in Lebanon around 1888.

They moved to New Orleans in 1895 with their first child, Freida, who was three years old at the time. Saab purchased small quantities of household goods, such as lace, doilies and tablecloths, and sold them door to door.

Additional children born in New Orleans included Amelia (1896–1914), Louis (1897–1918), George (1902–1936), Marie (1904–?), Roselie (1909–1975) and Alice (1911–1962).

The family later moved to Canton, where the rest of their children were born beginning in 1912: Peter (1912–1953), Albert (1914–1959), Lucille (1916–1964) and Martha Louise (1918–1918).

In Canton, Anton and Lizzie Saab started a small family dry goods store on the north corner of the square at North Liberty and Center Street around 1910. All of the children contributed, either working in the store or helping at home.

In 1930, Peter Saab and his wife, Genevieve, opened a grocery store next door to the dry goods store. In 1933, both stores were sold, and the family relocated to a new site on the east side of the square.

There, they established a family-owned and operated department store. The business was led by Alice, Peter and Albert Saab, as other family members had moved away to establish businesses of their own.

Freida Saab married David Butross and had six sons and two daughters. George Saab married Pamela Dunn and had no children. Marie Saab married William Kelley and had no children. Roselie Saab married Sam Mohr and had three sons and one daughter. Alice Saab married Michael Tupe and had no children. Peter Saab married Genevieve John and had three sons and two daughters. Albert Saab married Emily Moses and had two sons. Lucille Saab married Fred Maroon and had one son and two daughters. Martha Louise died as an infant.

Anton Saab died of heart failure in Canton in 1929. Lizzie Saab died at Madison General Hospital in Canton on July 19, 1956, also of heart failure.

A. Saab’s Department Store operated as a family-owned ladies shop, managed by Mrs. Albert Saab and her sons, Albert and Joseph Girard.

Saab family history was courtesy of the Madison County Library System.

The new funding will be administered through MDHS's Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) and distributed through the established Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) voucher system. These TANF direct funds are in addition to existing child care support MDHS provides through various subgrantees offering afterschool programs and workforce supports for working families.

"Child care is not a luxury — it is the infrastructure that makes work possible for Mississippi families," said Robert G. "Bob" Anderson, MDHS Executive Director. "This $5 million investment is a targeted, responsible use of TANF funds to reach working parents who need help, and it reflects our commitment to deploying public resources where they make a real difference."

This investment is separate from – and in addition to – MDHS's existing annual conversion of approximately $25.7 million from TANF to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which reflects the maximum allowed under federal law. By investing these direct funds, MDHS is able to extend child care assistance to additional eligible families beyond those currently supported through the CCDF conversion, while preserving the agency's capacity to respond to other emerging program priorities.

Families seeking child care assistance do not need to submit a new or separate application. Eligibility will be determined through the standard CCPP process, including income eligibility standards and work or education requirements.

Approved vouchers funded through the TANF direct stream will provide the same level of assistance as those funded through CCDF. DECCD will assign each approved certificate to a single funding stream, prioritizing CCDF dollars first, followed by any applicable state funds, and then TANF direct funds.

Child care providers will continue to receive payment through the established CCPP reimbursement process with no changes to their current billing or reporting requirements.
"Mississippi working families have always been the heart of what we do at MDHS," said Dr. Chad Allgood, Director of the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. "This additional investment means we can say yes to more families trying to build a better future."

MDHS encourages eligible families to apply through the Child Care Payment Program at mdhs.ms.gov or by contacting their local county DHS office. Additional program information is available through the MDHS DECCD hotline at 1-800-948-4060. For media inquiries or requests, contact MDHS Communications at mdhs.communications@mdhs.ms.gov.

The Jackson event, scheduled at 2390 Greenway Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, is expected to bring together approximately 300 participants of all ages in support of local charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society and the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87.

The walk is part of a larger BAPS Charities initiative that organizers say will involve more than 50,000 participants nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest community-based charity walk events. This year’s event will also tie into the America250 commemoration celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Organizers say the Jackson program will begin with a ceremonial opening featuring the National Anthem, American flags, and appearances from local public officials and community leaders.

Notable attendees expected to participate include Sollie Norwood, Brian Grizzell, Jackson Fire Chief RaSean Thomas, Jackson Fire Deputy Chief C. Sanders, Sitaram Temple President JP Budhraja, and Gujarati Samaj President Manish Patel.

According to organizers, the event is designed not only as a fundraiser but also as a celebration of volunteerism, civic engagement, and community unity.

“The walk brings together people from many different backgrounds with a shared purpose of helping others,” organizers said. “It’s about strengthening communities while supporting organizations that provide critical services to families and individuals in need.”

Funds and awareness generated through the Jackson walk will benefit the American Cancer Society, which supports cancer research, patient advocacy, and treatment assistance programs, as well as the Jackson Firefighter Association Local 87, an organization that advocates for firefighters, first responders, and their families.

BAPS Charities has conducted community service and outreach programs for more than two decades. Organizers say the nonprofit has hosted over 1,200 walks throughout North America during that time, alongside additional charitable efforts including food drives, blood donation campaigns, toy drives, disaster relief efforts, and health awareness initiatives.

The Jackson walk will also provide several opportunities for community engagement and media coverage, including interviews with local organizers, participating public officials, and representatives from beneficiary organizations.

Participants interested in joining the event can register online through BAPS Charities Walk-Run 2026 Jackson Registration.

Additional information about the organization and its programs is available at BAPS Charities.

Maybe you feel the kids deserve a home with both a mom and a dad in it. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that what you two had, at one point in time, is still worth fighting for. If so, then let’s talk about how to fight for what you want.

First and foremost, determine within yourself to kill your spouse with kindness in those times when you would much rather use dynamite. That means look for tiny things to do for your spouse. Everyone of you have heard the old line, “You catch more flies with honey than, blah, blah, blah.  But as irritating as that cliche is, it’s still true. For flies and for spouses. 

Secondly, long before you get into that first of your multi-daily arguments, decide that at least for today, you will refuse to take offense when your spouse does some of those certain things that you despise. Make the decision to simply walk away into another room, rather than indulge in your habitual "All hands and words on deck, cause I'm gonna win this round." 

Mr. or Mrs. Spouse, you have to firmly act on the decision that you will be the bigger man, or curvier woman, as the case may be. Resolve to give your marriage another chance to be a happy one, rather than the renowned neighborhood brawling spot. This is going to mean swallowing your pride each time you instinctively want to fire back, insult for insult, and barb for barb.

It's also going to mean deliberately finding a way to give compliments. I don't care what you compliment, just find it. Whether it's how good the lawn looks after your spouse finally mowed it for the first time this summer, or how you think your spouse looks like an eighth of an ounce of flab got lost since a week ago. Just find a simple believable compliment to give. Then keep at it. Simple, believable compliments, combined with admiration.  And then have the devious pleasure of watching the stunned incredulous look flash into your spouse's eyes.

Lastly, work at finding something to laugh about together. Laughter is healing, and it can bring people closer together.

Now, a word of warning; don't give up when your attempt at civility isn't quickly reciprocated. Stay determined to improve your home atmosphere. After all, it didn't deteriorate to frozen Alaskan tundra overnight, and it will likely take time to thaw the air. 

Sure, the thought of having to play nice-nice is daunting, especially in the face of your spouse’s not-so-nice actions. But think long and hard about it. Seeing your marriage saved, or seeing a divorce barreling at you? It's got to be worth a shot.

Students at Goodloe Elementary School received encouragement ahead of testing from members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Delta Omega Chapter. The group visited campus to share positive messages and support, helping boost students’ confidence as they prepare for exams.

School leaders expressed appreciation for the visit, noting the impact of community involvement in reminding students of their value and potential.

Canton Academy recently received an investment from Build Mississippi aimed at expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in skilled trades.

The initiative will provide students with practical experience and training in fields such as carpentry, construction and HVAC, helping prepare them for career pathways after graduation.

Build Mississippi works to increase awareness and access to careers in the skilled trades, equipping students with knowledge and industry-relevant skills.

School officials said the program will allow students to gain valuable experience that can lead to future employment opportunities.
 

The video creation landscape is being altered by AI video generator. Creators are using AI tools to make things possible quickly and at lower cost than ever before. This rapid production process and improved production flow are making it easier for everyone to create high-quality videos. However, does AI-driven video creation replace conventional editing? There is still much that separates these 2 types of video creation.

Traditional Video Editing: The Time and Technical Costs Behind High Quality

For years now, video editing has been the primary way in which professionals create content. Video editing relies on different types of specific software that are used to edit footage/elements together through the use of visual effects/transitions/elements created by the user themself, while offering you increased flexibility and detail when it comes to the creation of videos.

That said, this editing method can be time consuming and requires a lot of effort. While creating short length videos may take several hours to complete, larger projects may take days or even weeks and will typically require professional editing software, creating a steep learning curve and requiring expensive hardware and therefore making it difficult for new creators to create content with the same amount of efficiency as experienced creators.

Advantages of Traditional Editing:

• Greater Creative Freedom
• More Mature Team Collaboration Workflows
• Easier to Cultivate a Unique Style
• Supports Deeply Customized Creation

Disadvantages of Traditional Editing Methods:

• High learning curve
• Relatively complex workflow
• Difficult for beginners to get started
• Relatively low creative efficiency

The emergence of AI and its applications for video editing are fundamentally changing how we create content today vs. how we traditionally created content. Traditional editing had so many labor intensive processes involved (e.g., going through hours of footage, removing pauses in the footage to create seamless edits, auto-generating subtitles and, auto-generating highlight reels from voluminous amounts of video footage) — while AI can automise dozens of those processes thereby reducing the time it takes to generate the end result versus traditional editing.

For example, you could now edit, condense, filter and generate multiple edited versions of content in an extremely short amount of time compared to traditional video editing.

With the increase in efficiency and speed of AI in the creation and editing of video content, this will be an incredible advantage for content creators in order to positively take advantage of trends. Feel free to share.

Beyond the advantage of speed, AI video tools also feature a lower barrier to entry. Many platforms offer templated workflows that allow users—even those with no prior editing experience—to quickly produce high-quality videos. Some AI tools can even automatically generate certain assets, making the entire creative process even simpler.

At the same time, image to video AI has also reduced the costs associated with content production. Compared to traditional professional software, high-performance hardware, and expensive human labor, AI tools are typically more affordable and accessible. This empowers individual creators, small teams, and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to produce videos—tasks that previously required a professional team—at a much lower cost.

Advantages of AI Video Generators:

• Dramatically boosts production efficiency
• Significantly lowers the barrier to creation
• Reduces time and labor costs
• Supports rapid content iteration and idea generation

Disadvantages of AI Video Generators:

• Limited Creative Control
• Risk of Content Homogenization
• Insufficient Capability for Complex Projects
• Reliance on Tool and Model Quality

An Easy-to-Use Experience for All Users

AI has revolutionized the video editing industry by allowing almost anybody to create high-quality videos. The barriers to entry for traditional editing are quite high, as they require a significant amount of investment in both software and hardware, along with strong technical knowledge to utilize them effectively. Historically, this has excluded many creative individuals from being able to produce video as a result of needing to be able to afford the equipment needed to create professional-looking videos.

There are currently many ways to edit video without having any experience. As stated by some technology reporters, using AI to create ai video has greatly reduced the obstacles that creators face when producing their content. This is accomplished through tools that simplify and speed up the workflow of creating content for the creator. By using these tools to make video production easier for the creators, those who have previously been excluded from video production due to costs or technical difficulties will have a much easier time beginning to create content and expressing themselves creatively through video.

The Balance Between Creativity and AI

There remain many unanswered questions about whether or not AI is truly creative, despite the number of exciting and rapidly developing tools showing just how far we can push the capabilities of machine learning. One question worth considering is whether AI can replicate the unique, subjective aesthetic sensibility and artistry that editors apply to their work. Many technical writers have recently reiterated that our view of this issue should be a bit more realistic; AI will function as an incredibly useful assistant instead of a complete replacement for the editorial process. Therefore, there is still an overwhelming need for editing to have human input and oversight when creating high-quality videos.

Let’s be clear before we proceed: AI has been developed as a tool for facilitating creativity in video editors, primarily through automation of many tedious aspects of video editing to increase efficiency and ease of use, rather than replacing the video editor.

Finally, AI does not have emotion or contextual comprehension like a human being. All AI's judgment comes from either data-based algorithms and pattern-recognition or emotional indifference to subjective viewpoints.

Conclusion 

Because of its many benefits—including speed and simplicity of use—the use of AI in video-editing is changing how content is created. People with little to no technical background, or no professional team, can now produce and release a larger amount of video content in significantly less time.

However, traditional editing skills will still play a pivotal role in content quality. Many creators are now experimenting with the blending of AI with traditional editing methods, trying to create more efficient processes while still having total creative control over their projects. AI editing is not just an "either/or" format; rather, it can work together with the expertise of humans, helping to optimize the entire workflow.

As the capabilities of AI continue to develop, video editing will be even more efficient and accessible in the future, resulting in a new generation of creators. This will give the audience access to an even greater and more varied range of creative expression through AI video tools, both for producers and viewers alike.

TikTok transcript extractor allows businesses and creators to repurpose video content into SEO-friendly blog posts, podcast notes, captions, newsletters, social media snippets, and marketing campaigns. Instead of letting valuable spoken content disappear after a few views, transcripts help transform TikTok videos into evergreen digital assets that continue generating traffic and engagement long after publication.

Why TikTok Transcripts Matter for Content Marketing

TikTok transcripts are no longer just accessibility features. They are now essential tools for modern content repurposing and search engine optimization.

When spoken words are converted into text, creators gain the ability to distribute their ideas across multiple platforms without creating entirely new content from scratch. This dramatically improves efficiency while expanding online visibility.

Search engines cannot watch videos the same way humans do. They rely heavily on text to understand content relevance. By extracting transcripts from TikTok videos, businesses can convert spoken discussions into indexable content that helps websites rank for valuable keywords.

A single TikTok video can become:

• A long-form SEO blog article
• Podcast show notes
• Instagram captions
• LinkedIn posts
• Twitter threads
• YouTube descriptions
• Email newsletters
• Facebook content
• Quora answers
• Online course materials

This strategy multiplies content output while maintaining consistent messaging across platforms.

How TikTok Automatically Generates Captions

TikTok includes an auto-caption feature that converts speech into on-screen text. This feature uses speech recognition technology to identify spoken words and generate subtitles automatically.

To access TikTok captions:

1. Open the TikTok video
2. Tap the share or menu icon
3. Enable captions if available
4. Copy or manually extract the text

Although TikTok captions are useful, they are not always perfectly accurate. Background music, slang, accents, and rapid speech can affect transcription quality. Because of this, editing and proofreading are essential before repurposing the content.

Best Methods to Extract TikTok Transcripts

Use Built-In TikTok Captions

The simplest method is using TikTok’s native caption system. If captions are enabled by the creator, you can manually copy the text and organize it into a document.

This approach works best for short videos with clear speech. It requires no additional software and is ideal for quick transcript extraction.

However, manual extraction becomes time-consuming when handling large volumes of content.

Use AI Transcription Tools

AI-powered transcription platforms provide a faster and more accurate solution. These tools automatically convert TikTok audio into editable text within seconds.

Popular transcription software often includes:

• Speaker recognition
• Timestamp generation
• Multi-language support
• Grammar correction
• Export formats like TXT, DOCX, or SRT

AI tools are particularly useful for marketers, podcast creators, agencies, and businesses managing high-content production workflows.

The biggest advantage is speed. A five-minute TikTok discussion can be converted into fully editable text almost instantly.

Convert TikTok Videos into Audio Files

Another effective strategy involves downloading TikTok videos and converting them into audio formats such as MP3. After conversion, the audio file can be uploaded into speech-to-text software for transcription.

This method provides better control over editing and formatting, especially for creators who plan to turn TikTok discussions into podcasts or long-form articles.

How to Turn TikTok Transcripts into SEO Blog Posts

Extracting the transcript is only the first step. The real value comes from transforming raw text into optimized content that ranks in search engines.

Organize the Transcript Structure

Most TikTok transcripts contain conversational speech patterns that need refinement before publication. Start by organizing the content into logical sections with clear headings.

Remove filler phrases, repeated words, and unnecessary pauses. Then divide the content into sections that improve readability.

Proper formatting improves both user experience and SEO performance.

Add Keyword Optimization

Keyword placement is critical when converting TikTok transcripts into blog articles.

Identify primary keywords related to the topic and naturally integrate them into:

• The title
• Meta description
• Introduction
• Headings
• Image alt text
• Conclusion

For example, a TikTok discussing content marketing could target phrases such as:

• TikTok transcript extraction
• TikTok captions for SEO
• Repurposing TikTok content
• Social media transcript tools
• TikTok transcription software

Strategic keyword integration helps search engines understand topical relevance.

Expand Short TikTok Content

TikTok videos are usually brief, which means transcripts may lack depth. Expanding the content with additional explanations, examples, statistics, and case studies creates a more authoritative article.

This process transforms short-form content into comprehensive resources capable of competing in Google search results.

Using TikTok Transcripts for Podcasts

Podcast creators can dramatically accelerate production workflows using TikTok transcripts.

Many podcasters now record short TikTok clips before producing full episodes. These clips act as content previews while transcripts help structure episode outlines.

TikTok transcripts can be used for:

• Podcast introductions
• Episode summaries
• SEO show notes
• Social media promotion
• Audiograms and captions

Because podcast SEO depends heavily on written metadata, transcripts improve discoverability across podcast platforms and search engines alike.

Repurposing TikTok Transcripts for Social Media

Social media algorithms reward consistent posting. TikTok transcripts make it easier to maintain a high publishing frequency without constantly creating new material.

A single transcript can generate dozens of micro-content pieces for different platforms.

Create Twitter Threads

Short TikTok insights can easily become educational Twitter threads. Break the transcript into concise statements and structure them into engaging sequences.

Write LinkedIn Articles

Professional TikTok discussions about marketing, business, entrepreneurship, or productivity can be expanded into authoritative LinkedIn posts.

Generate Instagram Captions

Many creators struggle with caption writing. TikTok transcripts solve this problem by providing authentic language directly from the original video.

This maintains consistency between video and written messaging.

SEO Benefits of TikTok Transcript Extraction

Extracting TikTok transcripts provides major SEO advantages that extend beyond social media marketing.

Increased Organic Traffic

Text-based content gives search engines more opportunities to index relevant keywords. This increases the likelihood of appearing in search results for informational queries.

Improved Content Scalability

Instead of creating separate content for every platform, transcript repurposing allows creators to scale output efficiently.

One video can become ten or more content assets.

Enhanced Accessibility

Transcripts improve accessibility for users who prefer reading or cannot listen to audio. Accessibility improvements also contribute positively to overall user experience metrics.

Better Audience Retention

Written content allows audiences to skim, bookmark, quote, and revisit information more easily than video alone.

This improves engagement across multiple channels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many creators extract transcripts but fail to optimize them properly. One major mistake is publishing raw transcripts without editing. This creates poor readability and weak SEO performance.

Another common issue is ignoring formatting. Large walls of text reduce user engagement and increase bounce rates.

Keyword stuffing is also harmful. Modern SEO requires natural language optimization rather than repetitive keyword placement.

Finally, creators often forget to add unique insights beyond the original TikTok content. Expanded commentary helps differentiate articles from competitors.

Final Thoughts on TikTok Transcript Repurposing

TikTok transcript extraction has become one of the most effective strategies for modern digital marketing. Businesses, influencers, educators, and brands can transform short-form videos into powerful long-form assets that drive organic traffic, audience growth, and content scalability. By repurposing valuable insights, tutorials, product demonstrations, and even trending TikTok recipes into searchable written content, brands can improve SEO performance, increase online visibility, and connect with wider audiences across multiple digital platforms more effectively. 

By converting TikTok videos into searchable text, creators unlock new opportunities for blogging, podcasting, email marketing, and cross-platform promotion. With the right optimization strategy, a single TikTok video can fuel an entire content ecosystem while improving search engine visibility and maximizing long-term ROI.

Canton Academy students in Mrs. Pam Reeves’ class learned the basics of dining etiquette during a lesson focused on proper behavior at restaurants and in others’ homes. 

Instruction included identifying the difference between a salad fork and a pastry fork, the correct placement of a dinner napkin, and the proper direction for passing dishes at the table.