Whether used for commercial transport, recreational towing, or heavy-duty hauling, modern trailer hitch technology plays an increasingly important role in improving driver confidence, road safety, and towing performance.

The Evolution of Trailer Hitches

Traditional trailer hitches relied almost entirely on mechanical strength and proper installation. Drivers were responsible for manually checking tongue weight, trailer balance, lighting connections, and towing stability before every trip.

Today's towing systems are significantly more advanced. Modern vehicles now integrate trailer hitches with electronic control units (ECUs), onboard sensors, and towing software that continuously monitor driving conditions and trailer behavior. These intelligent systems help reduce human error while providing real-time assistance during towing operations. Modern vehicles increasingly integrate towing with vehicle electronics and safety systems, including CAN bus communication and trailer detection.

Smart Towing Technology Enhances Safety

One of the biggest innovations in trailer hitch technology is the integration of smart towing features.

Many newer pickup trucks and SUVs now include:

• Trailer Sway Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control while towing
• Trailer Brake Controllers
• Hill Start Assist
• Trailer Backup Assist

These systems continuously collect data from multiple sensors throughout the vehicle. If the trailer begins to sway due to high winds, sudden steering inputs, or uneven road surfaces, the vehicle automatically applies individual brakes and adjusts engine power to help restore stability.

Instead of relying solely on driver reactions, smart towing technology actively works to prevent dangerous situations before they escalate.

Connected Trailer Hitches Are Becoming the New Standard

Connectivity has become a defining trend across the automotive industry, and trailer hitches are no exception.

Many modern towing systems now communicate directly with the vehicle's onboard computer through dedicated wiring harnesses and digital communication protocols.

This connectivity enables features such as:

• Automatic trailer recognition
• Lighting diagnostics
• Trailer brake monitoring
• Load balancing notifications
• Maintenance alerts
• Integrated towing profiles

Some premium vehicles even remember the settings for different trailers, automatically adjusting camera angles, steering assistance, braking sensitivity, and transmission behavior whenever a specific trailer is connected.

These innovations create a seamless towing experience that requires far less manual configuration than previous generations.

Cameras and Artificial Intelligence Improve Towing Confidence

Parking or reversing with a trailer has traditionally been one of the most challenging aspects of towing. Today, advanced camera systems and artificial intelligence are changing that.

High-definition surround-view cameras provide drivers with multiple viewing angles, while AI-assisted parking systems calculate steering inputs needed to reverse trailers safely into tight spaces.

Some manufacturers now offer systems that allow drivers to control trailer direction using a simple rotary knob or touchscreen interface rather than steering manually.

Machine learning algorithms can also predict trailer movement based on steering angle, vehicle speed, and trailer dimensions, making difficult maneuvers considerably easier for inexperienced drivers.

Advanced Materials Increase Strength Without Extra Weight

Technology has influenced not only electronics but also the materials used in manufacturing trailer hitches.

Modern hitches increasingly utilize:

• High-strength steel alloys
• Corrosion-resistant coatings
• Precision robotic welding
• Lightweight composite components

These manufacturing improvements produce stronger yet lighter trailer hitches capable of handling higher towing capacities while improving fuel efficiency.

Advanced production techniques also deliver tighter tolerances and greater durability, helping reduce wear over years of heavy use. Manufacturers continue investing in material and design innovations to improve durability, performance, and ease of installation.

Electric Vehicles Are Driving New Hitch Innovations

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new challenges—and opportunities—for trailer hitch manufacturers.

Unlike traditional internal combustion vehicles, EVs require careful management of battery consumption during towing. Manufacturers are now designing trailer hitch systems that integrate with energy management software to optimize power delivery and maximize driving range.

Some EVs automatically estimate remaining range while towing, adjusting calculations based on trailer weight, terrain, weather conditions, and driving style.

As electric trucks become more common, specialized hitch designs optimized for regenerative braking and battery efficiency are expected to become increasingly popular.

The Future of Trailer Hitch Technology

The next generation of trailer hitches will likely be even more intelligent.

Emerging innovations include:

• Predictive maintenance using onboard diagnostics
• Internet of Things (IoT)-connected trailers
• Cloud-based fleet monitoring
• Autonomous trailer maneuvering
• Vehicle-to-trailer communication
• AI-powered towing analytics

Commercial fleet operators will benefit from real-time monitoring of trailer performance, maintenance requirements, and cargo stability, while everyday drivers will enjoy safer and more intuitive towing experiences.

As autonomous driving technologies continue to mature, trailer hitches will become an essential component of fully integrated transportation ecosystems rather than simple towing accessories.

Conclusion

Trailer hitches have come a long way from being purely mechanical hardware. Advances in software, sensors, artificial intelligence, connectivity, and vehicle engineering have transformed them into intelligent systems that enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience.

As the automotive industry embraces connected vehicles, electric mobility, and autonomous technologies, trailer hitches will continue evolving alongside them. Whether for personal recreation, commercial logistics, or industrial transport, investing in modern trailer hitch technology means investing in smarter, safer, and more reliable towing for the future.

Canton residents will soon have a new place to gather, connect and grab their favorite cup of coffee, as Canton Coffee Station prepares to open on the Square.

The new business is bringing fresh energy to one of Canton’s historic spaces, with renovations now underway inside the city’s former fire station. The project marks another step in continued investment and revitalization efforts around downtown Canton.

Once complete, Canton Coffee Station is expected to offer residents and visitors a fresh place to meet friends, study, work or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the heart of Canton.

As renovations continue, anticipation is already brewing for what could soon become Canton’s newest favorite gathering spot.

    America’s 250th birthday is finally here! This momentous milestone that only rolls around every two and one-half centuries deserves special recognition. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd at a backyard barbecue or plan to watch fireworks shows on TV, this once-in-a-lifetime occasion deserves more attention than a regular 4th of July holiday. A festive, patriotic tablescape…red, white and blue snacks…a special holiday meal of grilled classics…and of course, a flag cake made of strawberries and blueberries…these are just a few ways to pay homage to our country’s founding 250 years ago. 

    Each of the suggestions listed above are ones I added to my trial run leading up to the 4th. I don’t mind sharing that I’ve been thinking about this special holiday for months. I’ve purchased items for my table, gathered ideas and dreamed of ways to make the holiday extra special without spending all my time in the kitchen. Here are a few of the tips and photos from my trial run; hopefully, they’ll serve as inspiration to you as you prepare for the most memorable Fourth of July many of us will experience in our lifetime.

Set a table that’s patriotic, colorful and fun for guests

    Nothing sets the mood for a holiday meal like a festive table courtesy of colorful linens, dishes, centerpieces, candles and decorations geared to the occasion. As mentioned, I’ve been planning for this Fourth of July for quite a while; as a result, I’ve also been shopping for months. Several weeks ago, I purchased a patriotic tablecloth from TJ Maxx, a store that always stocks some of the best holiday decorations. Browsing through my local thrift store, I found four red dinner plates and patriotic salad plates that paired well with water goblets with navy stems I already had on hand. I had dreamed for a while about making a Betsy Ross cake (similar to princess and Barbie cakes at young girls’ birthday parties) and using it as my centerpiece. While I successfully made the cake and was happy with how it turned out, it lacked the height and “wow factor” I wanted for the main centerpiece. 

     Instead, I filled an old wooden crate purchased years ago at a vintage store with red and white plants. Empty spaces were filled in with U.S. flags and an old red lantern. I painted white taper candles red and red to add to a candelabra, placed Betsy Ross in a place of prominence and just like that, I had the Fourth of July table of my dreams. 

      Note: One final touch I’m adding to my table this week are inexpensive photo frames filled with old-fashioned patriotic scenes, a copy of the Star-Spangled banner and other assorted scenes and phrases I’ve collected over the past year.

Shortcuts for a special 4th of July meal 

    While nothing’s better than grilled burgers, ribs and steaks hot off the backyard grill, the temperature will likely be in the 90’s on the big day. To keep everyone cool, why not do what I did and purchase most of the items already cooked and assembled? At Sam’s Club, I found a box of fully-cooked cheeseburger sliders that received favorable reviews online. When I stopped by Kroger, I picked up a box of Nathan’s Famous Coney Island Pretzel Dogs. A few minutes in the oven and microwave and just like that, dinner was ready. To add my own special touch, I placed U.S. flag picks on each one and served them with dipping sauces. They’re colorful, easy to walk around with and best of all, really tasty. No grilling required!

Red, White and Blue Snacks

     Scrolling through Pinterest and other online sources, I became overwhelmed with the hundreds of creative ideas for red, white and blue cookies, candies, snack mixes and more. To keep things simple, I settled on white chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated with blue sugar and patriotic sprinkles. I’ve dipped hundreds of strawberries in my lifetime and never had an issue with baking chocolate. This time, the baking chocolate decided not to melt, despite repeated attempts. The closest store only stocked marshmallow crème so I took what I could get. After microwaving for a minute or two, the crème was the perfect consistency for dipping. The end result wasn’t as firm (or perfect-looking) as baking chocolate, but the taste was surprisingly good. 

White chocolate (or in this case, marshmallow crème) dipped strawberries decorated with sprinkles and blue sugar makes the perfect patriotic  snack.       Photo by Kara Kimbrough 

The grand finale…a flag cake, of course

    The Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same without a festive flag cake made of rows of icing and strawberries and a top left pocket of blueberries for stars. While I made the original version, I also discovered a way to make a quick and surprisingly eye-catching flag cake using inexpensive dessert cups, whipped cream in a can, chopped strawberries and blueberries. Creating this shortcut version is the perfect way to allow children to help with the holiday dessert and have fun in the process.

An easy way to make a Fourth of July flag cake is to fill dessert shells with chopped strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream in a can to create the stars and stripes. 

                                                                                                                 Photo by Kaa Kimbrough

A traditional flag cake of a 13x9-inch yellow cake topped with frosting, then decorated with strawberries and blueberries, is the perfect ending to a special 4th of July dinner. 

                                                                                                               Photo by Kara Kimbrough                            

     I hope you’ve been inspired by my Fourth of July trial run and most importantly, are excited about our nation’s once-in-a-lifetime milestone birthday. If all of the photos of the above-mentioned ideas aren’t published in your publication, drop me an email and I’ll send them to you, along with additional recipes and way to create a memorable meal. 

   I hope everyone has the best Fourth of July and food, fun and fireworks aside, remembers the many sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers to ensure America would become what we are today…the best country in the world. 

     Happy Fourth of July!

        Krypto the Superdog isn’t very cute in “Supergirl.” I understand that the way the pup was rendered for this film involved taking a real dog (who probably was very cute) and slathering CGI all over his likeness. The result is a dog whose face looks unnatural and with whom I couldn’t connect during emotional scenes. You know your Super-whatever movie is in trouble when you can’t make a character like Krypto loveable. 

        Krypto’s owner is more bearable, but just barely. Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl, a cousin of Superman’s who was raised on a sort of Kryptonian bunker after the planet’s destruction. Eventually the bunker couldn’t sustain life and Kara had to be sent alone to Earth as well, but unlike Superman, she knew a home and a family on Krypton only to have it all taken away. As a result, she doesn’t take to Earth like Superman did and now mostly spends her days moping around with no friends, save for Krypto. 

        For this film, Supergirl finds herself teaming up with Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a teenager looking to avenge her family’s death at the hands of space pirate Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). Krem needs to be defeated (for the murders, for child trafficking, and for poisoning Krypto and tauntingly carrying around an antidote), but Supergirl also wants to teach Ruthye that revenge through murder will not bring her the closure she seeks. On the other hand, Krem and his crew are perfectly willing to kill Supergirl, Ruthye, and anyone else they see fit. Killing him may save the lives of others, does that make it right to kill him? The Supergirl/Ruthye dynamic is based on “True Grit,” and grit-ting is what I had to do with my teeth every time the stiff, overly-formal-yet-too-immature Ruthye had a line in this movie. 

        On their quest, Supergirl and Ruthye cross paths with what the film thinks is a colorful gallery of otherworldly background characters. But this isn’t Mos Eisley where the alien designs are so interesting that viewers will instantly wanf to know the backstory of every character in the room. They’re all basically indistinguishable rubbery space-takers. The exception is space biker/bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa), who gets to steal some scenes. One of the few downsides of the DCEU folding a few years ago was losing Momoa’s Aquaman, but now fans can rest easy knowing that he’s landed on his feet in a more fitting role. 

        Speaking of the larger DC Universe, it’s worth mentioning that yes, Superman (David Corenswet) is in this movie. He gets one of the few gags that actually works when he tries to welcome Kara to Earth, even though he only speaks English and she only speaks Kryptonian. It’s good to see that Superman is still reliable, because while I don’t dislike this version of Supergirl, this movie is clearly going to bomb and she isn’t going to be allowed another standalone movie anytime soon. If she, Krypto, and Lobo want to have any future in film, it’ll have to be as part of a Superman or Justice League movie. 

        Choppy action, a disjointed story, a muddied moral, a bland villain, an annoying second banana in Ruthye, and an overall ugly aesthetic all conspire to make “Supergirl” one of the worst big-budget movies of the summer. Even Superman can’t save it and saving things is his whole reason for being. But what do you expect from a movie that can’t even get the beloved, iconic, usually-adorable Krypto right? 

Grade: C-

“Supergirl” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action, language, and smoking. Its running time is 107 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, it’s the perfect time to remember that Canton has its own unique place in our nation’s story.

Did you know that when the United States declared independence in 1776, the land that would one day become Canton wasn’t even part of the United States yet? According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s “A Bicentennial History of Mississippi,” much of present-day Mississippi remained under Spanish control until the late 1700s, and the Mississippi Territory wasn’t established until 1798.

Madison County itself was created in 1828 and named after the nation’s fourth president, James Madison, according to the Mississippi Encyclopedia. Just a few years later, surveyor John B. Peyton selected the geographic center of the county as the site for a new county seat. Forty acres were purchased in 1834, laying the foundation for what would become Canton. 

Canton was officially incorporated in 1836—only 60 years after the United States became an independent nation. According to Canton Tourism, the city’s historic courthouse square remains one of Mississippi’s best-preserved historic districts and continues to serve as the heart of the community nearly two centuries later. 

As America marks 250 years of independence, Canton can proudly celebrate being part of a young nation whose history continues to grow. From its historic square to its community traditions, our city’s story is another chapter in the larger American journey—one that began with the pursuit of liberty and continues with each new generation.

We have wrapped up another school year! It was an absolute blast. What a blessing it is to wake up every morning excited to go to school. I definitely feel like I’m not a normal teacher in that most of the time we are asked how excited we are for summer – I am rarely ever counting down the days until summer. It’s nice to have a break, but I truly miss being at school. I miss the students, my coworkers, the everyday chaos, and the happiness that permeates the walls of our middle school. 
 

With all of that being said, as many know, the end of the year means gifts - graduation gifts, recital gifts, class gifts, teacher gifts. I love gift giving! I have a section in my notes app dedicated to gift ideas. Any time someone mentions liking something, I open my app and make that note. When it comes time to gift them something, it helps me come up with something I know they’re going to enjoy. 
 

My students ask me all of the time what kinds of gifts I like, and I tell them I literally just love that they have thought of me. They write me notes and bring me trinkets as if they were tiny middle school crows with shiny objects in their beaks, proud to present them to me. It’s no secret that I love dinosaurs, so, this year, I received several homemade dinosaur gifts and Jellycats. However, one of my favorite gifts was, of course, a book. 
 

Our sweet First Lady of school stopped by my room during the book fair, and we had the chance to catch up. As we were talking, we began recommending books to one another. Sidebar – at Christmas, I gift each teacher on my hall a book that reminds me of them and that I think they will enjoy. With the books, I include a note about why I chose that particular book for them. 
 

As we were talking, she recommended Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I excitedly told her I had been recommended the book so many times, but I was on the waitlist for it at the library and that wait was over seventeen weeks! She said I simply must read it and that I would truly love the story. I told her I’d have to see if I could get my hands on a copy. 

That was on Friday. On Monday, her sweet husband delivered a package to me. It was beautifully wrapped in blue paper with a big satin bow. I tore open the paper to find a hardback copy of Theo of Golden inside with a note that read “Dear Courtney, I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Like Theo, you have a beautiful way of lifting others up and making them feel important.” 
 

Cue. The. Tears. 
 

How sweet was this!? My own favorite way of gift-giving was turned around on me. I got Uno reverse card gifted! It was the sweetest thing, and a reminder that while a gift card is easy, thinking of someone makes all the difference. In a world where we are constantly busy, rushed and moving onto the next, I encourage you to take the time to write the note, find the gift and wrap it with a bow. Because the kindest gesture is when you think of someone else. 
Oh, and she was right – Theo of Golden was absolutely wonderful. 

I have always believed that a true passion for serving extends far beyond traditional protocol. As a born-again, God-called and ordained preacher, I strive every day to exemplify the true meaning of a faithful servant of God. My mission for the world is simple yet profound: to bring spiritual enlightenment, encouragement and empowerment so that others may live an abundant life through Jesus Christ.

This mission is the heartbeat of The Church of Empowerment, which I founded alongside my high school sweetheart and wife of twenty-five years, Lady Dr. Matilda Gee Fleming. Our church began its journey at the family center in Camden, Mississippi. After much prayer, God led us to move our ministry to Canton. He specifically guided us to ask Rev. Bacon of In His Steps Ministries to allow us to use his facility. Rev. Bacon and In His Steps have truly been a magnificent blessing to The Church of Empowerment, giving us a welcoming space to gather. Currently, we are praying in faith that God will provide a permanent building and campus for our growing church family.

The Church of Empowerment is built firmly on the promise of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” We are a Word church that deeply loves God and His people. We believe wholeheartedly in the “E3 Factor”—Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Encouragement through the Word of God. Most importantly, we do not merely teach the Word; we strive to live the Word every single day.

My deep roots in this community and my calling to serve were planted by my parents, retired Pastor-Emeritus Carl E. Fleming and First Lady Savanah Fleming. In fact, my very existence is a testimony of God’s divine providence. Years ago, my father was living in California, and my mother was living in Chicago with her three children. My father traveled to Mississippi to preach a revival for his uncle. During that same time, my mother was visiting her grandmother in Mississippi and was invited to hear this visiting preacher from California. They met, a beautiful long-distance relationship blossomed, and one year later, they were married.

Early in their marriage, a doctor delivered devastating news, informing them that my father would never be able to have children. But God had another plan. One day, while my father was at home alone, an angel appeared to him holding a baby. The angel instructed him to name the child Paul. Just a few months later, my mother fell ill. When she went to the doctor- the very same doctor who had given them the initial prognosis- they received the miraculous news: she was pregnant with me.

My father went on to set a profound example of dedication, pastoring Mary Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 42 years, serving as the local barber at Soul Set Barber Shop, and dedicating numerous years to the East Madison Water Board. My mother, Savanah, is a retired nurse from the VA Medical Center who served our veterans with immense pride and honor. Throughout her life, she has worked tirelessly with non-profit organizations and currently leads the Local Prayer Walk Team. Watching her organize local pastors and community members to walk the halls and pray for the students and staff across Northern Madison County schools and the Canton Public School District, continues to inspire me Daily.

Education and continuous growth have also been the bedrock of my journey, a journey I proudly share with my wife. Lady Matilda and I have enjoyed 25 beautiful years of marriage. As high school sweethearts, we grew up together and are proud graduates of both Velma Jackson High School and Alcorn State University. Today, we are a dynamic partnership— both of us are published authors and Certified Life Coaches—and together, we are the blessed parents of two wonderful children, Makyla and Joel. Building upon our shared educational foundation from Alcorn State, my personal pursuit of continuous growth led me to graduate from New Foundation Theological Seminary and later obtain my Doctor of Theology degree in Christian Education from the Grace through Faith School of Ministry. 

My commitment to service extends from the pulpit into the workplace. Since 2002, I have had the profound honor of working as a Senior Veteran Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Jackson. In this vital role, I adjudicate and analyze claims, conduct personal interviews, and build positive relationships with veterans and their dependents. Navigating challenging situations requires emotional stability, tact, and diplomacy, and I take pride in supporting the agency’s mission while ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.

This dedication naturally flows into my work as an advocate for workers’ rights. I currently serve as the Chief Negotiator of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Veterans Benefits Administration Mid-Term Bargaining Team and the Local President of AFGE Local 1037 in Jackson. In these roles, I have the privilege of mentoring newly-elected AFGE presidents and acting as a trainer for the “Train the Trainer” program. Driven by a vision of a revitalized community, I founded the A Better Tomorrow Foundation. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to transforming inner-city and rural communities, bringing forth unity, and equipping individuals for social and economic advancement. We are building stronger families and stronger communities, regardless of social background, economic status, race or gender.

Our Community Impact: A Better Tomorrow
Through the foundation, my team and I have spearheaded numerous high-impact initiatives to uplift our region:
• Annual High School Senior Scholarship Awards: We award scholarships to two deserving high school seniors chosen based on their exceptional academic achievement, leadership traits, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Back-to-School Giveaway: Served over 15,000 children with essential school supplies.
• Turkey Drive: Organized an annual drive to provide warm meals to families in need across the metro area.
• Health Fairs: Hosted multiple events offering free health screenings and vital resources.
• School Adoption Program: Adopted several local schools to provide direct support to students.
• Teacher Appreciation: Organized TV giveaways for rural schools to honor our hardworking educators.

If you are looking a community of faith, everyone is welcome to join us at The Church of Empowerment!

Join Us in Fellowship

Sunday Worship: Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Location: 3528 North Liberty, Street, Canton, MS 39046
Virtual Bible Study: Every Wednesday via Zoom. Zoom Access Code: 739 362 9642
Contact: 769-289-8121 or thechurchofempowerment4u@gmail.com

“I expect that this year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks use will be at an all-time high. It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home. That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction in 2025. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone.

To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips:

• Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
• Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
• Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

You should also observe local laws. Some cities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits.

“Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from accidental fires, like those caused by fireworks, but there are exceptions. If you set off fireworks where they are not allowed, your policy might not cover the damage. Check local laws to find out if fireworks are legal in your area. Your insurance company can also tell you if there are any fire restrictions in your policy,” said Comm. Chaney.

Attending a public fireworks show is also a safe option if you choose not to shoot fireworks at home. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a pre-show, followed by the main concert at 6 p.m. Families can also expect a kids’ zone, food vendors and other activities throughout the evening.

Ashford Sanders, a Canton native, national recording artist and organizer of the festival, said bringing the legendary gospel group home was his top priority.

“I wanted to do it only if I could get the Canton Spirituals back to the city of Canton,” Sanders said. “We were able to make that happen.”

The main lineup includes Harvey Watkins Jr. and The Canton Spirituals, Tim Rogers and The Fellas, The Brown Four, Cynthia Goodloe Palmer and Rev. Clyde Tate.

For Sanders, who appeared on Season 5 of BET’s Sunday Best, the festival is also about unity and community.

“What better way to bring us together than music?” Sanders said. “It’s something about music that shifts the atmosphere, especially gospel music.”

Sponsors for the event include the City of Canton, Family Memorial Funeral Services, Peoples Undertaking Company, Mama Hamil’s, City of Zion International Church, JTP Ministries, BankPlus, Brown Legal Group, Priestley Chapel M.B. Church and Golden Paradise Event and Eatery, among others.

The Canton-Madison County Historical Society (CMCHS) recently received an original painting from Susan M. Kennedy of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and Canton. The painting, “Sunrise on the New Snow” c. 1983, was created by noted Mississippi artist Alfred Nicols, and Kennedy donated it from her private collection to the CMCHS.

According to the CMCHS, artistically inclined since childhood, Susan has long maintained a passion for art and creativity throughout her life. Since retiring from teaching first grade in 2013, she has devoted more time to her artwork and is also known locally through her participation in the Canton Flea Market.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nicols’ work has long been recognized across Mississippi and beyond, with paintings selected for the Washington offices of both Senator Trent Lott and Senator Roger Wicker.

A December 23, 1982, edition of the Madison County Herald even featured Nicols under the headline, “Behind The Judge Works An Artist.”

According to southernlandscapeart.com, Nicols’ paintings can also be found in the collections of the Mississippi Supreme Court, The University of Mississippi, Mississippi College School of Law, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi Public Television, Entergy, Trustmark, Regions Bank, and numerous other institutions, businesses and private collections throughout the South.
 

But yet, her green eyes shone with a love of life, and she carried herself with self-confidence. Intrigued with the difference between the harsh wrinkles on her face and the glowing peace she conveyed, I finally asked her what had obviously happened at some point in her life. This was what she told me. 

“I discovered something a long time ago. God just doesn’t care. And you know what? I was absolutely one-hundred percent correct.

For years I knew that He didn’t care about me and my problems, He always ignored my pleas for help. I figured that God probably didn’t see me as important enough to answer. After all, I felt worthless, so the absolute God of this universe certainly couldn’t see me any different. And besides, living my life like I was, there was no way that God would concentrate on helping me. He was The God Almighty, and I was….just… me. 

No doubt about it, that deep gut feeling that I was totally unlovable and insignificant caused me to make a decision. A bad one. I decided that if I was just worthless trash, then I might as well live it out. And I did. I won’t bore you or shock you with the details. Trust me, you don’t want to hear ‘em.”

After all that, I couldn’t resist. I had to find out why her face looked so haggard, but yet her face had a glow and her presence projected self-assurance. So, I put that very question to her. Granted, I worded it without “haggard” in my question, but I still asked. Her soft answer came quickly.

“Finally, when I had gotten to the point of so much self-loathing that suicide was constantly on my mind, I went to see a counselor. A man who saw right thru the anger and hardness. To the real problem…that I despised me, ‘cause I knew that God hated me. After all, people who acted the way I did? They had to be hated by God.

That man told me that I was totally wrong about so many things, and proceeded to show me the truth.”

(The truth? Yep, I asked, you know I did. Here’s her answer.)

“Oh yeah, God doesn’t care. That’s absolutely the truth. But not about what I always thought! 

The truth is, He doesn’t care if you are a bad person. He doesn’t care if no one on this earth likes you and the way you behave. That means nothing to Him. He simply wants to rescue you out of the old lies you always believed. Lies about Him, and therefore, lies about yourself.

Made a world of difference in how I view myself now. And Him.”

She’s absolutely right. God just doesn’t care about all that other. He only cares about you.

I write a lot about fun fantasy books or new and upcoming releases, but let’s take a moment for the books that make us cry. I don’t mean tear up with a glistening tear sliding down your cheek as you read. I mean snot slinging, air gasping, chest grasping crying. If you haven’t read a book like that, you’re truly missing out. 
My students have started saying something is “AI” if it feels forced, fake or just overall has bad vibes. The kids are going to be alright, in case you were worried. No matter how much AI may try, it will never replace the beating of a human heart, and no robot can replicate true emotions God instilled within us. Here are some books to remind you that you’re not a robot. 

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I mention this in my letter from the editor, and with good reason. It’s so wonderful! According to the publisher: One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain much about where he came from or why he’s there—but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story. And so, portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered. A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jiminez
As someone who has experienced losing a loved one without them passing away, Jimenez describes dementia so heartbreakingly well. According to the publisher: There’s no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediate yes. That is, until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong ... unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake.

But after one incredible and seemingly endless date, Samantha is forced to admit the truth - that her family is in crisis, and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her, to remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be. Only no amount of distance or time is enough to forget what’s between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life - and even a love - worth remembering.

The Women by Kristin Hannah
This book was so wonderful. It made it all the more special to read it before going on the annual Washington, D.C. trip with our eighth graders and visiting the Vietnam War Memorial. They were there. 

According to the publisher: Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But, in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets - and becomes one of - the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
I gift this book so often. The explanation on the cover doesn’t do the book justice, so I will do my best to explain. The story is about three friends who create a video game together. Through the span of their lives and this creation, you get to see how their friendships form and change. While it’s a love story, it’s a love story to the concept of play, to friendship, and to our loved ones. 

I couldn’t recommend these books more. They are so wonderful and, once again, reminders of the beauty that is humanity. Enjoy. 
 

   America’s 250th birthday is next week and for those of you who, like me, are excited about this milestone in our nation’s history, I’m happy to report that July 4, 2026 lands on a Saturday. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a weekend trip to celebrate and enjoy the festivities in one convenient location. If you live in Mississippi, Louisiana or other coastal area, there’s no better place to celebrate our nation’s monumental birthday than the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Specifically, a full lineup of festivities is planned at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino for hotel guests as well as anyone looking for a place to enjoy a holiday meal, entertainment and fireworks in a festive, patriotic setting.

   A prior commitment on the big day will prohibit me from celebrating down south, so last weekend, I stopped by the Beau to check out what I knew would be exemplary Fourth of July décor. The resort never disappoints with its beautiful, over-the-top flower arrangements, creative holiday-themed displays and themed meals and promotions.  

    As expected, this year’s patriotic decor has been elevated to an entirely different level, complete with a massive, lifelike bald eagle holding court overhead in the lobby, Lady Liberty with lighted torch, fireworks simulations, U. S. flags flying in every direction and red, white & blue elements throughout the property.

    In short, there’s no shortage of patriotic spaces in which to shoot family photos and videos and create eye-catching content for social media.

    The weather on the Coast was dismal, so my plan was to spend the day indoors at the Beau. Once you’re inside the cocoon-like resort, there’s really no reason to leave. Everything from coffee and ice cream shops to fine dining; from people-watching to shopping or trying your luck in the casino, to relaxing by the pool or in the spa, can be found at The Beau.  In short, there’s no need to leave once you arrive.

    I whiled away the hours enjoying the Beau’s festive decor, sampling The Buffet filled with over 200 items, including specialty dishes and Southern classics (the fried pork chops rivaled any I’d ever tasted), being entertained at Shrek the Musical in the Beau Rivage Theatre and the highlight of the day – experiencing a memorable dinner in the elegantly-appointed BR Prime Steakhouse.

    My first meal of the day was, as mentioned, a bounteous lunch at The Buffet. Sitting in the breezy open-air atrium adjacent to the main dining room, I was able to decompress and relax after a busy week. I enjoyed a multi-course lunch accompanied by lively music and plenty of people watching. There’s just something about the Beau’s atmosphere highlighted by beautiful decorations, music and an ever-present scent of fresh flowers that lifts one’s spirits.

   Besides the pork chops and accompanying Southern sides at The Buffet, finding Caribbean delicacies like Jamaican jerk chicken, Caribbean chicken salad and roasted banana pineapple upside down cake with coconut cream was a special treat.    

     The dishes are part of The Buffet’s Global Cuisine celebration that presents “tastes from around the world” from a different country. Each month, nine dishes, including a dessert, are added at lunch and dinner to the more than 200 items normally found on The Buffet.

    Beginning July 1, American favorites like loaded potato salad, pulled pork, bourbon glazed grilled pork chops, grilled chicken wings, beer brats and onions and chocolate peanut butter pie will be offered in honor of the country’s 250^th birthday.

   After lunch, I ventured over to the Beau Rivage Theatre to spend the afternoon enjoying Shrek the Musical. I didn’t see the popular Disney movie, but within the first few minutes, the professionally-produced stage version quickly illustrated the reason for the hype surrounding the green ogre, Princess Fiona, a talking donkey and a cast of nursery rhyme characters I remembered from childhood storybooks.   

     The delightful musical is a fun, family-friendly production for theatre-goers of all ages.  

   It didn’t seem possible after my two-hour lunch, but by dinner time, I was eager to visit one of my favorite restaurants. BR Prime is, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the Beau. The elegant eatery never disappoints in the areas of unparalleled ambiance, attentive service and innovative cuisine.

    Despite having been awarded numerous national awards for its food and overall dining experience, BR Prime is constantly changing and evolving, enhancing classic dishes and adding new, innovative items to the already-extensive menu.

     An overview of recent additions includes a delicious Baby Gem salad filled with bacon, pickled onion, cheddar cheese and peppercorn, Hen of the Woods mushroom with a truffle yogurt sauce that is smoked tableside, caviar service with traditional garnishes and poached lobster carpaccio, to name a few. My favorite new starter was a fresh, innovative take on shrimp salad courtesy of crème fraiche, dill, baby rock shrimp and baby gem lettuce stacked on a crispy pastry base.

   Steaks are undoubtedly the star at BR Prime and while the classics are still on the menu, new additions are quickly gaining in popularity. The Mishima Reserve Wagyu Hanger Steak with a black truffle bearnaise proved to be an excellent choice. The flavorful steak delivered intense flavor combined with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Other new additions include a double-cut Iberico pork chop and Mayura Station Wagyu brisket.

     A decadent but light crème brûlée decorated in patriotic colors courtesy of chopped a strawberry and blackberry topping was the perfect ending to a meal that rivaled any that I have sampled in New York City, Dallas and other large cities. To label BR Prime one of the best restaurants in the nation is not an exaggeration.

   Back to next week’s celebration…it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks and the Beau has this important tradition covered.

    Beginning at 9 p.m. guests are invited to watch a special fireworks display from the observation deck facing the Mississippi Sound. The fireworks, which will be set off from a barge near Deer Island, will pay homage to America’s 250^th   birthday in a dazzling display choreographed to patriotic music.

    Next week I’ll share my picks for celebrating the 4^th of July at home, including décor and menu ideas.

    In the meantime, if a trip to the Gulf Coast to celebrate at the Beau sounds appealing, check out additional information about accommodations, meals, tickets to Shrek the Musical, drawings for red, white and blue Corvettes and more Fourth of July activities on the Beau’s website: beaurivage.mgmresorts.com.

 Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Huey L. Porter Middle School students Shilarah Brown and Jacob Gonzalez were recognized as prize winners in the Capital Area Bar Association’s (CABA) annual essay contest for seventh- and eighth-grade students across the Jackson area.

The students earned honors for essays addressing this year’s topic, “Why is the Role of Law Important in Our Society?” The contest is sponsored by CABA’s Law Related Education Committee.

Pictured with the students is Taylor Weatherspoon of Phelps Dunbar, who coordinated this year’s essay competition. Their recognition highlights the academic achievement and strong writing skills of Huey L. Porter students.

There are several teams playing right now that prior to the start of the 2026 season, many believed did not have the talent required for a strong showing and were building their teams for the 2027 season and beyond. However, they’ve gotten so much more out of their respective players, and as a result, they are playing and fighting for a spot in the 2026 playoffs.

The established powerhouses of baseball are still jockeying for position at the top of their respective standings, but a host of other teams are providing some of the most compelling storylines in the sport. 

Chicago White Sox: From Rebuild to Relevance 

The Chicago team has undergone quite a transformation as they’ve gone from very poor seasons in the last two years to being one of the big surprises in the American League so far this year.

The fundamentals have improved, and the pitching staff has done a better job of limiting damage in key situations. 

The Chicago offense has stepped up as well in their recent string of success. The team’s younger contributors have been able to deliver in key situations for the club. The offense has been able to create scoring opportunities and capitalize in close games, which has been key for the team in its quest for more wins.

Moreover, Chicago has shown it can compete well beyond favorable spots in the schedule. Its improvement isn’t just a product of beating weaker opponents, but of playing more competitive baseball against stronger clubs as well. That has helped reinforce the sense that the team can challenge quality opposition on any given night. 

The club has gone from being a team going through a rebuilding period to being one of the teams in the division’s playoff hunt.

What is perhaps most telling about the improvement is that it extends across a variety of different facets, rather than representing the club becoming more well-rounded in one or two particular areas. In short, there are a variety of different reasons why the Sox have been able to demonstrate as much improvement as they have.

Toronto Blue Jays: Momentum Carrying Into Another Strong Season

Toronto entered 2026 looking to build on last season’s World Series run, and despite a more uneven first half, the club remains capable of staying in the postseason conversation. 

At its best, Toronto’s rotation has helped provide more stability over the course of the season. Reliable starting pitching has placed Toronto in a position to win games against many of baseball's toughest opponents.

Different contributors have stepped forward throughout the year, making the club difficult to contain over a series. The club has also been competitive in close contests, with solid execution in the later innings helping it stay in games against division opponents. 

Many fans following divisional races and evaluating Major League Baseball odds have taken notice of Toronto's ability to be competitive against strong opponents from both leagues. 

Toronto still looks capable of staying in the postseason mix as the season moves into its second half. 

Cleveland Guardians: Offensive Growth Creates a Higher Ceiling

Cleveland was expected to have a strong season after winning the division in 2025. But the club has done more than just meet expectations in the first half of the season.

The biggest change on offense is consistency in scoring. They have developed into a very consistent scoring unit, and of late, can give the relief corps as many wins as possible to enable them to succeed.

The Guardians’ increased success has come by way of improved plate discipline that has enabled them to create more quality scoring opportunities than they have in years past. In addition to scoring more often, the Guardians have put more pressure on opposing pitchers by forcing longer at-bats. 

The team’s depth is another positive aspect to their powerful offense which makes them competitive against stronger teams like the Yankees. There are a variety of different players contributing to the team’s scoring and it is beginning to translate into fewer slumps in an offense that can already score a lot of runs.

Milwaukee Brewers: Turning Strong Into Dominant

The Milwaukee Brewers have continued their upward trajectory into the 2026 season’s first half. The team faced high expectations entering into the season and thus far they have not disappointed, playing at an elite level of baseball.

Their powerful offense has been hitting at a high level of production lately which has taken a lot of pressure off the pitchers. The team's staff has been getting a lot of wins thanks to the offense scoring a consistent amount of runs for them.

The Brewers are also performing exceptionally well within their division. They have established themselves as the clear-cut leaders of one of the best divisions in baseball, separating themselves from the rest of the pack.

MLB insights note that the Brewers have also delivered strong performances outside their division, helping reinforce the quality of their first-half run.   They have handled some of the toughest teams in the game and have maintained their standard of excellence.

The team’s solid run differential and ability to come through in close games underscore the team’s solid performance and justify their record.

The Brewers are proving to be a consistent, elite team and their success isn’t just based on current trends. They have multiple strengths that are among the best in baseball.

St. Louis Cardinals: A Well-Rounded Rebound 

The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the National League’s biggest surprises in the first half of the season. After falling short of expectations in recent years, the team is back to being a contender.

The Cardinals’ improvement has been supported by stronger run prevention and steady contributions from multiple areas of the roster. St. Louis’s bullpen has delivered valuable late-inning relief and helped the team stay competitive in tight games. 

The Cardinals’ offense has taken to playing a very disciplined brand of baseball. They are getting a lot of productive at-bats and are executing very well in situational hitting scenarios to score just enough runs to support them pitching.

The Cardinals have developed into a more well-rounded team, with strengths across multiple areas contributing to their rebound. 

Washington Nationals: Youthful Energy Accelerating Progress

Washington entered the season with limited expectations from many observers. Instead, the club has emerged as one of the National League's most encouraging stories.

A commitment to developing young talent has produced impressive results. Emerging contributors have played key roles in helping the team remain competitive throughout the season.

The Nationals have shown encouraging resilience in close games, with their competitiveness in tight contests pointing to a level of progress that has outpaced many expectations. Competitive showings against stronger opponents have added further credibility to the team’s progress. 

Consistent improvement throughout the roster has been particularly noteworthy. Development has occurred across multiple positions rather than being concentrated in one area.

The first half suggests Washington's rebuilding timeline may be advancing faster than expected. Continued growth could keep the team firmly involved in the Wild Card race.

Why These Teams Have Changed the 2026 MLB Landscape

The first half of the 2026 season has demonstrated that meaningful improvement can occur quickly when teams strengthen multiple areas of their roster and execution.

Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Washington have each taken significant steps forward through different paths to success. Their progress has reshaped divisional races and elevated the overall competitiveness of the league. 

As the second half of the MLB season draws near, these clubs will continue to attract attention as they attempt to convert impressive first-half performances into sustained postseason contention.

Content reflects information available as of 2026/06/18; subject to change.

Frontier has been a core part of Nissan’s U.S. manufacturing story for decades. After  launching U.S. production in Smyrna, Tennessee in 1998, assembly moved to Canton in  2012, where the truck has become a cornerstone of the plant’s operations. Today, Frontier is  powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine assembled at Nissan’s Decherd Powertrain Plant in  Tennessee. 
 

“This milestone reflects the skill of our Canton team and the strength of the community  behind them,” said Victor Taylor, division vice president, U.S. Manufacturing, Supply Chain  Management and Production Engineering. “Canton’s precision, pride and consistency are in  every truck that rolls off the line.” 
 

As America’s fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand, Nissan is seeing strong  momentum across its lineup, including Frontier. In May, Frontier retail sales were up 24%  year-over-year, with 6,773 units sold, the model’s best May since 2010. Canton plays a key  role in Nissan’s strategy to increase U.S. production, helping expand localization from 44%  to 65% in the last fiscal year. 
 

“Customers want a truck that’s proven and capable, backed by a durable V6 engine and  assembled with pride - right here in America,” said Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan  Americas. 
 

Community members, pastors, elected officials, and local leaders gathered in Canton for the Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

The event, organized by In His Steps Ministries, provided an opportunity for attendees to come together in unity and pray for the City of Canton, its leaders, and the community as a whole. Throughout the luncheon, participants offered prayers for wisdom, guidance, and blessings for those serving the city and its residents.

The gathering highlighted the importance of faith, fellowship, and community involvement, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to focus on the well-being and future of Canton. Attendees prayed for local government officials, families, businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations.

In His Steps Ministries expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the event possible. Organizers encouraged residents to continue lifting up the city’s leaders and community in prayer throughout the year.
The Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon served as a meaningful reminder of the power of unity and faith as Canton continues to grow and move forward together.

In February 2026, Rob Buchert received an unlikely phone call: the history interpreter then portraying George Washington at Mount Vernon was having trouble sourcing paper made in the 18th-century style. The inquiry that followed led Buchert to the Dunlap Broadside, and to the question of whether anyone had ever reproduced it not as a facsimile of the artifact’s current appearance, but as a complete recapitulation of the original creation process. The answer was no.

Most Americans picture the Declaration of Independence as the calligraphed parchment with the famous signatures, the document preserved today in the National Archives, familiar from countless reproductions. That document was produced weeks after independence was declared, and the image most of us know descends from an 1823 engraving. The Dunlap Broadside, what Buchert has reproduced, is the actual first publication: the document printed the night of July 4, 1776, before the parchment existed, and read aloud to General Washington’s troops in New York on July 9. The parchment reproductions everywhere this anniversary year are of a different document entirely.

As the effective Birth Certificate of the nation, the Dunlap Broadside has attracted the attention of publishers and printing offices over the years. None combines handmade period paper with a matched watermark and letter-by-letter type composition drawn from period specimens. The National Park Service’s Franklin Court Printing Office (Philadelphia) and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill (Boston) both produce respected hand-press Dunlap reproductions on machine-made cotton paper at prices around $25–30. The only previous reproduction made to a comparable standard of material fidelity, the 1970 R.R. Donnelley/Lakeside Press facsimile, is available only on the secondary market at $500–$2,000+, and is no longer in production.

Unlike the Donnelley facsimile, which sought to replicate the artifact as it existed in 1970, including its aged edges, staining, and toning, Buchert’s reproduction recapitulates the original creation process, producing something far closer to what those first readers across the colonies actually held: a freshly printed broadside on new paper, ink still sharp, carrying the news of independence. It is also a tribute to what is easy to forget about Dunlap’s overnight work: that it was not merely functional but genuinely beautiful: stately letterspaced caps, a commanding six-line initial, presswork that bears the excitement of the moment in every line. Buchert has sought to honor that beauty, not improve upon it.

This project drew on approximately 1,300 hours of work between February and June 2026.

What Rob Buchert Made

A hand-printed recreation of the Dunlap Broadside that follows the Library of Congress’s copy of the first printing: the paper made by hand, the type set letter by letter against the original, the ink blended to match 18th-century presswork.

Paper: Handmade from period-appropriate flax and hemp fibers, bearing the J. Honig & Zoonen crown-and-post-horn watermark, the same Dutch papermaker whose stock Dunlap used in 1776. The watermark is visible in the Library of Congress’s high-resolution scan of its surviving copy.

Type: Re-set from Caslon’s 1766 type specimen book, letter by letter and space by space against the LOC copy, replicating the letterspaced caps in the title and the stately six-line initial of the text, including the typographic irregularities and evidence of haste characteristic of Dunlap’s original composition.

Ink: Hand-blended to match the deep black characteristic of 18th-century letterpress printing.

Press: Printed by hand, one copy at a time, on a letterpress.

Dimensions: Approximately 19.5” × 15.5” (each sheet unique; handmade paper varies slightly).

Availability: www.declaration250.shop

Expert Validation

“I have examined surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside firsthand, and the attention to detail here is remarkable. Although other credible efforts have been undertaken to produce faithful replicas of this document, I believe this to be the most accurate reprinting that has ever been produced. For the person who wishes to experience the sensation of holding a newly-printed copy of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, there is simply no better option.”

— Gove N. Allen, Ph.D., Member, American Antiquarian Society (speaking in a personal capacity)

About Rob Buchert

Rob Buchert is an artist, letterpress printer, type designer, and papermaker with more than thirty years of practice across crafts that the printing industry largely abandoned. He is co-founder of Tryst Press, an award-winning letterpress, papermaking, and fine arts studio established in 1993 in Utah, whose work has entered public and private collections throughout North America and around the world, with pieces exhibited at venues including The Grolier Club. He is a recipient of the Carl Hertzog Award for Excellence in Book Design.

Buchert’s practice runs from raw fiber to finished page: he designs type, casts type (having trained at Monotype University), builds the wood-and-wire moulds and watermarks used in Western-style hand papermaking, and designs and illustrates books. He has been teaching letterpress printing and typography as adjunct faculty at BYU Provo for over twenty years, and collaborated for years with the Crandall Historical Printing Museum.

Within this environment, GZone gaming continues attracting users through structured navigation, responsive gameplay systems, and optimized mobile interaction. Industry observers note that retention is no longer influenced only by game variety. Instead, long-term engagement now depends heavily on system reliability, familiarity, usability, and cross-device consistency.

GZone Responsible Gaming Tips also continue supporting balanced participation by encouraging users to maintain healthier gameplay habits during extended sessions. Meanwhile, Play Smarter With GZone reflects the platform’s broader focus on organized interaction and sustainable user engagement.

Mobile Gaming Growth Increases Focus on Retention

The growth of mobile gaming has significantly changed how users interact with digital entertainment platforms. Many players now participate through short and flexible sessions rather than extended desktop gameplay. This shift has forced gaming platforms to adapt their systems around accessibility, speed, and convenience.

Modern players expect platforms to respond quickly while maintaining stable interaction across smartphones and tablets. When loading times become inconsistent or navigation becomes difficult, user retention often declines rapidly. Industry analysts continue observing that mobile-first audiences prioritize ease of access over visual complexity.

GZone supports these changing habits by maintaining streamlined access systems and organized gameplay environments. The platform reduces unnecessary friction between login, navigation, and gameplay participation. This structure helps users move between sessions more comfortably without technical interruptions slowing the overall experience.

As mobile gaming expands further across Southeast Asian markets, especially within casual card gaming communities, platforms that maintain stable and accessible systems continue gaining stronger long-term engagement metrics.

Fast GZone Login Systems Improve Player Return Rates

Access speed remains one of the strongest contributors to player retention within mobile gaming ecosystems. Users are significantly more likely to abandon platforms that require long loading times or confusing login procedures before gameplay even begins.

GZone addresses this issue by maintaining simplified login systems and optimized mobile access pathways. Players can quickly enter sessions without unnecessary delays, improving early-stage engagement during every interaction.

The GZone app also reduces friction during installation and navigation. Lightweight mobile optimization allows users to access games efficiently even on devices with limited resources. This improves usability across broader mobile audiences while reducing the risk of user drop-off during first-time interactions.

Industry trends show that users typically form early opinions about gaming platforms within the first few minutes of interaction. Platforms that provide smooth onboarding and stable performance often generate stronger repeat participation compared with systems that feel cluttered or unstable.

Because GZone focuses heavily on streamlined access and organized navigation, players are more likely to return after their initial sessions.

Familiar Gameplay Systems Encourage Habit Formation

Behavioral familiarity continues influencing player retention across competitive and casual gaming environments. Players naturally return more often to systems they already understand because familiar gameplay reduces cognitive strain and adjustment time.

GZone games support this through consistent interface structures and predictable gameplay flow. Repeated sessions feel organized rather than overwhelming, helping users build stronger comfort with the platform over time.

Card-based formats such as Tongits online, Tongits game, and Pusoy online remain especially effective for long-term engagement. These games combine recognizable rules with skill-focused decision-making systems that reward repeated participation.

Instead of constantly relearning mechanics, players can focus on refining strategies and improving gameplay awareness. This creates progression-based interaction that strengthens user attachment across repeated sessions.

Industry analysts continue emphasizing that familiarity increases user confidence while reducing frustration. Platforms that support stable and understandable interaction systems often experience stronger retention compared with environments that frequently alter gameplay presentation.

GZone reinforces this advantage by maintaining consistent navigation and gameplay behavior across categories.

Structured Gameplay Flow Supports Better User Experience

Modern users increasingly prefer platforms with predictable and organized gameplay systems. Clear progression and structured interaction help players remain focused during sessions instead of struggling with navigation or technical instability.

GZone maintains structured gameplay flow throughout its ecosystem by organizing categories clearly and simplifying access to core features. This creates smoother transitions between gameplay sessions while minimizing confusion for both new and returning players.

Players can move comfortably between Tongits game sessions, Pusoy online matches, and other GZone games without adapting to entirely different systems. The consistent interface layout helps reinforce familiarity and usability.

Responsive gameplay systems also strengthen player satisfaction. Delays, unstable controls, and inconsistent system responses frequently reduce engagement on less optimized platforms. GZone minimizes these issues through stable infrastructure and responsive interaction design.

As digital gaming competition continues growing, structured gameplay systems increasingly separate high-retention platforms from less organized alternatives.

Stability and System Reliability Build Long-Term Trust

Trust continues playing a major role in online gaming retention. Players often stop returning when platforms feel unstable or inconsistent during gameplay sessions.

GameZone online play strengthens trust by maintaining stable performance across devices and gameplay categories. Players can participate confidently knowing sessions will remain responsive and predictable throughout interaction.

Stable systems reduce technical frustration while improving overall comfort during competitive gameplay. This becomes especially important within card-based environments where responsiveness directly affects user satisfaction.

Industry studies consistently show that predictable systems improve player confidence and encourage repeated participation. Users are more likely to remain engaged when they understand how platforms behave across sessions.

GZone supports this through consistent interface responses, reliable navigation, and smooth gameplay flow. Players do not need to constantly adjust to changing layouts or unstable mechanics, which improves long-term usability.

The platform’s PAGCOR accreditation also reinforces legitimacy and operational trustworthiness within the regulated gaming environment.

GZone Strengthens Retention Through Stability and Accessibility

As mobile gaming continues evolving, player retention increasingly depends on usability, familiarity, and platform stability rather than visual complexity alone. Modern players expect systems that remain responsive, organized, and accessible across repeated sessions.

GZone continues meeting these expectations through optimized mobile interaction, structured gameplay environments, and stable online systems. Features such as streamlined GZone login systems, organized navigation, responsive gameplay flow, and familiar card-based formats all contribute to stronger long-term engagement.

Tongits online, Tongits game, and Pusoy online continue reinforcing player retention by combining accessible mechanics with repeatable strategy-focused interaction. Meanwhile, mobile optimization and responsible gaming systems improve comfort and sustainability across the platform.

As competition within online gaming grows, platforms prioritizing structured interaction, stability, and user-focused accessibility will likely continue strengthening engagement metrics over time. GZone demonstrates how organized design and reliable gameplay systems can create a more refined and retention-focused gaming experience for today’s mobile-first audiences.

The Hinds Community College Board of Trustees recently recognized Canton resident Terri Shores Black with Emeritus status, honoring her decades of distinguished service and lasting contributions to the college.

Black, who retired in 2015 but continues to teach part-time in kinesiology, has dedicated nearly forty-four years of service to Hinds Community College. Throughout her career, she made a lasting impact both in the classroom and in athletics, serving as a coach for basketball, tennis and softball while also leading as department chair for Health and Physical Education on two occasions.

In recognition of her contributions to athletics and education, Black was inducted into the Hinds Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. The following year, she earned induction into the Mississippi Community and Junior College Sports Hall of Fame, where she currently serves on the executive committee.

As part of the recent recognition from Hinds, Black was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, an honor reserved for retired faculty members and professionals who have demonstrated exceptional service and excellence throughout their careers.

Hinds Community College established its Emeritus Status recognition program in 2004 to honor retired faculty and non-teaching professionals who have served the institution with distinction. To qualify, individuals must have a minimum of thirty years in education, including at least fifteen years of honorable and distinguished service to Hinds Community College.

Officials say Black’s recognition highlights a career marked by leadership, dedication and a commitment to helping students succeed.

All-time-great director Steven Spielberg is back with a film built around one of his most popular subjects: aliens. From the man that brought us “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” comes “Disclosure Day,” a film about a small group of people deciding that it is time to let the rest of humanity know that they are not alone in the universe. After deeply personal project “The Fabelmans,” this is Spielberg’s return to blockbuster filmmaking. And I do see this movie as a blockbuster, just not much of one. 

The film essentially follows six characters: hacker Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson), TV newswoman Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) and her boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell), organizer of key players Hugo (Colman Domingo), and shady coverup leader Scanlon (Colin Firth). Kellner has flash drives with evidence of alien activity on Earth dating back decades. Margaret suddenly has powers that are not of this world. Hugo has a full-sized replica of Margaret’s childhood home for some reason. Scanlon has alien tech that he’s ironically using against the aliens and their allies. Let the race to expose or bury the truth begin. 

Following a botched drop to get back a kidnapped Jane from Scanlon, Kellner goes on the run with sketchy help from Hugo in a storyline reminiscent of recent Oscar winner “One Battle After Another.” Jane is shocked to learn that her boyfriend knows the truth about aliens, and he’s shocked to learn that she once aspired to be a nun. At first, she’s a liability to Kellner because she’s blissfully ignorant, then she’s a liability because she doesn’t agree with his cause, then she’s a liability because Scanlon gets to her. 

Kellner knows the score with the aliens, but Margaret doesn’t. She doesn’t know why she suddenly speaks every language or knows the personal life of everyone she sees or can’t help but speak an alien tongue on air. All she knows is that some bad people are after her because of it, and the skeptical Jackson is reluctantly along for the ride. Could it have something to do with repressed childhood memories about unconvincing CGI forest animals? Kellner and Margaret meet up to have an action scene with a speeding train. We know from “The Fabelmans” that Spielberg loves speeding trains almost as much as he loves crashing them. 

For a movie called “Disclosure Day,” there’s a lot of suspense around whether or not the truth will be disclosed. Spoiler Alert: it will be, so don’t worry about it. If you want to worry about something, worry about the individual characters making it to the end alive, which isn’t a lock. Though these characters are so dull that I couldn’t get too invested in their survival. 

Spielberg usually makes good decisions about the way this film looks and sounds (Yes, frequent collaborator John Williams is doing the score), but I don’t agree with how he has the story unfold. Instead of exploring the rich potential for how humanity will respond to this mindblowing news about aliens, he focuses on the buildup to the news, which isn’t that interesting. There’s a brief mention of how people will react if their deeply-held religious beliefs are shaken, but it’s brushed aside in favor of chase antics. I would have put the disclosure at the beginning of this film and given the bulk of the runtime to the fallout. 

Grade: C

“Disclosure Day” is rated PG-13 for action/violence, some bloody images and strong language. Its running time is 145 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

Retired Colonel Fred Shaw of Canton was recently recognized by members of the 112th Military Police Battalion, MS Army National Guard, when he was presented with the “Legacy Award.”  

Shaw was presented with the award for his continuing support to the unit after his retirement.  

He served in various positions within the unit for a number of years, culminating with his assignment as the battalion commander from 1996-98. 

For instance, my present lifestyle seems absolutely normal to me. But President Trump probably feels the same way about his lifestyle. So does the grandmother who is living in the poverty-stricken Brick Kiln District in Pakistan. Each person feels that their accustomed style of living is pretty close to normal. Anything else has a tendency to make us feel overwhelmed, awkward, anxious, or out of place. Notice I didn’t say typical, just…normal.  

But let yourself become exposed to a different style of living and other surroundings, where you can observe happy, contented people living their daily lives, and you can become acutely aware of something. You will see that differences in lifestyle and location, wealthier or poorer, is not the creator of happiness or discontentment. 

Those feelings are a choice and have to come from within.

For example, I recently spent an evening on a horse farm, with a family that was so contented and happy with their lives. Lives that include sixteen hours of hard outdoor work, every day. But believe me, they loved their lifestyle.

Earlier this past week I listened to a pastor and his wife speaking compassionately of the hardships several people in their church were undergoing. In spite of the emotional pain and stress as they walked through it all with these friends, they love their life and they love that they are involved and needed. You could not blast that couple out of their ministry with a cannonball.

My point is this: find your own normal. Find the desire and passion that is inborn in you, and go for it. Anything different from that purpose driven lifestyle could likely be the dream of someone else...but not yours. Dream long and hard. Take the time to find that spark within you. Fan it in to a flame. Then set out to do what is necessary to put it into action. 

Remember folks, life here on earth is short. The average age of dying is now 73.8 years, give or take a few years in terms of male or female.  And also know this, even that span of life is broken into several groups. Babyhood, elementary, teen, adult, and finally, senior citizen years. You don’t have an unbroken 73.8 years to accomplish what you are dreaming. What you could do in your teens is very likely not a viable possibility when you are a silver-haired senior. 

So take advantage of being the age you are right now.  Because as of tonight, the age you are today is never going to roll around again.  Take your courage in hand, step out and begin living your God-given dream, (just do it within the confines of your current age group.)

Go live your own individual true normal.

Madison County Business League & FThe Madison County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution proclaiming May 11-15, 2026, as Madison County Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. 

Even with the week in the past, the Madison County Business League and Foundation invites the business community, schools, churches, organizations and individuals to recognize local law enforcement officers for their dedication and commitment to the protection of the citizens and businesses of Madison County. 

Canton Academy baseball players Cole Ellison, Myles Stanley and Cash Johnson have been named to the 2026 MAIS Class AA All-MAIS baseball team.

Ellison, a member of the Class of 2027, was selected as a pitcher/infielder. Stanley, a Class of 2028 student, earned honors as an infielder, while Johnson, a member of the Class of 2029, was recognized as a catcher/pitcher.

The All-MAIS team recognizes outstanding players from across the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools. The selections reflect the contributions each player made to Canton Academy’s successful season.

As we welcome the summer season, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the 2026 graduates from Canton and surrounding communities. Whether you are graduating from high school, college, trade school, or a specialized program, your hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off. You represent the future of our city, and we are proud of each and every one of you. Continue striving for excellence and never stop believing in your potential.

The City of Canton is also encouraging recent graduates and current college students who are interested in gaining valuable work experience to apply for summer internship opportunities with the City. Internships provide an excellent opportunity to learn, grow professionally, and serve your community. Students interested in participating should contact Dr. Chuconna Anderson by email to canderson@cantonms.gov to express their interest.

Summer also means youth sports season, and I encourage parents throughout Canton to get their children involved in our City youth baseball program and other recreational activities. Organized sports help teach teamwork, discipline, leadership, and responsibility while keeping our youth active and engaged in positive environments. We are also seeking volunteers to assist with our youth football, baseball, basketball, and other recreational leagues. Strong community support is essential to the success of our youth programs.

Many of us remember when Saab Park was packed every Tuesday and Thursday evening with families enjoying baseball and softball games, fellowship, and community pride. Those were special times for Canton, and I would love to see the return of adult baseball and softball leagues in our city. Rebuilding these programs can help strengthen our community spirit and create positive activities for residents of all ages.

In addition, I am pleased to share that the City’s Sanitation Department’s new twice-a-week garbage collection service is now fully in effect. This enhanced service is designed to help keep our neighborhoods cleaner and improve the quality of life for our residents. We ask everyone to please read and follow the instructions located on the top of your garbage cans to ensure your trash is collected properly and efficiently.

I also encourage residents to participate in self-initiated neighborhood and community clean-up efforts. A cleaner Canton benefits us all and reflects the pride we have in our city.

As summer begins, please remain safe and vigilant. If you see something, say something. It is everybody’s responsibility to help keep Canton clean, safe, and strong for future generations.

-Mayor Tim C. Taylor
City of Canton

A Calming Transition After The Day Ends 

One of the best ways for mums to switch off is to create a simple transition between the day and the evening. This may seem quite difficult initially as the days are incredibly demanding, but this shift does not need to be complicated. It should, however, clearly signal that responsibilities are winding down. Small actions such as dimming lights and changing clothes genuinely improve the mood and help the mind slow down. It’s all about repetition as the brain responds very well to familiar patterns that indicate safety. These cues make it easier to step away from stress and settle into a much calmer state. 

Letting Go Of Mental Noise

Strangely, a lot of mums find that mental noise actually becomes louder once the house becomes quieter. This then makes it a lot harder to relax each night. Instead of fighting these thoughts, it can actually be more effective to acknowledge them and direct attention. This kind of thing might seem counterintuitive (and impossible) initially, but it’s something that absolutely can be learned. Some mums might write things down in order to get the best out of this task. In some cases, they might explore calming supplements such as delta 8 & delta 9 syrup as part of this evening routine. The idea is to create a steady environment that supports rest and recovery – it doesn’t have to be perfect in every way. With consistency, these choices can settle the mind and make a lot of the noise go away after demanding days. 

Creating A Sustainable Evening Rhythm To Support Rest

Mums can create a sense of closure at the end of a demanding day with a sustainable evening rhythm. Thoughts and worries about the kids and the house do not completely evaporate, but every mum deserves a chance to relax after all the work. This kind of rhythm doesn’t require strict rules, but it does mean repeating small actions that signal rest. Mental pressure can be reduced significantly with simple habits like preparing for the next day and reading something easy. Even sitting quietly and meditating can do a lot for the mind. With an effective evening routine, things will feel structured, and the mind is less likely to stay alert. You will create more mental space and allow your body to shift into a calm state. When done regularly, this will become easier to maintain and will support long-term emotional balance. 

Destanie Nelson, a teacher at Canton High School, has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Mississippi High School Journalism Project, a grant-funded initiative set to bolster journalism education in Mississippi public high schools. 

Led by The Bell and funded by Press Forward Mississippi, this new initiative will establish credit-bearing journalism classes and student newsrooms in public high schools across the state, closing a critical gap in media access and civic education.
Nelson, from Raymond, is in her first year of teaching. The English and journalism teacher at Canton High School holds a Bachelor’s of English Education from Jackson State University and is currently working on her masters degree. 

Nelson said she loves working with her students, whom she describes as creative, curious and full of potential. She explained that, through journalism, students are given a voice, and they learn that their words and ideas matter. 

“Being part of the first cohort of this initiative is a dream come true for my students and myself,” Nelson said. “It provides opportunities and resources that we wouldn’t have even known were available without it. By joining this cohort, we have found like-minded educators and students for us to interact and bounce ideas off of, which has created a more dynamic learning environment.”

While Mississippi boasts a rich literary and journalistic history, currently less than 15% of the state’s five hundred public and private high schools participate in the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association (MSPA). The Bell is moving to bridge this divide in cities from the Delta to the Coast, including Greenwood, Byhalia, Jackson, Gautier and Natchez.

“From every corner of our state, we received compelling applications from schools eager to expand student journalism,” said Taylor McGraw, executive director of The Bell. “School journalism programs provide vital platforms for student expression, prepare students for a wide range of careers and strengthen our civic infrastructure: a win-win-win for the whole state.”

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.