Jama Killingsworth

Everyone who can, should exercise his or her right to vote in the upcoming election.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Southern Miss, Pine Grove will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a special event.

At The Salvation Army, we open our arms and our hearts to serve those in need and most desperate for physical, emotional and spiritual assistance.

We should be thankful to our veterans for their service and should express that thanks to them whenever we get the opportunity.

A recent study reveals that Mississippi ranks 48th in literacy. Reading is directly related to literacy and the level of education achieved.

Back to school time is always a big transition, not only for children but for parents, too.

Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 242 years ago on July 4, 1776.

Here in the Pine Belt, we love our summertime outdoor activities, and swimming is a favorite. But, like a lot of things in life, it also comes with risk.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness.

With the summer primary elections looming, many places are inundated with campaign ads, mailings and news reports about the upcoming election.

Thad Cochran officially retired from the U.S. Senate on Easter Sunday after serving us well since 1978.

Education funding is again a hot topic for the current Mississippi Legislative session.

We have all been shaken and saddened by the recent slaughter of innocent lives at a Florida high school.  Mass shootings are occurring more and more, and it seems to be almost weekly.

A recent study by The Secretary of State's Office revealed a common hurdle to starting a business, investing and expanding operations in Mississippi. The challenge: an experienced workforce.

Mississippi and Alabama are among only a few states with no state lottery. The likelihood of a lottery passing our state legislature this year seems to be greater than ever.

Mississippi continues to be one of the few states with severe limits on when citizens can vote early.

The holidays are upon us, and it's the time of year for giving and generosity. With that comes people who are looking to take advantage of others. Scams can come in many forms, and people can fall victim with just a simple phone call. During the holiday season, not only elderly people are targeted, but anyone willing to answer a few questions and give out personal information, which you should never do.  Especially your social security number and debit or credit card informatio...

Each year in the early morning hours on a Sunday in March, 60 minutes vanish from our clocks and the time reappears each year in November as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end.  The idea was first suggested in an essay by Benjamin Franklin in 1784; however, it did not become a standard practice in the United States until 1966. In our country and Canada, the clocks go backward by one hour on Sunday, November 5th. This means that there will be more hours of sun at the start...

The Mississippi Department of Education recently released its 2016 - 2017 accountability grades and this year the Pine Belt has a lot to be proud of. Petal School District topped the list as the number one school district in the state. The Lamar County School District also earned high marks, placing 7th in the state, out of 146 districts. Even with the great accomplishments right here in the Pine Belt, Mississippi continues to rank near or at the bottom of the states when it co...

It was my full intention today to stand here and talk to you about October being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Tonight at 10:59pm Central Time, WDAM's extended agreement with DIRECTV will expire and they may drop this station from their lineup.

This is an update for our local DIRECTV subscribers. I am pleased to let you know WDAM's carriage agreement with DIRECTV has been temporarily extended, ensuring you will continue to receive this channel through Tuesday, September 5th.

In 1 day, local DIRECTV  viewers may experience what millions of other subscribers across the country already have…and lose access to their favorite news, weather, and programming.

This week kicks off high school football in the Pine Belt.

The Mississippi Coast is getting some well-deserved attention in a recent issue of Vogue magazine.

Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States.

Practice Safe Swimming This Summer in the Pine Belt. We love our summertime outdoor activities and swimming is a favorite.

The abuse and addiction of opioid prescription drugs has exceeded epidemic proportion in America with more than 33,000 opioid related overdose deaths occurring in 2015 nationwide.

This is a guest editorial by Katie Martin Take a lifesaving journey toward your dream vacation.

Flag Day honors a June 14th, 1777, resolution from the Second Continental Congress, which called for an official United States flag.

Several days ago, Kathy Griffin's  "comedic" bit showcasing the decapitated head of President Trump went too far. Her failed attempt at humor was not only unacceptable but disgusting, and she deserves what comes of it.

As we once again move into warmer weather, it is worth reminding parents and caregivers to never leave children alone in cars.

In an effort to complete the budget for fiscal year 2018, Governor Bryant has called for a special session next month.

Opioid abuse is a serious public health issue.

If you contribute to a political campaign you probably expect the money to be used to help elect that person to office.

In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month.

Recently, a House of Representatives committee chair, Andy Gipson, allowed a bill that would have added domestic abuse as grounds for divorce in Mississippi to die in committee.

Last Wednesday, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted 57-56 to withhold proposed tax exemptions to public universities that refuse to fly the State flag.

This weekend, America will "spring forward" and begin the annual practice of Daylight Saving Time.

March 2 was the late children's author Dr. Seuss's birthday, and the entire country celebrated "Read Across America" Day.

Those of us fortunate enough to live in the Pine Belt have access to a variety of activities that your entire family can enjoy.

Sunday, an ABC News correspondent, defended the news media against President Trump's claim that they are the "enemy of the American people"

Two bills affecting the sale of alcohol in Mississippi are under consideration.

February is Heart Health Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.

Living in a democracy, Americans have elections so people can choose who represents them in office.

On January 21, three Pine Belt counties were devastated by a deadly tornado that claimed four lives and destroyed over a thousand homes.

After being hit by the Jan. 21 tornado, local, federal and state agencies are in the Pine Belt to offer their assistance in the rebuilding process.

Hundreds of homes were devastated by a tornado that tore through the Pine Belt early Saturday morning.

Each week we air commentaries on topics impacting our state or region.

This is the season for giving. While people in Mississippi are among the most giving in the nation when it comes to charity, we are also among the neediest as a state.