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The city council makes a controversial decision to redirect $750,000 from internet sales tax funds toward fixing the leaky roof of the Municipal Complex. What started as a dedicated road improvement fund has now expanded to include "building assets," raising questions about mission creep and fiscal discipline. While council members like Jason Spears fought to preserve the original purpose of these funds, the urgent need to protect millions in equipment from water damage ultimately won the day.

In an unsettling sign of our times, police officers are now riding school buses to address behavioral problems among students and confrontational parents. This new security measure comes without clear guidelines or specialized training protocols, creating potential risks in the close quarters of a moving bus filled with children. The debate centers not on whether discipline is needed, but on how to implement it safely and effectively in this unique environment.

Meanwhile, Tax Assessor Greg Andrews delivered promising financial news during his guest appearance. Lowndes County has added $138 million in assessed value to tax rolls this year with a projected $415 million more coming next year. This explosive growth could generate more than $10 million in additional revenue in coming years, potentially offsetting recent tax increases. Andrews also ballparks the financial impact the Burns Bottom development project will have on the city.

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What happens when parody and politics collide? Just ask Scott Colom, whose "prank call" video aimed at Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith sparked calls from the Mississippi Republican Party chair for an FBI investigation. This extreme reaction transformed what would have been a forgettable campaign moment into valuable statewide exposure for a candidate previously struggling with name recognition.

Meanwhile, in Caledonia, town officials implemented a special 10 p.m. homecoming week curfew after last year's celebrations turned dangerous, with teens reportedly shooting paintball guns at vehicles and causing serious accidents. This wasn't about stopping typical teenage mischief like rolling houses - it was about preventing potentially dangerous outcomes from reckless behavior.

Most concerning is Columbus Mayor Stephen Jones instructing department heads to direct all media inquiries through the Public Information Officer - despite explicitly promising the City Council this would not happen. This marks the second documented instance where the mayor has publicly made statements that later proved untrue. As our hosts note, "You cannot build a positive image of the city on falsehoods." When officials say one thing publicly but implement something completely different, it erodes the foundation of trust necessary for effective governance.

Have we reached a point where political maneuvering and image control take priority over honesty and transparency? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and following Between the Headlines for more insights into the stories shaping our community.

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District Attorney Scott Colom has thrown his hat into the ring for the United States Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in what promises to be a compelling race focused on Mississippi's future.

In his first public interview since his announcement, Colom presented himself as a prosecutor ready to make the case both against Hyde-Smith and for his own vision.

Colom didn't mince words about what he sees as Hyde-Smith's failure to prioritize Mississippi's needs. He pointed to her votes against infrastructure funding that benefited the state while supporting tax cuts for wealthy Americans from other states. Most critically, he highlighted healthcare cuts that could affect 140,000 Mississippians and put eight hospitals at risk of closing – a decision he characterized as putting DC politics above Mississippi's interests.

The District Attorney positioned himself as a "common sense Democrat" who breaks from party orthodoxy on issues like border security while maintaining progressive positions on healthcare and economic policy. When asked about social issues, Colom described himself as a Christian with traditional values who opposes gender-affirming surgeries for minors and biological males competing in girls' sports.

Colom faces significant challenges in a state that has trended strongly Republican in federal elections, but he expressed confidence that his message would resonate with voters who prioritize Mississippi's interests over partisan loyalty.

Then Zack and David talk to Mark Smith, founder of Salute to Lowndes County's Finest, an annual event in its 22nd year that recognizes the work of first responders. The group has also established a fund to assist first responders in need.