The Memo

Ginna is out of town, so lifestyle editor Leslie Criss (8:21) joins Emma Kent and Derek Russell today to talk about this week’s food section.

That includes a recipe for sausage ragu. Meanwhile, this week’s Cook of the Week is Saltillo’s Pam Montgomery, who didn’t learn to cook until after she got married. Her recipes include cranberry sauce and chicken-and-dumplings.

M. Scott Morris (17:14) reviews “Battle of the Sexes,” which stars Emma Stone and Steve Carrell. The movie is about the epic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Scott said that the movie takes audiences behind-the-scenes and is a compelling story even for those who already know the outcome of the 1973 match.

Derek (27:24) talks about this weekend’s entertainment scene. That includes Tupelo Community Theatre’s performance of “The 39 Steps,” a spy story/ comedy being performed at TCT Off Broadway. Other weekend events include the Tupelo Caribbean Fest and The Secret Art Show at the Link Centre.

 

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A new partnership between the city of Tupelo and a Jackson-based organization has already helped 14 formerly homeless individuals find stable housing.

On today’s episode, local government reporter Caleb Bedillion (8:05) joins Emma Kent and Derek Russell to talk about recent efforts by Tupelo to help its homeless population, a challenge that has plagued city leaders for years.

In April, the Tupelo City Council agreed to pay Mississippi United To End Homelessness, or MUTEH, $22,500 to test a partnership for six months. Mayor Jason Shelton’s administration is expected to recommend a renewal of that partnership.

Caleb talks about what MUTEH does and how it works with existing resources to find long-term solutions for those in need.

Also on today’s episode, Daily Journal Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (14:02) discusses a new proposal that could allow Mississippi voters to decide whether to raise the state’s gas tax to fund road and bridge repairs. The proposal comes as leaders agree more money is needed for infrastructure, but can not agree on where to find those dollars.

Health reporter Michaela Gibson Morris (18:01) discusses the 25th-anniversary of the Antone Tannehill Good Samaritan Free Clinic and the important service it provides.

The clinic, which opened its doors in November 1992, administers comprehensive medical and dental care and medications without charge to working Lee County residents who meet income guidelines. It has logged more than 67,000 patient visits, averaging about 2,000 a year.

Photographer Adam Robison (25:54) drops in to talk about his recent photo essay on barber Louise Tutor Pearson, owner and barber at East Heights Barber Shop.

And Emma and Derek discuss what movie or TV show they would watch if they knew the world was about to end.

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It’s Friday the 13th, and Emma Kent and Derek Russell look ahead to Halloween.

That includes Tupelo Community Theatre’s Haunted Theatre, which opens tonight. Derek (28:37) talks about this year’s event, which has a medieval castle theme.

Meanwhile, food editor Ginna Parsons (8:04) talks about this week’s food section, including a recipe for bacon cheddar quiche that looks fancy but is really easy to make.

This week’s Cook of the Week is Monroe County restaurateur Stephina Fowlkes, who owns Friendship House. She shared recipes she uses at home, including an amalgamation cake and a beef and noodle casserole.

Ginna also talks about the new “What Can I Bring?” cookbook released by Oxford chef and caterer Elizabeth Heiskell. She may be best known as the food contributor on the Today show.

Meanwhile, M. Scott Morris (18:02) reviews “Blade Runner 2049.” Scott said the movie needed a more ruthless editor, saying that if it was about 30 minutes shorter it would have been great.

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The German grocer Aldi announced it will open its 20,000-square-foot Tupelo store on Oct. 25.

On today’s episode, Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid (9:38) joins Emma Kent and Chris Kieffer to talk about the new store and plans to alleviate the traffic it will bring to the area.

Dennis also talks about the new luxury seating that is coming to both of Tupelo’s movie theaters.

Meanwhile, William Moore (22:41) talks about recent efforts to alleviate overcrowding at the Lee County Jail, as well as plans for the future of the facility.

And Thomas Wells (37:00) discusses his recent photo essay on a competitive cornhole tournament.

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Food editor Ginna Parsons (4:04) joins Emma and Derek on today’s edition to talk about this week’s food section.

That includes a recipe for coleslaw that features mustard for color and zing. It’s perfect for a fall afternoon barbecue.

Ginna also also talks about the annual bake sale done by Brewer United Methodist Church in conjunction with the community-wide yard sale. Many people get casseroles, soups and desserts there they can freeze for Thanksgiving dinners. But there are many fresh offerings, too.

This week’s Cook of the Week is Tupelo’s Chanda Cossitt, who is regularly entertaining guests and offers several recipes for party food.

Meanwhile, Scott Morris (11:01) reviews “American Made,” the new Tom Cruise movie.

The movie is based on the true story of former CIA agent Barry Seal. It’s well done, Scott said, but its cynical portrayal of government also left him depressed.

Meanwhile, Derek (23:16) discusses weekend entertainment, including a new Paul Thorn art and memorabilia exhibit at the GumTree Museum of Art.

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The Tupelo School District has increased its efforts over the past several years to market itself to families with children, build support for the district and help parents feel connected to the schools.

And while many school districts may use social media or advertisements, Tupelo has become particular savvy in crafting its message to young families.

On today’s episode, Emma (5:59) talks more about the district’s approach.

That includes members of the district’s communications team busily snapping photos and shooting video for TPSD’s various social media accounts.

That may feel business-like, but officials say it’s necessary as they face strong competition for students. District officials pay close attention to enrollment trends and use that data to inform their decisions about marketing.

Also on today’s episode, Dennis Seid (16:18) talks about the future plans for air service in Tupelo. The federal subsidy that provides air service to the city must be renewed, and six airlines have submitted bids. That includes current provider Contour Airlines, which has earned high marks for its reliability.

Dennis talks about what is likely to happen next.

Bobby Harrison (24:21) has the latest on Mississippi House Bill 1523, which will allow circuit clerks to refuse marriage licenses based on their religious objections.

That law could go into effect soon because the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block it. The court last Friday did not rule on the merits of the law. Instead, it said courts should not rule on its constitutionality until someone suffers actual harm, such as discrimination, because of the law.

Opponents say the law will discriminate against same-sex couples and say they will continue to fight it.

Under the law, the state will be responsible for ensuring the license is issued if the clerk and other employees in the circuit clerk’s office refuse to do so. The lawsuit also prevents businesses from being forced to provide services for same-sex weddings and other events.

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The results of Tuesday’s U.S. Senate race in Alabama appear to have pushed Chris McDaniel closer to a Republican primary challenge of Roger Wicker in 2018.

McDaniel supported Roy Moore, a fierce conservative who defeated well-moneyed incumbent Luther Strange. After the election, McDaniel told the Daily Journal’s Caleb Bedillion that its results make a 2018 campaign “more compelling.”

Caleb (7:46) joins Emma Kent and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to talk about the Alabama election results and what they could mean for Mississippi. They also discuss the interesting political dynamic in which Republican incumbents are trying to connect with President Donald Trump, while challengers are trying to connect with Trump’s agenda.

Meanwhile, food editor Ginna Parsons (19:29) joins us to discuss this week’s food section. That includes a look at the upcoming Chili Fest and a recipe for pumpkin-cranberry bread. This week’s Cook of the Week is Susan Crell of Holly Springs. She uses many of her mother’s recipes, including chocolate pie.

M. Scott Morris (25:14) reviews “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Scott said the movie tries to be campy and farcical, but does a poor job of connecting one scene to the next and has a very flat feel.

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We lift the curtain and take a behind-the-scenes look at “Open: The Case of Leigh Occhi.”

The Daily Journal’s newest podcast, Open, takes a fresh look at the disappearance of a 13-year-old Tupelo girl from 25 years ago. The six-episode investigative reporting serial is hosted and reported by Emma Kent.

Daily Journal Editor Rod Guajardo moderates a discussion today between Emma and Daily Journal law enforcement reporter William Moore (3:53). They talk about the recent extensive reporting they’ve done on the Occhi case, both the Open podcast and a pair of lengthy stories William wrote in Sunday’s newspaper.

The Occhi case has been steeped in urban legend through the years, and Emma and William talk about the challenges of breaking through that to tell their stories. They also talk about trying to find new information on an old case and about getting sources to talk about something that took place 25 years earlier.

Emma also talks about her efforts to humanize Leigh and to give listeners a fuller picture of who she was as a person. And she and William share many more thoughts about their efforts on project that spanned nearly six months, including a new development that broke days before the podcast launched.

And you’ll be hearing much more from Emma moving forward. She is the new co-host of “The Memo,” and will join Derek every Wednesday and Friday.

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Daily Journal food editor Ginna Parsons (5:29) has been experimenting with a Moroccan recipe, and she joins Derek Russell and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to discuss it.

Ginna said she regrets that Tupelo doesn’t have a restaurant that serves Indian or Moroccan food, so when she craves a good curry or a highly spiced dish, she has to cook it herself. This week, she tried Moroccan chicken with green olives and lemon.

Ginna also talks about this week’s Cook of the Week, Violet Armstrong of Pontotoc County. Her specialty is a cabbage roll recipe she got from a Jordanian friend. She also specializes in several casseroles and has been cooking healthier since a recent heart surgery.

Daily Journal chief photographer Thomas Wells (13:09) talks about his photo essay on the dog groomers at Lil Darlins Grooming in Tupelo.

M. Scott Morris (22:19) reviews “The Glass Castle.” The movie takes a viewers on a dark ride through a series of painful moments, but leaves them filled with hope in the end.

Derek (31:44) has the highlights of the entertainment scene – a slam poetry and spoken word conference at the Link Centre, Touch-A-Truck at Ballard Park and the upcoming production of “7 Ways to Say I Love You” by the Tupelo High School Theatre Department.

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Two new state museums will open in Jackson in December, and workers are busy getting them ready.

Daily Journal Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (2:12) recently toured the 200,000-square-foot structure that will house both the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. He joins Derek Russell and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to discuss it.

The two new museums are slated to open on Dec. 9 as part of Mississippi’s Bicentennial celebration. Bobby said they’re both impressive facilities that can benefit the entire state.

The Civil Rights Museum will be the only state-operated civil rights museum in the nation. Both facilities are filled with artifacts and exhibits, and special ticket packages will be available allowing visitors to tour both museums together.

Continuing on our history theme, M. Scott Morris (15:05) talks about a new book that chronicles Piominko, the great Chickasaw leader.

The book looks at the deep impact the Northeast Mississippian, who was friends with George Washington, had on both Mississippi and U.S. history. He was a man who was well known across the country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

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