The Student Newspaper of Mississippi State University

The Reflector
Mississippi's population has declined in the last five years, but in 2023, it slightly increased.
Mississippi population sees increase for the first time since 2017
September 17, 2024
Local restaurants are more likely to close within the first five years of business.
Inflation raises Starkville restaurant prices
September 17, 2024
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is located on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union.
DEI restrictions gain ground nationally — Could Mississippi follow suit?
September 17, 2024
The new rooftop bar will neighbor Bulldog Burger and is scheduled to be fully operational by January 2025.
Cotton District nightlife reaches new heights with rooftop bar
September 11, 2024
Former residence hall Rice Hall is now home to the psychology clinic, which offers services to students and the community.
Department of Psychology opens new clinic in Rice Hall
September 10, 2024
Former residence hall Rice Hall is now home to the psychology clinic, which offers services to students and the community.
Department of Psychology opens new clinic in Rice Hall
September 10, 2024
The Steinway model Spirio r has the capability to record and perform live performances.
MSU achieves prestigious All-Steinway School status after $3.5 million donation initiative
September 10, 2024
Watson spoke to students on Sept. 2 in the John Grisham Room.
Mississippi secretary of state encourages voting among college students
September 10, 2024
MSU revamps campus dining
MSU revamps campus dining
August 27, 2024
MSU launches free laundry pilot program for residence halls
MSU launches free laundry pilot program for residence halls
August 27, 2024
Mississippi's population has declined in the last five years, but in 2023, it slightly increased.
Mississippi population sees increase for the first time since 2017
September 17, 2024
Local restaurants are more likely to close within the first five years of business.
Inflation raises Starkville restaurant prices
September 17, 2024
The new rooftop bar will neighbor Bulldog Burger and is scheduled to be fully operational by January 2025.
Cotton District nightlife reaches new heights with rooftop bar
September 11, 2024
New volunteer firefighters must attend 120 hours of certification classes in order to serve Oktibehha County.
Volunteer firefighters balance their lives between calls and classes
May 2, 2024
Fractal Networks is working on the Fractal Data Safe—a tool used to safeguard customer data.
Starkville startup Fractal Networks aims to protect data privacy
April 23, 2024
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is located on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union.
DEI restrictions gain ground nationally — Could Mississippi follow suit?
September 17, 2024
Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant speaks at a memorial ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers held at the Old Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery.
Former governor sues Pulitzer-Prize winning Reflector alumna, challenges source confidentiality
July 16, 2024
Nash Heady, aged 22, has made "at least six figures" by selling rare sports memorabilia.
Smithville’s king of cards deals fortune in sports memorabilia
April 9, 2024
In recent weeks, MDWFP and MSU researchers have been visiting black bear dens across the state to study the reproductive success of female bears.
Mississippi black bear population expands as state intensifies monitoring efforts
March 20, 2024
Last year was the worst production year in recent memory for Mississippi beekeeping.
Beekeepers pressured by high rates of colony collapse, MSU researches solutions
March 20, 2024
HARDY headlined Bulldog Bash when it returned in 2021, performing just a year after his album, "A ROCK" came out.
Hardy shakes The Dude
September 17, 2024
The framed funeral program for Pennebaker was held by a brother throughout the event.
Phi Kappa Tau fraternity hosts Suicide Awareness Walk in honor of lost brother
September 17, 2024
'Football for Dummies': A working understanding of football helps in the SEC
‘Football for Dummies’: A working understanding of football helps in the SEC
September 10, 2024
Make it to May's Grahm Hughes sings cover of "Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood.
‘It’s the stuff I dreamed about’: Make it to May to open Bulldog Bash after winning Battle of the Bands
September 10, 2024
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
September 4, 2024
HARDY headlined Bulldog Bash when it returned in 2021, performing just a year after his album, "A ROCK" came out.
Hardy shakes The Dude
September 17, 2024
The framed funeral program for Pennebaker was held by a brother throughout the event.
Phi Kappa Tau fraternity hosts Suicide Awareness Walk in honor of lost brother
September 17, 2024
Make it to May's Grahm Hughes sings cover of "Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood.
‘It’s the stuff I dreamed about’: Make it to May to open Bulldog Bash after winning Battle of the Bands
September 10, 2024
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
September 4, 2024
F.L.A.R.E Second Chance Prom
F.L.A.R.E Second Chance Prom
April 23, 2024
Margaret Ann, Barry and Bart Wood own The Little Dooey.
‘Something special made for you with love’: Starkville barbecue restaurant shares its story
April 9, 2024
Starkville native Sarah Morgan Pellum founded The Coffee Depot May 2023 and has managed the business since.
Pellum creates grounds for success at The Coffee Depot
April 9, 2024
Much of Bluto's Greek Tavern's theming is focused around the colors of Greece.
SPONSORED: Bluto’s Greek Tavern welcomes students, locals to Greek life
November 28, 2023
Students who enjoyed A Taste of Latin America took to the dance floor for some fun.
MSU gets a taste of Latin America
October 2, 2023
Umble 1
Umble Coffee Co. brings bright atmosphere to Starkville coffee scene
September 10, 2023
The framed funeral program for Pennebaker was held by a brother throughout the event.
Phi Kappa Tau fraternity hosts Suicide Awareness Walk in honor of lost brother
September 17, 2024
Make it to May's Grahm Hughes sings cover of "Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood.
‘It’s the stuff I dreamed about’: Make it to May to open Bulldog Bash after winning Battle of the Bands
September 10, 2024
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash
September 4, 2024
'I really wanted to downplay other parts of me': Hunter McKnight competes on Survivor season 46
‘I really wanted to downplay other parts of me’: Hunter McKnight competes on Survivor season 46
August 27, 2024
Reflector staff holding awards won at the Mississippi Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest.
Staff Collaboration: What we wish we were told as new students
May 2, 2024
Margaret Ann, Barry and Bart Wood own The Little Dooey.
‘Something special made for you with love’: Starkville barbecue restaurant shares its story
April 9, 2024
Starkville native Sarah Morgan Pellum founded The Coffee Depot May 2023 and has managed the business since.
Pellum creates grounds for success at The Coffee Depot
April 9, 2024
The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is south of Starkville.
Harman: Starkville activities for all ages
March 20, 2024
Idea Shop offers unique experience in blacksmithing
Idea Shop offers unique experience in blacksmithing
February 28, 2024
State Fountain Bakery offers a number of pastries at their location. 
State Fountain Bakery sweetens campus with a variety of treats
October 8, 2023
EA Sports' "College Football 25" captures the atmosphere of the Egg Bowl
EA Sports’ “College Football 25” captures the atmosphere of the Egg Bowl
July 18, 2024
"Darkest Dungeon 2" provides thought-provoking and immersive gameplay
“Darkest Dungeon 2” provides thought-provoking and immersive gameplay
July 15, 2024
"Inside Out 2" reminds adults to accept their true self
“Inside Out 2” reminds adults to accept their true self
July 2, 2024
"Fortnight," which Swift recorded with Post Malone, is one of two features on the 31 song album.
Comparing Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ to Five Great Breakup Albums
May 2, 2024
Review: WrestleMania XL is WWE's love letter to wrestling fans
Review: WrestleMania XL is WWE’s love letter to wrestling fans
April 16, 2024
Cassidy: Never meet your heroes
Cassidy: Never meet your heroes
September 17, 2024
Mississippi State University should provide personal finance classes
Mississippi State University should provide personal finance classes
September 17, 2024
Seniors facing graduation need a mentor on campus to turn to.
Senior navigators: Seniors need just as much guidance as freshman
September 17, 2024
Voting matters for local elections and sense of community, as well as making large changes in office
Voting matters for local elections and sense of community, as well as making large changes in office
September 10, 2024
Low wages hold servers below the poverty line and hurt productivity
Low wages hold servers below the poverty line and hurt productivity
September 10, 2024
Face-off: In-person testing allows for a more focused environment
Face-off: In-person testing allows for a more focused environment
May 2, 2024
Face-off: Corporate greed has ruined Valentine's Day
Face-off: Corporate greed has ruined Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2024
Face-off: Commercialism is necessary to Valentine's festivities
Face-off: Commercialism is necessary to Valentine’s festivities
February 13, 2024
Halloween Candy Face-off
Face-off: Houses should stick to passing out fan-favorite candies
October 23, 2023
Halloween Candy Face-off
Face-off: Trick-or-treaters should be given old school classics
October 22, 2023
SA candidate Brannan Tisdale.
Letter to the Editor: Students are responsible for inclusivity in Student Association
February 28, 2024
Letter to the Editor: Avoid binge drinking during March Madness
February 28, 2023
Letter to the Editor: Jasmine Sherman, A Call to Action: Supporting the Vision of Presidential Candidate Jasmine Sherman
January 18, 2023
Letter to the Editor: Lame duck legislation would make consumers’ lives harder
January 3, 2023
Op-Ed: Do MSU students care about voting in midterms as much as they care about voting for Homecoming King, Queen?
October 28, 2022
Acosta: What to Look for in Mississippi State University Football Recruiting
September 17, 2024
Maroon to millions: Prescott and Jones become some of NFL highest paid players
Maroon to millions: Prescott and Jones become some of NFL highest paid players
September 17, 2024
Mississippi State Defensive End Sulaiman Kpaka (#8) during the game between the Toledo Rockets and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS.
Mississippi State falls to Toledo
September 15, 2024
Sophomore wide receiver Creed Whittemore has caught 44 all purpose yards and one touchdown so far this season.
McCord: Judging overreactions from the loss to Arizona State
September 10, 2024
McCord: Do not underestimate Toledo
McCord: Do not underestimate Toledo
September 10, 2024
Mississippi State baseball: A struggle to reclaim glory
Mississippi State baseball: A struggle to reclaim glory
August 27, 2024
Diamond Dawgs sweep Auburn in rainy Super Bulldog Weekend
Diamond Dawgs sweep Auburn in rainy Super Bulldog Weekend
April 23, 2024
Bulldogs take weekday victory over Alcorn State
Bulldogs take weekday victory over Alcorn State
April 23, 2024
Seven-peat beat: Mississippi State baseball faces loss to Ole Miss
Seven-peat beat: Mississippi State baseball faces loss to Ole Miss
April 16, 2024
Junior outfielder Bryce Chance recorded two RBIs in Game 3 of the SEC matchup against Georgia.
MSU Bulldogs win controversial series over Georgia
April 9, 2024
Graduate student Tolu Smith has started 84 of his 85 outings with the MSU Bulldogs.
Bulldogs punch ticket to big dance after SEC tournament wins
March 20, 2024
Head coach Chris Jans’ team stands at a 19-10 overall record.
James: MSU men’s hoops needs offensive utility amid March Madness
March 6, 2024
MSU’s Dashawn Davis has started in over 50 career games.
Bulldogs crush LSU in Baton Rouge
February 28, 2024
Tolu Smith produced a team-leading 24 points and 6 rebounds for the Bulldogs Wednesday night.
MSU dominates Ole Miss in Humphrey Coliseum slugfest
February 28, 2024
Graduate guard Dashawn Davis pushed through Razorbacks defense during his 19 minutes of play in Saturday’s close 71-67 matchup inside Humphrey Coliseum.
MSU men’s hoops survives scare against Arkansas
February 21, 2024
Head coach Purcell has led his Bulldogs to the first annual Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.
MSU women’s basketball advances to WBIT quarterfinals
March 27, 2024
Mississippi State women's hoops secure No. 2 seed in WBIT
Mississippi State women’s hoops secure No. 2 seed in WBIT
March 20, 2024
Jessika Carter averages 14.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Harrison: Questions to address before women’s basketball post-season play
March 6, 2024
MSU women's basketball falls to Kentucky Wildcats
MSU women’s basketball falls to Kentucky Wildcats
February 28, 2024
MSU women's hoops slams Georgia Bulldogs at home
MSU women’s hoops slams Georgia Bulldogs at home
February 13, 2024
Acosta: What to Look for in Mississippi State University Football Recruiting
September 17, 2024
Maroon to millions: Prescott and Jones become some of NFL highest paid players
Maroon to millions: Prescott and Jones become some of NFL highest paid players
September 17, 2024
Mississippi State Defensive End Sulaiman Kpaka (#8) during the game between the Toledo Rockets and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS.
Mississippi State falls to Toledo
September 15, 2024
Wide receiver Mario Craver has received three passes for a total of 76 yards and one touchdown.
Shapen impresses, Bulldogs dominate Eastern Kentucky in home opener
September 2, 2024
A look into the Bulldogs upcoming football season
A look into the Bulldogs upcoming football season
August 27, 2024
From British Columbia to Starkville: The journey of soccer midfielder Sierra Bergen
From British Columbia to Starkville: The journey of soccer midfielder Sierra Bergen
April 16, 2024
The Mississippi State soccer team
MSU soccer heads to second round of NCAA Tournament
November 13, 2023
MSU soccer drops last regular season game to Arkansas
MSU soccer drops last regular season game to Arkansas
October 29, 2023
Soccer 10/25
Bulldogs settle for a tie against Vanderbilt
October 23, 2023
Soccer
MSU soccer smashes Kentucky’s perfect SEC record
October 18, 2023
Bulldogs softball drops weekend series over Tennessee despite Game 1 dominance
Bulldogs softball drops weekend series over Tennessee despite Game 1 dominance
April 16, 2024
Junior Sierra Sacco secured two runs and one RBI during the series against South Carolina.
MSU softball earns two shutout wins over No. 25 South Carolina
April 9, 2024
Bulldogs softball brings home series win over Arkansas
Bulldogs softball brings home series win over Arkansas
March 27, 2024
Freshman pitcher Delainey Everett made her college debut against UAB for opening day of Mis sissippi State softball.
MSU softball sweeps six game Bulldog Invitational
March 6, 2024
MSU softball brings heat during Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
MSU softball brings heat during Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
February 21, 2024
Volleyball
Volleydawgs stumble and fall to Missouri Tigers
November 5, 2023
MSU volleyball falls to Georgia Bulldogs
MSU volleyball falls to Georgia Bulldogs
October 29, 2023
The Volleydawgs celebrate after a kill from Sophie Agee that sealed the deal for a Mississippi State win.
MSU volleyball takes down rival Ole Miss Rebels
October 23, 2023
Volleyball
Bulldogs dominate No. 14 Florida in a home matchup
October 16, 2023
Volleyball UGA
MSU volleyball falls to Georgia Bulldogs
October 8, 2023
The Student Newspaper of Mississippi State University

The Reflector
The Student Newspaper of Mississippi State University

The Reflector
John Baladi

John Baladi, Life & Entertainment Editor

John Baladi is a graduate student pursuing his master's in business administration.

He currently serves as the Life & Entertainment Editor.

[email protected]

All content by John Baladi
HARDY headlined Bulldog Bash when it returned in 2021, performing just a year after his album, "A ROCK" came out.

Hardy shakes The Dude

John Baladi, Life&Entertainment Editor
September 17, 2024
Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash

Ludacris to headline Bulldog Bash

John Baladi, Life&Entertainment Editor
September 4, 2024
Why graduates should stay in Starkville

Why graduates should stay in Starkville

John Baladi, Life&Entertainment Editor
August 27, 2024
EA Sports' "College Football 25" captures the atmosphere of the Egg Bowl

EA Sports’ “College Football 25” captures the atmosphere of the Egg Bowl

John Baladi, Life&Entertainment Editor
July 18, 2024
Hot Take: House of the Dragon recent episode proves 'filler' episodes are just as riveting

Hot Take: House of the Dragon recent episode proves ‘filler’ episodes are just as riveting

John Baladi, Life&Entertainment Editor
July 16, 2024
"Darkest Dungeon 2" provides thought-provoking and immersive gameplay

“Darkest Dungeon 2” provides thought-provoking and immersive gameplay

John Baladi, Life & Entertainment Editor
July 15, 2024
The people are what make Starkville the Best Small Town.

Best Small Town in the South is a deserving title for this charming conglomeration of people

John Baladi, Life & Entertainment Editor
May 2, 2024
Old main Music Festival will have nine bands total, with 25 art vendors. Delfest will have 15 of each.

‘You Feel the Community’ Old Main Music Festival and Delfest Show off the Arts

John Baladi, Life & Entertainment Editor
April 23, 2024
Organizations should consider students with strong 'failure resume'

Organizations should consider students with strong ‘failure resume’

John Baladi, Life & Entertainment Editor
April 9, 2024
Creating niche classes would inspire creativity within students.

MSU should offer more niche, interesting electives regularly

John Baladi, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Indie games are made with love for gaming, unlike mainstream products

Indie games are made with love for gaming, unlike mainstream products

John Baladi, Staff Writer
March 20, 2024
505 Curated holds pop-ups in Nine-Twentynine Coffee Bar.

Secondhand clothes vendor curates vintage fashion community

John Baladi, Staff Writer
March 6, 2024
“Helldivers 2” is available on both PC and PlayStation 5.

‘Helldivers 2’ invites gamers to spread democracy

John Baladi, Staff Writer
February 28, 2024
Students should beware sports betting, alcoholism, nicotine addiction

Students should beware sports betting, alcoholism, nicotine addiction

John Baladi, Staff Writer
February 21, 2024
Mississippi State University student Allison Carter tests out Pocket Pair's Palworld on XBox Series S.

‘Palworld’ stirs controversy, makes gaming history

John Baladi, Staff Writer
January 30, 2024
Energy drink reviews: Reign reigns supreme, Bucked Up disappoints

Energy drink reviews: Reign reigns supreme, Bucked Up disappoints

John Baladi, Staff Writer
January 23, 2024
365 Day Playlist

365 day playlist experiment reflects a year through music

John Baladi, Staff Writer
November 22, 2023
Bored to Tears performed in the Ninetwenty-Nine Coffee Bar basement for their first gig with Starkville DIY.

Starkville DIY works to boost local live music scene

John Baladi, Staff Writer
November 12, 2023
Opinion 11/6/23

EDM is a rabbit hole worth falling down

John Baladi, Staff Writer
November 5, 2023
Life10/24/2023

Baladi: 3 things to get into the Halloween Spirit

John Baladi, Staff Writer
October 22, 2023
Face-off

Face-off: Pledge attire inspires masses, teaches important lesson

John Baladi, Staff Writer
October 1, 2023
Common complaints from the Cotton District include crowded streets and packed bars.

Cotton District safety needs to be reexamined

John Baladi, Staff Writer
September 24, 2023
The winners at Moe's Original BBQ's Trivia nights go home with a wide range of prizes.

Weekly bar trivia teases minds in Starkville

John Baladi, Staff Writer
September 10, 2023
Opinion 09/13/23

Hot Take: Pizza crust is the worst part of the pizza

John Baladi, Staff Writer
September 10, 2023
Hozier released his third album 'Unreal Unearth' Friday, August 18, 2023.

Hozier’s ‘Unreal Unearth’ is beautiful

John Baladi, Staff Writer
August 27, 2023
Bin 612 is a familiar staple known for its food and drinks.

Cotton District Bar Crawl: Fountain wins most social, Bin 612 feels like home

John Baladi, Staff Writer
August 27, 2023
Mississippi State University officially named Dak, an English Bulldog born March 1, 2021, as the 22nd live bulldog mascot April 15, 2023. Dak will represent the school at its major functions including sporting events.

MSU welcomes 22nd live Bulldog mascot

John Baladi, Staff Writer
May 3, 2023
Don't Shut Yourself Off To Different Viewpoints 05/09/2023

Leave room for a differing opinion

John Baladi, Staff Writer
May 1, 2023
Artists Bryce Vine, Surfaces, and Evan Giia were featured in 2022's Bulldog Bash, coordinated by Musicmakers.

Davis Wade Stadium needs concerts

John Baladi, Staff Writer
April 18, 2023
Treasurer Zac Sibbitt was elected by the student body to the Student Association Executive Council February 2023.

SA Executive Council will create ‘impactful, meaningful and relevant change’

John Baladi, Staff Writer
April 2, 2023

Cadence Harvey sleeps in

John Baladi, Staff Writer
March 28, 2023
Developed by Mobius Digital, Outer Wilds is an action-adventure game released in 2019.

5 artistically innovative storytelling video games

John Baladi, Staff Writer
March 26, 2023
Two of our staff writers went on a date. We asked them to independently review how it went. To view a timelapse of this graphic, click here.

Face-Off Valentine’s Edition: Hallmark forgives flaws, shares correct TV opinions

John Baladi, Staff Writer
February 5, 2023
“Dead Space,” developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, is a remake of the 2008 survival horror of the same name.

“Dead Space” remake is an innovation-lacking, dull experience

John Baladi, Staff Writer
February 5, 2023
Drinking license

Drinking license should replace the legal drinking age

John Baladi, Staff Writer
January 30, 2023
Happy Landings

Happy Landing stuns crowd

John Baladi, Staff Writer
November 28, 2022
Evan Giia, a Brooklyn native, was one of the opening performers for Surfaces and Bryce Vine at Bulldog Bash this year.

Evan Giia stole the show at Bulldog Bash

John Baladi, Staff Writer
October 30, 2022
A crowd tailgates outside of Dorman Hall in MSU’s central tailgating spot, the Junction. The Junction sits in the shadow of Davis Wade Stadium, where cowbells are audible from inside.

Tailgating is weird, which is why we do it

John Baladi, Contributing Writer
October 2, 2022

Pop-Ed: “The Last Of Us Part 1” re-make is beautiful, if not strictly necessary

John Baladi, Contributing Writer
September 25, 2022
Surfaces and Bryce Vine to perform at Bulldog Bash

Feeling Good: Bulldog Bash headliners will brighten Starkville

John Baladi, Contributing Writer
September 18, 2022
Hot Take: The Union Bully sculpture leaves much to be desired

Hot Take: The Union Bully sculpture leaves much to be desired

John Baladi, Contributing Writer
August 28, 2022
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The Student Newspaper of Mississippi State University
John Baladi