SUMMARY: Mississippi art students can vie for over $8,000 in scholarships through the 2025 College Savings Art Contest announced by State Treasurer David McRae. Participants from PreK to 12th grade must submit original artwork themed “What do you want to be when you grow up?” by February 28, 2025. First-place winners in four age categories will receive $1,000 scholarships, with $500 for second place and $250 for third. Additionally, the teacher with the most entries can earn a $1,000 scholarship. Contest rules and registration forms are available online for interested participants.

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SUMMARY: Insects, like wasps, can be transformed into “zombies” by parasitic fungi that invade their bodies, ultimately leading to their death. This phenomenon fascinated friends Shawn Harris and Lynn McCoy when they discovered zombie wasps covered in spiky fungal projections. Infected wasps secure themselves to high surfaces, allowing the fungi to disperse spores and infect new hosts. The resulting spore-bearing structure, called stromata, grows from the insect’s body. While fungi aren’t the only organisms that consume living prey, as predatory wasps do, the eerie sight of these frozen, spore-laden insects captivates onlookers and highlights the intricate relationships in nature.

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SUMMARY: Craig Wiseman, a celebrated country music songwriter, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from The University of Southern Mississippi during the fall 2024 commencement. A Hattiesburg native, Wiseman has penned over 30 No. 1 hits, including “Believe” and “Live Like You Were Dying.” He founded Big Loud Shirt Publishing and co-launched Big Loud Records, significantly impacting the industry. Recognized repeatedly for his achievements, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and has raised over $2 million for charity through benefit concerts. University President Dr. Joe Paul praised his contributions to country music and philanthropy.

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