Terry Mattingly, writer of the national "On Religion" column for the Andrews McMeel Universal syndicate and "Rational Sheep," a Substack newsletter on faith and mass media, writes about membership decline in faith denominations.

Tony Pederson, managing fellow of the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics and professor emeritus in journalism at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, writes about the Trump administration placing historic pressures on major news organizations through libel lawsuits and issuing subpoenas.

The rapidly changing world of college athletics will be the focus of a program on Sept. 17 at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics at the University of Mississippi.  “College Athletics: It’s a Whole New Ballgame,” will be co-sponsored by Mississippi Today, the state’s Pulitzer Prize-winning nonprofit news organization.

Carlos Sanchez, a freelance writer based in McAllen, Texas, writes about the controversy known as The Longoria Affair and how it helped launch Mexican American rights. The catalyst involved a young, decorated soldier named Felix Longoria who was killed in action in the Philippines just three months before World War II officially ended in 1945.

Major League Baseball's warning to several San Francisco Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on their Pride Night caps is fueling online debate about the limits of free expression in professional baseball.

Jared Schroeder, an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, writes that human decisions are being made about what AI tools do and act. AI tools are challenging people to determine what limits should be placed on them by individual citizens and the government to protect the nation.

Jared Schroeder, an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, writes about AI-generated videos influence on voters’ opinions in the midterm elections this year.

Robert F. Darden, a professor emeritus in Journalism at Baylor University and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, writes about the complex relationship between 4th of July-styled patriotism and Black gospel music.

R.J. Morgan, an instructional professor in the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi and director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, discusses scholastic journalism education and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. He received the CSPA James F. Paschal Award for excellence in scholastic press leadership, which he says is somewhat of a lifetime achievement award for a scholastic press director.

Terry Mattingly, a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, discusses the growth in worship attendance for churches and urges people to keep asking questions about why attendance is growing or shrinking. Mattingly writes the national "On Religion" column for the Andrews McMeel Universal syndicate and "Rational Sheep," a Substack newsletter on faith and mass media.

The Freedom Forum's annual survey "Where America Stands,"  regarding awareness, understanding and support of the First Amendment, was the subject of a panel discussion at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics on April 29. The latest survey showed that while admiration for the First Amendment is widespread, understanding of its five freedoms is uneven. 

Charles Mitchell, an associate professor in the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Louisiana's congressional map.

Carlos Sanchez, a freelance writer based in McAllen, Texas, and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, writes that the deification of César Chávez must cease because of his predatory behavior. Sanchez says the Chávez legacy must not be erased but used as a teaching tool.

In a story for The Overby Center, Tony Pederson, managing fellow for The Overby Center, discusses the Senate race in Texas, how expensive it is becoming, some of the competitors in the race, and how impactful it will end up being amongst the MAGA base.

Richard “Dick” Scruggs said that both the news media and the Bill of Rights are under attack in various ways, including by the government. His remarks came in a luncheon on March 25 in the Great Conversations Series by the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics.

The Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics hosted a screening of the documentary film "The Whiskey Speech: Soggy Sweat, Prohibition & The Power of Storytelling" on March 24 in the Overby Center auditorium. The film is directed and produced by David Crews, a member of the Overby Center Board of Trustees. Crews participated in the program along with Charles Overby, chairman of the Overby Center.

Charles Mitchell, a member of The Overby Center panel of experts, discusses how Brendan Carr is using his role within the FCC to pressure broadcasters into supporting the Trump Administration and how that could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Will Norton, a member of The Overby Center panel of experts, reminisces on Rev. John Perkins life and some of his experiences with him.

R.J. Morgan, a member of The Overby Center panel of experts, discusses “Highway of Diamonds” and how it further connects Bob Dylan to the African American community.

Ronnie Agnew, a longtime editor and news media executive and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, discusses The recent steep layouts of staff at The Washington Post.