News & Analysis

By Jared Schroeder Overby Center By Jared Schroeder Overby Center

More Anti-SLAPP laws needed to protect freedom of expression, particularly in the South

Numerous states have passed anti-SLAPP laws that provide mechanisms to have frivolous, malicious lawsuits dismissed before they can create harm. Several southern states, however, do not have anti-SLAPP laws and publishers in those states take on more risk when they publish than their counterparts in states with anti-SLAPP laws. Jared Schroeder of the University of Missouri and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts writes that more anti-SLAPP laws are needed to protect freedom of expression.

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By Tony Pederson Overby Center By Tony Pederson Overby Center

In a bit of a trick, Trump has placed Confederate names back on Southern military bases 

The names of Confederate leaders are back on military bases in the South, but the honorees are from a different era and have the same names that were moved by Congress. There seems to be a sense that the Trump administration is playing politics with the military and ignoring a bipartisan move by Congress, writes Tony Pederson of the Overby Center.

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Overby Center Overby Center

Overby Center to feature documentary on Soggy Sweat’s Whiskey Speech in October program

A new documentary film on Soggy Sweat’s iconic Whiskey Speech will be presented at a program in October by the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. When Prohibition was still in effect in Mississippi and the issue of liquor a major point of political and social discussion, Judge Noah S. “Soggy” Sweat first delivered the speech at the King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Miss., in 1952.

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By Ahmer Khan Overby Center By Ahmer Khan Overby Center

Q&A with Paul Keane

In an exclusive Q&A with the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, Paul Keane shares his insights on the future of journalism, public relations, and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

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By R.J. Morgan Overby Center By R.J. Morgan Overby Center

Bob Dylan’s civil rights work and Mississippi connections to be focus of Overby Center program

The music and early civil rights work of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will be the focus of a fall program at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. “Songs of Freedom: Bob Dylan’s Mississippi,” will be presented Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Overby Center Auditorium on the Ole Miss campus.

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