Maria Clark, USA TODAY

Maria Clark

USA TODAY

New Orleans, LA, United States

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Recent:
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Past:
  • USA TODAY
  • The Tennessean
  • The Clarion-Ledger
  • The Daily Advertiser
  • Hattiesburg American
  • The Leaf-Chronicle
  • The News-Star
  • The Shreveport Times
  • CITIZEN-TIMES.com
  • The Daily Herald
  • and more…

Past articles by Maria:

Going 'Sober October'? Tips to get the most out of the booze-free challenge

Alcohol-free challenges like Sober October are becoming more popular. Here's how to prepare if you're participating for the first time. → Read More

Roe reversal sparks quick response from state leaders across the South

State leaders across the South responded Friday to the news that Roe v. Wade has been overturned opening the possibility for abortion to be outlawed. → Read More

Leadership Tennessee NEXT announces new members for upcoming program

Leadership Tennessee NEXT has announced the 30 new members selected for its upcoming professional development program. → Read More

How marijuana laws have progressed across the South so far this year

As a region, the South has been slow to embrace marijuana reform. But states are beginning to legalize medical marijuana among other efforts. → Read More

The growing threat of tornadoes in the South prompts demand for more storm shelters

Tornadoes are becoming a growing threat across the South, prompting a demand for more community storm shelters and residential safe rooms. → Read More

As fentanyl deaths spike in Mississippi, new law imposes harsher penalties on dealers

Parker's Law imposes stricter penalties on drug dealers selling fentanyl as overdose deaths from the drug spike in Mississippi. → Read More

Gov. Tate Reeves signs laws targeting drug distributors amid climbing fentanyl deaths

It's a growing health crisis that has pushed lawmakers to pass two laws imposing stronger penalties on drug dealers linked to overdose deaths. → Read More

Second dose boosters now available at county health clinics across Mississippi

Eligibility depends on age and health risk. A least a four-month wait between the initial booster shot and the second is required. → Read More

Should Daylight Saving Time be permanent? Opinions differ on the topic

Whether you are for it or against it, twice a year our sleep schedules have to adjust to the inevitable one-hour time change in March and November. → Read More

Time is of the essence to save Margaret's Grocery, an iconic Mississippi folk-art site

In its heyday, the store was an evolving art project and love letter from the artist, Reverend Herman "Preacher" Dennis to his wife Margaret Rogers. → Read More

‘I’m trying to get to my son’: New Orleans area reels from tornadoes

Two tornadoes tore through the New Orleans, Louisiana area Tuesday. Here's a look at how residents began surveying the damage left in their wake. → Read More

New Orleans tornado: 'It sounded like a freight train but 10,000 times louder'

Tornado that ripped through New Orleans area was at least an EF3. → Read More

'Please don't let me die.' Woman recalls moment tornado swept through Arabi neighborhood

Months after she was evicted from her home due to Hurricane Ida, Danielle Wetzel's new home was struck by a tornado that swept through New Orleans. → Read More

One dead and multiple injuries reported as two tornadoes hit New Orleans area Tuesday night

The National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes hit the New Orleans area Tuesday as a line of severe weather made its way across the region. → Read More

As spring arrives, what to know about the 2022 tornado season in Mississippi

2021 was an active year for tornados in Mississippi. Here's what to know as the Spring storm season begins. → Read More

'Gestalt Gardener' host Felder Rushing offers tips on how to plan your spring garden

Planning what vegetables to plant this Spring? We spoke with horticulturalist Felder Rushing about ways to yield the most out of your backyard garden. → Read More

New Orleans' addresses public safety measures heading into Mardi Gras 2022 celebrations

With crowds returning to the city for celebrations this year amid the ongoing pandemic, officials will face challenges on multiple fronts. → Read More

Medical marijuana in Mississippi is now legal, while other southern states mull reform

Mississippi officially became the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana this week, marking the culmination of a multi-year effort by advocates. → Read More

House Floats return for Mardi Gras 2022. Here's how to find one near you

Mardi Gras parades may have returned but so have the house floats. It's a popular tradition that took hold last year when parades were canceled. → Read More

New Orleans proceeds with caution as Mardi Gras parades set to roll

Even as New Orleans experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases tied to the Omicron variant, plans are set to resume parades leading up to Mardi Gras day. → Read More