Stories for August 2020 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Stories for August 2020

Subscribe

Monday, August 31

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Dave’s Triple B Relocating, Virtual Mississippi Science Fest and Celebrate the Pearl Challenge

Madison resident and professional chef David Raines announced that he is moving his restaurant, Dave’s Triple B, Restaurant from its present location at 970 High St. in Jackson to Main …

Tease photo coronavirus

State Health Leadership Responds to CDC Guidelines on COVID-19

Mississippi still awaits the full extent of the spread of COVID-19 in its schools and colleges, as middling reports of viral spread continued over the weekend, in line with the …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Ledarius Woods

One Tougaloo player that was enjoying a great campaign was senior forward Ledarius Woods. He was named First-Team All-GCAC to end the regular season and named to the conference's All-Tournament …

Tease photo Civil Rights

Events Honor Emmett Till, 65 Years After His Killing

Panel discussions, a march for justice and other events are being held in Mississippi to remember Emmett Till.

Tease photo coronavirus

After Victories, Medicaid Expansion Revisited in Mississippi

After voters expanded Medicaid in conservative states like Missouri and Oklahoma, health care advocates are renewing a push for expansion in Mississippi and other Southern states where Republican leaders have …

Tease photo Politics

Analysis: Push to Revise Parole Survives Despite Gov's Veto

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves killed a bill but not an idea when he vetoed the Mississippi Correctional Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2020, which would have made more inmates eligible …

Friday, August 28

Tease photo City & County

Hinds County Sheriff Swears in SWAT Team; Violence Expert Urges Caution

Sheriff Lee Vance swore in 33 special weapons and tactics team members today at the grounds of Jackson Police Training Academy. Vance pushed for the expanded SWAT unit to respond …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Tyler Williams

Mississippi State University is less than a month from opening the season against Louisiana State University on Saturday, Sept. 26. That is, of course, assuming the season is played or …

Tease photo City & County

Virus Mask Dispute Disrupts City Meeting in Mississippi

Elected officials in a Mississippi city got into a dispute after some refused to wear masks to guard against the new coronavirus, prompting the mayor to clear out the room …

Tease photo coronavirus

Lawsuit: Mississippi Voting Laws Cause Risk During Pandemic

Mississippi election laws could force people to choose between their health and their constitutional right to cast a ballot, according to a lawsuit that voting-rights groups filed Thursday to challenge …

Thursday, August 27

Tease photo coronavirus

COVID-19 Recovery Uncertain: Hospitalizations Low, Deaths High, Signs of Uptick

Mississippi’s COVID-19 recovery is on shaky ground as August ends, with uncertain trends in new cases—neither the clear improvement from previous weeks nor the spiralling growth seen in last month’s …

Tease photo Education

USM Mask Distribution, JSU/UVM Online Lead Course and Tougaloo #VoteHBCU Competition

The University of Southern Mississippi recently partnered with the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation and the Mississippi Network for Cancer Control and Prevention on an effort to distribute thousands of …

Tease photo State

US and Mississippi Sue Hattiesburg Over Wastewater Problems

The U.S. government and the state of Mississippi are suing Hattiesburg over alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, including the release of untreated sewage.

Tease photo coronavirus

Mississippi Gov. Skipped Mask at NC Event, Despite Mandate

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves compared his attending a crowded campaign event over the weekend for a North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate—while not wearing a mask–to people who attended police brutality …

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Issues Sixth Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

Citing the need to need to address both the pandemic and the economic needs of the city, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the Sixth Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order.

Wednesday, August 26

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Mississippi Boychoir Recruiting, MS-SBDC and MSU Small Business Videos and Fresh Market Ultimate Dinners

The Mississippi Boychoir is currently recruiting members for both its Jackson and Vicksburg divisions. Recruitment is open for second graders through high school seniors.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Heather Denné

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appointed Heather Denné, director of community engagement at Jackson State University, to the nine-member board of the Jackson Historic Preservation Commission in late July.

Tease photo City & County

JSU Professor: Focus Police Reform On ‘Community Policing’—But What Is it?

Transitioning from traditional policing to “community policing” will engender more trust and cooperation between the people and the police, Thomas M. Kersen, Jackson State University associate professor of sociology, told …

Tease photo coronavirus

Biloxi High School Closed Because of 'Unnecessary' Gatherings

A Mississippi high school is shutting down for two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that happened after large “unnecessary” social gatherings where distancing guidelines were ignored, the state health …

Tease photo Politics

Final 2 Mississippi Flag Proposals: Shield vs. Magnolia

As Mississippi replaces its former flag that had the Confederate battle emblem, five proposals were literally run up a flagpole Tuesday. A group then narrowed the choice to two designs: …

Tease photo City & County

City of Jackson Provides Storm Preparedness Resources

In preparation for the pending storms, the City of Jackson has sand bags available to residents at 4225 Michael Avalon St. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 …

Tuesday, August 25

Tease photo State

Mississippi Runs Five State Banner Finalists Up the Flagpole

Mississippi is literally running some proposals up a flagpole as it searches for a new state banner. A commission that's working to recommend a new state flag hoisted the five …

Tease photo coronavirus

Dobbs: ‘Triumvirate of Disaster’ as COVID-19 Spreads Through Mississippi Schools

Mississippi's coronavirus recovery appears to be short-lived, with a “crush” of cases ahead due to school and college openings following a mid-August slump, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned …

Tease photo coronavirus

As World Grapples with Pandemic, Schools Are the Epicenter

The world is settling into a new normal for everyday life amid the coronavirus pandemic: online school classes, intermittent Zoom outages, museums that will only allow about a quarter of …

Tease photo Politics

Mississippi Lawmakers Resolve Budget for Marine Resources

The Mississippi Legislature returned to the Capitol on Monday and adopted a budget for the state Department of Marine Resources, nearly two months after the July 1 start of the …

Tease photo Politics

Ex-Sen. Doty Confirmed as Public Utilities Staff Director

A former state senator has been confirmed as director of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.

Tease photo Politics

Mississippi Senate Confirms New State Revenue Commissioner

The Mississippi Senate on Monday confirmed an attorney as the new commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Monday, August 24

Tease photo coronavirus

Entire Fourth Grade Class in Mississippi Sent to Quarantine

An entire fourth grade class in Mississippi is in quarantine after a student and more than half of a school's fourth grade teachers tested positive for coronavirus.

Tease photo State

Gov. Declares State Of Emergency Ahead of Dual Storms, Legislature Back For DMR Budget

Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in Mississippi on Saturday ahead of tropical storms Marco and Laura, expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast just to the …

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Zoo Opens, Gets Ready for USDA Inspection

The Jackson Zoo has undergone about $300,000 worth of transformations as it seeks a permanent exhibitor's license from the United States Department of Agriculture, Director of Parks and Recreation Ison …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Sister Susan Karina Dickey

Sister Susan Karina Dickey discovered her path after adopting the Catholic faith, which led her to eventually hold her current position as the vice president of Mission Integration at St. …

Tease photo State

Reeves Declares Emergency Ahead of Laura, Marco

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Tropical Storms Laura and Marco, which are headed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Tease photo coronavirus

Analysis: Mississippi Prison Virus Protocols Under Scrutiny

Attorneys are feuding in federal court filings over coronavirus testing and safety protocols at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.

Tease photo State

Mississippi Hiring Probation, Parole, Corrections Officers

Amid a federal investigation of its prison system, the Mississippi Department of Corrections is working on hiring probation, parole and correctional officers.

Friday, August 21

Tease photo State

Free Dental Clinic Raising Funds to Serve More Uninsured Mississippians

A dental clinic that provides free care to Mississippians across the state is raising money to expand its services. The Jackson Free Clinic, which University of Mississippi Medical Center students …

Tease photo coronavirus

Gov. Reeves Issues College Sports Limits; COVID-19 Rates Remain High

Fewer college football fans will be able to attend games in Mississippi's stadiums and have fewer opportunities to celebrate game day this fall after Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new …

Tease photo City & County

Azia’s Picks 8-21-20

Please take time to rest this weekend. I’m elated to start you off on your quest to relax with my event picks for this upcoming week!

Tease photo Person of the Day

Jarkel Joiner

Taking the floor for the first time in Rebel uniform is something Jarkel Joiner has dreamed about since he was a kid. This fall, that dream becomes a reality when …

Tease photo State

Relocated Rebel Statue Causes Athlete Concerns at Ole Miss

The University of Mississippi has put up a barrier to partially obstruct a Confederate monument after football players said they didn't want to see the rebel soldier statue while they …

Tease photo coronavirus

Mississippi to Apply for Jobless Aid, Won't Pay Extra $100

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday that Mississippi will apply for a federal program to expand unemployment for residents who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday, August 20

Tease photo coronavirus

Governor Reeves Issues Limits on College Stadiums, Game Day Events to Protect Players and Spectators

Today, Governor Tate Reeves issued social distancing measures for college and university outdoor stadiums and game day events to ensure the safety of participants and limit transmission in the continued …

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Issues Fifth Amended Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

On Wednesday, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba extended the Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order set to expire Aug. 19 to Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Bans Facial Recognition Tech; New Airport Academy, Sewer Repairs

The Jackson Police Department will not be able to use facial recognition technology to identify people after the city council voted to preemptively ban the practice on Tuesday.

Tease photo Person of the Day

MSU and UM 2020 Schedule Breakdown

As the SEC continues to push for a 2020 season, the conference first announced a 10-game conference-only schedule. Under a normal season, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University …

Tease photo Education

MSU Outstanding Economic Impact Award, UM Virtual Internship Course and Tougaloo/Nike Partnership

The Mississippi Main Street Association presented its Outstanding Economic Impact Award to Mississippi State University and the City of Starkville for their “Orientation Dine Around Downtown” project.

Tease photo Crime

Federal Authorities Attempt to Sieze DiBiase Home After Welfare Fraud Case

Federal authorities are attempting to seize the Madison home of former professional wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr., valued at $1.5 million, after his brother and fellow ex-wrestler Brett DiBiase was indicted …

Tease photo coronavirus

Two Mississippi Universities Find COVID-19 as Students Return

Outbreaks of the new coronavirus have been found at two of Mississippi's eight public universities within the first days of students returning to campuses, the state health officer said Wednesday.

Tease photo Crime

Two Mississippi Officers Plead Not Guilty in Black Man's Death

Two Mississippi police officers accused of body-slamming and beating a Black man who later died have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges.

Wednesday, August 19

Tease photo Fly

Five Things to Know about Sarah Kate Pollard, Freelance Writer

"A big passion of mine is making short films, which encompasses writing, directing and editing—and I love every step."

Tease photo coronavirus

JSU’s New Director of Bands Talks Virtual Musicianship

Robert Little, Jackson State University's new director of bands since July 1, says music is something that dwells throughout his entire family.

Tease photo coronavirus

The Uncertainty of the 2020 College Football Season

The only thing certain about the 2020 college football season is uncertainty. As last week—Aug. 10 to Aug. 14—showed us, plans can change with little notice, and the season could …

Tease photo Food

Downtown’s Newest Coffee Shop Brings an Air of Freshness

When Kenya MomPremier began a family, she knew she wanted to provide them with the same fresh produce she had enjoyed as a child.

Tease photo Cover

Talking Health Care With Mike Espy

Of all the issues separating Mike Espy from his opponent, Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, their approach to health care may represent the starkest divide.

Tease photo State

OPINION: How Much is a Human Life Worth?

Every day the media report the number of new infections and deaths attributed to COVID-19, and many debate the closing or opening of schools, businesses and places of worship.

Tease photo City & County

When Schools Close Down in Jackson

Quinyetta Kinner was sad when George Elementary School on Hunter Street in Jackson closed in 2018. She attended the school from pre-kindergarten until the 5th grade and has a lot …

Tease photo City & County

JPD Officers Indicted for Murder Present for Earlier Civilian Shootings

A grand jury has indicted Desmond Barney, Anthony Fox and Lincoln Lampley for second-degree murder of George Robinson.

Tease photo coronavirus

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Gov. Reeves, Stop the Insanity

Gov. Reeves knew the threat to Mississippi hospitals when he implemented one of the most liberal reopening plans of any U.S. state in late May. As with Florida and Texas, …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Frederick Melancon

As wind prepared to whip torrential rains across the pavement outside, Frederick "Rick" Melcancon sat in a Baton Rouge bookstore signing copies of his work, "Book of Lost Innocence."

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Further Extends Curfew as Part of City COVID-19 Efforts

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has extended the city-wide curfew set to expire at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 19 for five additional days.

Tuesday, August 18

Tease photo Politics

State Flag Commission Selects Five Finalists

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag selected five flags to move to the final round (pending clearance of intellectual property rights).

Tease photo Person of the Day

Tommy Wright

Tommy Wright, a partner at the Anderson, Crawley and Burke law firm in Ridgeland, has been handling cases such as worker's compensation, personal injury, construction accidents and premises liability as …

Tease photo City & County

250,000 Free Masks Helped Reduce Hinds County Infections, Emergency Director Says

Maintaining the mask mandate could help keep the COVID-19 infection under control, outgoing Hinds County Emergency Management Director Ricky Moore told the Board of Supervisors at its Aug. 17 meeting.

Tease photo Politics

Mississippi to Close 13 Food Centers for Low-Income Mothers

Mississippi is closing 13 food centers across the state that serve low-income mothers and children as it prepares to start a new program early next year that will allow participants …

Tease photo Politics

Proposed Effort Could Revive Mississippi's Rebel-Themed Flag

Some Mississippi residents are rebelling against the Legislature's decision to retire a Confederate-themed state flag, and they are being encouraged by conservative legislators who fought the change.

Tease photo coronavirus

80% of Vermont Inmates at CoreCivic Private Prison in Mississippi Infected

An outbreak of the coronavirus at a private prison in Mississippi has now infected 80% of the Vermont inmates housed there and more test results are pending, the head of …

Tease photo coronavirus

Mississippi Will Provide Free Virus Testing to Teachers

The state of Mississippi is expanding access to free coronavirus testing for teachers and school-based emergency telehealth coverage after more than 70 of the state's 82 counties have reported outbreaks …

Monday, August 17

Tease photo Person of the Day

Lance Presley

Lance Presley grew up in the United Methodist Church his whole life. His family has been Methodist for at least seven generations.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Newk's Cares, Virtual Mississippi Book Festival and Jackson Tablet Donation

In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, Newk’s Eatery is preparing to launch a series of virtual events and in-store initiatives at all of its locations. Newk's is …

Tease photo coronavirus

COVID-19 Numbers Slumping As School Opens Across Mississippi Today

Mississippi is showing the signs of a promising downward trend in new coronavirus infections as August unfolds, with a rolling average on a continued slump from late July’s all-time peaks.

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Public Schools Cancels Falls Sports Amid COVID-19

Fall sports and extracurricular activities for students in Mississippi's second largest school district have been canceled amid concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tease photo coronavirus

Federal Funds to Help Mississippi Expand Internet Access

A Mississippi-based technology company plans to install more than 33 miles of underground fiber infrastructure that will help offer ultra-fast broadband internet access to rural areas by the end of …

Friday, August 14

Tease photo State

Mississippi Flag Could Have Choctaw-Inspired Diamond Shape

The new Mississippi flag could include a magnolia or stars or representations of rivers. Or it could reflect the state's Native American heritage with a diamond shape that is important …

Tease photo coronavirus

Governor Tate Reeves Extends Safe Return Order and Issues K-12 Extracurricular Limitations

Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order, including the statewide mask mandate, and issuing crowd-size limitations on K-12 extracurricular activities …

Tease photo City & County

Azia’s Picks 8-14-20

"What are you toiling, tilling, replanting or uprooting during this season? I care ask you, can you stand the rain? (shoutout to New Edition)"

Tease photo coronavirus

Virus Cases Trending Down, But School Looms Ahead

New cases of the coronavirus are steadily declining in more than 80% of Mississippi's 82 counties, Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday.

Thursday, August 13

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Zoo Opens Aug. 21; National Park Service Asks For Andrew Jackson Statue

New information has emerged about plans to reopen the Jackson Zoo after it closed last year. Opening later this month, the zoo will offer weekend visits and limit the number …

Tease photo coronavirus

Dr. Thomas Dobbs: COVID-19 Improvement, But Schools Pose Grave Danger

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs sees improvement in the fight against COVID-19 following the governor’s two-week mask mandate across Mississippi. But a return to in-person schooling presents grave danger.

Tease photo Education

MSU Partnership Middle School, Grants for JSU Students and USM Faculty

Mississippi State University and the Starkville Oktibbeha School District recently established the new Partnership Middle School at MSU. MSU and SOSD officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Tease photo Person of the Day

James Harris, Kamala

The name James Harris might not mean much to anyone that hears it. But if you were a fan of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, the name Kamala …

Tease photo coronavirus

Lawsuit Seeks Clarity on Mississippi Voting Amid COVID-19

A new lawsuit says Mississippi’s absentee voting law is confusing and could be applied inconsistently during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday, August 12

Tease photo City & County

JPD: How the Pandemic Affects Jackson Crime; Addressing the Police Shortage

Incidents of carjacking and violent assault have increased, the Jackson Police Department told the Jackson City Council’s law enforcement ad-hoc committee at its first-ever meeting Thursday.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Angie Moncrief

Flowood native Angie Moncrief has owned and operated Action Talent Agency since 2014.

Tease photo coronavirus

Mississippi Governor: 'College Football is Essential'

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves described college football—even amid the coronavirus pandemic—as “essential” Tuesday, his comments echoing a tweet President Donald Trump posted the day before and coming on the same …

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Extends Curfew and Amends Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has extended the city-wide curfew issued on August 6 commencing at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Tuesday, August 11

Tease photo coronavirus

Reeves: Mississippi Can't Afford Jobless Benefit Supplement

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves says the state cannot afford $100 per recipient, per week, to bolster unemployment payments during the coronavirus pandemic. But, the Republican governor is praising President Donald …

Tease photo State

Census Official: What Jackson Should Do To Improve Self-Response Rate

The 2020 Census has been underway since March, but some parts of Jackson have less than 40% household self-response rate, which is well below the state average of 57.9%.

Tease photo Politics

Legislature Overrides Gov. Tate Reeves' Veto, Spending Battles Remain

The Mississippi Legislature has beaten back a gubernatorial veto, pushing through the education bill that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves partially vetoed in July, while simultaneously funding the incentives program that …

Tease photo coronavirus

Over 500 People Tested for COVID in Experimental Initiative

More than 500 people in one of the poorest counties in Mississippi were tested for the coronavirus by the state Department of Health over the past week as part of …

Monday, August 10

Tease photo State

Commission Picks Top State Flag Submissions

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag considered the nearly 3,000 flag submissions and narrowed their choices to 147.

Tease photo coronavirus

UMMC’s LouAnn Woodward: Delay School Until After Labor Day, ICU at Capacity

Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, spoke to the Jackson Free Press at length …

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Mississippi Coliseum Complete, New Stage Scholarships and Malco Reopenings

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson recently announced that work finished five months early on renovations to the Mississippi Coliseum at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, partially due to event …

Tease photo coronavirus

Program Will Provide Work Training to Those Hurt by Pandemic

Gov. Tate Reeves has announced a $55 million initiative to create workforce training programs at community colleges and offer financial incentives to employers to hire individuals who have lost work …

Tease photo Politics

Analysis: Budget Dispute Goes to 1 Judge in Hinds County

Mississippi Republican legislative leaders helped defeat a 2015 education initiative by arguing that if someone sued the state over school funding, one judge in Hinds County would make budget decisions …

Tease photo coronavirus

Mississippi Lawmakers Returning to Work on State Budget

Mississippi legislators are returning to the Capitol to wrap up unfinished parts of the state budget as leaders are clashing with Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.

Friday, August 7

Tease photo City & County

Hinds County Elections: Safety Measures, Poll Changes and Jobs for 125 Poll Workers for Nov. 3

The recruitment of 125 additional poll workers in Hinds County for the Nov. 3 general election is ongoing. They will help keep the polling precincts safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, …

Tease photo City & County

Azia’s Picks 8-1-20

There are many events happening in the Capitol City that we can enjoy with one another despite these uncertain times. Please get some sun and breathe in some fresh air. …

Tease photo Immigration

Four Poultry Plant Execs Indicted After 2019 Immigration Raid

Four executives from two Mississippi poultry processing plants have been indicted on federal charges tied to one of the largest workplace immigration raids in the U.S. in the past decade.

Thursday, August 6

Tease photo coronavirus

Deadliest in U.S.: COVID-19 Deaths, Severe Hospitalizations Worsening in Mississippi

Mississippi hit a tragic new milestone in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this week: Its 241 reports of COVID-19 fatalities from the previous seven days have been the deadliest per capita …

Tease photo City & County

Mayor: City-MSDH Data Sharing Will Yield Better COVID-19 Pandemic Response

A COVID-19 data-sharing agreement between the Mississippi State Department of Health and the City of Jackson will give a clearer picture of coronavirus spread for better-targeted responses in the capital …

Tease photo coronavirus

MSU Fall Return Policy, JSU Endowment Donation and USM Memorabilia Donation

Mississippi State University's Safe Return Task Force recently developed a comprehensive health and safety return plan for students and faculty returning to school for the upcoming fall semester amid the …

Tease photo coronavirus

SEC Makes Decision on 2020 Football Season

In July of this year, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Millsaps College all surmised that football was moving from fall to spring.

Tease photo coronavirus

Tribe, Economy, Even Cemeteries Hurt as Virus Hits Choctaws

As confirmed coronavirus cases skyrocket in Mississippi, the state’s only federally recognized American Indian tribe has been devastated. COVID-19 has ripped through Choctaw families, many of whom live together in …

Tease photo Politics

Mississippi House Leaders Sue Governor Over Partial Vetoes

The two top leaders of the Mississippi House are suing Gov. Tate Reeves over his partial veto of some state budget bills, setting up another conflict among some of the …

Tease photo Crime

Judge: Doctrine Shielding Police from Lawsuits is Wrong

A federal judge in Mississippi has issued a sharply worded ruling that calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the principle of qualified immunity, which protects law enforcement officers …

Wednesday, August 5

Tease photo City & County

Museum Directory, Current Hours & COVID Precautions

Browse the following list to see which museums catch your interest and their respective opening statuses.

Tease photo City & County

Jackson’s Batches of Green Patches

Venturing out and embracing nature may be just the mental reprieve we have been needing, and the capital city has options aplenty for residents and visitors alike to peruse.

Tease photo City & County

Break Out Your Earbuds: Jackson-based Podcasts

If you are searching for something new to listen to during your lunch break or on long drives, look no further than this list of podcasts featuring Jackson metro residents …

Tease photo City & County

‘Young King’ Looks toward New Horizons

Christopher Windfield says he grew up in some of the worst neighborhoods of Jackson. He grew accustomed to having family and friends involved in street activities.

Tease photo Art

A Castle of Characters, Enchanting Memories

In 2015, Taylor Bridges found herself wearing glittery blue heels and a crystal-blue gown with powder blue sleeves, a semitransparent cape and white gloves as she stepped through King's Daughters …

Tease photo Music

SPEAKing Inspiration into the Metro and Beyond

Latanya Shanks started a podcast for one simple reason. "I knew I had something to say and I wanted to say it," she said.

Tease photo Fly

Top 10: Denise Mummert

Working as a transcript evaluator for Mississippi College since 1998, Denise Mummert has had plenty of opportunities to sample some of the many locally owned restaurants the Jackson metro has …

Tease photo City & County

Moving Jackson Forward: Opposing Visions of a People’s Assembly

Greg Griffin, a 42-year-old finance worker based in Jackson, was happy to participate in the Real People's Assembly's effort to bring respite to Jesse and Sarah Pittman.

Tease photo coronavirus

As School Looms, Confusion Reigns

Erica Lowell waits for her students to return, and her anxiety waits with her. She is a public-school teacher in Rankin County, speaking to the Jackson Free Press under a …

Tease photo coronavirus

EDITOR'S NOTE: Rage and Grace Amid COVID-19

In Mississippi, will it take bodies piled up on North State Street outside of UMMC before we all stand hand-in-hand, unafraid to collectively unite and govern ourselves?

Tease photo Person of the Day

D’Ambrah Watts

Thanks to COVID-19, the image of a picture-perfect year as Miss Jackson just didn't click for 16-year-old D'Ambrah Watts.

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Issues Curfew to Stem Recent Spike in Coronavirus Cases

In an effort to stem the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the City of Jackson will enforce a city-wide curfew beginning at midnight on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Tuesday, August 4

Tease photo coronavirus

Governor Reeves Issues Statewide Mask Mandate, Delays School Reopenings to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced two new executive orders to delay public school reopenings in target counties and establish a statewide mask mandate in the ongoing fight against this unprecedented …

Tease photo coronavirus

State Health Officer Issues Immediate Statewide Order

Today State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH, issued a statewide order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19 effective immediately.

Tease photo City & County

Hinds Coroner May Get Refrigerated Truck Friday; Extra Judges in Place; Evers Honored

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors yesterday presented the family of Charles Evers with a resolution recognizing the impact of his life and accomplishments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication …

Tease photo coronavirus

State Awaits Tate Reeves’ Decision On School Openings

Last week’s coronavirus metrics showed COVID-19 in Mississippi growing at an unmatched rate, reaching an all-time peak with 1,775 cases reported Friday morning.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Latoya Cutts

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority recently named Latoya Cutts, a former downtown manager and head of development for the City of Albany, Ga., as the organization's new executive director. Cutts officially …

Tease photo Politics

In Lee County, Mississippi: No Vote on Moving Rebel Statue

Lee County, a Mississippi county named for a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, is keeping a Confederate monument outside a courthouse—at least for now.

Tease photo coronavirus

At Least 85 Vermont Inmates in Mississippi Prison Infected

At least 85 Vermont inmates housed in a Mississippi prison have been infected with COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, with about 90 tests still pending in what the …

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Lumumba Signs Executive Order Closing Inside Bar Service and Continuing Limits on Social Gatherings

Citing the need for stronger action to stem the rise of COVID-19, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued an executive order closing bars to indoor guests and extending safeguards limiting social …

Monday, August 3

Tease photo State

Mississippi Farmers Can Start Applying for Hemp License

Mississippi farmers or those interested in becoming farmers can start applying for hemp grower licenses.

Tease photo State

Barbers Get Mental Health Training to Aid Black Communities

The barber’s chair may be the new therapy couch for parts of the South where mental health care is in short supply.

Tease photo Politics

Analysis: Mississippi Group Aims for Simple Flag Design

Nine commissioners designing a new Mississippi flag have the complicated task of choosing a simple design.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Fresh Market Summer Cookout, Sunshine for All Program and Green Bean Cafe

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limiting access to restaurants, The Fresh Market recently announced a special summer cookout meal deal for August.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Constance Slaughter-Harvey

Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey is being honored for her work that forced the Mississippi Highway Patrol to hire its first Black troopers nearly a half century ago.