Stories for July 2021 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Stories for July 2021

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Friday, July 30

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Weekend Picks 7-30-2021

It’s surprising how quickly we fell back into old habits once the rules were relaxed, but it’s time to snap back to attention. Mask up and practice social distancing.

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JSU Unveils Civil Rights Mural, Substance Abuse Prevention Block Grant and USM Vaccine Incentive Program

Jackson State University’s Office of Community Engagement unveiled its new Council of Federated Organizations mural, titled “Chain Breakers,” on Saturday, July 24.

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CDC Mask Guidance ‘Foolish,’ Gov. Reeves Says at Neshoba Fair, Defying Science

At this year’s Neshoba County Fair, Gov. Tate Reeves took the opportunity to call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s newly revised mask guidelines, “foolish” and “harmful.”

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Terminated Professor Settles With University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has reached a settlement with an assistant professor who was terminated after publicly criticizing the school as racist while speaking out for criminal justice reform.

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Bill to Rename North Mississippi Post Office Heads to Biden

A bill that would rename a North Mississippi post office in honor of a Vietnam war veteran is headed to President Joe Biden.

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GOP Govs, Lawmakers Supporting Mississippi Anti-Abortion Law

A dozen Republican governors and more than 200 GOP members of Congress are wading into a court fight over a Mississippi law to restrict abortion, the outcome of which could …

Thursday, July 29

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Mississippi Teachers’ Union Sues Jackson Chapter President for Embezzlement

American Federation of Teachers Mississippi is suing Jackson Federation of Teachers President Akemi Stout in the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi for alleged embezzlement of …

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Texas and Oklahoma Likely Heading to the SEC

The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma announced Tuesday, July 27, that they intend to leave the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference.

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Hosemann Pushes Health Care, Jobs in Neshoba Fair Speech

Mississippi senators will hold hearings this fall to examine how to make health care more accessible and affordable, and all options could be considered, Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said …

Wednesday, July 28

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Black ‘New Deal,’ Reparations Vital after Slavery, Discrimination, National Bar Leader Says

Newly sworn in National Bar Association President Carlos Moore said yesterday that he will champion the passage of various laws relating to voting rights, police reform and reparations.

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Spokeswoman: Mississippi Gov. Won't Mandate Masks in Schools

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves does not plan to issue a mask mandate for schools, even as COVID-19 cases are proliferating in a state with one of the lowest vaccination rates …

Tuesday, July 27

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‘Hitting Hard’: Delta Cases, Hospitalizations Spike as School Precautions Still Optional

Mississippi saw a continuation of this summer’s fourth wave surge over the weekend and continuing into this week, with the Mississippi State Department of Health reporting a staggering 3,608 new …

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Pamala Heard

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recently named Pamala Heard, director of Honors Student Services and Activities at Jackson State University, as the 2021 Laura Taddeucci Downs National Advisor of …

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Amerigroup Establishes $100,000 Rural Health Scholarship for University of Mississippi Students Pursuing Nursing Degrees

A $100,000 donation from Amerigroup to the University of Mississippi Foundation has established a new scholarship fund to support University of Mississippi Medical Center students who are pursuing nurse practitioner …

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Robert Parris Moses

Robert Parris Moses, a civil-rights activist who was shot at and endured beatings and jail while leading Black voter registration drives in the American South during the 1960s and later …

Monday, July 26

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Mississippi Department of Education to Temporarily Move

The Mississippi Department of Education will temporarily move out of its headquarters in the old Central High School building in downtown Jackson so repairs can be made to alleviate repeated …

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Nissan Café at Two Mississippi Museums, Habitat Tent Sale and WellsFest 2021

Nick Wallace, founder of Nick Wallace Culinary and Nick Wallace Catering and chef partner at the Capital Club of Jackson, opened a new restaurant called Nissan Café at the Two …

Friday, July 23

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Rental and Utility Assistance Available Through Event on Friday and Saturday

Starting at noon today, Jackson residents can go to the Mississippi Trademart at the Mississippi Fairgrounds for rental assistance through federal financial aid covering 15 months, and utility bill assistance …

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MSU New Minors and Student Events, New Minors at USM

Mississippi State University’s Department of Music recently established a new minor in music and culture, which the university will launch this fall at its Starkville campus.

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Weekend Picks 7-23-21

We made it through another work week, and we’ve got a little free time ahead of us, so here are a few suggestions for how to spend it. Jackson’s got …

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Jackson Reviews Water System Staff to Comply With EPA Order

Officials in Mississippi’s capital city said Thursday that they’re confident they can meet the first deadlines in an agreement with the federal government on steps to improve the quality of …

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Mississippi Lawmakers Work Toward Medical Marijuana Program

Two Mississippi lawmakers say they're continuing to work on proposals to create a medical marijuana program, two months after the state Supreme Court invalidated one that voters had approved.

Thursday, July 22

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CORE Activist George Raymond Immortalized in Arc of Freedom’s New Documentary

Glen Cotton, Christopher Windfield, Corey Redd and Will Kelly answered questions after the screening of their documentary “George Raymond: Thirst For Freedom” for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s …

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Mississippi to File Arguments in Landmark Abortion Case

The Mississippi attorney general’s office is expected to file briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to outline the state’s arguments in a case that could upend nearly 50 …

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Fred McNair

Fred McNair took over the Alcorn State University program as head coach on Feb. 2, 2016. The job became open after Jay Hopson left to take a head coaching job …

Wednesday, July 21

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Jackson Resident Gets $36,000 in Compensation After Sewage Backed Up Twice In Home

Sixty-four-year-old Ruby Holden, who stays at Hickory Cove in Southwest Jackson in Ward 4, will get $36,696.32 as compensation for the City's vacuum truck backing up the sewer into her …

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‘Setting An Example For The State’: UMMC To Mandate Vaccine For All Employees, Students, Contractors

Employees, students and contractors at the University of Mississippi Medical Center have a choice ahead of them: Get the COVID-19 vaccine or find somewhere else to work.

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Mississippi Tax Collections Improve in Most Recent Year

Mississippi tax collections increased during the state budget year that ended June 30, driven in part by people shopping online during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tuesday, July 20

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Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Arrives; Dobbs Says Herd Immunity Currently Impossible in State

The state is now experiencing a full COVID-19 resurgence as the fourth wave of the deadly virus spreads across Mississippi towns and communities.

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Alonda Thomas

Jackson State University recently named Alonda Thomas as its new associate vice president for University Communications as well as its chief communications officer. Thomas assumed both positions on July 6.

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Ex-Lawmaker Joins Mississippi Archives and History Board

Former state lawmaker Kimberly L. Campbell is the newest member of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees.

Monday, July 19

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Mississippi Book Festival, Studios at Fondren Fitness and BRAVO! Diplomático Rum Tasting

The seventh annual Mississippi Book Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 21, at the State Capitol Building and grounds in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event …

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Jobs for Jacksonians Helped 500 Get Employed; JPS Holds Recruitment Events

More than 1,200 Jackson residents attended Jobs for Jacksonians jobs fairs in 2021, and 500 were placed in positions, Jobs for Jacksonians Coordinator Jonathan Barnett told the Jackson Free Press …

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Former Mississippi First Lady Elise Winter Dies at 95

Elise Winter, the wife of former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, was surrounded by loved ones when she died Saturday at her home in Jackson, said Dick Molpus, a longtime family …

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Analysis: Mississippi Lawmakers Could Set Parole Board Path

Mississippi legislators will decide next year whether to keep the state Parole Board as a separate entity or transfer the board's functions to the Department of Corrections.

Friday, July 16

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UMMC Institutes Covid Safety Policy, Requires Vaccine or N95 Mask for Staff

The University of Mississippi Medical Center instituted a new safety policy today, requiring all students and staff to either get vaccinated or wear an N95-type mask.

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Weekend Picks 7-16-21

We’ve got plenty of events, both indoors and out, to keep you busy and entertained this weekend. Whether you’re looking to hear some music or comedy, visit an open-air market, …

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USM Alumni and Staff in Mississippi Invitational, JSU Day of Giving and MSU Online Degree Programs

The Mississippi Museum of Art has invited four alumni and a faculty member from the University of Southern Mississippi to take part in the 2021 Mississippi Invitational exhibition.

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Mississippi Marker Honors 2 Black Men Killed by Klan in 1964

Friends and relatives gathered Thursday in a tiny town in southwestern Mississippi to dedicate a new state historical marker honoring two young Black men who were kidnapped and killed by …

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City Workers Say Heat, Sewage Smell is Making Work Miserable

Some Jackson city employees say they’ve gone without air conditioning for days amid the smell of sewage in their workplace at an old shopping mall.

Thursday, July 15

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‘Saturating’ Jackson, More Drug Operations: Governor Launches 'Capitol Safety Initiative'

In a significant increase to the State of Mississippi policing footprint in the capital city, the Capitol Police will now extend its jurisdiction over the Capitol Complex Improvement District, Gov. …

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Will Bednar

Pitcher Will Bednar has forever become a part of Mississippi State University lore. He was instrumental in delivering the first national championship in school history as the Bulldogs won the …

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$3 Million in Grants Going to Black History Sites, Groups

A fund formed in response to the deadly racial violence four years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia, said Thursday it will award $3 million in grants to more than three dozen …

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Reeves Sets November Elections to Fill Two Senate Vacancies

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has set special elections in November to fill two empty seats in the Mississippi Senate.

Wednesday, July 14

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Delta Variant Spikes, Leaves Unvaccinated Children Vulnerable

State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs and other health officials have warned for weeks that the spreading Delta variant can mean a large spike in cases and deaths. It is now …

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Daiki Suematsu

Daiki Suematsu, who has served as the Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator for Jackson State University since 2019, is preparing to host the first-ever Japan Fest in partnership with the Mississippi …

Tuesday, July 13

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City to Forgive Unpaid Water Bills Starting July 19 Before Service Disconnection Starts Sept. 1

The City of Jackson is forgiving water-bill debt for residents who fulfill certain conditions. Mayor Chowke A. Lumumba announced at a press briefing yesterday that the program will start on …

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Judge Nears Decision on Future of State Mental Health System

Speaking at a hearing at the United States District Court in Jackson, Michael Hogan said he feels Mississippi has made progress at providing community-based programs for people with mental illness.

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Mississippi Gets Nearly $13 Million for Rural Covid Fight

Mississippi hospitals in rural areas will receive nearly $13 million in federal funding to help fight the coronavirus, according to a news release.

Monday, July 12

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Mississippi Professor Excited to ‘Dance Like the Stars’

Nancy Maria Balach will be dancing like the stars in August, and the University of Mississippi professor and Chair of the Music Department is “over the moon” about the opportunity.

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Offbeat Read and Feed, Pacesetter Gallery and Burgers Blues Barbecue Madison

Phillip "DJ Young Venom" Rollins, owner of Offbeat in Jackson's Midtown neighborhood, is partnering with Mississippi M.O.V.E. to host a new weekly event called "Offbeat Read and Feed" as part …

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Department of Health: Vulnerable Must Avoid Mass Indoor Gatherings

The Mississippi Department of Health on Friday advised people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying medical conditions to refrain from attending indoor mass social gatherings in coming weeks …

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Analysis: Mississippi Might Have to Rethink Capitol Statues

Even as the nation reconsiders the public display of Confederate monuments amid a reckoning over issues of racial injustice, Mississippi—a state with a 38% Black population—still represents itself inside the …

Friday, July 9

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COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Jump As Delta Variant Spreads

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are both on the rise, thanks to the continuing spread of the more contagious Delta variant throughout the state.

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Sisters in Birth, Standing by Expecting Mothers

Founder and CEO of Sisters in Birth Getty Israel says governmental disdain (for affordable health-care) disproportionately affects new and expecting mothers—particularly Black women, who die in childbirth at a rate …

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Report: Till Slaying Still Being Investigated 65 Years Later

The Justice Department is continuing its investigation into the killing of Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose slaying 65 years ago in Mississippi sparked outrage and illustrated the brutality of …

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The Hub at MSU, JSU COVID-19 Health Literacy Program and USM Health Sciences Camp

The Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation is carrying out renovations to convert a former bank building in downtown Starkville into a new facility called "The Hub."

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Weekend Picks 7-9-21

Another weekend is here, and although there aren’t as many events happening as last week, with all the holiday celebrations, there are still plenty of options for staying entertained this …

Thursday, July 8

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Curtis Thompson

Due to COVID-19, Olympic dreams were put on hold for every athlete heading to the 2020 Tokyo Games. The wait was even longer for former Mississippi State University star Curtis …

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Misdemeanor Holding Facility Could Open in Jackson in Old Juvenile Detention Center

Holding cells to hold misdemeanor offenders could soon open in Jackson if the council approves the move after an evaluation process.

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Mississippi Firefighters to Fight Wildfires in California

A crew of 20 wildland firefighters from Mississippi is heading to California to help prevent the spread of wildfires.

Wednesday, July 7

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Getty Israel

On June 1, Jackson resident Getty Israel expanded her nonprofit community health organization, Sisters in Birth Inc., with the opening of a new women's clinic in Jackson.

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Mississippi Teacher Pay Raise Finally Arrives After Long Delay

Mississippi teachers can expect an average $1,000 increase to their base salary starting from July 1 of this year, depending on their teaching license and experience.

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Special Elections Will Fill 2 Seats in Mississippi Senate

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves will set special elections to fill two empty seats in the Mississippi Senate.

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Two Women Chosen to Lead Jackson City Council for First Time

Jackson City Council members voted 4-3 Tuesday to elect Virgi Lindsay as council president and Angelique Lee as vice president.

Tuesday, July 6

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JSU Japan Fest at the Museum, LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi and Tuk Tuk Boom

Jackson State University is partnering with the Mississippi Museum of Art to host the inaugural Japan Fest on Sunday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum.

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Second Inmate Found Hanging in Hinds County Jail

Hinds County jail officials found a yet-to-be-identified detainee hanging and unresponsive in his cell just after midnight on Tuesday, July 6. It will be the second hanging in the detention …

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Court Clears Way for New Trial for Ex-Judge in Contempt Case

A former Mississippi judge will get a new trial to determine whether a contempt of court citation that stemmed from an argument in court should stand.

Saturday, July 3

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JFP Up to 11 Wins in the 2021 SPJ Diamond Journalism, Green Eyeshade Contests

The Jackson Free Press has won 11 awards to date for 2020 journalism during the pandemic—from two Society of Professional Journalists contests.

Friday, July 2

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MSU Baseball Championship, Parade and Nuclear Research, JSU Space Grant Project

Mississippi State University will host a parade through downtown Starkville on Friday, July 2, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate its 2021 Baseball National Championship, culminating with an event inside Dudy …

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Delta Variant Now Dominant Strain In Mississippi, Focused in Hinds, Madison, Rankin

The more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant strain in Mississippi, leaving unvaccinated Mississippians at higher risk of contracting the virus.

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Weekend Picks 7-2-2021

Nothing says “Independence Day” like a community coming together to celebrate, and several metro area cities are hosting celebrations with their own special offerings of food, fun, music and fireworks.

Thursday, July 1

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Lumumba, City Council Members Sworn-in

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba lists past achievements of his office after Hinds County Chancery Court Judge Denise Owens swore him in for a second term at the Jackson Convention Complex …

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Brittney Reese

Brittney Reese is returning to the Olympic Games for the fourth time in her historic career. Reese won her 13th career national title to punch her ticket to the Tokyo …

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Federal Appeals Court to Review Jim Crow Felony Voting Ban

A federal appeals court has agreed to review a Mississippi law that prevents people convicted of certain felonies from voting.