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

Stories for September 2021

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Thursday, September 30

Tease photo Politics

Spooner, Tannehill Running for Hinds County Sheriff

Richard Spooner and Les Tannehill, veterans of the Hinds Sheriff's office, are among the 13 candidates running for Hinds County sheriff.

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Attorney General Lynn Fitch Signals Appeal of Mental Health Ruling on Needed Solutions

The State of Mississippi has requested a delay of a July court order that demanded fundamental changes to the state’s mental-health care system and set up an external observer to …

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Keyron Kinsler

Alcorn State University found itself in a major hole against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Braves were down by 16 points at the end of the first quarter and …

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Mississippi Reports Two More Child Deaths from COVID

Mississippi health officials say two more children have died of COVID-19, raising the state's pediatric death toll from the virus to nine.

Wednesday, September 29

Tease photo Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note: Jackson Free Press to Suspend Printing, Boost Online Presence

We have big news from the world of the Jackson Free Press. Much of it is positive, and some of it is simply inevitable in the face of COVID-19 and …

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Mary Eileen Paradis

The University of Mississippi Medical Center named Mary Eileen Paradis as its first female Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety in July 2021.

Tease photo City & County

Capital City Pride Breaks City-Wide Event Drought, Encourages Togetherness

After spending its first year of operation limited at every turn by the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital City Pride is prepared to host one of Jackson’s first large-scale events since March …

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Dobbs: Funding for Medical Marijuana Regulation is a Concern

The Mississippi state health officer said Tuesday that he’s concerned about how the Health Department would receive money for its part in licensing and regulating a proposed medical marijuana program.

Tuesday, September 28

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COVID-19 Declines Back To Winter Surge Levels

COVID-19 has entered a relative decline compared to the worst of the winter surge, says leadership from the Mississippi State Department of Health.

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Melody Bruce Musgrove

Melody Bruce Musgrove, former director of the Office of Special Education Programs for the U.S. Department of Education and wife of former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, died Monday. She was …

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Mississippi Gov.: Still No Word on Medical Marijuana Session

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on Monday was still not saying whether he will call legislators into special session to enact a medical marijuana program and consider other issues that House …

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Mississippi Asks to Delay Order on Creating Mental-Health Plan

The state of Mississippi intends to appeal a federal judge's ruling that it come up with a plan detailing how it will work to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of people with …

Monday, September 27

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Matory, Harris-Williams, and Green Running for Hinds County Sheriff

Cheryl Matory, Beverly Harris-Williams and Colendula Green are among the 13 candidates running for the Hinds County sheriff’s position in a special election on Nov. 2.

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Mississippi ToyCon 2021, New Stage Theatre and Southern Unity Project Pet Parade

Neal Bumpus, who organized the inaugural Mississippi ToyCon in 2020, is partnering with Nerdvana Comics, Games & Collectibles to bring the event back in a new location for 2021.

Tease photo City & County

Due to Garbage Contract Dispute, Environmental Crisis Looms in the City of Jackson

The Jackson City Council recently reversed the declaration of emergency that Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba declared on Friday, Sept. 17, after pushing for a different vendor due to claims of …

Tease photo State

COVID-19 Bumps Food Benefits for Some Mississippi Families

Some Mississippi households currently getting supplemental food benefits will be eligible for additional funds next month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Friday, September 24

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MSU Diversity Award, WJSU CPB Grant and USM STEMed Speaker Series

Mississippi State University recently became a 2021 recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which recognizes universities for a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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As Rankin County Schools Ditch Mask Mandates, Jackson Requires Vaccines for Teachers

As Jackson Public Schools become one of the first in the state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing for employees, students in the nearby suburban Rankin County School District …

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Weekend Picks 9-24-2021

The weekend awaits, and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful one—complete with cooler temps that make you want to get outside and celebrate autumn.

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Mississippi AG Seeks to End Family Lawsuit After Dad's Death

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed papers Wednesday seeking to dismiss a lawsuit in a family feud over the care and finances of her 88-year-old father because he has died.

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Mississippi Negotiators Reach Proposal on Medical Marijuana

Mississippi House and Senate negotiators said Thursday that they have agreed on a proposed medical marijuana program.

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Mississippi Student Test Scores Decline in Math, English

The number of Mississippi students learning at or above grade level in math and English decreased across almost every age group during the first statewide assessments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, …

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Ink Barely Dry on Budget as Mississippi Starts New One

Less than three months into the current budget year, Mississippi legislators are starting to plan for the next one.

Thursday, September 23

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Pfizer Booster Shot Available For Those 65 and Older

COVID-19 booster shots are now approved for all Mississipians aged 65 and older, as well as for those immunocompromised or otherwise at-risk of severe infection.

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Muralist Aspires to Promote Peace and Spark Reform through Art

For many years, Kyle Holbrook masked his pain and loss in his art, using it as a distraction. However in 2002, he realized that he could channel that energy in …

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Mississippi Voting Rights Case is Argued at U.S. Appeals Court

The authors of Mississippi's 1890 constitution had racist intent when they stripped voting rights from people convicted of some felonies because they chose crimes they thought were more likely to …

Wednesday, September 22

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(UPDATED) Jackson City Council Rescinds Mayor's Emergency Order, Nixes Garbage Disposal Contract

A war of words has continued between Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba and Waste Management over a new garbage disposal contract.

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Rethreads Grand Opening Photo Tour

Rethreads (242 US-51, Ridgeland), a consignment retailer that sells curated clothes and accessories from vendors across the state, held its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The business resides inside …

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Board: Public Universities Cannot Require COVID-19 Vaccine

The board that governs Mississippi's public universities has voted to prohibit schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccines for students and staff.

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U.S. Appeals Court to Hear Mississippi Voting Rights Case

A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn Mississippi's ban on voting rights for people convicted of some felonies—a case that …

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Lorenzo Neal

Dr. Lorenzo Neal, pastor of New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson since 2011, has spent the past five years advocating against gun violence as part of the nonprofit …

Tuesday, September 21

Tease photo City & County

With Most Jacksonians Unvaccinated, Mayor Pushes Worker Shot Cut-off to Oct. 15

Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba extended the deadline for city workers to get vaccinated, or be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 tests. Once the deadline of Oct. 15, 2021, passes, …

Tease photo State

Mississippi Takes Management of Prison from Private Company

The Mississippi Department of Corrections is taking over operation of Marshall County Correctional Facility, a prison that has been privately run since it opened 25 years ago.

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Parys Haralson

On Sept. 13, the New Orleans Saints announced the death of Flora native and former NFL linebacker Parys Haralson. The former All-American, as a senior at Madison Central High School, …

Monday, September 20

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Un(re)solved at Two Mississippi Museums, TECH JXN and Simply Salad

The Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson opened a new traveling augmented-reality exhibit from PBS Frontline called Un(re)solved on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Tease photo City & County

Mayor Declares State of Emergency As Waste Disposal Negotiations Hit Snag

Getting a garbage-collection contract for the City of Jackson is coming down to the wire after Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba declared a state of emergency on Friday, Sept. 17, saying …

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Pediatric Diabetes Surge in Mississippi: Doctors Concerned COVID-19 Is To Blame

With each passing month of the pandemic, Dr. Jessica Lilley has grown increasingly concerned that COVID-19 is linked to a massive increase in new diagnoses of pediatric diabetes throughout Mississippi.

Tease photo State

Mississippi Develops Website for Reporting Human Trafficking

The state of Mississippi has developed a website for people to report suspected cases of human trafficking and find help for victims.

Friday, September 17

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Weekend Picks 9/17/2021

It’s the weekend again, and there’s lots going on in the capital city to keep you entertained. You can stretch your legs in a 5k race, or your mind at …

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Mississippi COVID-19 Death Rates Highest In U.S.; Booster Shots Available for Many

Even as Mississippi’s COVID-19 infection rates are beginning to slightly decrease from the midsummer high, the state now leads not only the country but almost the entire world in deaths …

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Crowded Field Running for Mississippi Senate Seat

Nine people have qualified to run for a Mississippi Senate seat vacated in June when Sen. Sampson Jackson retired after 29 years.

Thursday, September 16

Tease photo Education

JSU HBCU Technology Conference, MSU-SEAS Program and USM Gulf Park Pantry

Jackson State University is one of several historically Black colleges and universities convening with major corporations in September at the inaugural HBCU Technology Conference, which aims to address the racial …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Shedeur Sanders

Sanders, son of Jackson State University head coach Deion Sanders, enjoyed his best game as a college football player. He threw for 362 yards on 30 of 40 passing with …

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Lawmakers Consider Teacher Pay, Insurance Cost for Families

A Mississippi public school teacher with 15 years of experience providing health insurance for their family took home just under $30,000 a year in net pay in 2020, a “shocking …

Wednesday, September 15

Tease photo State

Amerigroup and Mississippi Food Network to Launch First Food Rx Program

A $25,000 donation from Amerigroup to the University of Mississippi Medical Center will help establish the state’s first Food Rx program for children at Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only …

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Illegal Dumping: City-wide Clean-up Planned

It will take a city-wide cleanup effort to move the needle against the menace of illegal dumping in Jackson, Solid Waste Division Manager Lakesha Weathers told the city council at …

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Roderick Little

Dockers recently featured Roderick Little, director of bands at Jackson State University, in the most recent entry of its "Recognize" storytelling series, which features regular interviews with African Americans who …

Tuesday, September 14

Tease photo Health Care

Doctors: Pregnant Mississippians Need COVID-19 Vaccine With Infections, Deaths Up

Mothers-to-be are at an inherently higher risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection, leadership from the Mississippi State Medical Association said at a Sept. 10 press briefing aimed at promoting …

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State Medical Board May Revoke Licenses of Mississippi Physicians Who Spread COVID-19 Misinformation

Physicians who spread misinformation about COVID-19 in person or on social media may have their medical license suspended or revoked after a strong statement from the Mississippi State Board of …

Tease photo National

Family: Man Turned Away by Dozens of COVID-Filled Hospitals

As hundreds of mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients filled Alabama intensive care units, hospital staff in north Alabama contacted 43 hospitals in three states to find a specialty cardiac ICU bed …

Monday, September 13

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Rethreads Opening, 2021 Virtual WellsFest, and Van's CCG Anniversary and Alzheimer’s Fundraiser

Repeat Street, a Ridgeland consignment store specializing in contemporary and vintage clothing, furniture and accessories, remodeled its second building and turned it into a new clothing store called Rethreads on …

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Jackson Planning Director Confirmed As Two Councilmen Question Her Record

Two Jackson City Council members voted against Director of Planning and Development Jordan Hillman's official confirmation to a new term on Thursday, Sept. 10.

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Analysis: Mississippi Examines Help for Departing Inmates

A Mississippi law that took effect July 1 expands parole eligibility, and lawmakers are looking at programs that could help people make the transition from prison back into the free …

Friday, September 10

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Weekend Picks 9-10-2021

I’ve picked a few highlights to give you a taste of what’s out there this weekend–with a focus on virtual and outdoor events, and indoor events that have COVID safety …

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Gov. Reeves Vows to Stop Biden’s New Federal Vaccine Requirements

As part of a new federal COVID-19 action plan, President Joe Biden introduced broad new vaccine requirements for both public and private-sector workers, potentially affecting as many as 100 million …

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USM National Juried Painting Exhibition, JSU Digital Tele-Health Hub and MSU Wildfire Project

The Museum of Art in the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Performing and Visual Arts is hosting its biennial 2021 National Juried Painting Exhibition through Oct.1 at the university's …

Tease photo State

Lawsuit: Farm Hired White Immigrants Over Black US Laborers

Six Black farmworkers in Mississippi say in a new lawsuit that their former employer brought white laborers from South Africa to do the same jobs they were doing, and that …

Thursday, September 9

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Interim Hinds County Sheriff Moves to Curtail Violent Crime with Gun Suppression Unit

Interim Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler plans to set up a gun suppression unit to arrest convicted felons caught with guns.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Aubrey Miller

Jackson State University opened the 2021 season against Southwestern Conference newcomer Florida A&M University. The Tigers and the Rattlers faced off in the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, …

Tease photo State

Mississippi Closes Field Hospitals, Reports Baby COVID Death

Mississippi is closing its only remaining parking garage field hospital set up to treat coronavirus patients during the delta variant surge, but it is still relying on out-of-state workers to …

Wednesday, September 8

Tease photo Politics

Where The Devil Comes In: Income Tax On Trial At The Mississippi Legislature

Sen. John Polk, R-Hattiesburg, who represents a certified retirement city, is concerned that eliminating the state income tax and raising the sales tax would harm the older residents of his …

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JPS Hosting Vaccination Events Today, Tomorrow

The Jackson Public School District is hosting COVID-19 vaccination events at its middle schools today and tomorrow, where students over age 12 are eligible to receive their first dose of …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Maruice Mangum

Jackson State University named Maruice Mangum, who previously served as chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Alabama A&M University, as chair of the JSU Department of Political Science …

Tuesday, September 7

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Invisible Histories Project, MHC COVID Recovery Grants and Musical Expressions Experience

The Mississippi Museum of Art is hosting a Community Mapping Activity with the Invisible Histories Project on Friday, Sept. 10, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Rescinds $1 Million Plan to Rent Misdemeanor Jail Space, Fund Deputies

The Jackson City Council has reversed its controversial 2020 decision to use $500,000 to rent jail spaces in Holmes and Yazoo counties for people charged with low-level misdemeanors in the …

Tease photo State

Mississippi Courts Moving Slowly to Online Records

All Mississippi counties were supposed to have their circuit, chancery and county court records online by July 1, but only about half met the deadline.

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Hospitals in Crisis in Least Vaccinated State: Mississippi

As patients stream into Mississippi hospitals one after another, doctors and nurses have become all too accustomed to the rampant denial and misinformation about COVID-19 in the nation's least vaccinated …

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Mississippi Judges Promote Vaccination Against COVID-19

Some Mississippi judges are urging people to follow their example and get vaccinated to slow the spread of COVID-19—an effort aimed at keeping courts open.

Friday, September 3

Tease photo Education

MSU Student COVID Relief, USM 4 + 1 = Done! Initiative and JSU TRIO Program Grant

Mississippi State University recently announced that it is disbursing more than $12 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding directly to university students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tease photo Person of the Day

John David Lewis

John David Lewis harbors a love for Jackson that he has carried with him throughout his life and especially now in his current position as deputy director of the Department …

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Some Workers Protest Mississippi Hospital's COVID Vaccine Mandate

Some employees are protesting a Mississippi hospital's mandate that all of its workers get vaccinated against COVID-19, even as the state has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the …

Thursday, September 2

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City Council Approves $2 Million for Multi-Use Trail, Questions Data Scientist on Deliverables

"While we've been doing walking trails in various parts of the city, we wanted to connect west Jackson, make sure that there were no parts of our city that were …

Tease photo Person of the Day

SEC New Event Cancellation Policy

College football returns with a full slate of games this Saturday in what is considered week one of the season. Last Saturday, a handful of games were played on what …

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Ida Damages More Than 160 Mississippi Homes

Hurricane Ida damaged at least 164 homes in Mississippi, destroying six of those and leaving 42 with major damage, state officials said Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 1

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The Chosen Productions to Film ‘Love Never Fails’ Pilot in Jackson

At 15 years old, Jackson native Essence Odomes finagled her way into an acting class that actress, director and producer Tasha Smith hosted in Atlanta. Smith offered the teenager a …

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JSU Student Overcomes Personal Obstacles to Showcase Talent on ‘American Idol’

Deshawn Goncalves, who presently studies music technology and performance at Jackson State University, placed in the Top Nine of the 2020 season of “American Idol,” in spite of personal challenges. …

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Jerk City Grille Represents Caribbean Cuisine in the Metro

After years of working in the food industry, Ridgeland resident Wendell Brewster decided “it was time to invest in myself” and opened a food truck in April of this year. …

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‘The Ripper Gene,’ a Serial Comic about Serial Killers in Mississippi

This year, music artist Jason Turner has tapped into his passion for visual art to collaborate with Michael “Ted” Burczynski, pen name Michael Ransom, to create a serialized comic of …

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Good Things from the JFP Team

The last 365 days have been unconventional to say the least, but as we enter year 20, the JFP staff decided we would love to remain positive and share our …

Tease photo State

MEMA Offers Assistance To Storm Victims

As now Tropical Storm Ida travels northwest across the Appalachian Mountains, Mississippians are left taking stock of the damage the once-Category 4 Hurricane Ida incurred, and beginning repairs.

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Best of Jackson: Legal Services 2021

When circumstances lead you to require legal assistance, the Jackson Free Press does its part to make the road to your goals a little easier to navigate through our Best …

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Lost in a Broken System: Why Detainees Spend Years in Hinds Jails Without Trial

Fifty-eight people in Hinds County Detention Centers by July 2, 2021, had spent more than two years there, documents the Jackson Free Press obtained show.

Tease photo National

Even in Backup Role, Federal Government Supports Ida Victims

The Biden administration has pledged an all-of-government response to Ida, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and coordinated by White House senior adviser Cedric Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman …

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Tax Relief, But For Whom?

Speaker Gunn Wants Reform That Benefits Wealthiest, Costs Others More

Just as the realities of a fourth wave of COVID-19 sunk into the state, and just miles from a field hospital set up in the garage of the Mississippi hospital …

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EDITOR'S NOTE: 19 Years of Love, Hope, Miss S, Dr. S and Never, Ever Giving Up

"I dedicate this first 19 years to Charles Corder, Herman Snell, Stephen, Jimmy, Alisa, Bingo, staffers over the years, advertisers who got it, and all of you who have believed …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Stephen Stuart

When it came to Stephen Stuart’s dream of medical school, the third time was the charm. “It was always the goal,” Stuart says of his recent acceptance to the University …