Monday, August 31
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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
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.
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.
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 …
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 …
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: …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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
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.
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 …
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 …
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. …
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.
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.
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
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 …
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 …
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!
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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
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."
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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, …
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."
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
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).
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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
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 …
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 …
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)"
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
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 …
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.
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.
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 …
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
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.
Person of the Day
Angie Moncrief
Flowood native Angie Moncrief has owned and operated Action Talent Agency since 2014.
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 …
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
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 …
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%.
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 …
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
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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, …
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. …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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
City & County
Museum Directory, Current Hours & COVID Precautions
Browse the following list to see which museums catch your interest and their respective opening statuses.
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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?
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.
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
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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
State
Mississippi Farmers Can Start Applying for Hemp License
Mississippi farmers or those interested in becoming farmers can start applying for hemp grower licenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
