Tuesday, March 31
State
Time, Weight Restrictions Suspended for COVID-19 Commercial Vehicles
To assist with the transportation and delivery of critical commodities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is waiving required weight permits and fees, allowing weight increases …
Politics
Trump Nominates Mississippi Judge for 5th US Appeals Court
Cory Wilson, a judge on the Mississippi Court of Appeals, is being nominated to serve on a federal appeals court that handles cases for Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, the White …
OPINION: Amid COVID-19 Crisis, U.S. Must Heal All the Wounds that Got Us Here
As the U.S. reels from the effects of COVID-19, we are faced with a stark reality: We were desperately and woefully unprepared for a crisis.
Politics
Governor Orders ‘Shelter In Place’ For Lauderdale as Virus Affects 76 Counties
Largely due to rapid localized spread of COVID-19 over several days, Gov. Tate Reeves signed an executive order today laying down a shelter-in-place order for Lauderdale County, which includes the …
City & County
Precautionary Boil Water Notice
Due to the recent loss in water pressure, the City of Jackson Water/Sewer Utilities Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory until further notice for several areas.
Politics
Second Mississippi Rep Resigns Over Pension and Pay Dispute
Republican Rep. Billy Andrews of Purvis is resigning as of Tuesday because he will not be able to collect his state government pension while serving in the state House.
Monday, March 30
City & County
Mayor Warns Businesses Violating Orders, Calls for Consistent Statewide, National Policies
Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba talked tough Monday to people and businesses violating his executive orders in the capital city, and calling for more consistent statewide and national orders.
Politics
Miss. House Democrats Call on Gov. Reeves to Ease Burden on Families Caused by COVID-19
Today, Mississippi House Democrats wrote a letter to Governor Reeves encouraging the Governor to take advantage of newly enacted federal legislation that could assist Mississippi families with the costs of …
Politics
Monday, March 30: 847 Detected Cases of COVID-19 in State, Total Tested Roughly 8,000
The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 89 new cases of COVID-19 across the state today, up to 847 from 758 yesterday.
Business
Fallout of Tate Reeves’ Executive Order: Department Store Roulette, Scared Associates
The concrete shopping jungle known as Dogwood Festival Market looked as much like a ghost town as it could as the sun started to set on a warm spring Saturday …
State
Mississippi Businesses Shift Production During Pandemic
As the nation hunkers down and people shelter in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, several Mississippi businesses have stayed open, switching gears to make much-needed products.
Politics
Analysis: Virus Upends Mississippi Budget Writing Process
The coronavirus pandemic has scrambled most of the planning that Mississippi budget writers have done the past few months, leaving uncertainty about how a shaky economy will affect tax collections.
MABUS: Gov. Reeves Must Immediately Invoke Statewide Shelter-in-Place Order
COVID19 is not a hoax. It doesn’t care if you are a Democrat or Republican or if you live in China or Italy or Mississippi.
City & County
JPS Announces Extension of Food Programs During School Closures
Jackson Public Schools will continue to serve Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch meals during school closures through April 17, 2020.
Sunday, March 29
National
Trump Adds 30 Days to Distancing Guidelines, Gives Up on 'Reopening' By Easter
President Donald Trump is extending the voluntary national shutdown for a month as sickness and death from the coronavirus pandemic rise in the U.S.
Health Care
Sunday, March 29: MSDH Reports 95 New COVID-19 Cases, 1 New Death, Up to 74 Counties
The MSDH added 95 reported cases of COVID-19 for a new total of 758 in Mississippi. New counties reporting cases are Carroll, Claiborne and Warren, bringing to the total number …
Saturday, March 28
State
Saturday, March 28: COVID-19 Cases in 71 Mississippi Counties, Total 663 with 13 Deaths
Today’s coronavirus numbers are in for Mississippi, leaving very few counties on the map in white, denoting which of our 82 counties do not yet have an official confirmed case. …
Friday, March 27
City & County
City's COVID-19 Limits on Groups, Restaurants Remain; $40 Million Bond Vote Ahead
Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba reiterated to Jackson residents Thursday that the City of Jackson’s ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and limitations on local restaurant operations, as part …
City & County
JPD Officer Tests Positive for COVID-19; No More Jail for Misdemeanors
A Jackson Police Department officer has tested positive for COVID-19, Police Chief James E. Davis confirmed in a press conference today, where he also announced more safety protocols.
Health Care
UMMC Begins In-House Testing for COVID-19
The University of Mississippi Medical Center began performing in-house testing for COVID-19 Thursday, providing a major boost in the state’s ability to manage the pandemic.
Person of the Day
E.J. Nolen
First they came for the hand sanitizer. Then the disinfectant. Then the toilet paper. By Friday afternoon, customers were accosting sales representative E.J. Nolen in the back parking lot of …
Health Care
MSDH Announces 'South Korea' Strategy, Governor Clarifies Executive Order
The time for playing defense against COVID-19 is over, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs declared Thursday in front of the governor’s mansion in downtown Jackson.
World
UK's Johnson Tests Positive for Virus, Deaths Soar in Spain
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first leader of a major country to test positive for the coronavirus that has sickened more than a half-million people worldwide.
National
House Debates $2.2T Virus Relief Bill Amid Last-Minute Snag
With exceptional resolve in an extraordinary time, the House on Friday debated a $2.2 trillion package tossing a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing …
City & County
Jackson Police Seeking Persons of Interest
Jackson Police are seeking persons of interest in the murder investigation of, Nicholas Robertson. Robertson was shot multiple times on Florence Avenue during last month and had later succumbed to …
State
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
NRAEF set up the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Thursday, March 26
Editorial
EDITORIAL: Gov. Reeves Needs to Take ‘Essential’ Seriously for COVID-19 Social Distancing
What (Gov. Tate) Reeves still has not done, is follow the lead of states near and far by truly ordering only essential businesses and services to remain open. What Reeves …
Education
Mississippi Eases Graduation and Third-Grade Rules for Virus
Mississippi's education leaders on Thursday moved to ease the way for seniors to graduate and third graders to move on to fourth grade in the face of schools closed to …
Health Care
108 New Cases of COVID-19, Largest Increase So Far
As controversy swirls in Mississippi over Gov. Tate Reeves’ refusal to issue a “Shelter in Place” order, the state has 108 additional cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday, March 25, …
State
Mississippi Jobless Claims Tough to File as Virus Ups Demand
The Mississippi agency that handles claims for jobless benefits is getting 10 times the usual number of phone calls as people seek help amid the coronavirus pandemic.
National
3.3 Million Seek US Jobless Aid, Nearly 5 Times Earlier High
Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — almost five times the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
Education
Mississippi State Board of Education Suspends Key Policies to Manage Impact of Extended School Closures
The Mississippi State Board of Education today suspended several statewide policies to manage the impact of extended school closures due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Person of the Day
M.K. Turk
Since there will be no March madness this year, it is a good time to look back on the great coaches and players of the past. One of those great …
State
Local Businesses Collaborate to Serve 3,000 Dinners to Jackson Families
Eaton Aerospace along with the teams at the Systems Companies and the Center for Entrepreneurship have partnered to fund hot dinners for JPS scholars and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
State
Be on Guard as Telephone Scammers Set to Cash in on Coronavirus
People in Mississippi are being warned to be extra vigilant as scam callers are likely to ramp up their activity over the next few weeks to take advantage of increasing …
National
Senate Passes $2.2T Coronavirus Aid Plan, House Votes Friday
The Senate passed a mammoth $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented response amid record new …
Wednesday, March 25
State
MDCPS: Public Should Report Concerns of Child Neglect, Abuse to State Agency
Child welfare experts fear that children are now at a greater risk of being hurt or neglected because families, many facing additional stress over work and health issues, are living …
City & County
Clinton Chamber Serving as Local Admin for National ServiceIndustry.Tips Initiative
The Clinton Chamber of Commerce has joined the ranks of other community leaders at ServiceIndustry.Tips by serving as the local administrator for the Jackson Metropolitan Area in assisting service industry …
National
Washington Agrees on Unrivaled $2 Trillion Virus Rescue Bill
The White House and Senate leaders announced agreement Wednesday on an unparalleled, $2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the …
World
Spain's Coronavirus Deaths Leap; Prince Charles Now Infected
The coronavirus outbreak hit home Wednesday among the well-born and the desperately poor alike as Britain's Prince Charles tested positive and India's 1.3 billion people, or one-sixth of the Earth's …
National
First Signs of Disruption Appear in Housing; Markets 'Calm'
The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed as it continues to spread across the world. Here is a look at some …
Crime
Dr. Yusef Salaam of ‘Exonerated 5’: Jails, Prisons ‘Petri Dish’ for COVID-19
Living under unusual, high-pressure circumstances and without access to adequate health care or nutrition has forced the nation’s prisoners to cultivate a kind of secret knowledge that others on the …
Health Care
UPDATE: Four Mississippi Men, One Woman Die from COVID-19 as State Cases Rise to 377
Men from Holmes, Webster and Wilkinson counties and a woman from Tunica county are the second, third, fourth and fifth person to die from the coronavirus in the state, the …
Person of the Day
Vera Hall
The Small Business Association named Vera Hall, owner of Innovative Performance Construction Company LLC in Jackson, as the 2020 SBA Mississippi Small-Business Person of the Year during an SBA meeting …
Health Care
What You Should Know: UMMC OB-GYN Answers Questions on COVID-19 and Pregnancy
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is working to keep its patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes pregnant patients and newborns.
City & County
Urgent Request for Supplies from Jackson Businesses for COVID-19 Response
Working Together Jackson, People’s Advocacy Institute and Stewpot Community Services have partnered with volunteers from the University of Mississippi Medical Center to feed and support vulnerable families during the COVID-19 …
Tuesday, March 24
State
Governor Orders Limited Gatherings, Declares Most Businesses 'Essential,' Supersedes Local Safety Efforts
Gov. Tate Reeves signed an executive order early this evening expanding the bans on large public gatherings in Mississippi, while declaring most types of businesses “essential” and, thus, exempt from …
State
Gov. Tate Reeves Signs New Executive Order in Response to COVID-19 Spread
Today, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order to further ramp up the state's efforts to protect the health of Mississippians during the outbreak of COVID-19.
City & County
Mississippi Public Service Commission Urges Public to Stay Away from Utility Workers
The Mississippi Public Service Commission is urging the public to stay away from utility crews working in the field.
City & County
City of Jackson, Metropolitan YMCAs Partner to Combat Child Hunger
The City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the YMCAs of Mississippi’s Feeding Program is providing free Grab & Go meals to children ages 18 and …
State
Preventing Panic in Preschoolers
Many children may be confused and frightened about the COVID-19 pandemic, but parents can do a lot to help children cope and stay safe during the outbreak, a University of …
National
Trump Hoping to See US Economy Reopened by Easter Amid Virus
With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the United States will be reopened by Easter as he weighs how to …
National
Virus Pandemic an Unprecedented Test for a Young Generation
As this crisis unfolds, the younger generation likely will be tested like never before, especially those whose families are already on the edge, financially and health-wise.
National
Olympics Delayed as US Nears a Deal on $2 Trillion in Relief
The Tokyo Olympics were put off to next year as coronavirus deaths and infections surged in Europe and the U.S. on Tuesday, with New York warning it is about to …
National
Dow Has Best Day Since 1933 as Congress Nears Deal on Aid
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to its best day since 1933 as Congress and the White House neared a deal on Tuesday to inject nearly $2 trillion of aid …
Person of the Day
Andy Frame
In the case of Andy Frame, the adage about the journey being more worthwhile than the destination is an apropos description. He never envisioned where he would be right now, …
Health Care
Governor: Wait-and-See on State Lockdown Despite 71 New COVID-19 Cases
Gov. Tate Reeves again rejected calls for a statewide lockdown at a press conference outside the governor’s mansion today in downtown Jackson, saying that “no expert had yet recommended” such …
Health Care
Rep. Palazzo: Rural Hospitals ‘On Brink’ of ‘Collapse,’ Need Relief Amid Pandemic
Congress must assist rural hospitals in its upcoming bill aimed at blunting the economic devastation the coronavirus has wrought, Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo wrote in a letter to top U.S. …
State
Lawsuit: Superintendent Used District Funds for Wedding
Arthur McMillan, the former superintendent of a Mississippi school district, is accused in a federal lawsuit of using district funds and resources for his daughter's wedding.
Monday, March 23
State
Governor Rejects State Lockdown For COVID-19: ‘Mississippi's Never Going to Be China’
Gov. Tate Reeves rejected calls today for a statewide shelter-at-home order, a measure of caution against the spread of COVID-19 being rapidly deployed next door in Louisiana, elsewhere in the …
State
MPB, PBS Support Learning Amid Coronavirus Disruptions
With schools in the state having closed their doors to help contain the spread of COVID-19, both MPB and PBS have expanded educational efforts to ensure educators, parents and students …
Education
Mississippi Department of Education Compiles Learning-at-Home Resources
The Mississippi Department of Education has compiled a host of learning-at-home resources for students in pre-K through grade 12 to support student learning during the extended school closure.
Art
Eight Easy Home Art Projects for Kids During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Having some easy-to-do art projects on hand and ready to go is a great way to help your kids relieve stress and take control of a small part of their …
Politics
Governor Under Fire as COVID-19 Spreads, Testing Begins at Fairgrounds
The Mississippi State Department of Health begins drive-thru testing today at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, in partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center and wireless provider C-Spire.
National
Fed to Buy Unlimited Government Debt, Lend to Businesses
The Federal Reserve says it will buy as much government debt as it deems necessary and will also begin lending to small and large businesses and local governments to help …
City & County
Atmos Energy and MS Food Network Partner with JPS to Feed Families
The Mississippi Food Network, and Atmos Energy partnered to fund weekend sacks of food to Jackson Public Schools’ scholars.
State
Mississippi Gov. Seeks to Help Unemployed Amid Virus Outbreak
Confirmed coronavirus infections climbed to more than 200 in Mississippi, and the governor announced plans to provide quicker access to unemployment benefits for residents affected by the outbreak.
State
Analysis: Mississippi Wise to Close Capitol Because of Virus
The Mississippi Capitol is a germ and virus factory during any normal legislative session because of all the glad-handing, back-slapping and random hugging. It was clearly in line to become …
Sunday, March 22
Health Care
MSDH: List of COVID-19 Testing Centers Throughout Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will now be keeping an active list of local COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state.
State
Up 159% Up Since Friday, Mississippi COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise, Spread
This weekend just saw its second huge spike in coronavirus cases in Mississippi, continuing to spread throughout the state and jumping to 207 cases today from a total of 140 …
Saturday, March 21
State
Saturday, March 22: 60 New COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi, Spread Across Age Groups
The Mississippi State Department of Health announced 60 new cases of COVID-19 this morning, March 21, bringing the statewide total to 140. The cases are mostly women and spread across …
Music
Singer Kenny Rogers Dies at 81
Actor-singer Kenny Rogers, the smooth, Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz, folk, country and pop with such hits as “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” and embraced his persona as …
Friday, March 20
Food
MSDH: Restaurants, Bars Should 'Suspend Dine-In Service,' Everyone Should Skip Church, Weddings, Funerals
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) now recommends that all restaurants and bars suspend dine-in service in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately. This decision …
City & County
More COVID-19 Testing Sites, Public and Private, Available in Jackson Area
Mississippians will have access to a central COVID-19 testing location at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson starting Monday.
City & County
How Local Businesses are Handling COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak is causing mass temporary closures of local businesses across the spectrum. Fortunately, plenty of those businesses have stepped up to help their employees and their communities in …
City & County
JPD Will Not Change Arrest Policy Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
The Jackson Police Department is not making changes to its arrest protocols in the wake of COVID-19, even as other departments across the country are rethinking their own policing strategies …
Politics
Mississippi is Latest State to Delay Elections Amid Pandemic
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Friday that he is postponing the March 31 Republican primary runoff in the state's 2nd Congressional District because of the coronavirus. The new date is …
City & County
Produce Sale at Broad Street Bakery
"We just partnered with Sunrise produce. They have a huge truckload of produce which will spoil if not sold. They are bringing it Broad Street and at 11:15 this morning, …
State
5 Ways To Support Your Salon During Uncertain Times
COVID-19 is having a global impact on our daily lives, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that businesses are really starting to take a hit, particularly the service industry.
Health Care
Rankin, 10 Other Counties Join List of 80 Cases of COVID-19 in State, One Dead
This morning, The Mississippi State Department of Health added 30 new cases to its daily roster of COVID-19 cases in the state, considered “presumptive” until the Centers for Disease Control …
State
SBA Includes Warren County in Declaration of Disaster for the Region
The Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce announced today that Warren County was included in a Declaration of Disaster authorized by the Small Business Administration for the State of Louisiana.
City & County
Precautionary Boil Water Notice
Due to the recent loss in water pressure, the City of Jackson Water/Sewer Utilities Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory until further notice for Eagle Ave.
Person of the Day
Rose Kasrai
Rose Kasrai, a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a sex therapist, is tired of the shame around sex and hopes to normalize conversations about sex with her …
Thursday, March 19
State
MSDH News: Health Officials Confirm First Coronavirus Death in Mississippi
Today the Mississippi State Department of Health reports the first death from coronavirus in Mississippi. The case was a male 60-65 years old from Hancock County with chronic underlying conditions.
State
UMMC Experts Offer Advice on Dealing with COVID-19 Stressors
Take a step back and focus on what’s in your power, not what isn’t, experts at the University of Mississippi Medical Center say.
City & County
Letter from Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene Regarding JPS Response to the Coronavirus
JPS educators are working collaboratively to develop meaningful and reasonable learning opportunities for all of our scholars, even with the challenges of inequitable access to technology (especially with devices and …
OPINION: Message from a COVID-19 Reporter: We Need Patience, Discipline, Fortitude
Jackson Free Press reporter Nick Judin, who is reporting the seriousness of the growing coronavirus epidemic, warns to not take this moment in history for granted.
Health Care
50 COVID-19 Cases Now as UMMC Works to Develop Own Test for 'Tidal Wave' Virus
“We are ramping up all of our contingency planning to be prepared for a tidal wave of patients that we know is about to hit us,” UMMC Department of Emergency …
Health Care
Governor Tate Reeves Expands Telehealth to Further Care In COVID-19 Response
Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced the expansion of the state's telehealth coverage to increase and further care for Mississippians and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Education
Mississippi Schools Closed Until Mid-April to Slow Virus
Mississippi public schools will be closed until at least April 17 to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday.
National
Trump Taps Emergency Powers as Virus Relief Plan Proceeds
Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against the coronavirus pandemic.
Person of the Day
Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys placed the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott, meaning he can’t talk to any other teams and that Dallas has until July 15 to try to …
Wednesday, March 18
Education
JSU Cancels All University-Sponsored Events, Postpones Spring Commencement
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Jackson State University's Acting President Thomas K. Hudson announces that all university-sponsored events are canceled for the duration of the semester and said this …
Crime
Hinds, D.A. Evaluating Release of Some Pretrial Detainees Due to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country and globe, advocates warn of the unique health risks the easily contracted virus poses for the 19,000 people serving sentences inside …
City & County
Mayoral Proclamation of Executive Order Prohibiting Gatherings of More Than 10 People
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has issued an executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
State
10 Tips for Keeping Your Family Happy and Healthy During Coronavirus Isolation
With the outbreak of COVID-19, it's a stressful time for parents and kids, but there are things you as a parent can do to make this time more safe, emotionally …
Politics
Governor Tate Reeves Requests Economic Disaster Declaration for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to aid small businesses and their employees being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Education
MDE Provides Guidance to Parents of Students with Disabilities About Services During School Closures
The Mississippi Department of Education Office of Special Education has created this Q & A as a resource to parents of children with disabilities to help support their learning during …
State
Mississippi Community Response and Recovery Fund
The Mississippi Community Relief and Recovery Fund supports the immediate and long-term needs of communities and organizations working on responding to emerging and extraordinary events, including COVID-19. All tax-deductible donations …
City & County
JPS Begins Food Distribution Programs for JPS Scholars and Families
Jackson Public Schools and the Mississippi Food Network will administer two feeding programs in support of our scholars and their families during extended school closures.
Food
Jackson Restaurants Offering Curbside Service
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a lot of restaurants and businesses in Jackson and throughout Mississippi have temporarily closed down. The following restaurants are still open and offering …
State
Delta, North Mississippi Hit Hardest by 13 New Presumptive COVID-19 Cases
The Mississippi Department of Health announced 13 new presumptive cases of the novel coronavirus this morning with cases in several Delta counties up to Desoto County in north Mississippi. No …
Books
Katy Simpson Smith on ‘The Everlasting’
Jackson native Katy Simpson Smith's third novel "The Everlasting" is, at its core, a centuries-long story of love and equality. Four distinct characters, separated by time, find themselves in precarious …
Fly
COVID-19 Brings Parade to Screeching Halt
Since COVID-19 made its way to the continental United States, the virus has forced organizations to cancel or postpone events that have been embedded into the lives of citizens.
Food
Review on Tap: LD’s BeerRun
If you walk into (LD's BeerRun) with any level of beer enthusiasm, you will find a beer you like, because they follow a similar motto to my own, "If you …
Food
Local Brews for Me and You
Larry Voss and Dylan Broome opened LD's BeerRun in December 2014 in northeast Jackson initially as a craft-beer retail store to serve the needs of local beer lovers.
Cover
COVID-19 in Mississippi, Indepth: A Primer
COVID-19 is here. And as the United States virtually shuts down amid fears of an overwhelmed health-care system and an unchecked pandemic, understanding the virus, its history, and how to …
Politics
OPINION: Black People: Vote Like Our Lives Depend on It
"It doesn't require well-rehearsed promises and clever slogans to increase African American voting. The reality is the unfortunate truth that we should vote because our lives depend on it."
Publisher's Note
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Flatten The Curve, Think Local in Wake of COVID-19
The Jackson Free Press team has done its damnedest to bring you the latest news on COVID-19 as it breaks here in the Jackson and throughout the state, as well …
Jacksonian
Sandra Shelson
Sandra Shelson has served the Jackson area, and Mississippi at large, in her position as executive director of The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi for the last 16 years. However, …
Tuesday, March 17
State
MDE Secures Waivers to Expedite Approvals of School Meal Programs
The Mississippi Department of Education's Office of Child Nutrition has secured two waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist school districts in establishing meal programs at this time.
City & County
Metro Jackson Race for the Cure Rescheduled
In light of the recent progression of COVID-19, and the CDC guidance to postpone mass gatherings, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the 21st annual Komen Metro Jackson …
Person of the Day
Lisa Beckley-Roberts
The Mississippi Board of Trustees presented Lisa Beckley-Roberts, associate professor of ethnomusicology from Jackson State University's Department of Music, with its Distinguished IHL Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award during …
State
Mississippi COVID-19 Cases Rise to 21 with 6 in Hinds, National Guard Activated
The day after Gov. Tate Reeves activated the National Guard to help, the number of officially confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Mississippi rose to 21 on the Mississippi State …
Monday, March 16
City & County
City Responds to COVID-19 with Emergency Measures, Scales Back Operations
Today, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba declared a state of civil emergency in the City of Jackson due to the coronavirus outbreak, signing additional executive orders to limit the number of …
Politics
Governor Tate Reeves Signs Executive Orders Furthering Mississippi's COVID-19 Response
Today, Governor Tate Reeves signed two executive orders to further the state's response to COVID-19 and aid Mississippians being impacted.
State
Mississippi Orders Casinos to Close Amid Virus Concerns
All of Mississippi's state-regulated casinos were ordered to close by midnight Monday to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.
Education
State Education Superintendent Recommends Suspending State Test Due to COVID-19
The Mississippi Department of Education is providing this update on the impact of school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Politics
Legislative Democrats Call for Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Measures and Suspension of Legislative Session
Legislative Democrats including the Mississippi House and Senate Democratic Caucuses along with the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus encourage the Governor, Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor to spend this …
National
AP Exclusive: Coronavirus Vaccine Test Opens with First Doses
U.S. researchers gave the first shots in a first test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine Monday, leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges.
City & County
Precautionary Boil Water Notice
Due to the recent loss in water pressure, the City of Jackson Water/Sewer Utilities Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory until further notice for multiple streets.
Editor's Note
EDITOR'S LETTER: Keep Calm, Stay Safe and Flatten the Curve
"Flattening the curve" matters. We can all help limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in our own communities by social distancing, avoiding groups and staying home as much as …
Education
Mississippi Shutting Down as COVID-19 Reaches Jackson, Coast, Rural Areas
The confirmed arrival of COVID-19 in Jackson follows a weekend of growing restrictions on movement and public gatherings nationwide.
Biz Roundup
Biz Update: COVID-19 Task Force, What's Still Open and Meal Drop-off Coalition
As locally owned businesses face unprecedented threats from the coronavirus, Fondren Renaissance Foundation President Roy Campbell has assembled a task force to make recommendations and decide best practices to keep …
City & County
Mayor Lumumba to Declare Civil Emergency Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
On Tuesday, March 17, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba will sign three executive orders in a direct effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
State
Mississippi Blood Services Experiencing Blood Shortage
As the Coronavirus outbreak continues, Mississippi Blood Services has been forced to cancel numerous blood drives resulting in a blood shortage.
State
Mississippi State of Emergency Declaration
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves' office released a state of emergency declaration on the COVID-19 outbreak.
City & County
Mobile Meal Dispatch and Drop-off Services for Jackson Families in Need During COVID-19 Outbreak
Multiple organizations are collaborating to provide mobile meal dispatch and drop-off services for Jackson families in need. Meals will cover breakfast and dinner for families throughout the extended break.
Sunday, March 15
State
PSC Suspends Utility Disconnects in Mississippi During State of Emergency
The Public Service Commission's restriction on utility disconnects is in place for 60 days. It does not eliminate the requirement that utility customers continue to pay bills, according to a …
City & County
Jackson State Student Tests Positive for Coronavirus
A Jackson State University student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is currently isolated at home.
City & County
URGENT: Two Hinds County Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed Today, 10 Total in State
The Mississippi State Department of Health <added four new confirmed cases of the coronavirus to its website this morning—two of them in the Jackson metro area of Hinds County
State
Mississippi Governor Declares Emergency to Fight Coronavirus
Mississippi's governor declared a state of emergency to help fight coronavirus in the state and said he will work from home for two weeks after returning Friday from a family …
Saturday, March 14
Health Care
UMMC to Restrict Patient Visitation to Curb Spread of COVID-19
Effective Monday at noon, the University of Mississippi Medical Center will restrict visitors at its Jackson-based hospitals in an effort to lessen the spread of the novel coronavirus and help …
State
Two Mississippi Congressmen Skip Vote on COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill
Two Republican Mississippi Congressmen, U.S. Reps. Steven Palazzo and Trent Kelly, did not show up for a vote on the #FamiliesFirst Coronavirus Response Act.
City & County
State Says COVID-19 Tests Available, But Confusion Among Local Providers
Clinics and hospitals in the Jackson metro demurred on March 13 when the Jackson Free Press called seeking COVID-19 testing
State
Mississippi Governor Returning from Spain as Cases of Virus Rise
Gov. Tate Reeves, who has been in Spain with his family for a daughter's soccer tournament, is returning Friday, news outlets reported.
Friday, March 13
National
Trump Declares Virus Pandemic a National Emergency
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread …
State
'Do Not Go to Church': Three Forrest County Coronavirus Cases Bring Warnings
The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed two more cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, in Mississippi this morning. All three known patients currently reside in Forrest County.
State
Statement About Impact of Coronavirus on Hinds County School District Operations
"We have shared guidance will each of our school administrators that include detailed steps to promote a healthy school environment, and all of our parents have been sent a letter …
State
Mississippi Reports Two More Positive Cases of Coronavirus
Today the Mississippi State Department of Health reports the second and third presumptive positive cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 in Mississippi. Final verification will come from the Centers for Disease …
Education
State University Closures, USM Women's Suffrage Program and MSU Athlete Engineering Summit
Mississippi's eight public universities have modified the schedules for the spring semester classes to inhibit the spread of the coronavirus, extending Spring Break by an additional week and planning alternative …
Person of the Day
Tyson Carter
Mississippi State University made SEC history when coaches in the conference named senior guard Tyson Carter as SEC Sixth Man of the Year, the first time an MSU player has …
Thursday, March 12
City & County
COVID-19 Task Force Will Monitor Virus in Jackson, Decide School Closings
The capital city will have its own COVID-19 task force composed of city officials, public-health experts as well as institutional partners in the capital city's health-care system, Mayor Chokwe A. …
National
Thompson Writes DHS, HHS, CDC on Rationale, Implementation Plan for Trump’s Travel Ban After Contradictory Statements
"Based on all available data, mitigating the spread of this disease requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses our entire health care system rather than just containment measures targeted at foreign …
Education
Mississippi Universities Extend Break, Plan Online Classes
Mississippi's eight public universities are extending their spring breaks and planning online classes to fight the spread of the new coronavirus, state higher education officials announced Thursday.
State
State on COVID-19 in Mississippi: Get Tested if Show Flu-Like Symptoms
Public health officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mississippi as the disease is declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. State leadership called for extraordinary …
State
EXPLAINER: COVID-19 in Mississippi: What to Do, What to Avoid
The Mississippi Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control are releasing information about the Coronavirus pandemic—and tips for avoiding—as a Forrest County man becomes the first known case …
Person of the Day
Jordan Feliz
The foundation for Christian music artist Jordan Feliz' professional solo career began to culminate only five hours after he and his wife moved to Nashville in 2012.
State
Build Your Emergency Supply Kit for COVID-19
"MEMA is assisting the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) in its response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We will help coordinate any additional resources MSDH may have during their planning, …
City & County
Mississippi Event Cancellations Due to COVID-19 (Regularly Updated)
Officials in Jackson and across Mississippi are canceling major events and gatherings in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The following is a list of canceled events as …
Wednesday, March 11
City & County
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade Cancelled in Effort to Fight Coronavirus Spread
The Hal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival in Jackson has been cancelled in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, parade co-founder Malcolm White told local news outlets Wednesday.
National
Mississippi Voters on Biden Landslide: 'Joe Knows Us, and We Know Joe'
Biden won Mississippi with an overwhelming 81.1% of the Democratic vote compared to Sanders' 14.8%. The majority of people who showed up at the polls in Hinds County—83.2%—voted for Biden, …
National
Biden Draws 83% in Hinds County, Higher Than State Vote
Former Vice President Joe Biden drew just over 83 percent of the Hinds County vote in Democratic voting last night in his statewide rout of U.S. Bernie Sanders, who did …
Politics
Espy Wins Mississippi US Senate Race; Will Face Hyde-Smith
Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy won the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Mississippi on Tuesday, setting up a rematch with Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, an outspoken …
Tuesday, March 10
National
National Guard is Sent into New York Suburb to Control Virus
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that he is sending the National Guard into a New York City suburb to help fight the nation's biggest known cluster of coronavirus …
Crime
Factchecking the Gang Law Bill, Sponsor’s Inconsistencies
"Some of these gangs certainly are (solid criminal enterprises), but it's not clear which ones, and I don't know that they know, either," de Gruy said. Furthermore, the public defender …
National
Sanders Surrogates Face Uphill Mississippi Battle In Candidate’s Absence
"This political process should be about bringing all of us in and not electing some savior who's going to do everything," Agnew said.
Education
Leticia Alonso: JSU's Humanities Teacher of the Year
“I was interested in comparative literature because the concept of cultural convergence fascinates me. I’ve always wanted to travel, see the world and see how human interactions differ. I believe …
National
Mississippi Among 6 States with Presidential Primary Tuesday
Voters in Mississippi's Democratic presidential primary Tuesday were choosing between two leading candidates and a third whose delegate count lagged far behind.
Monday, March 9
National
Biden in Mississippi: Credits the 'African American Community' for Comeback
Themes of unity and overcoming hate penetrated the remarks of former Vice President Joe Biden and his supporters during the Democratic presidential hopeful's visit to Jackson yesterday.
National
OPINION: Sycophantic Dem Establishment Aligning Against Bernie Sanders
University of Mississippi professor Joe Atkins, a Bernie Sanders supporter, argues that the Democratic "establishment" is working against the Vermont senator's chance at the presidency.
Biz Roundup
B&B Theaters Northpark Grand Opening, Walthall Lofts and Vertex Aerospace
Northpark announced on Wednesday, March 4, that it plans to hold the grand opening for B&B Theaters, a new 14-screen movie theater, in April 2020.
Friday, March 6
State
PATRIOT South Tests Pearl River Flood Responders
U.S. Army National Guard units joined with state agency personnel this week at Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, including some of Jackson's own first responders, drilling the coordination and cohesion necessary …
Person of the Day
Bea Gotthelf: Jacksonian Celebrates Her 100th Birthday
While reaching 100 years of age is a milestone that not everybody manages to achieve, today, Jackson native and long-time resident Bea Gotthelf celebrates her 100th birthday.
Best of Jackson
Best of Jackson 2020 Medical Ballot
Best of Jackson "pop-up" ballots are designed to get answers to a few critical questions facing the our JFP readership-in this case, we're talking about all things medical. Time to …
Politics
House Homeland Security Chairman Thompson Endorses Biden
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's only Democratic congressman, said Thursday that he's endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden for president, days ahead of the state's presidential primary.
Thursday, March 5
City & County
Project EJECT Or Not: Mayor Disputes Grant Connection to Federal Strategy
A new federal grant to help the Jackson Police Department purchase new surveillance equipment is not part of the controversial Project EJECT crime strategy, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba insisted this …
Education
UM Space Exhibit, USM Women's History Month and MSU Law Seminar
The University of Mississippi's Department of Archives and Special Collections will host "Space: Exploring the Final Frontier in the Archives" in the Faulkner Room of the J.D. Williams Library throughout …
Person of the Day
Ledarius Woods
The exceptional season is bringing a first for Tougaloo as senior forward Ledarius Woods has been named a finalist for the Howell Trophy, which goes to the best men's basketball …
Wednesday, March 4
Immigration
Bill Says Mississippi Could Check for Voters' US Citizenship
Republican Secretary of State Michael Watson, Mississippi's top elections official, told lawmakers Tuesday that he wants the power to check whether registered voters in the state are also U.S. citizens.
Fly
Mississippi ToyCon in Brandon
The inaugural Mississippi ToyCon took place on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Brandon Civic Center. The event featured more than 40 vendors selling vintage and modern toys, comics and collectibles, …
Best of Jackson
Home Is Where the Office Is
To allow Jacksonians the chance to give a shoutout to their workplace homes, we include the Best Place to Work category in our annual Best of Jackson issue.
Theater
Opera Mississippi’s New Incarnation
Since its founding in 1945 as the Jackson Opera Guild, the arts organization formerly known as the Mississippi Opera Association has gone through a number of changes.
Theater
Keri Horn: Voiceover Queen in Blue Jeans
Like a lot of children growing up in the '80s, Keri Horn loved to watch cartoons like "The Smurfs" and "The Care Bears." But she might have been one of …
Business
St. Patrick’s Day JXN Goodies Galore
We all love the fun that comes with St. Patrick's Day, but let's not forget that the capital city also houses a number of restaurants that offer specialty food and …
Health Care
Mike Moore: When Life Gives You Headaches, Help Others
Sometimes a headache isn't just a headache. Yazoo City native Michael Moore learned this lesson firsthand in 2018 when he took ill with a bacterial infection and was taken to …
Biz Roundup
Old Spaces, New Faces
Spring inches ever closer, and to coincide with the season of renewal, let's review a list of recently opened businesses that have breathed new life into some older buildings and …
City & County
Flourishing in Spite of a Flood
With every issue of BOOM Jackson, we like to reflect on the progress and developments that have occurred over the last quarter. From renovations to flooding, these last three months …
Sports
Mississippi Lady Panthers on the Prowl
In August 2018, Cameron Veal and LaSteven Jackson talked about putting on a women's flag-football game for charity. This discussion laid the foundation for the Mississippi Lady Panthers.
City & County
Shoestring on the Rise
Students in Operation Shoestring's Project Rise after-school program were in for a special treat when they returned in January to a newly renovated state-of-the-art facility in central Jackson.
City & County
One Lake, Few Alternatives: A Primer
Many of the concerns surrounding One Lake remain unresolved and, to date, the Levee Board has declined to host a public forum to take questions from the audience openly, instead …
City & County
The Siemens Settlement, Explained
Jackson's saga of a troubled contract with Siemens Inc. and subcontractors for new water meters seemed to come to an end on Feb. 19 when Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba announced …
EDITOR'S NOTE: Challenges of a Baby-Faced Editor
"Instead of burdening myself with unnecessary, self-imposed concerns that weigh me down, I have come to better realize that I should have more confidence in myself and more faith in …
Jacksonian
Acacia Clippert
Moving to a new area for work can have its challenges. For Murrah High School economics teacher Acacia Clippert, the transition from Michigan to Mississippi validated her decision to follow …
Tuesday, March 3
Crime
Gang Bill Trying to Be a Baby RICO Mob Bill, But Too Wide, Critics Say
The Jackson Free Press recently asked Sen. Brice Wiggins if his push for Senate Bill 2459 is a way for Mississippi to have its own little Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt …
Politics
Mississippi Seeks Abortion Ban for Race, Sex, Genetic Error
Mississippi's Republican-led Legislature is trying to restrict the reasons women may seek abortion, after federal courts blocked time limitations that the state tried to put on the procedure the past …
Politics
Mississippi Gets About $16M from New Lottery Since November
Mississippi has collected about $16 million from a state lottery that started operating in November.
Monday, March 2
Personhood
'An Abortion Desert': Mississippi Women May Feel Effect of Louisiana Case
A Louisiana abortion law would turn the Bayou State into "an abortion desert" and would have strong ripple effects for women in Mississippi and other states across the country, opponents …
Crime
Autopsy Set for Another Mississippi Inmate Who Dies
Another Mississippi inmate has died in a state prison system that remains under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.
National
Mississippi Gets Money for Transportation After Flooding
Mississippi is receiving millions of federal dollars to pay for transportation needs after natural disasters.
