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Crime
Legislators Push for More Felony Expungements, Prison Labor Minimum Wage
Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, is asking the Legislature to add several felonies to the list of possible expungements from an inmate's permanent record five years after the offender’s sentence was …
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Biz Roundup
Fresh Market Valentine's Meals, Mississippi Coding Academies and Madison Primary Care Center
In preparation for Valentine's Day, The Fresh Market in Ridgeland is offering restaurant-style meals with heart-shaped entrees and desserts that couples can enjoy at home this year.
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City & County
Azia’s Picks 1-22-21
If you’re undecided like me about what to do this weekend, check out my picks. Whatever you decide, do it safely, responsibly and joyously!
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Politics
Legislature Struggles With COVID-19 Outbreak, Jackson Drive-Through Finally Opens
The Mississippi Legislature is grappling with yet another outbreak among its members, only a few short weeks into the 2021 session. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced on Thursday that two …
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National
Brexit Leader to Head Mississippi Public Policy Center
Douglas Carswell, a leader of the Brexit movement and newly appointed government trade adviser in the United Kingdom, is now the head of a conservative think tank in the American …
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Education
Mississippi Eases Some Education Mandates Amid Pandemic
Because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mississippi third graders and high school students will still take state-mandated exams this semester but will not be penalized for poor performance.
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Person of the Day
Sarah Thomas
This week the NFL announced the seven-person crew that will work the field on Sunday, Feb. 7, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Mississippi native Sarah Thomas will be …
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City & County
Bridging Digital Divide for JPS Students Goal of Collaboration with City of Jackson
Students in Jackson Public Schools may start having access to free internet access as early as February, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Blaine told the city council Tuesday.
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City & County
Jackson Mayor: City Will Not Tolerate Street Racing
Jackson’s mayor says the city will not tolerate drag racing and other types of reckless driving that draws crowds to watch.
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Politics
Mississippi Could Renew Debate on Revising Tight Parole Laws
Mississippi legislators should try again to revise some of the strictest parole laws in the nation as a way of reducing the state's “dangerously” large prison population, a nonprofit group …
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Politics
Teacher Pay Raise Plan Awaits Mississippi Senate Debate
A proposal to increase Mississippi teachers' pay is advancing at the state Capitol. Senate Bill 2001 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, six days after it cleared the Education …
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JFP
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Big Changes for Jackson Free Press in January 2021
Along with changes on the national level, I've got several changes to report on the local JFP front, effective with this issue.
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State
Vaccinations Underway As State Grapples With Logistics
For many of the most vulnerable Mississippians, the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived. There are a number of ways you can schedule your vaccine, but the process may take time.
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Person of the Day
Lydia Didia
Jackson State University named Lydia Didia as an assistant professor of accounting in its College of Business in fall 2020.
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City & County
City Partners with Mobile Lab for COVID-19 Testing as State Faces Vaccine Shortage
Only 18% of those who have been vaccinated in Mississippi are African Americans, though they account for about 40% of the population, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said at a media …
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City & County
Azia’s Picks 1-15-21
If you’re looking to get out and mingle responsibly in the city this weekend, check out my picks. I hope you find something you can forge new sun-lit memories with …
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Health Care
US Surgeon General Acknowledges Black Skepticism of Vaccines
The U.S. surgeon general on Thursday urged Black leaders in Mississippi to get COVID-19 vaccinations and to ask others in their communities to do the same.
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Person of the Day
Iverson Molinar
One could argue that few players have enjoyed a jump from one season to the next like Mississippi State University guard Iverson Molinar. The sophomore basketball player is enjoying a …
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State
Mississippi Legislature Again Mulling Teacher Pay Increases
Senate Bill 2001, which unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, would give certified teachers with three or more years of experience a $1,000 pay increase.
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State
Meredith Anding Jr., Member of the 'Tougaloo Nine,' Dies
Meredith C. Anding Jr., a member of the “Tougaloo Nine," who famously participated in a library “read-in” in segregated Mississippi 60 years ago, has died. He was 79.
