Jackson Free Press

Mississippi Begins Vaccination of 75+ Population, Peaks With 3,255 New Cases of COVID-19

Mississippi has rapidly accelerated its vaccination availability schedule, with members of the general public aged 75 and up already receiving their first shots at Mississippi State Department of Health drive-thru …

MLK Day During COVID-19; West Capitol Work Ahead; New Focus on Illegal Dumping

The City of Jackson is replacing its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade with a motorcade this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns. The city has officially designated Jan. …

Virtual Marching Band Event and Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy

Four members of the Mississippi State University Famous Maroon Band will take part in a virtual intercollegiate marching band event for the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday, …

Viola Dacus: Vocalist, Instructor, Mother

Dr. Viola Dacus vividly recalls one of the teaching moments that affirm her career choice of helping others develop their vocal performance.

Nashville-based author Ed Tarkington’s novel, “The Fortunate Ones,” examines the complexities and costs of shifting …

• January 6, 2021

Privilege and the High Cost of Being a ‘Fortunate One’

In a narrative that smacks of privilege while also reckoning with its insidiousness, Ed Tarkington spins a southern yarn about manhood, family and desire in his latest book, "The Fortunate …

Black-Owned Jackson Businesses See Million-Dollar Boost

COVID-19 has hit Black-owned businesses in Jackson hard, but Otis Rolley III, senior vice president of The Rockefeller Foundation's U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative, is eager to work with …

Emily Pote

When Emily Pote opened "Coffee Prose," a coffee shop that doubles as a used bookstore, she wanted to participate in the local movement to portray Jackson as a place that …

The Mississippi Department of Health has a number of free COVID-19 testing options, including this …

• January 5, 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE: My COVID-19 Story; Appreciate the Good, But Don’t Be Complacent

Well, it happened. Despite my continued caution, I ended up contracting COVID-19 the week before Christmas.

Parole Reform, Pay Raises and COVID-19: 2021 Legislative Preview

In spite of the monumental work ahead of the Legislature, there is good reason to question the wisdom of holding the session now at all. With a two-thirds vote, the …

Andrew "Snakefarm" Burczynski

Andrew "Snakefarm" Burczynski, a Jackson artist and bassist who was one of the founding members of the Jason Turner Band, died of cardiac arrest at the end of December 2020.

Mississippi Announces Vaccine Rollout for Those Over 65

Officials in Mississippi announced a plan Monday to streamline access to coronavirus vaccines for vulnerable populations in the coming weeks.

City Reforms Public Transit Routes After 30 years

The City of Jackson is crafting new routes for its public transit system and is calling on the citizens to contribute to the process. At a press conference Monday, Mayor …

Mississippi legislators are beginning their 2021 session Tuesday and one of their first tasks will …

• January 5, 2021

Mississippi Legislators Set to Finalize Magnolia-Themed Flag

Mississippi legislators are beginning their 2021 session Tuesday and one of their first tasks will be to finish adopting a new state flag that voters approved, with a magnolia blossom …

Three Mississippi Supreme Court Justices Begin New 8-Year Terms

Three Mississippi Supreme Court justices are beginning new eight-year terms. Those inaugurated Monday were Chief Justice Mike Randolph, Presiding Justice Leslie D. King and Justice Josiah Dennis Coleman.

Ellen Langford

Jackson artist Ellen Langford endeavors to exude joy through her work. Her vividly colored paintings depict scenes of connection, often between people and animals, that may be quiet or exuberant, …

Azia’s Picks NYE Edition 2020

If you’re looking to get out and make new memories tonight, check out my picks. And please, no drinking and driving, be sure to socialize responsibly and good luck staying …

Ladavius Draine

Ladavius Draine added his name to the University of Southern Mississippi record books when he scored 21 points against Loyola University New Orleans, becoming the 38th player in USM history …