Jackson Free Press

Mississippi Vaccine Appointments Fill Up as Demand Surges

The Mississippi Health Department said Wednesday that the state cannot take any more appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations because of a “monumental surge” in demand after Gov. Tate Reeves announced that …

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.

Mississippi Lottery Leader: Don't Fall Victim to Scams

The president of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation is warning people not to fall victim to scams. Tom Shaheen said in a news release Wednesday that fake communications about lottery winnings …

Delays Hinder COVID Vaccinations As Requirements, Access Loosen

More Mississippians than ever now qualify for COVID-19 vaccinations, but only one-quarter of the total doses in the state so far have been administered—62,744 out of 249,100.

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.

Ex-Crimestoppers Board Member Accused of Embezzlement

Michelle McBride, a former board member of a Mississippi Crimestoppers' group, has been arrested following her indictment for embezzlement.

EDITORIAL: Elected Leaders of the Mississippi 'Sedition Caucus' Must Recant or Resign

Mississippi and the nation must hold U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Reps. Trent Kelly, Steven Palazzo and Michael Guest accountable for their complicity in the lies that Donald Trump has …

Governor Tate Reeves Announces New COVID-19 Measures

Gov. Tate Reeves announced those who are 65 years and older or have a pre-existing medical condition are now eligible to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Brandon Pettis

Brandon Pettis, an 18-year-old Mississippi man from Oxford, says he plans to run for mayor in his home city.

City Prepares Shelter for Homeless as Temperature Dips Below Freezing

The dip in temperature creates the need to provide shelters for the homeless population in Jackson. The City is prepared to open Champion Gymnasium at 1355 Hattiesburg St. as an …

Murder Charge Dismissed After Debunked Bite-Mark Testimony

A Mississippi judge has dismissed a murder charge against Eddie Lee Howard, a Black man who spent more than a quarter-century on death row in the 1992 killing of a …

Black Axes Northpark, City Limits Cafe and Friends of Children’s Hospital Donation

Northpark in Ridgeland recently announced that a new location for Black Axes Throwing Club will soon open at the complex.

Analysis: Health Care, Education, Incentives on 2021 Agendas

With the Mississippi legislative session just beginning, officials are starting to reveal their public policy wish lists, including proposals to increase teacher pay and improve the availability of health care …

JPD Arrests Second Person In New Year’s Day Interstate 55 Obstruction

The Jackson Police Department made a second arrest six days after a group of people blocked Interstate 55 and had vehicles racing and doing donuts on the highway.

A lawsuit by Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler seeks to block the program, arguing that …

• January 8, 2021

'Zombie Law' Cited in Court Fight Over Mississippi Marijuana

Attorneys trying to block a Mississippi medical marijuana program say the state is using a “zombie law” about old congressional districts to defend how an initiative landed on the ballot.

Azia’s Picks 1-8-2021

If you’re looking for a way to escape in the city, check out my upcoming picks. Remember to socialize responsibly, mask up and laugh more this weekend. You deserve it.

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. …

Mississippi Schools Chief: Ease Mandates on Some Tests

Mississippi high school students will take end-of-course exams and third graders will take mandated reading assessments this spring, state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright told lawmakers Wednesday.