Jackson Free Press

JPS Set To Open, Mandate Masks as COVID-19, Variant Cases Skyrocket

The Jackson Public School system is set to begin the fall semester on Aug. 9, where almost 21,000 students will be required to attend full-time, traditional in-school curriculum.

Governor’s Policing Surge In Jackson May Not Prevent Violence, Address Causes

Parts of Mississippi’s capital city are seeing a “saturation” of state police that Gov. Tate Reeves promises will counter a spike in crime and violence that has worsened since the …

Cameron Yarber

At 18 years old, Jackson native Cameron Yarber has held more leadership roles than many who are years older.

‘An Explosive Recipe’: Delta Surge Shows No Sign Of Stopping

Mississippi and a handful of other southern states have been thrust into unwanted spotlight for the second time in the pandemic, with their rock-bottom vaccination rates driving unprecedented spread of …

Jerry Palmer

Jackson native author Jerry Palmer will appear at Author's Alley at the annual Mississippi Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 21.

EXPLAINER: Mississippi's Efforts to Help Low-Income Tenants

A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after President Joe Biden's administration extended the original date by a month.

Weekend Picks 7-30-2021

It’s surprising how quickly we fell back into old habits once the rules were relaxed, but it’s time to snap back to attention. Mask up and practice social distancing.

JSU Unveils Civil Rights Mural, Substance Abuse Prevention Block Grant and USM Vaccine Incentive Program

Jackson State University’s Office of Community Engagement unveiled its new Council of Federated Organizations mural, titled “Chain Breakers,” on Saturday, July 24.

Terminated Professor Settles With University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has reached a settlement with an assistant professor who was terminated after publicly criticizing the school as racist while speaking out for criminal justice reform.

Spokeswoman: Mississippi Gov. Won't Mandate Masks in Schools

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves does not plan to issue a mask mandate for schools, even as COVID-19 cases are proliferating in a state with one of the lowest vaccination rates …

Mississippi tax collections increased during the state budget year that ended June 30, driven in …

• July 21, 2021

Mississippi Tax Collections Improve in Most Recent Year

Mississippi tax collections increased during the state budget year that ended June 30, driven in part by people shopping online during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Arrives; Dobbs Says Herd Immunity Currently Impossible in State

The state is now experiencing a full COVID-19 resurgence as the fourth wave of the deadly virus spreads across Mississippi towns and communities.

Alonda Thomas

Jackson State University recently named Alonda Thomas as its new associate vice president for University Communications as well as its chief communications officer. Thomas assumed both positions on July 6.

Former Mississippi First Lady Elise Winter Dies at 95

Elise Winter, the wife of former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, was surrounded by loved ones when she died Saturday at her home in Jackson, said Dick Molpus, a longtime family …

USM Alumni and Staff in Mississippi Invitational, JSU Day of Giving and MSU Online Degree Programs

The Mississippi Museum of Art has invited four alumni and a faculty member from the University of Southern Mississippi to take part in the 2021 Mississippi Invitational exhibition.

‘Saturating’ Jackson, More Drug Operations: Governor Launches 'Capitol Safety Initiative'

In a significant increase to the State of Mississippi policing footprint in the capital city, the Capitol Police will now extend its jurisdiction over the Capitol Complex Improvement District, Gov. …

$3 Million in Grants Going to Black History Sites, Groups

A fund formed in response to the deadly racial violence four years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia, said Thursday it will award $3 million in grants to more than three dozen …

JSU Japan Fest at the Museum, LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi and Tuk Tuk Boom

Jackson State University is partnering with the Mississippi Museum of Art to host the inaugural Japan Fest on Sunday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum.

JFP Up to 11 Wins in the 2021 SPJ Diamond Journalism, Green Eyeshade Contests

The Jackson Free Press has won 11 awards to date for 2020 journalism during the pandemic—from two Society of Professional Journalists contests.