Friday, August 30
Survivors Demand US Investigation of Mississippi Abuse Deals
Catholic sex abuse survivors in Mississippi and Wisconsin on Thursday demanded that federal authorities investigate allegations from three black Mississippi men who say they were molested by Franciscan friars during the mid-1990s, when they were as young as 9 years old.
State Court Sends Black Man's Disputed Murder Case Back
The Mississippi Supreme Court is sending the case of a man tried six times for murder back to a local court after the U.S. Supreme Court found racial bias in jury selection.
ICE Raids 'Fire From Our Hellish Past,' Rights Leader Says in Canton
Daisy Martinez fought back tears as she told an audience at a Mississippi church, including Rev. William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign, about her mother Maria, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who could be forced to leave the country and not allowed to return.
Joanne Bell Wright
A few years ago, Joanne Bell Wright hit a rough spot in her life and was having issues with things like relationships and finances.
Thursday, August 29
Mississippi House Speaker Gunn Doubles Down on Call to Change State Flag
During his appearance at Tuesday's Columbus Rotary Club, a Rotarian asked Mississippi Speaker of the House Philip Gunn about his view on changing Mississippi's state flag, which bears Confederate imagery in its canton and has long been the subject of debate, if not action.
OPINION: Has the Heart of America Changed? Justice for Emmett Louis Till Now.
"As the U.S. Department of Justice investigates Emmett Till's murder and Carolyn Bryant Donham's confession, we must do everything in our power to make our voices known and demand that justice be done."
Hood Criticizes 'Legal Corruption,' Pushes for Medicaid, Mental-Health Reform
On the heels of Tate Reeves' victory in the Republican runoff for Mississippi governor, Democratic nominee Jim Hood emphasized the urgency of health-care reform for Mississippians at the Jackson Medical Mall on Wednesday, saying it would remain a top issue in his campaign.
JSU Crop Drop, MSU 'Unframed Images' Moving and Belhaven Transfer Recognition
Jackson State University hosted its annual Crop Drop event, which provides free sweet potatoes to the Jackson community, on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Ole Miss Seeks Review of Plan to Move Confederate Monument
The University of Mississippi said Wednesday that it's moving ahead with plans to transfer a Confederate soldier monument from its central location on campus to a spot near a secluded Confederate cemetery.
Wednesday, August 28
Google Visit Highlights Digital Divide, 'Brain Drain' Causes in Mississippi
"Grow with Google," part of Google's nationwide initiative to equip Americans with skills needed to thrive in today's digital economy, highlighted ongoing concerns around statewide and Jackson-area disparities in broadband and digital literacy.
Hood Vows to 'Prosecute' on Issues as Reeves Wins GOP Gov Nod
Just moments after Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves clenched the Republican nomination for governor in Tuesday night's runoff, his Democratic opponent in the November general election vowed to mount a tough challenge centered on health care, education, and fixing the state's roads and bridges.
Dominique McClellan
What began as a childhood pastime for Dominique McClellan has developed into his life's work.
Reeves vs. Hood This November in Mississippi Governor's Race
Mississippi second-term Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves won the Republican nomination for governor, setting up a November general election showdown with Democrat Jim Hood, the state's four-term attorney general.
Tuesday, August 27
Mayor Touts 'Dignity Economy' as Refill Cafe Opens In West Jackson
Jacksonians, businesspeople, cafe staff and local leaders filled Refill Cafe to capacity in celebration of the opening of the city's newest local eatery.
OPINION: Abandon Political Labels and Work Together
Either way that you lean, when it comes to politics, there is much bickering and fighting that I personally believe is unnecessary, similar to two young siblings fighting over who gets to eat first even though they're both going to eat anyway.
Bryce Mullican
Jackson resident Bryce Mullican has served as a coding instructor for the Mississippi Coding Academies' Jackson site since June 2018 after Innovate Mississippi launched the academy in October 2017.
Monday, August 26
Under Reeves, Mississippi Now the Last State With No Equal-Pay Law
Under Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi became the only state without an equal-pay law. Three equal-pay bills died this year in the Mississippi Senate, where Reeves has significant say over which bills make it to a vote.
Men and Corporate Donors Dominate in GOP Runoff for Governor
More than $3 million has flowed to the two candidates in Mississippi's Republican primary runoff since July 27—and the bulk of that money came from political action committees, corporations and men.
Sophomore Spanish Club, District Drugs & Mercantile and The Mighty Crab
The Mighty Crab, a Cajun-style seafood restaurant in Jackson, had its soft opening on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Leshundra Young in the Running for Teaching Award
Few leave as large an impact on the lives of students as do teachers. Leshundra Young of Germantown High School embodies this sentiment, as she has recently been named as one of four state finalists for the Presidential Award in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Friday, August 23
Markets Tumble on Growing Tariffs Rift Between US, China
President Donald Trump declared Friday that he had "hereby ordered" American companies "to immediately start looking" for alternatives to operating in China, hours after Beijing announced new trade sanctions on U.S. products.
Supreme Court: Ginsburg Treated for Tumor on Pancreas
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has completed radiation therapy for a cancerous tumor on her pancreas and there is no evidence of the disease remaining, the Supreme Court said Friday.
Mississippi Runoff In-Person Absentee Voting Ends Saturday
Saturday is the deadline for people to cast in-person absentee ballots for Mississippi runoff elections. Circuit clerks' offices are scheduled to be open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Jackson Opts for Hearings for Water-Bill Complaints
Residents now have a new process for appealing their water bills after the Jackson City Council passed an ordinance at the Aug. 20 meeting to allow administrative hearings for water- and sewer-bill complaints.
JSU Outstanding Airman, Millsaps/MSU Dual-Degree Program and MSU Applied Science Program
The United States Air Force recently named Justin A. Starks, a Jackson native and 2015 graduate of Jackson State University, as one of its "12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year."
Evelyn Edwards
Tchula, Miss., native Evelyn Edwards grew up in poverty, but she did not have the mentality of one who grows up that way, she said. She was her mother's, Annie Waddell, 10th child, and Waddell did not resent their circumstances.
Thursday, August 22
Democrat Hood Wants Three Debates in Mississippi Governor's Race
The Democratic nominee for Mississippi governor says no matter who wins the Republican nomination next week, he wants to debate that person three times before the general election.
Judge Acquits Mississippi Lawmaker Accused of Punching Wife
A judge on Tuesday acquitted a Mississippi lawmaker of a domestic violence charge in which he was accused of punching his wife in the face because she didn't undress quickly enough when he wanted to have sex.
Ex-Governor Barbour Backs Reeves in Mississippi GOP Runoff
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Tuesday that he is supporting Tate Reeves for the Republican nomination for governor.
Mississippi Republican Governor Candidates Spar in Debate
Two Republicans running for Mississippi governor were asked during a televised debate Wednesday night to name one disagreement they've had with current Republican Gov. Phil Bryant.
Jackson Repaving to Turn ‘Crumbling’ Roads Into ‘Frontier,’ Mayor Says
Standing in a church parking lot near the intersection of Northside Drive and Manhattan Road, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba announced the start of a street repaving project that will help turn the city into an “economic frontier,” he said.
Eric Sadler
Senior defensive lineman Eric Sadler earned Preseason All-GSC honors, as voted on by the league's head coaches; however, GSC also projects that Delta State will finish sixth in the conference, signifying that the rest of the coaches do not believe this is a rebound year.
Wednesday, August 21
Man in Mississippi Walmart Shooting Fights Extradition
A man accused of killing two people at a Mississippi Walmart and then setting part of it on fire is fighting extradition to the county where it happened.
OPINION: Put Your Thoughts and Prayers Into Common-Sense Gun Legislation
Many lawmakers in this country on the local, state and federal levels have been slow to speak about guns. Even though there have been many mass shootings in the U.S., many lawmakers have offered their thoughts and prayers; however, there has been no action on this issue.
A Fresh Look at Art Museum’s Permanent Collection
The Mississippi Museum of Art is reinstalling its permanent collection, but this time, the institution is telling the story a little differently.
College Football Preview 2019: The Smalls
Alcorn State University has owned the SWAC East division over the last five seasons. The Braves won their division with ease and its third championship game over the same time period. Alcorn State has played in the SWAC championship game every year since 2014.
College Football Preview 2019
Summer is coming to a close, and that means college football is right around the corner. The season will kick off during the Labor Day weekend, as everyone officially says hello to fall and welcomes back football.
Local Entertainment With a Dash of Giving Back
Covered gives Jackson-based bands the chance to gain exposure while also letting Jacksonians contribute to a good cause.
Meet the Runoff Candidates
On Aug. 27, these candidates will compete in the 2019 party primary runoffs. Learn about each candidate for statewide office and in Jackson metro-area legislative races.
Medicaid Expansion Debate at Center of Waller v. Reeves Runoff
Bill Waller Jr. supports what he calls "Medicaid reform," which would bring affordable health-care options to about 300,000 working Mississippians whose households make too much for traditional Medicaid, but not enough for subsidized private insurance.
OPINION: Partners Needed to Fight Homelessness
"You or your organization could be part of helping to end homelessness in the Jackson metro area. But we need you at the table. As with all ambitious endeavors, we will accomplish more together than apart."
Godfrey Morgan
Godfrey Morgan's upbringing in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was full of water, sun and great Caribbean food, he says. His grandmother, Emiline Leer, was a chef who owned her own restaurant, and after seeing her in action, he decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
‘It’s Positivity’: Refill Café Preps Young Adults for Workforce
Refill Cafe will soon serve lunch weekly to the surrounding Jackson community. The restaurant will also act as a job training site for members enrolled in the program.
As ICE Raided, Children Cried and Educators Scrambled
At Scott Central High School about 20 minutes from Sebastopol, Superintendent McGee started getting calls from the public schools in Morton that ICE had raided the Koch Foods plant there. "Hey, what do we do? Somebody came to pick a child up, but they're not on the sign-out list," McGee recalled a school official saying.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Finding Belonging Amid ICE Raids and Hatefulness
"Amid the horrible news that kept breaking around the ICE raids, there was some hope, as always. Yes, there was a lot of deserved condemnation of what was happening, but people were also asking how they could help."
Ashley Robinson
A year into his job as athletic director at Jackson State University, Ashley Robinson has been looking forward to implementing his plans to advance the athletics department.
Tuesday, August 20
Most Teachers Want Mississippi to Nix State's U.S. History Exam in Schools
Some Mississippi social studies teachers see the state-mandated high school U.S. history exam as a "double-edged sword," bestowing importance on a discipline they feel does not get enough respect, but also burdening teachers and students with yet another standardized test.
Refill Cafe Opening, Innovate New Venture Challenge and Newk's Cares Events
Refill Cafe, a nonprofit workforce development cafe located inside the space that once housed Koinonia Coffee House in west Jackson, will open to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The cafe will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth Volunteer John Wicks III Earns Volunteer of the Month at MCM
While some teenagers may have spent their summer relaxing, John Wicks III spent half of his volunteering with the Mississippi Children's Museum, where he became "Volunteer of the Month" for June of this year.
Monday, August 19
Four Louisiana Men to Plead Guilty in Mississippi Bribe Scheme
Four Louisiana men say they'll plead guilty to charges that they tried to bribe a Mississippi sheriff with $2,000 in casino chips, seeking lucrative jail contracts.
Jackson to Repave More Streets and Repair Sidewalks, Suspends Recycling
The City of Jackson may be ending the recycling program, but the city could soon see better infrastructure after officials announced plans to repave some streets and sidewalks in Jackson at a Ward 7 town hall meeting on Aug. 15.
D’Andre Jones
D’Andre Jones, a Jackson-native hip-hop artist who performs under the name “808 tha Bass,” is hosting an event called “Going Blue for Myositis 2” at Old Trace Park on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland on Sunday, Aug. 25, to raise awareness of a rare disease called polymyositis, which doctors diagnosed him with in 2013.
Friday, August 16
Beto O'Rourke: Trump Used ICE to 'Terrorize' Mississippi Hispanics
"(Donald Trump) is terrifying this community. People who have done nothing to anybody else posed no threat to America. So there's no other reason to raid this community than to terrify this community. And that's exactly what he's done," Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke said in Canton this morning.
The Night Immigration Agents Took Two Madison Children's Father
Around 2 a.m., Joshua Quinn's phone rang, waking him. "They took him! They took him! They took him!" cried the voice of an 11-year-old boy Quinn was helping mentor at The BARS Institute, which he started to help young boys of color in Mississippi's capital city.
Jessica Marie
Jackson-based business owners will gather to mingle and network at the "Mind Ya Business III" event, hosted by Jessica Marie on Saturday, Aug. 17.
‘Shared Belief’: McDaniel Endorses Reeves to Block Medicaid Expansion
Shared opposition to Medicaid expansion in the state spurred Mississippi Sen. Chris McDaniel on Thursday to endorse Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, whose legislative tactics he has long criticized, for the Republican Party runoff for governor.
Thursday, August 15
Hinds Democratic Committee Calls Off Special Election
The Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee has decided to cancel the special election for Precinct 51 voters who filled out the wrong ballot for the Aug. 6 primary elections.
OPINION—ICE: You're Not Welcome in the South
"I'm not safer because my government has decided its top priority is to tear families apart for the sole purpose of stoking racial division. I'm not safer because my elected officials fuel the flames of white supremacy that motivate mass shooters to target Latinx shoppers at a Wal-Mart in El Paso."
False Claims in Tate Reeves' 'Obamacare' Mailers on Waller Plan
A mailer from Tate Reeves' campaign made several misleading claims about Republican runoff opponent Bill Waller's Medicaid expansion plan.
Advocates: Mississippi Plant Fires Workers Left After Raid
A Mississippi chicken processing plant fired most of its remaining workers after nearly 100 accused of immigration violations were arrested last week, witnesses said.
Hunter McEachern
With the 2019 season approaching, Belhaven University quarterback Hunter McEachern has a chance to rewrite the school record book for passing. The quarterback begins his senior season after setting the school record for career passing yards last year.
Habitat Maroon Edition, MSU College View and UM Neuroscience Program
Mississippi State University and the Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity broke ground on Tuesday, Aug. 13, for the 11th home MSU and Habitat have partnered to build as part of the university's Maroon Edition program.
Israel Bans Entry to Outspoken US Congresswomen
Israel said Thursday that it will bar two Democratic congresswomen from entering the country ahead of a planned visit over their support for a Palestinian-led boycott movement, a decision announced shortly after President Donald Trump tweeted that it would "show great weakness" to allow them in.
Wednesday, August 14
Hinds County to Hold Special Election Over Primary Irregularities
The Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee will hold a special election on Aug. 20, 2019, for voters in Precinct 51 who filled out incorrect ballots for the Aug. 6 primary elections, an Aug. 13 press release said.
Waller Says Yes to Equal Pay, No on LGBT Hate Crimes Law
In a series of campaign stops for the Republican runoff for governor on Tuesday, former Mississippi Chief Justice Bill Waller reiterated his views on health care and education, while also sharing his thoughts on equal pay for women and LGBT hate crimes.
Amber Johnson
At the Aug. 6 city council meeting, members gave a resolution to Jackson native Amber Johnson for becoming the first African American woman to graduate with a Ph.D. in computer science from Purdue University.
Mississippi Could Drop High School History Exam
A testing task force voted by email last week to recommend that the state Board of Education scrap a now-required U.S. history test. Students formerly had to pass that test, plus exams in English, algebra and biology to graduate.
Tuesday, August 13
City of Jackson Suspends Recycling Program
The City of Jackson announced on Monday, Aug. 12, that it will suspend the curbside recycling program starting on Sept. 1. Residents will receive one more collection before or by Aug. 31, 2019, a press release said.
OPINION: Answering the Call—Immigration Reform 2019
When I heard the news of the ICE raids in my home state of Mississippi, it horrified me, but I can't say I was surprised. I come from Mississippi, where the struggle for unity and racial harmony has always been particularly tough and violent.
Foster Endorses Waller in Gov Runoff, Cites Medicaid, Teacher Pay
Former Republican candidate for governor Robert Foster announced his support for Bill Waller Jr., citing Medicaid and teacher pay, in the party’s primary runoff at a Tuesday morning press conference in DeSoto County.
Museum After Hours, Bevec's Cafe and 2019 Wine Spectator Awards
The Mississippi Museum of Art will hold a back-to-school-themed edition of its Museum After Hours event on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Rita Brent
As her way of saying goodbye to her home state, comedienne Rita Brent will host a comedy show called "Sipp on This Tea" on Saturday, Sept. 28, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Theater in downtown Jackson.
Monday, August 12
GOP Insider: Foster to Endorse Ex-Opponent Waller in Runoff for Primary Nod for Gov
Mississippi House Rep. Robert Foster plans to endorse former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller in the Republican runoff for governor, a GOP insider told the Jackson Free Press on Sunday evening.
Koch Foods, PECO Funded 'Chicken' PAC, Gave Thousands to Hyde-Smith, Pols
Business executives who federal filings say "willfully and unlawfully" employed undocumented immigrants have donated thousands to high-level politicians in and outside of Mississippi, including through a special "Chicken" political action committee.
JSU Ghana Trip, USM National Guard Program and MSU African American Studies Director
Byron D'Andra Orey, professor of political science at Jackson State University, led a group of JSU students on a 10-day trip to Ghana, West Africa, in June as part of his political science course, "Sankofa: Challenging Racial Mythologies Here and Abroad."
Martin Shields
The City of Jackson recognized Jackson Police Department Officer Martin Shields with the I AM COJ award, an employee-recognition program from the personnel department that acknowledges the service of the City of Jackson employees on a quarterly basis, at the Aug. 6 city council meeting.
Federal New York Lockup Draws New Scrutiny in Epstein Death
The apparent suicide of Jeffrey Epstein has brought new scrutiny to a federal jail in New York that, despite chronic understaffing, houses some of the highest-security inmates in the country.
Friday, August 9
Rep. Bennie Thompson Demands Answers, Details from AG Barr on Mississippi ICE Raids
Congressman Bennie Thompson sent an eight-page letter and attachments to U.S. Attorney General William Barr demanding answers on why many children were "separated from their parents and terrified because they did not know where their parents were taken and detained.
Documents: Plant Owners 'Willfully' Used Ineligible Workers
Six of seven Mississippi chicken processing plants raided Wednesday were "willfully and unlawfully" employing people who lacked authorization to work in the United States, including workers wearing electronic monitoring bracelets at work for previous immigration violations, according to unsealed court documents.
UPDATED: Mississippi ICE Raids: How to Help Children, Families (New Funding Links)
After news broke Wednesday of the workplace immigration raids in Mississippi, with 696 arrests and leaving many children stranded at school with nowhere to go, local ministers, advocates and lawyers began mobilizing and compiling resources to share with the public.
Immigrant Families Jobless in Mississippi After 'Inhumane' ICE Raids
Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance organizer Luis Espinoza told the Jackson Free Press on Thursday that he had spent the past two days working with families after ICE agents raided six worksites across the state on Wednesday.
Jackson City Council Honors Mississippi Book Festival, Approves Road Projects
The City of Jackson recognized the Mississippi Book Festival's influence and importance at an Aug. 6 city council meeting.
Thursday, August 8
Elected Officials, Advocacy Groups, Others Address Mississippi ICE Raids
Since ICE and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst's office yesterday raided workplaces across Mississippi, arresting 680 people and leaving many children stranded, we have received or spotted another of responses to the roundups on social media. Here is a growing list.
Mississippians Mobilize Against ICE Raids: 'Who They Gone Come After Tomorrow?'
The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance hosted a press conference in response to multiple ICE workplace raids on Aug. 7 in which 650 special Homeland Security Investigation special agents executed unspecified administrative and criminal search warrants at seven sites in Mississippi.
OPINION: After Horrific ICE Raids in Mississippi, How We Can Respond
"How did we get here? How did the nation who once proudly welcomed the world’s tired, poor and huddled masses yearning to be free become the nation that snatches people from their communities to put them in camps?"
After ICE Raids, Some Kids Reunited with Parents or Relatives in Mississippi
Scott County Youth Court Prosecutor Constance Slaughter-Harvey watched Thursday morning as a few children reunited with and embraced parents whom, just a day before, they had been separated from after U.S. federal ICE agents arrested them.
Detric Hawthorn
Collins, Miss., native Detric Hawthorn leads the Choctaws' option attack and will be in his second year on offense. Mississippi College ended up as the top rushing team in the GSC last season with 2,661 yards and 266.1 yards per game.
Wednesday, August 7
OPINION: As An Immigrant in Mississippi, Every Day Is a Waiting Game
Six hundred and eighty people were arrested across Mississippi today. Not all those arrested today have children, but some do. They and their families were dealt with a trauma they may never recover from.
Advocates: In Mississippi, ICE Agents Arrest, Tase Migrants, Documented or Not
Children finished their first day of school with no parents to go home to tonight. Babies and toddlers remained at daycare with no guardian to pick them up. A child vainly searched a workplace parking lot for missing parents. Those are some of the many stories immigrants' rights advocates told the Jackson Free Press they heard on Wednesday
U.S. Attorney in Mississippi to 'Aliens,' Employers: 'We're Coming After You'
Mike Hurst, United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, discussed Homeland Security Investigations and ICE operations at an Aug. 7 press conference inside the Homeland Security Investigations building.
Stennis to Play Key Role as NASA Moves ‘Forward to the Moon’
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced on July 25 that the Stennis Space Center will test the Space Launch System core stage, also known as the "Green Run test."
Ice, DOJ Conduct 'Largest Single-State Worksite' Raid in U.S in Mississippi Today
"The execution of federal search warrants today was simply about enforcing the rule of law in our state and throughout our great country," United States Attorney Mike Hurst said about a series of ICE raids across Mississippi on Wednesday.
ICE Raids Food Plants on Day of Trump Visit to Grieving City
U.S. immigration officials raided numerous Mississippi food processing plants Wednesday, arresting 680 mostly Latino workers in what marked the largest workplace sting in at least a decade.
Newcomers Need to Know ‘the Best’
At the Jackson Free Press we track the pulse on the community in a lot of ways. One is through the annual Best of Jackson contest. Here are some categories from the 2019 contest that we believe would be beneficial to newcomers.
Best of Jackson: Household 2019
When you have a house, sometimes things break or malfunction. That's where this year's 2019 Best of Jackson Household pop-up ballot winners come in. No matter what the repair is, whether it's a running toilet or foundation issues, these winners and finalists can be there in your time of need.
Need to Know Info
Important information on utilities and other services for people living in Jackson.
Challenging Trivia
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do after work, especially in a new city. Luckily, Jackson's nightlife scene includes several family-friendly options that are fun for everyone.
Reformer Jody Owens Wins Hinds DA's Seat, Other Races Head to Runoff
Jody Owens, a civil-rights attorney running on a "decarceral" platform with national backing, will become Hinds County's new district attorney following the Aug. 6 primary.
One With Nature
Jackson may be a mid-sized city, but it has one thing going for it due to its land size: lots of green space in the city and metro area. Here are a few walking trails that allow you to commune with nature while getting some exercise in.
Exploring Jackson’s History
Jackson is a city overflowing with history—civil-war history, civil-rights history, prehistory and much more. For decades it's been a cultural hub in the South, a testament to the good and the bad here. These are some of its best museums and historic landmarks to visit.
In Gov Race, Dem Hood Vows to 'Expose Corruption,' Reeves in Runoff with Waller
With a hug from former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood stepped up to a microphone and proclaimed victory in his quest for the Democratic nomination for governor last night.
Local Food Specialties, Best of Jackson Edition
Jackson offers a variety of local eateries, but if you're looking for something specific, here is a list of restaurants that are known for their specialties.
OPINION: The ‘Ole Miss’ I’ve Long Heard About
"As a lifelong Mississippian, I've long heard the tales of this infamous school from people around the community and state, varying in color and age."
Mississippi Artist Comes Home to Paint Big K.R.I.T. Mural
Michael Roy goes by the moniker Birdcap and describes his style as a hodgepodge of motifs inspired by graffiti, world mytho-logy and Saturday-morning cartoons.
Hood Wins Dem Nod for Mississippi Governor; GOP Runoff Ahead
Fourth-term Attorney General Jim Hood beat seven rivals to become the Democratic nominee for Mississippi governor, while on the Republican side, second-term Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves faces a runoff in three weeks against former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr.
Christina Cooper: Combating Gun Violence with Film
When Christina Cooper was 19 years old, her ex-boyfriend, James Boyston, was shot and killed in Los Angeles, and to this day, police still haven't found his killer. His death set her on a path to use the medium of filmmaking to speak out against gun violence.
Refugees Locked Up In Mississippi: ‘Where Are the Family Values?’
Under the Trump administration, CoreCivic has a new mission at the Adams County Correctional Center: to house asylum seekers who are in the custody of the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement agency, also known as ICE.
Rebuilding Community in High School Park
Isaac Norwood said he has noticed a change in the High School Park community over the last 10 years. People have started to move out of the neighborhood, there have been a few incidents of burglary and violence against elders and some of the property is dilapidated.
EDITOR'S NOTE: None of Us Is Safe from Hate
Each of us must use our gifts to heal our city, our state and our nation. We are kicking off our #MSCitizensAgenda to better understand challenges facing Mississippians through public gatherings, social media and deeper reporting.
Jon Corey Jackson
Mississippi State Hospital Service Chief for Female Receiving Jon Corey Jackson's hero when growing up was his family medicine doctor, Dr. Henry Lewis, who still practices in Jackson's hometown of McComb, Miss. The doctor's work inspired Jackson to pursue the field.
Tuesday, August 6
White Man Pleads Guilty to Burning Cross in Mississippi Town
A white man has admitted in federal court that he burned a wooden cross in an effort to frighten black families in a small Mississippi town.
2019 Primary Elections Watch Parties
Candidates for statewide and local offices are holding election night watch parties this evening as they await the results of the Aug. 6 primary races. Here are the times and locations of confirmed watch parties.
Espy Calls for Gun Reforms, Targets 'Rise of Violent White Nationalism'
The Democrat who lost to U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi's 2018 U.S. Senate special election, Mike Espy, broke his post-campaign silence to call for action on gun reform and against "violent white nationalism" in an email to supporters on Monday.
Howard Rambsy
Howard Rambsy, a Tougaloo College graduate and professor of literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, says he has been interested in blogging since around 2008, when he set up his own blog called Cultural Front.
Mississippi Primaries Whittle List of Governor Candidates
Mississippi's four-term attorney general Jim Hood is seeking to defeat seven low-budget candidates in Tuesday's Democratic primary, his sights set on breaking the Republican grip on the Mississippi governorship that's held for 24 of the past 28 years.
Monday, August 5
Protect the Vote Re-Launches Toll-Free Voter Protection Number
The Mississippi Civic Engagement Roundtable, a non-partisan coalition, will open the statewide election protection program to assist voters with the August 6th Primary Election.
Wealthy Doctors' PAC, 'I.V. League' Help Tate Reeves Lead in Campaign Donations
The Mississippi Medical Political Action Committee donated $20,000 to Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, who is the only candidate in the governor's race who does not support some form of Medicaid expansion.
Mom's Trash Can, Jackson Hinds Library Events and Lobaki Investment
Mom's Trash Can, a Jackson-based group that holds swap meets for vintage toys, will host the Mom's Trash Can Toy & Collectibles Super Show on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church.
Michael Watson Wants to Flag Citizen Status When Voters Register
If elected, Mississippi Sen. Michael Watson wants to use the secretary of state's office to run background checks on people when they register to vote—and flag people who may not be in the country legally.
Trump Says He Wants Stronger Gun Checks but Gives No Details
President Donald Trump on Monday condemned weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio as "barbaric" attacks and crimes "against all humanity" as he called for bipartisan cooperation to strengthen the nation's gun laws.
El Paso Suspect Appears to Have Posted Anti-Immigrant Screed
About 20 minutes before the shooting started at an El Paso Walmart, a rambling screed was posted to an online message board saying the massacre was in response to an "invasion" of Hispanics coming across the southern border.
Hate Ruled Out, but Motive Still a Mystery in Dayton Attack
As authorities in Ohio try to pin down a motive for the weekend's second U.S. mass shooting and dig into the slain shooter's life, what they find might also help answer another big question looming over the tragedy: What, if anything, could have stopped it?
Friday, August 2
OPINION: After Emmett Till Mockery, 'Ole Miss' Needs A Culture Where Reconciliation Possible
Even though we were based at "Ole Miss," often the hardest work I did was at the university. Time and again I was directed not to engage in issues of justice in communities.
Black Rose Performs 'The Music Man'
Black Rose is performing the musical "The Music Man" Aug. 2-4 and 8-11. The theater's performance will be more stripped down than some other versions, says director Joshua Harris.
GOP Gov Hopefuls: Expand Medicaid to Help ‘Working’ People; Reeves Abstains
A mostly white and conservative crowd at the Neshoba County Fair roared approval on Thursday as Republican candidates for governor pledged to bring the final piece of former President Barack Obama’s health-care law to Mississippi: Medicaid expansion.
Jackson Gypsies Bring Latin-American Tunes to Jackson
Jackson has grown to be a city known for its local music scene. From metal to blues to rock 'n' roll, the diversity of Jackson's music remains prevalent. This chord rings true with the Latin jazz and Brazilian flamenco sounds of the Jackson Gypsies.
Thursday, August 1
OPINION: South Delta Deserves Real Solutions, Not False Hope
Communities in Mississippi's south Delta deserve real solutions for reducing flood damages, not false hope pinned to the Yazoo Backwater Pumps.
Appeals Court Won't Reverse Mississippi District Line Change
A federal appeals court is rejecting an effort that sought to reverse the redrawing of boundaries of a state Senate district in Mississippi.
Senators: Bill Would Reverse Veto of Mississippi Delta Pumps
U.S. Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker are introducing a bill they say would overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2008 veto of a pumping station that could relieve flooding in parts of the Mississippi Delta.
OPINION: Reeves Is the Wrong Choice
Normally, I don't like to be wrong. But I wouldn't mind being wrong about next Tuesday's Republican gubernatorial primary. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is probably going to win the primary and the general election in November. That's too bad.
Cedric Willis: Honoree of YMP Crime Forum at Walton Elementary
The late Cedric Willis is the honoree of a youth-crime forum tonight in Jackson where participants will brainstorm both causes and solutions of violence in the capital city.
MSU Stennis Flag Exhibit, Health Conference and DSU Lifetime Achievement Award
Mississippi State University will host the "Mississippi Stennis Flag Exhibition" beginning Thursday, Aug. 1. The exhibit is inside the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery on the second floor of the university's welcome center and will remain on display through Sept. 6.
In Neshoba, Lieutenant Gov Candidates Duel, Detail (Some) Issue Stances
In Mississippi, lieutenant governors are powerful, with executive and legislative roles. They serve as the president of the Senate, which gives them significant leverage in choosing the committee chairs who decide which legislation to prioritize—or kill.