Stories for May 2019

Subscribe

Friday, May 31

Tease photo

Residents Champion Multimodality at 'Slow Roll with the Mayor!'

Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba's Slow Roll allowed residents to ride their bikes with him through downtown. At Tuesday's press conference, he said the event supported his vision for Jackson to become multimodal, meaning the City would create multiple modes of transportation for residents.

Tease photo

Belhaven Cancer Research, MSU Award and Millsaps Sculpture Walk

Belhaven University recently announced that Elizabeth Brandon, an associate professor of biology at Belhaven, and a team of student researchers have made discoveries in their research in using kale to help combat cancer.

Tease photo

Mississippi Says Mental Health Care With No 'Gaps' is 'Unattainable'

Federal prosecutors will tell U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves that the state of Mississippi is violating a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision called Olmstead, which found that "unjustified" confinement in a mental hospital violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tease photo

Former US Sen. Cochran's Funeral Set for Mississippi Capitol

A funeral will be held next week in the Mississippi Capitol for former U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, a Republican who represented the state for 45 years.

Thursday, May 30

Tease photo

'Tired, Frustrated': Rape Charges, Festival Funds Roil City Council

The Jackson City Council amended the agenda at its Tuesday meeting to have a discussion with Jackson Police Chief James Davis regarding events that occurred over the Memorial Day holiday involving a Jackson Police officer.

Tease photo

UPDATED: Folk Music and Folklore in 'Bright Star'

"Bright Star" by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, which takes place in the 1920s and 1940s, is loosely based on the legend of the "Iron Mountain Baby." New Stage is performing "Bright Star" from May 28-June 9.

Tease photo

Former US Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi Dies at 81

Former U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, who served seven terms and used seniority to steer billions of dollars to his home state of Mississippi, has died. He was 81.

Tease photo

Lawsuit: Mississippi Has Racist Way of Choosing Governors

A new lawsuit by three African American residents of Mississippi seeks to block what it calls the state's racist method of electing the governor and other statewide officials.

Tease photo

Supreme Court Signals More Openness to State Abortion Rules

The Supreme Court signaled Tuesday it is more open to state restrictions on abortion, upholding an Indiana law supported by abortion opponents that regulates the disposal of fetal remains.

Tease photo

More 2020 Dems Call for Impeachment After Mueller Speaks Out

The ranks of Democratic White House hopefuls backing impeachment proceedings grew on Wednesday following a rare public statement from special counsel Robert Mueller that made clear his Russia report didn't exonerate President Donald Trump.

Wednesday, May 29

Tease photo

Mississippi Aims to Ease Long Lines for Driver's Licenses

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is starting a program aimed at decreasing long lines at driver's license bureaus.

Tease photo

Three GOP Candidates for Mississippi Governor Agree to Debate

The three Republican candidates for Mississippi governor have agreed to a televised debate two weeks before the primary.

Tease photo

Southern ‘Defiance’: The Fight for Roe Rages in Mississippi

Earlier this month, Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, who sponsored an anti-abortion bill in Mississippi this year, told the Jackson Free Press that those laws are indeed intended to trigger a Roe "test case" before the Supreme Court.

Tease photo

Top Mississippi Congressman Calls for Trump Impeachment

U.S. House Rep. Bennie Thompson, a top Democrat in Congress, is calling for House leaders to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

Tease photo

Top 11: Thabi Moyo

Thabi Moyo isn’t just the production and workforce manager for the Mississippi Film Office. She’s also a photographer, videographer and jewelry designer. Here are her top 10 favorite local places in Jackson.

Tease photo

Building Up As Cities Burn

To longtime fans, a phoenix may seem like an apt metaphor for Louisiana-native post-hardcore act As Cities Burn, which has returned with a new album after 10 years. However, to vocalist T.J. Bonnette, the band's revival isn't as dramatic as it sounds.

Tease photo

Jamming at Cathead Jam

When creating Cathead Jam, Ardenland owner Arden Barnett wanted to have a festival that would bring musicians and fans together.

Tease photo

Five Ways to Make Your Road Trips Better

Every year, millions of people embrace the journey that is a road trip. You never know what can happen on the road. So, making a plan can make a huge difference. Here are some of the tips.

Tease photo

David Raines: Local Passion and Wagyu Barbecue

David Raines, owner of Dave's Triple B and The Flora Butcher, recently talked about his journey as a chef, supporting local, barbecue and more.

Tease photo

The Unwritten Story: The JFP Interview with Governor Hopeful Velesha P. Williams

For two hours, Velesha P. Williams shared her vision for moving Mississippi forward, and how she, a former U.S. Army officer who also spent years working at Jackson State University, plans to make it happen.

Tease photo

KOA Fires White Worker Who Pulled Gun on Black Visitors

A white manager of a Mississippi campground has been fired after video showed her holding a gun while telling an African American couple to leave because they did not have a reservation.

Tease photo

Oxford, Mississippi Mayor Gets State Probe of City's Police

The mayor of Oxford, Mississippi, says the city's police department is now under investigation after one of its officers was charged with murder.

Tease photo

Mueller: Special Counsel Probe Did Not Exonerate Trump

Special counsel Robert Mueller said Wednesday he believed he was constitutionally barred from charging President Donald Trump with a crime but pointedly emphasized that his report did not exonerate the president.

Tease photo

OPINION: A Changing Culture in Jackson and Mississippi

How are we actively and intentionally exploring, participating and making things to contribute to our culture? What place does each of us have? What responsibility do we 
hold, here and now?

Tease photo

Wilkins Elementary Mural: A Thing of Beauty in Their Midst

Eli Childers' colorful depiction of black heroes, which he finished on May 14, means south Jackson now has a speck of beauty that decorates the back fence of Wilkins Elementary School's playground, even amid nearby blight.

Tease photo

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mississippi Male Leaders Again Pretend to Value ‘Life’

Some things are universal, or should be. That includes never forcing a woman to have a child, lose her contraception or forbid a safe way to help her have a baby.

Tease photo

Jhazmhon West

Jhazmhon West, 26, had to "grow up fast," she says, as her mother, Daffney Horn, worked a lot when West was a child with her aunt, Carolyn Thompson, pitching in to help raise her.

Tuesday, May 28

Tease photo

Lumumba on Defense: JPD Rape Claims, Suicide a 'Human Tragedy'

Jackson Police Chief James Davis was four words into answering a press question about whether he had any regrets for his handling of sexual-assault allegations against an officer when Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba stopped him.

Tease photo

JPD Addresses Rape Allegations Against Cop Who Committed Suicide

A Jackson police officer killed himself on Memorial Day, shortly before the department held a press conference to address accusations that he had raped a 15-year-old girl. The department did not confirm the identity of the officer at the press conference.

Tease photo

JPD Announces New Bomb Squad Truck and Bomb-Sniffing K9

The Jackson Police Department announced the introduction of a new bomb-squad truck, trailer, K-9, K-9 vehicle and other equipment at a May 22 press conference.

Tease photo

Planned Parenthood: Missouri's Last Abortion Clinic May Shut

Missouri's only abortion clinic could be closed by the end of the week because the state is threatening to not renew its license, Planned Parenthood officials said Tuesday.

Tease photo

Keith Carter

The University of Mississippi has picked former basketball standout Keith Carter to be its interim athletic director.

Tease photo

Supreme Court Upholds Indiana Abortion Law on Fetal Remains

The Supreme Court is upholding an Indiana law that requires abortion providers to dispose of aborted fetuses in the same way as human remains.

Tease photo

Mississippi Leaders in Both Parties Urge Federal Action on Floods

Political discussions about water policy in Mississippi have long focused on concerns about how to control flooding and let people earn a living without creating environmental harm.

Tease photo

Eyes in the Sky: Mississippi Cities Install ‘SkyCop’ Cameras to Watch Streets

Some cities in Mississippi are putting up cameras that let police remotely watch what's happening on the streets. Starkville and Greenville are among the places installing eyes in the sky.

Friday, May 24

Tease photo

Mayor Lumumba Endorses Former JPD Chief Lee Vance for Hinds Sheriff

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba announced his endorsement of former Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance for Hinds County Sheriff at a press conference outside the Hinds County Courthouse on May 24.

Tease photo

Judge Reeves Blocks Mississippi's 6-Week Abortion Ban: 'Here We Go Again'

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves is temporarily blocking a Mississippi law that would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Tease photo

Mississippi Rep Charged With Punching Wife Could be Removed

The Mississippi House speaker said Friday that he is asking lawyers to research how to remove a lawmaker if it's true that the man punched his own wife and does not resign voluntarily.

Tease photo

'Brazen Disregard for Trans Health': Trump Ends Protections

Transgender Americans will no longer be protected from health-care discrimination after the Trump administration rolled back an Obama-era health-care policy on Friday.

Tease photo

Voter Reform Urgent, Local Women’s Group Says

People filled every seat in Refill Cafe on May 17 as Willie Jones, president of Women for Progress, held an open forum to discuss solutions to combat voter apathy and reform the voting process in Mississippi.

Tease photo

Floodgate Reopened as High Water Stands in Mississippi Delta

A floodgate in the Mississippi Delta has been reopened as large stretches of rural land remain underwater.

Tease photo

Trump Empowers Barr to ‘Investigate the Investigators’ in Russia Probe

President Donald Trump has granted Attorney General William Barr new powers to review and potentially release classified information related to the origins of the Russia investigation, a move aimed at accelerating Barr's inquiry into whether U.S. officials improperly surveilled Trump's 2016 campaign.

Thursday, May 23

Tease photo

Mississippi City Fires Police Officer Charged in Killing, Judge Leaves the Case

The City of Oxford has fired Mathew Kinne, a white police officer charged in the killing of a black woman with whom he was romantically involved.

Tease photo

As Mississippi Debates Abortion, Maternal Mortality Remains High

In Mississippi, pregnant women already die at higher rates than in most of the country, and the state is near the top in infant mortality.

Tease photo

USM NASA Research, MSU Tree Campus, Millsaps/UAB Nursing Program

Witold Fuchs, a third-year polymer science doctoral student at the University of Southern Mississippi, is partnering with NASA to design a carbon fiber composite material and test using it to construct hulls for spaceships and satellites.

Tease photo

Tommy Stevens

College athletes are using a rule the NCAA passed in 2006 that allows players who have graduated to transfer to a different college team. One player to take advantage is former Pennsylvania State University quarterback Tommy Stevens.

Tease photo

Slaying Victim's Family Angry Over Possible Bail for Officer

Relatives of a slaying victim were outraged Wednesday when Mississippi court officials discussed possible bail for a white police officer accused of killing the black woman with whom he was romantically involved.

Wednesday, May 22

Tease photo

Gov. Bryant, GOP Leaders Call for Lawmaker to Resign After Abuse Charges

Mississippi's governor and two other top Republicans say Republican Rep. Doug McLeod of Lucedale should resign if he punched his wife.

Tease photo

JPD Missing Person Alert

The Jackson Police Department has released a missing person report for a man named Fredrick Funchess.

Tease photo

Mayor Hosts 'Slow Roll with the Mayor!' Bike Ride to Push a 'Multimodal City'

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba announced a bicycling event called "Slow Roll with the Mayor!" during a May 20 press conference.

Tease photo

'I Am Pissed Off': Mississippians Rage Against Abortion Bans

Opponents of abortion bans nationwide held #StopTheBans rallies across the country on Tuesday.

Tease photo

Joe Moorhead

Mississippi State football coach Joe Moorhead has a little more job security now. The school announced Tuesday that he has signed a contract extension through the 2022 season that will pay an average base salary of $3.2 million.

Tease photo

1 in 4 Mississippi Third Graders Do Not Pass Tougher Reading Test

About one in four Mississippi third graders did not pass a toughened reading test on the first try this spring, leaving it unclear if they will advance to fourth grade.

Tuesday, May 21

Tease photo

At Abortion Clinics, New Laws Sow Confusion, Uncertainty

Abortion clinics are facing protesters emboldened by a flurry of restrictive new state laws as they reassure confused patients that the laws have yet to take effect, abortion providers said.

Tease photo

Congress Joins Debate Over Sending TSA Employees to Border

Lawmakers clashed Tuesday over the Trump administration's move to send hundreds of Transportation Security Administration employees to the U.S.-Mexico border, and one airport official warned it could lead to long checkpoint lines this summer.

Tease photo

Report: Mississippi Lawmaker Punched Wife in Face Over Sex

A police report says a south Mississippi lawmaker punched his wife in the face after she didn't undress quickly enough when the lawmaker wanted to have sex.

Tease photo

City Update: Siemens Investigation Moves Forward, Bridge Closure, JPD Accreditation, Local Heroes

Ward 3 Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes removed his glasses as Council President Melvin Priester Jr. of Ward 2 announced the body would be going into an executive session—its second of the day during its last meeting on May 14.

Tease photo

Mississippi Six-Week Abortion Ban 'Smacks of Defiance,' Federal Judge Says

U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves did not rule on whether or not he will block Mississippi's six-week abortion ban in federal court today. He said he will issue a ruling at a later date on whether to block it from taking effect.

Tease photo

Vishwesh Bhatt

Vishwesh Bhatt, who has worked as executive chef at the Snackbar restaurant in Oxford for 10 years, recently received the Best Chef South designation during the James Beard Foundation's annual award ceremony in Chicago on May 6.

Tease photo

Chipper and Coco, Your CBD Store and B&B Theatres at Northpark

Jackson native Ann Somers and her husband Bob Potesky opened a new pet store called Chipper and Coco at The District at Eastover on Wednesday, May 15, across from Fine & Dandy.

Tease photo

Mississippi Flood Overwhelms Miles-Long Sandbag Wall

Floodwaters overwhelmed a miles-long sandbag barrier over the weekend, drenching another community in the southern end of the Mississippi Delta.

Monday, May 20

Tease photo

US Judge to Consider Blocking New Mississippi Abortion Law

Inside Mississippi's only abortion clinic, administrator Shannon Brewer has been fielding phone calls from women who want to know whether they can still terminate a pregnancy if they think they might be more than a few weeks along.

Tease photo

Activists Warn Against 'World's Largest Pellet Mill' in Mississippi

Enviva says it will bring jobs and millions in revenue to an ailing local economy by building the world's largest wood pellet plant in George County, but environmental groups warn that the mill would not only harm the climate, but could pose health hazards to Lucedale residents.

Tease photo

Mississippi Giving Away Alarms to Try to Reduce Fire Deaths

The Mississippi Fire Marshal's office is giving away smoke alarms to try to reduce fire deaths.

Friday, May 17

Tease photo

Mississippi Republicans Vote Against LGBT Civil Rights Bill

U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, a Republican who represents Mississippi's 4th District, hearkened back to some familiar hyperbole on Friday as he blasted the Democratic-controlled Congress for passing the Equality Act.

Tease photo

Teachers Vent Frustrations and Share Ideas at Hughes Townhall

On the penultimate day of Mississippi's 2019 legislative session, state leadership dropped an amended version of an appropriations bill for state construction projects on lawmakers just 23 minutes before asking them to take a vote.

Tease photo

Band of the Day: RAM

People often refer to music as the universal language bridging the gap between cultures and breaking down communication barriers. Rhythms speak to people regardless of where they're from, and that rhythm is the driving force behind Haitian dance music band RAM, says founder Richard A. Morse.

Tease photo

Trustees Start Search for New University of Mississippi Head

The search is on for a new leader of the University of Mississippi. College Board President Hal Parker on Thursday appointed fellow trustee Ford Dye of Oxford to lead the effort.

Thursday, May 16

Tease photo

Mississippi Governor Leads Trade Trip to Uzbekistan

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is in Uzbekistan this week to try to strengthen connections between the state and the country in central Asia.

Tease photo

'Blood Was Spilled On These Grounds': JSU Remembers Gibbs and Green

Jackson State University hosted the 49th-annual memorial ceremony and wreath-laying for James Green and Philip Gibbs on May 15, 2019, to commemorate the tragedy that took place outside Alexander Hall in 1970.

Tease photo

JSU Alum Honored at Howard University, and Summer Camps at USM and Tougaloo

Tougaloo College will host a five-day Performing Arts Summer Camp for middle- and high-school art, choral, band, orchestra and theater students June 17-21.

Tease photo

Matt Wallner

University of Southern Mississippi outfielder Matt Wallner, a Preseason Conference USA Player of the Year and finalist for the Ferriss Trophy, and his team have plenty to play for this weekend.

Wednesday, May 15

Tease photo

LEGO Resin Necklace

Resin might be a tricky medium to master, but once you figure out how to do it, you can use it to make so many things. While I have created many shapes with resin, one of my personal favorites has been LEGO necklaces.

Tease photo

Run and Give Back

One of the best ways to show progress in running is to do some kind of race, whether that's a 5K or a full marathon, and everything in between.

Tease photo

Summer Festivals and Events

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host the Mississippi Pickle Fest on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tease photo

Truckin’ Downtown

On the first and fourth Friday of each month, the area around Smith Park is abuzz with activity. Downtown workers gather from the different offices, and some people outside of the downtown area gather at the park for one thing: Downtown Foodie Friday Festival.

Tease photo

Reporting in on Medicine and Jackson

Jackson's health-care industry is one of the area's largest employers. So many new things happen in it each year that it's hard to keep up with.

Tease photo

UMMC Empowering Through Base Pair

The Base Pair initiative, which has been around for 27 years, started with a simple question: "How can the sole academic medical center for this state help advance science education in the public schools, specifically Jackson Public Schools?"

Tease photo

Bringing the ’80s and ’90s to Offbeat

When Phillip "DJ Young Venom" Rollins, owner of midtown-based business Offbeat, started seeing more people wear the vintage clothing he grew up with, he had an inspiration: He wanted to sell vintage clothes.

Tease photo

Get Fit, Eat Grilled Cheese, More

Something is always happening in Jackson, so each issue of BOOM updates you on some of the new developments in the Jackson metro area. Here are some of the recent ones.

Tease photo

Exploring Religion, Plurality, Coexistence at IMMC

It's quiet inside the International Museum of Muslim Cultures on a day in May, but a couple of blocks away, its noisier as IMMC renovates a space that will house a new exhibit.

Tease photo

A New Class of Leadership

For M. Cade Smith, the assistant vice chancellor for community engagement at the University of Mississippi, his time in the WKKF Community Leadership Network program were three of the most productive years of personal and professional development, he says.

Tease photo

Lydia West

Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Lydia West's strong memories of her family spending time in the kitchen and eating together with friends started a life-long interest in food, nutrition, dietetics and serving others, she says.

Tease photo

Mural Magic in West Jackson

As part of the Seven Days Community Arts Festival, Cooperation Jackson commissioned 10 artists to paint murals around the themes of "Afrofuturism" and indigenous people in two west Jackson locations.

Tease photo

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Joy and Pain of Being A Mississippian

"Anyone with half a brain should see that confronting and defeating the insane misogyny here is a huge step toward lifting Mississippi to higher and more successful ground for all its citizens."

Tease photo

Best of Jackson: Medical

Finding a good doctor, dentist, physical therapist, hospital and everything in between is of utmost importance to our health and happiness. Here at the Jackson Free Press, we want to make finding them easier, so we do things like ask you to vote on your favorites in our Best of Jackson Medical ballot. Here are this year's results.

Tuesday, May 14

Tease photo

Activist Who Was First Black Woman Mayor in Mississippi Dies

Unita Blackwell, a civil rights activist who was the first African American woman to win a mayor's race in Mississippi, has died.

Tease photo

Mississippi Group Floats 'Medicaid Reform' Plan to Woo Republicans

The Mississippi Hospital Association unveiled a proposal called "Mississippi Cares" that, like Medicaid expansion, would insure around 300,000 more adults in the state, ages 19-64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Tease photo

Urban Foxes, Olivia's Taco Shop and Flash Dash at The District

Cody Cox, a Jackson musician and owner of record label Elegant Trainwreck Productions, will open a small-batch bakery called Urban Foxes in Jackson's Belhaven Heights neighborhood on Monday, May 20.

Tease photo

A.J. Brown

The Titans' top draft pick is busy with meetings out of sight from prying eyes as reporters got their one look at Tennessee's latest crop of rookies. Luckily, A.J. Brown showed off his skills with a one-handed catch to make up for Jeffery Simmons' absence.

Tease photo

Judge Rejects Mississippi Effort to Quash Mental Health Suit

A federal judge is rejecting attempts by Mississippi officials to throw out a federal government lawsuit challenging how the state runs its mental health system.

Monday, May 13

Tease photo

Jazz Artist Pam Confer Sings 'Mississippi Beautiful' to 'Empower'

The Mississippi Beautiful Day celebration kicked off at a press conference inside the Arts Center of Mississippi on May 10.

Tease photo

Mississippi Candidates Raise Millions in Race for Governor

Mississippi candidates vying to become the state's next governor raised millions of dollars in the first political fundraising quarter.

Friday, May 10

Tease photo

Mississippians See Growth on Amazon, But Politicians Misstate Report

Amazon reported in a May 1 press statement that Mississippi retailers boasted the fastest year-over-year growth among Amazon retailers. State leaders seized on the news but misstated the case.

Tease photo

Officials Seek to Open Major Spillway on Mississippi River

Army Corps of Engineers officials in Louisiana aim to open a historic flood control structure above New Orleans on Tuesday for an unprecedented second time in one year.

Tease photo

Todd Snider

Todd Snider's new album, "Cash Cabin Sessions Vol. 3," is like getting a visit from an old friend you haven't seen for a long time. It is easy, filled with laughs and at times poignant.

Thursday, May 9

Tease photo

Governor Bryant Proclaims May 10 as 'Mississippi Beautiful Day

Jazz Artist Pam Confer has a lot to be excited about! "Mississippi Beautiful," an anthem written, recorded and produced by the state's ambassador, has earned another special place in history - "Mississippi Beautiful Day."

Tease photo

City of Jackson State of Emergency Proclamation

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued a State of Emergency proclamation for the city at 1:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon in light of torrential rains and flash flood reports in low-lying and urban areas.

Tease photo

Cooper Johnson

University of Mississippi junior catcher Cooper Johnson was one of the few bright spots for the Rebels in a tight battle for in the SEC West, as he went two-for-four at the plate with an RBI, a run and a home run.

Tease photo

Waller Exceeds Fundraising Expectations in GOP Race

Republican Bill Waller raised more than half a million dollars in his first two months in the race for governor, his campaign announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Tease photo

MBJ Honors Maxine Greenleaf, Belhaven Dual Enrollment Program and USM Summer Gifted Programs

Mississippi Business Journal recently named Maxine Greenleaf, Jackson State University's executive director for communications and marketing, to its Top 50 Under 40 list.

Wednesday, May 8

Tease photo

Louisiana 'Heartbeat Bill' Relies on Mississippi Taxpayers' Legal Defense

The Louisiana Senate passed a six-week abortion ban modeled after the one Mississippi passed in March, but with one caveat: If the Louisiana one becomes law, it will not go into effect unless Mississippi's fetal heartbeat law survives a federal court challenge.

Tease photo

James Meredith

Mississippi native civil-rights activist James Meredith is conducting a tour of the Jackson Hinds Library System to raise awareness of the importance of public libraries in educating African Americans of all ages in Mississippi.

Tease photo

Mississippi Hires Experienced Executive for Its New Lottery

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation announced Wednesday that it is hiring experienced executive Thomas N. Shaheen as its first president.

Tuesday, May 7

Tease photo

Mississippi School Discriminated to Avoid White Flight, Lawsuit Claims

Nearly 50 years after federal courts ordered Cleveland High School desegregated, the Delta high school remains embroiled in battles over desegregation.

Tease photo

Analysis: Decisions on Mississippi Power Face New Officials

Public Service Commissioner is the hardest job that few people are thinking about in Mississippi's crowded election year.

Monday, May 6

Tease photo

As Mississippi Evades Measles, Activists Want Vaccine Exemptions

Mississippians need not worry about developing measles after an infected Tennessee traveler exposed diners at a Hattiesburg fast food restaurant last month, the Mississippi State Department of Health says.

Tease photo

Waisted Nutrition, Fondren Fitness and Great Lengths at the Outlets of Mississippi

Clinton resident Johnny Markham opened Waisted Nutrition, a shake shop that sells meal-replacement shakes and "loaded" energy teas, in downtown Jackson on Monday, April 15.

Tease photo

Jerry Keahey Sr.

A photographer who captured iconic images of black students challenging segregation is donating his camera to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

Friday, May 3

Tease photo

Mississippi Women Could Benefit Most from Lift on SNAP Ban

Mississippi women stand to gain the most now that the U.S. government will no longer be able to bar state residents with felony drug convictions from receiving federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Tease photo

Troop Brand

When Troop Brand was 5 years old, he led an adult choir at Mt. Calvary Church in Vicksburg in front of the whole congregation. Twenty-three years later, he performs in front of thousands.

Tease photo

Mayor Dismissed from Lawsuit Tied to Contentious Senate Race

A federal judge has dismissed claims against a Mississippi mayor and a police officer in a lawsuit filed by the widow and sons of an attorney who killed himself during a bitter 2014 U.S. Senate race.

Thursday, May 2

Tease photo

Millsaps Presents Honorary Degrees, JSU Reduces Out-of-State Fees and USM Memorial Day Service

Millsaps College will present honorary degrees to English professor and novelist Jesmyn Ward, biographer Jon Meacham and retired University of Mississippi Medical Center doctor Lamar Weems during the college's commencement for the class of 2019 on Saturday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 1

Tease photo

Utility Faces Federal Investigation Over Failed Power Plant

A utility giant faces a federal investigation over a $7.5 billion coal-fueled power plant that Mississippi regulators pushed the electrical utility into partly canceling.

Tease photo

Top 10: Kristen Tordella-Williams

With me teaching a furniture-making class at Millsaps College this semester, spending a good portion of last summer renovating my kitchen and my husband giving me a record player for Christmas, I've centered my Local List to local suppliers for fellow makers and record lovers. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tease photo

Tonya Boyd-Cannon: In the Cradle of America’s Music

Soul singer Tonya Boyd-Cannon sits in a unique place for music with her roots in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Tease photo

Best of Jackson: Burgers of Note

Earlier this year, you told us your choices for some of the best local burgers in the Jackson metro area. While the winner and finalists have many choices, we decided to highlight one from each.

Tease photo

Regina Wallace

Ever since Brandon native Regina Wallace opened Heavenly Sweetz Bakery inside The Hatch in midtown in October 2018, her business has expanded beyond the confines of the bakery's storefront.

Tease photo

Joe Biden and the Dixiecrats Who Helped His Career

Vice President Joe Biden talked about his mentor James O. Eastland at a rally for Democrat Doug Jones in Birmingham, Ala., in 2017.

Tease photo

OPINION: Truth to Power: Blacklists, Boycotts and the First Amendment

If there's a competition to determine which state legislature can pass the greatest number of blatantly unconstitutional bills in the shortest period of time, Mississippi's would be a worthy contender. Its most recent target is the right to boycott.

Tease photo

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Men, It’s Time to Solve Sexism

"It's up to men to solve sexism." We were at breakfast when Donna said that to me. I was immediately struck by the profundity of the statement—in part because it resonates with another one that I've internalized from my years of volunteerism as a racial-healing dialogue participant and facilitator.

Tease photo

D.J. Hawkins

Clarksdale native D.J. Hawkins became fascinated with gastroenterology, or the study of the digestive system, at age 15 when he began researching the field after developing chronic gastrointestinal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux.