Stories for August 2020

Dave’s Triple B Relocating, Virtual Mississippi Science Fest and Celebrate the Pearl Challenge

Madison resident and professional chef David Raines announced that he is moving his restaurant, Dave’s Triple B, Restaurant from its present location at 970 High St. in Jackson to Main Street in Flora.

State Health Leadership Responds to CDC Guidelines on COVID-19

Mississippi still awaits the full extent of the spread of COVID-19 in its schools and colleges, as middling reports of viral spread continued over the weekend, in line with the roughly 700 rolling average that has become the norm in recent weeks.

Ledarius Woods

One Tougaloo player that was enjoying a great campaign was senior forward Ledarius Woods. He was named First-Team All-GCAC to end the regular season and named to the conference's All-Tournament team.

Events Honor Emmett Till, 65 Years After His Killing

Panel discussions, a march for justice and other events are being held in Mississippi to remember Emmett Till.

After Victories, Medicaid Expansion Revisited in Mississippi

After voters expanded Medicaid in conservative states like Missouri and Oklahoma, health care advocates are renewing a push for expansion in Mississippi and other Southern states where Republican leaders have long been opposed.

Analysis: Push to Revise Parole Survives Despite Gov's Veto

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves killed a bill but not an idea when he vetoed the Mississippi Correctional Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2020, which would have made more inmates eligible for the possibility of parole.

Hinds County Sheriff Swears in SWAT Team; Violence Expert Urges Caution

Sheriff Lee Vance swore in 33 special weapons and tactics team members today at the grounds of Jackson Police Training Academy. Vance pushed for the expanded SWAT unit to respond to special threat situations.

Tyler Williams

Mississippi State University is less than a month from opening the season against Louisiana State University on Saturday, Sept. 26. That is, of course, assuming the season is played or the start of the season is not pushed back.

Virus Mask Dispute Disrupts City Meeting in Mississippi

Elected officials in a Mississippi city got into a dispute after some refused to wear masks to guard against the new coronavirus, prompting the mayor to clear out the room and enforce social distancing between board members after the meeting restarted.

Lawsuit: Mississippi Voting Laws Cause Risk During Pandemic

Mississippi election laws could force people to choose between their health and their constitutional right to cast a ballot, according to a lawsuit that voting-rights groups filed Thursday to challenge the state's restrictions on absentee voting.

COVID-19 Recovery Uncertain: Hospitalizations Low, Deaths High, Signs of Uptick

Mississippi’s COVID-19 recovery is on shaky ground as August ends, with uncertain trends in new cases—neither the clear improvement from previous weeks nor the spiralling growth seen in last month’s peaks.

USM Mask Distribution, JSU/UVM Online Lead Course and Tougaloo #VoteHBCU Competition

The University of Southern Mississippi recently partnered with the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation and the Mississippi Network for Cancer Control and Prevention on an effort to distribute thousands of free protective face masks to residents of the Mississippi Delta.

US and Mississippi Sue Hattiesburg Over Wastewater Problems

The U.S. government and the state of Mississippi are suing Hattiesburg over alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, including the release of untreated sewage.

Mississippi Gov. Skipped Mask at NC Event, Despite Mandate

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves compared his attending a crowded campaign event over the weekend for a North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate—while not wearing a mask–to people who attended police brutality protests outside the Governor's Mansion in Mississippi in June.

Mayor Issues Sixth Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

Citing the need to need to address both the pandemic and the economic needs of the city, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the Sixth Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order.

Mississippi Boychoir Recruiting, MS-SBDC and MSU Small Business Videos and Fresh Market Ultimate Dinners

The Mississippi Boychoir is currently recruiting members for both its Jackson and Vicksburg divisions. Recruitment is open for second graders through high school seniors.

Heather Denné

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appointed Heather Denné, director of community engagement at Jackson State University, to the nine-member board of the Jackson Historic Preservation Commission in late July.

JSU Professor: Focus Police Reform On ‘Community Policing’—But What Is it?

Transitioning from traditional policing to “community policing” will engender more trust and cooperation between the people and the police, Thomas M. Kersen, Jackson State University associate professor of sociology, told the Jackson Free Press in a phone interview Monday.

Biloxi High School Closed Because of 'Unnecessary' Gatherings

A Mississippi high school is shutting down for two weeks because of a coronavirus outbreak that happened after large “unnecessary” social gatherings where distancing guidelines were ignored, the state health officer said Tuesday.

Final 2 Mississippi Flag Proposals: Shield vs. Magnolia

As Mississippi replaces its former flag that had the Confederate battle emblem, five proposals were literally run up a flagpole Tuesday. A group then narrowed the choice to two designs: One with a shield and one with a magnolia.

City of Jackson Provides Storm Preparedness Resources

In preparation for the pending storms, the City of Jackson has sand bags available to residents at 4225 Michael Avalon St. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closing for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Mississippi Runs Five State Banner Finalists Up the Flagpole

Mississippi is literally running some proposals up a flagpole as it searches for a new state banner. A commission that's working to recommend a new state flag hoisted the five final designs on Tuesday to see how the flags look fluttering in the breeze, or hanging limply without any wind.

Dobbs: ‘Triumvirate of Disaster’ as COVID-19 Spreads Through Mississippi Schools

Mississippi's coronavirus recovery appears to be short-lived, with a “crush” of cases ahead due to school and college openings following a mid-August slump, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned on Aug. 21.

As World Grapples with Pandemic, Schools Are the Epicenter

The world is settling into a new normal for everyday life amid the coronavirus pandemic: online school classes, intermittent Zoom outages, museums that will only allow about a quarter of their usual visitors.

Mississippi Lawmakers Resolve Budget for Marine Resources

The Mississippi Legislature returned to the Capitol on Monday and adopted a budget for the state Department of Marine Resources, nearly two months after the July 1 start of the state fiscal year.

Ex-Sen. Doty Confirmed as Public Utilities Staff Director

A former state senator has been confirmed as director of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.

Mississippi Senate Confirms New State Revenue Commissioner

The Mississippi Senate on Monday confirmed an attorney as the new commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Entire Fourth Grade Class in Mississippi Sent to Quarantine

An entire fourth grade class in Mississippi is in quarantine after a student and more than half of a school's fourth grade teachers tested positive for coronavirus.

Gov. Declares State Of Emergency Ahead of Dual Storms, Legislature Back For DMR Budget

Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in Mississippi on Saturday ahead of tropical storms Marco and Laura, expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast just to the west of Mississippi.

Jackson Zoo Opens, Gets Ready for USDA Inspection

The Jackson Zoo has undergone about $300,000 worth of transformations as it seeks a permanent exhibitor's license from the United States Department of Agriculture, Director of Parks and Recreation Ison B. Harris, Jr. said Friday.

Sister Susan Karina Dickey

Sister Susan Karina Dickey discovered her path after adopting the Catholic faith, which led her to eventually hold her current position as the vice president of Mission Integration at St. Dominic Hospital.

Reeves Declares Emergency Ahead of Laura, Marco

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Tropical Storms Laura and Marco, which are headed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Analysis: Mississippi Prison Virus Protocols Under Scrutiny

Attorneys are feuding in federal court filings over coronavirus testing and safety protocols at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.

Mississippi Hiring Probation, Parole, Corrections Officers

Amid a federal investigation of its prison system, the Mississippi Department of Corrections is working on hiring probation, parole and correctional officers.

Free Dental Clinic Raising Funds to Serve More Uninsured Mississippians

A dental clinic that provides free care to Mississippians across the state is raising money to expand its services. The Jackson Free Clinic, which University of Mississippi Medical Center students run, is using a GoFundMe page to raise $75,000.

Gov. Reeves Issues College Sports Limits; COVID-19 Rates Remain High

Fewer college football fans will be able to attend games in Mississippi's stadiums and have fewer opportunities to celebrate game day this fall after Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new executive order imposing restrictions on athletic events.

Azia’s Picks 8-21-20

Please take time to rest this weekend. I’m elated to start you off on your quest to relax with my event picks for this upcoming week!

Jarkel Joiner

Taking the floor for the first time in Rebel uniform is something Jarkel Joiner has dreamed about since he was a kid. This fall, that dream becomes a reality when the Oxford native will make his debut in front his hometown fans and family as a key contributor in head coach Kermit Davis’ lineup.

Relocated Rebel Statue Causes Athlete Concerns at Ole Miss

The University of Mississippi has put up a barrier to partially obstruct a Confederate monument after football players said they didn't want to see the rebel soldier statue while they practice.

Mississippi to Apply for Jobless Aid, Won't Pay Extra $100

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday that Mississippi will apply for a federal program to expand unemployment for residents who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Reeves Issues Limits on College Stadiums, Game Day Events to Protect Players and Spectators

Today, Governor Tate Reeves issued social distancing measures for college and university outdoor stadiums and game day events to ensure the safety of participants and limit transmission in the continued fight against COVID-19.

Mayor Issues Fifth Amended Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

On Wednesday, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba extended the Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order set to expire Aug. 19 to Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Jackson Bans Facial Recognition Tech; New Airport Academy, Sewer Repairs

The Jackson Police Department will not be able to use facial recognition technology to identify people after the city council voted to preemptively ban the practice on Tuesday.

MSU and UM 2020 Schedule Breakdown

As the SEC continues to push for a 2020 season, the conference first announced a 10-game conference-only schedule. Under a normal season, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University would play just eight conference games.

MSU Outstanding Economic Impact Award, UM Virtual Internship Course and Tougaloo/Nike Partnership

The Mississippi Main Street Association presented its Outstanding Economic Impact Award to Mississippi State University and the City of Starkville for their “Orientation Dine Around Downtown” project.

Federal Authorities Attempt to Sieze DiBiase Home After Welfare Fraud Case

Federal authorities are attempting to seize the Madison home of former professional wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr., valued at $1.5 million, after his brother and fellow ex-wrestler Brett DiBiase was indicted in a massive federal welfare fraud case in February 2020.

Two Mississippi Universities Find COVID-19 as Students Return

Outbreaks of the new coronavirus have been found at two of Mississippi's eight public universities within the first days of students returning to campuses, the state health officer said Wednesday.

Two Mississippi Officers Plead Not Guilty in Black Man's Death

Two Mississippi police officers accused of body-slamming and beating a Black man who later died have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges.

Five Things to Know about Sarah Kate Pollard, Freelance Writer

"A big passion of mine is making short films, which encompasses writing, directing and editing—and I love every step."

JSU’s New Director of Bands Talks Virtual Musicianship

Robert Little, Jackson State University's new director of bands since July 1, says music is something that dwells throughout his entire family.

The Uncertainty of the 2020 College Football Season

The only thing certain about the 2020 college football season is uncertainty. As last week—Aug. 10 to Aug. 14—showed us, plans can change with little notice, and the season could be on the brink before you even have a chance to read this article.

Downtown’s Newest Coffee Shop Brings an Air of Freshness

When Kenya MomPremier began a family, she knew she wanted to provide them with the same fresh produce she had enjoyed as a child.

Talking Health Care With Mike Espy

Of all the issues separating Mike Espy from his opponent, Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, their approach to health care may represent the starkest divide.

OPINION: How Much is a Human Life Worth?

Every day the media report the number of new infections and deaths attributed to COVID-19, and many debate the closing or opening of schools, businesses and places of worship.

When Schools Close Down in Jackson

Quinyetta Kinner was sad when George Elementary School on Hunter Street in Jackson closed in 2018. She attended the school from pre-kindergarten until the 5th grade and has a lot of fond memories of friendships she formed that have lasted to this day.

JPD Officers Indicted for Murder Present for Earlier Civilian Shootings

A grand jury has indicted Desmond Barney, Anthony Fox and Lincoln Lampley for second-degree murder of George Robinson.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Gov. Reeves, Stop the Insanity

Gov. Reeves knew the threat to Mississippi hospitals when he implemented one of the most liberal reopening plans of any U.S. state in late May. As with Florida and Texas, Mississippi has paid for its governor's lack of clarity and decisiveness.

Frederick Melancon

As wind prepared to whip torrential rains across the pavement outside, Frederick "Rick" Melcancon sat in a Baton Rouge bookstore signing copies of his work, "Book of Lost Innocence."

Mayor Further Extends Curfew as Part of City COVID-19 Efforts

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has extended the city-wide curfew set to expire at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 19 for five additional days.

State Flag Commission Selects Five Finalists

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag selected five flags to move to the final round (pending clearance of intellectual property rights).

Tommy Wright

Tommy Wright, a partner at the Anderson, Crawley and Burke law firm in Ridgeland, has been handling cases such as worker's compensation, personal injury, construction accidents and premises liability as a civil-defense litigator for 11 years.

250,000 Free Masks Helped Reduce Hinds County Infections, Emergency Director Says

Maintaining the mask mandate could help keep the COVID-19 infection under control, outgoing Hinds County Emergency Management Director Ricky Moore told the Board of Supervisors at its Aug. 17 meeting.

Mississippi to Close 13 Food Centers for Low-Income Mothers

Mississippi is closing 13 food centers across the state that serve low-income mothers and children as it prepares to start a new program early next year that will allow participants to use electronic cards to access supplies at grocery stores and pharmacies instead.

Proposed Effort Could Revive Mississippi's Rebel-Themed Flag

Some Mississippi residents are rebelling against the Legislature's decision to retire a Confederate-themed state flag, and they are being encouraged by conservative legislators who fought the change.

80% of Vermont Inmates at CoreCivic Private Prison in Mississippi Infected

An outbreak of the coronavirus at a private prison in Mississippi has now infected 80% of the Vermont inmates housed there and more test results are pending, the head of the Vermont Corrections Department said Monday.

Mississippi Will Provide Free Virus Testing to Teachers

The state of Mississippi is expanding access to free coronavirus testing for teachers and school-based emergency telehealth coverage after more than 70 of the state's 82 counties have reported outbreaks during their first few weeks back in the classroom.

Lance Presley

Lance Presley grew up in the United Methodist Church his whole life. His family has been Methodist for at least seven generations.

Newk's Cares, Virtual Mississippi Book Festival and Jackson Tablet Donation

In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, Newk’s Eatery is preparing to launch a series of virtual events and in-store initiatives at all of its locations. Newk's is also hosting its annual Lunch & Learn event on ovarian cancer research and prevention on Thursday, Aug. 20.

COVID-19 Numbers Slumping As School Opens Across Mississippi Today

Mississippi is showing the signs of a promising downward trend in new coronavirus infections as August unfolds, with a rolling average on a continued slump from late July’s all-time peaks.

Jackson Public Schools Cancels Falls Sports Amid COVID-19

Fall sports and extracurricular activities for students in Mississippi's second largest school district have been canceled amid concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Funds to Help Mississippi Expand Internet Access

A Mississippi-based technology company plans to install more than 33 miles of underground fiber infrastructure that will help offer ultra-fast broadband internet access to rural areas by the end of the year.

Mississippi Flag Could Have Choctaw-Inspired Diamond Shape

The new Mississippi flag could include a magnolia or stars or representations of rivers. Or it could reflect the state's Native American heritage with a diamond shape that is important to the Choctaw community.

Governor Tate Reeves Extends Safe Return Order and Issues K-12 Extracurricular Limitations

Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order, including the statewide mask mandate, and issuing crowd-size limitations on K-12 extracurricular activities in the state's ongoing fight to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Azia’s Picks 8-14-20

"What are you toiling, tilling, replanting or uprooting during this season? I care ask you, can you stand the rain? (shoutout to New Edition)"

Virus Cases Trending Down, But School Looms Ahead

New cases of the coronavirus are steadily declining in more than 80% of Mississippi's 82 counties, Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday.

Jackson Zoo Opens Aug. 21; National Park Service Asks For Andrew Jackson Statue

New information has emerged about plans to reopen the Jackson Zoo after it closed last year. Opening later this month, the zoo will offer weekend visits and limit the number of visitors.

Dr. Thomas Dobbs: COVID-19 Improvement, But Schools Pose Grave Danger

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs sees improvement in the fight against COVID-19 following the governor’s two-week mask mandate across Mississippi. But a return to in-person schooling presents grave danger.

MSU Partnership Middle School, Grants for JSU Students and USM Faculty

Mississippi State University and the Starkville Oktibbeha School District recently established the new Partnership Middle School at MSU. MSU and SOSD officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

James Harris, Kamala

The name James Harris might not mean much to anyone that hears it. But if you were a fan of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, the name Kamala will instantly be familiar.

Lawsuit Seeks Clarity on Mississippi Voting Amid COVID-19

A new lawsuit says Mississippi’s absentee voting law is confusing and could be applied inconsistently during the coronavirus pandemic.

JPD: How the Pandemic Affects Jackson Crime; Addressing the Police Shortage

Incidents of carjacking and violent assault have increased, the Jackson Police Department told the Jackson City Council’s law enforcement ad-hoc committee at its first-ever meeting Thursday.

Angie Moncrief

Flowood native Angie Moncrief has owned and operated Action Talent Agency since 2014.

Mississippi Governor: 'College Football is Essential'

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves described college football—even amid the coronavirus pandemic—as “essential” Tuesday, his comments echoing a tweet President Donald Trump posted the day before and coming on the same day his Republican counterpart in Florida also pushed for games to be held this fall.

Mayor Extends Curfew and Amends Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has extended the city-wide curfew issued on August 6 commencing at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Reeves: Mississippi Can't Afford Jobless Benefit Supplement

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves says the state cannot afford $100 per recipient, per week, to bolster unemployment payments during the coronavirus pandemic. But, the Republican governor is praising President Donald Trump for proposing that states provide the money.

Census Official: What Jackson Should Do To Improve Self-Response Rate

The 2020 Census has been underway since March, but some parts of Jackson have less than 40% household self-response rate, which is well below the state average of 57.9%.

Legislature Overrides Gov. Tate Reeves' Veto, Spending Battles Remain

The Mississippi Legislature has beaten back a gubernatorial veto, pushing through the education bill that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves partially vetoed in July, while simultaneously funding the incentives program that led him to bounce portions of the bill back to the statehouse in the first place.

Over 500 People Tested for COVID in Experimental Initiative

More than 500 people in one of the poorest counties in Mississippi were tested for the coronavirus by the state Department of Health over the past week as part of a new experimental initiative to slow the spread of the virus by community transmission.

Commission Picks Top State Flag Submissions

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag considered the nearly 3,000 flag submissions and narrowed their choices to 147.

UMMC’s LouAnn Woodward: Delay School Until After Labor Day, ICU at Capacity

Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, spoke to the Jackson Free Press at length on Aug 7, sharing her concerns for an oncoming wave of hospitalizations and the long-term care requirements of COVID-19 patients.

Mississippi Coliseum Complete, New Stage Scholarships and Malco Reopenings

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson recently announced that work finished five months early on renovations to the Mississippi Coliseum at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, partially due to event cancellations from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Program Will Provide Work Training to Those Hurt by Pandemic

Gov. Tate Reeves has announced a $55 million initiative to create workforce training programs at community colleges and offer financial incentives to employers to hire individuals who have lost work due to the coronavirus.

Analysis: Budget Dispute Goes to 1 Judge in Hinds County

Mississippi Republican legislative leaders helped defeat a 2015 education initiative by arguing that if someone sued the state over school funding, one judge in Hinds County would make budget decisions for the whole state.

Mississippi Lawmakers Returning to Work on State Budget

Mississippi legislators are returning to the Capitol to wrap up unfinished parts of the state budget as leaders are clashing with Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.

Hinds County Elections: Safety Measures, Poll Changes and Jobs for 125 Poll Workers for Nov. 3

The recruitment of 125 additional poll workers in Hinds County for the Nov. 3 general election is ongoing. They will help keep the polling precincts safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinds County Election Commission Chairwoman Toni Johnson said at a press conference Wednesday.

Azia’s Picks 8-1-20

There are many events happening in the Capitol City that we can enjoy with one another despite these uncertain times. Please get some sun and breathe in some fresh air. Take some time to gaze at the heavens and laugh until your sides hurt.

Four Poultry Plant Execs Indicted After 2019 Immigration Raid

Four executives from two Mississippi poultry processing plants have been indicted on federal charges tied to one of the largest workplace immigration raids in the U.S. in the past decade.

Deadliest in U.S.: COVID-19 Deaths, Severe Hospitalizations Worsening in Mississippi

Mississippi hit a tragic new milestone in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this week: Its 241 reports of COVID-19 fatalities from the previous seven days have been the deadliest per capita of any state in the U.S., the New York Times reports.

Mayor: City-MSDH Data Sharing Will Yield Better COVID-19 Pandemic Response

A COVID-19 data-sharing agreement between the Mississippi State Department of Health and the City of Jackson will give a clearer picture of coronavirus spread for better-targeted responses in the capital city, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba told the Jackson City Council Tuesday.

MSU Fall Return Policy, JSU Endowment Donation and USM Memorabilia Donation

Mississippi State University's Safe Return Task Force recently developed a comprehensive health and safety return plan for students and faculty returning to school for the upcoming fall semester amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

SEC Makes Decision on 2020 Football Season

In July of this year, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Millsaps College all surmised that football was moving from fall to spring.

Tribe, Economy, Even Cemeteries Hurt as Virus Hits Choctaws

As confirmed coronavirus cases skyrocket in Mississippi, the state’s only federally recognized American Indian tribe has been devastated. COVID-19 has ripped through Choctaw families, many of whom live together in multigenerational homes.

Mississippi House Leaders Sue Governor Over Partial Vetoes

The two top leaders of the Mississippi House are suing Gov. Tate Reeves over his partial veto of some state budget bills, setting up another conflict among some of the state's top Republicans.

Judge: Doctrine Shielding Police from Lawsuits is Wrong

A federal judge in Mississippi has issued a sharply worded ruling that calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the principle of qualified immunity, which protects law enforcement officers from being sued for some of their actions.

Museum Directory, Current Hours & COVID Precautions

Browse the following list to see which museums catch your interest and their respective opening statuses.

Jackson’s Batches of Green Patches

Venturing out and embracing nature may be just the mental reprieve we have been needing, and the capital city has options aplenty for residents and visitors alike to peruse.

Break Out Your Earbuds: Jackson-based Podcasts

If you are searching for something new to listen to during your lunch break or on long drives, look no further than this list of podcasts featuring Jackson metro residents discussing a variety of topics, from life experiences to geek culture.

‘Young King’ Looks toward New Horizons

Christopher Windfield says he grew up in some of the worst neighborhoods of Jackson. He grew accustomed to having family and friends involved in street activities.

A Castle of Characters, Enchanting Memories

In 2015, Taylor Bridges found herself wearing glittery blue heels and a crystal-blue gown with powder blue sleeves, a semitransparent cape and white gloves as she stepped through King's Daughters Hospital in her hometown of Yazoo City, Miss.

SPEAKing Inspiration into the Metro and Beyond

Latanya Shanks started a podcast for one simple reason. "I knew I had something to say and I wanted to say it," she said.

Top 10: Denise Mummert

Working as a transcript evaluator for Mississippi College since 1998, Denise Mummert has had plenty of opportunities to sample some of the many locally owned restaurants the Jackson metro has to offer.

Moving Jackson Forward: Opposing Visions of a People’s Assembly

Greg Griffin, a 42-year-old finance worker based in Jackson, was happy to participate in the Real People's Assembly's effort to bring respite to Jesse and Sarah Pittman.

As School Looms, Confusion Reigns

Erica Lowell waits for her students to return, and her anxiety waits with her. She is a public-school teacher in Rankin County, speaking to the Jackson Free Press under a pseudonym.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Rage and Grace Amid COVID-19

In Mississippi, will it take bodies piled up on North State Street outside of UMMC before we all stand hand-in-hand, unafraid to collectively unite and govern ourselves?

D’Ambrah Watts

Thanks to COVID-19, the image of a picture-perfect year as Miss Jackson just didn't click for 16-year-old D'Ambrah Watts.

Mayor Issues Curfew to Stem Recent Spike in Coronavirus Cases

In an effort to stem the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the City of Jackson will enforce a city-wide curfew beginning at midnight on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Governor Reeves Issues Statewide Mask Mandate, Delays School Reopenings to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced two new executive orders to delay public school reopenings in target counties and establish a statewide mask mandate in the ongoing fight against this unprecedented pandemic.

State Health Officer Issues Immediate Statewide Order

Today State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH, issued a statewide order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19 effective immediately.

Hinds Coroner May Get Refrigerated Truck Friday; Extra Judges in Place; Evers Honored

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors yesterday presented the family of Charles Evers with a resolution recognizing the impact of his life and accomplishments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released

State Awaits Tate Reeves’ Decision On School Openings

Last week’s coronavirus metrics showed COVID-19 in Mississippi growing at an unmatched rate, reaching an all-time peak with 1,775 cases reported Friday morning.

Latoya Cutts

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority recently named Latoya Cutts, a former downtown manager and head of development for the City of Albany, Ga., as the organization's new executive director. Cutts officially began her tenure with JRA on July 20.

In Lee County, Mississippi: No Vote on Moving Rebel Statue

Lee County, a Mississippi county named for a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, is keeping a Confederate monument outside a courthouse—at least for now.

At Least 85 Vermont Inmates in Mississippi Prison Infected

At least 85 Vermont inmates housed in a Mississippi prison have been infected with COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, with about 90 tests still pending in what the head of the Vermont Corrections Department on Monday called “a very serious situation.”

Stories for August 2020

Monday, August 31

Friday, August 28

Thursday, August 27

Wednesday, August 26

Tuesday, August 25

Monday, August 24

Friday, August 21

Thursday, August 20

Wednesday, August 19

Tuesday, August 18

Monday, August 17

Friday, August 14

Thursday, August 13

Wednesday, August 12

Tuesday, August 11

Monday, August 10

Friday, August 7

Thursday, August 6

Wednesday, August 5

Tuesday, August 4

Monday, August 3