Tuesday, November 30
MSDH Lowers Booster Age to 18 as Biden Addresses ‘Omicron’ Variant
As countries around the world reach to grasp an understanding of how quickly the new COVID-19 variant dubbed ‘omicron’ will spread and just how dangerous the new variant may become, the Mississippi State Department of Health recently announced increased accessibility for all three types of vaccine boosters.
Buffalo Nichols Launches LP, Celebrates Black Blues Sounds at The End of All Music
When Carl “Buffalo” Nichols was 10 years old, he decided to expand his musical tastes beyond the tracks that dominated the radio scene in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wis. “I found different blues CDs,” he recalls. “It made the connection for me.”
Two New Members Nominated for State Health Board
An obstetrician-gynecologist and a pharmacist have been nominated by Gov. Tate Reeves to join the Mississippi State Board of Health.
Monday, November 29
New Stage Theatre's "A Christmas Carol," Capital City Lights and Ohashi Bowls
New Stage Theatre will begin hosting its annual production of "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday, Dec. 4, with performances running through Sunday, Dec. 19.
City Kicks off 13-Month Bicentenary Celebration Today
The City of Jackson is kicking off the celebration of its 200th year of existence at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at Thalia Mara Hall, with the unveiling of the bicentennial celebration logo, Department of Human and Cultural Services Deputy Director David Lewis told City Council members last week.
Mississippi's Reeves Touts Anti-Abortion Law Before Hearing
Ahead of oral arguments Wednesday at the U.S. Supreme Court, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on Sunday defended the state's 2018 law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Book Grant Program Helps Mississippi Libraries Combat Racism
Sixty years ago, a group of Black students was arrested and jailed for peacefully studying at the white-only Jackson Municipal Public Library.
Friday, November 26
WHO Names ‘Omicron,’ New COVID-19 Variant Concerns Experts
"The news about this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations," Biden said. "The United States has already donated more vaccines to other countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries to match America’s speed and generosity."
Appellate Court Upholds Ex-Pastor's Rape and Battery Conviction
Troy Anthony Piccaluga, then 48 and former pastor of the Eagle Lake and Redwood United Methodist churches, was arrested March 30, 2018, at his home by Warren County sheriff’s deputies after an investigation into a complaint about a girl between the ages of 14 and 16 having a sexual relationship with an older man.
Some Families Still Waiting for Pandemic Food Benefits
About 345,000 Mississippi children were set to receive a benefit of $375 per child through the Pandemic EBT program, according to the state. The Mississippi Department of Human Services said in September the money would be distributed by the end of October, but that hasn’t happened in all cases.
Belhaven Athletics Moves to USA South Conference
Belhaven University will be moving from the American Southwest Conference to the USA South Conference, finishing the spring season in the ASC before moving to their new home in the fall of 2022.
Wednesday, November 24
All Three Men Charged in Arbery's Death Convicted of Murder
All three white men charged in the death of Ahmaud Arbery were convicted of murder Wednesday in the fatal shooting that became part of a larger national reckoning on racial injustice.
Brad Martin
Madison resident Brad Martin has served as a program administrator with the Mississippi State Department of Health's Office Against Interpersonal Violence since October 2021.
‘A Dream of Mine’: Tyree Jones Wins Sheriff Election
With 60.34% of the vote going to Hinds County Sheriff's Office Investigation Captain Tyree Jones at the Tuesday, Nov. 23, run-off election, he became the new sheriff, defeating Interim Sheriff Marshand Crisler. Crisler recorded 9,894 votes to Jones' 15,120.
Jackson Leaders Approve Pay Hikes for Water System Workers
Jackson city leaders have approved a plan to increase pay for workers at its water plant.
Tuesday, November 23
MSDH Touts ‘MyIR’ For COVID-19 Vaccine Records
As a growing number of restaurants and businesses in cities around the country require proof of vaccination, Mississippi’s health leadership recently took the opportunity to promote the state’s digital vaccine record website.
Small Business Saturday Coming to Jackson and Surrounding Areas
Small Business Saturday, a national event dedicated to small businesses, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 27.
Mississippi Parolees Paying for Supervision May Perpetuate More Criminality for Poor
Parolees in Mississippi must pay a $55 monthly fee, which can become an added burden on those released from prison, respondents say.
Mississippi Loses Supreme Court Water Fight with Tennessee
A unanimous Supreme Court on Monday rejected a claim that the Memphis, Tennessee, area has been taking water that belongs to Mississippi from an underground aquifer that sits beneath parts of both states.
Monday, November 22
New JXN Icons, LeFleur's Bluff Playground and S.T.E.M. with Snowflakes
Visit Jackson recently unveiled a second phase for the JXN Icons mural on the back of the Old Capitol Inn on North Street. Visit Jackson’s Creative Design Manager, Reshonda Perryman, painted the first four Jackson Icons depicted on the mural in 2020.
Mayor Plans Contracts For Grass Cutting, Litter Pickup
Conversations veered into the cleanliness and appearance of the City of Jackson during a garbage-contract townhall held on Thursday, Nov. 18, at the New Horizon Church on Ellis Avenue and streamed on Facebook Live.
Mississippi School Boards Association Leaving National Group
The Mississippi School Boards Association is joining a handful of other states in breaking ties with the National School Board Association after the nonprofit sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for federal support investigating harassment and threats of violence against school board members.
Friday, November 19
Citywide Boil Water Notice Lifted
The precautionary citywide boil water notice has been lifted. The lift applies to all customers on the City’s surface water system.
Pickett v. Banks, Lindsay: City Garbage Contract Fiasco Breeds a Lawsuit
Dwayne K. Pickett, Sr., New Jerusalem Church's senior pastor, sued Council President and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay and Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks for slander on Oct. 14.
Ex-Deputy Municipal Clerk Faces Embezzlement Charge
A former deputy municipal clerk in a Mississippi town was arrested Thursday for allegedly embezzling cash from residents paying their water bills.
JSU Grants for Health Education and Driving Safety, Payne Scholarship at USM
Jackson State University’s College of Health Sciences recently received a $10 million cooperative grant from the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
Thursday, November 18
‘Another Layer of Objectivity’: City Opts for Blind Evaluation of Garbage Disposal Contract Proposals
The City of Jackson has opted for blind evaluation of garbage-disposal technical proposals to guard against claims of unfairness, City officials said at the town hall held at Fondren Church on Thursday, Nov. 11, on the contracting process.
Mississippi Executes First Inmate in Nine Years
Last evening the State of Mississippi executed David Neal Cox, 50, by way of lethal injection. The execution marks the first case of capital punishment carried out by the state since 2012, when the State executed Gary Carl Simmons Jr.
JSU and ASU Meet on the Gridiron for First Time in Over a Year
Two longtime SWAC rivals are in opposite divisions as Alcorn State moved to the SWAC West and JSU stayed in the East. Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman University joined the SWAC and were added to the East Division.
Mississippi Names Next Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Staci Turner
Dr. Staci Turner, previously the state's interim chief medical examiner, is stepping into the role of chief medical examiner, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell announced Wednesday.
EPA Overturns Approval of Mississippi Yazoo Pumps Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday it has overturned the approval of a massive flood-control project in the south Mississippi Delta that officials said was erroneously greenlit in the final days of the Trump administration.
Wednesday, November 17
Pfizer Booster Nears Availability for All Adults
All medically eligible adults in Mississippi may soon be eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot, if relevant regulatory bodies proceed as anticipated this week.
10 Years After Mississippians Rejected ‘Personhood,’ New ‘Life at ‘Conception’ Efforts Underway
A decade after Mississippi rejected the opportunity to adopt the most anti-abortion law in the nation, a national anti-abortion group is working with a top Republican U.S. senator to push a national version of the Personhood amendment.
Favre Misses Payment of $228K in Welfare Case, Auditor Says
Retired NFL player Brett Favre missed a deadline to pay $228,000 in interest on welfare money he was paid for a public speaking contract he did not fulfill, the Mississippi state auditor said Tuesday.
Mississippi Senator Sworn in for Seat He Previously Held
Democrat Kelvin Butler of Magnolia was sworn in to the Mississippi Senate on Tuesday, returning to the seat he previously held for 12 years.
Many in Mississippi's Capital Left With Little or No Water
Residents of Mississippi’s capital city are being warned to boil water before using it because of low pressure in the aging water system.
Tuesday, November 16
Robert Martez Hopkins
Jackson native Robert Martez Hopkins has worked with Jackson Public Schools students for seven years through his mentoring group, Knowledge Camp University.
County Approves $100,000 for Livingston Park and Others
Five recreational spots in the city of Jackson will get $100,000 in upgrades following the Hinds County Board of Supervisors' approval of the funding given on Monday, Nov. 15.
Reeves Touts Conservative Talking Points in Budget Pitch
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves' proposed budget for the upcoming year includes money for teacher pay raises, a water and sewer improvement grant program and a plan for eliminating the state income tax, according to recommendations he released Monday.
Woman Who Won Freedom from Prison in 2011 Dies of COVID-19
Jamie Scott, a woman who won freedom from prison a decade ago after being convicted with her sister in a 1993 armed robbery in Mississippi, then went on to become an advocate for justice, has died of COVID-19.
Monday, November 15
‘Civil War’ Film Highlights ‘Lost Cause’ Myths, Lifts Up Young Mississippi Voices
“Civil War (Or, Who Do We Think We Are?)” explores the “Lost Cause” myth of the Confederacy and its effects on the modern South, particularly race relations.
Hal and Mal's Attic Sale, New Exhibit at the Museum and Coffee Bean Corral
Malcolm White, owner of Hal and Mal's restaurant in Jackson, is hosting an event called the "Big Ass Attic Sale" from Thursday, Nov. 18, through Saturday, Nov. 20.
Kindergarten Readiness Scores Fall During Pandemic
The percentage of Mississippi children considered ready for kindergarten has fallen during the pandemic, according to state test results released Friday.
Many Historic Buildings on the Mississippi Coast in Danger
The stories of the Mississippi Gulf Coast can be found in its historic sites. But many of these places are at risk.
Friday, November 12
Jackson Church Clears $1.4 Million in Medical Debt Across Mississippi
Nine hundred and fifty-five people across Mississippi have benefitted from medical-debt cancellation through the effort of Jackson-based The Word Center Church.
Jayveous McKinnis
Jayveous McKinnis returned this season as the 2021-2022 Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of Year and Preseason First-Team All-SWAC. He finished second in the nation in rebounding and led the SWAC in rebounding with 13.2 per game.
JSU Disaster Preparedness Videos, MSU Repatriation Project and USM Wesley Worldwide Wishes
Jackson State University is releasing a series of videos to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.
White Officer Said He Was Moved to Prevent Black's Promotion
A city in Mississippi is settling a lawsuit brought by a white former police lieutenant who said he was moved within the department to prevent a Black subordinate’s promotion.
Thursday, November 11
Second Jackson Summit Held to Tackle Jackson Crime
In the second of such events in one week, Jackson leadership met with residents of the city’s fourth ward this week to tackle a growing concern—violent crime.
Jackson Zoo Now ‘Endangered,’ Opening Funding Opportunities for Beleaguered Facility
The Jackson Zoo’s announcement as one of the 10 endangered historical places in Mississippi for 2021 generated the most remarkable reaction among the people gathered at The Faulkner on Oct. 21.
Entergy Mississippi to Increase Renewable Energy Sources
One of the largest electricity providers in Mississippi said Wednesday that it intends to shut down some aging natural gas power generating plants over the next five years and expand its use of renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Wednesday, November 10
Dr. Carlos Wilson
Dr. Carlos Wilson, director and associate professor for the School of Lifelong Learning at Jackson State University, recently received a sub-grant from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to fund a new project at the Continuing Education Learning Center.
City Council Approves 'Rules of Ethical Conduct,' $365,674 for Water Treatment Plant Repairs
After introducing the ordinance at a special meeting on Oct. 28, the Jackson City Council adopted a code of ethics on Tuesday, Nov. 9, with violations attracting a $500 fine and possible forfeiture of office.
Reeves Announces 16 Projects from Oil Spill Recovery Funds
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday announced 16 projects that will be funded by some of the money the state received after the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tuesday, November 9
MSDH Recommends Vaccine For Kids Ages 5-11
The Mississippi State Department of Health began accepting COVID-19 vaccine reservations for children ages 5 through 11 across the state yesterday, while private clinics and pharmacies also offer the lower-dose vaccine.
Trials Delayed for Mother, Son in Mississippi Fraud Cases
Judges have delayed the state and federal trials of a mother and son charged in one of Mississippi’s largest public corruption cases.
Monday, November 8
‘Stitch Their Name’: Quilt Exhibit at Jackson State Honors Victims of Race Violence
The “Stitch Their Names Memorial Project: A Quilt Exhibition” is currently on display at the Margaret Walker Center on the Jackson State University campus. It honors African Americans whose lives were lost to police and others due to racial hate and bigotry.
Holiday Book Festival, Governor's Art Awards and Mississippi Humanities Council Grants
Community Library Mississippi recently announced the second annual Holiday Book Festival, which will take place live via Zoom and Facebook on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Analysis: Mississippi Faces Big Decisions on Relief Money
Mississippi is running behind many other states in deciding how to spend billions of federal dollars for pandemic relief.
Friday, November 5
Councilman Stokes To Host ‘Stop The Madness’ Summit Against Violent Crime
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes announced that he is hosting a summit dubbed ‘Stop The Madness’ on Nov. 8 in hopes of reducing violent crime in Jackson and turning youth away from violence.
JSU Real-Estate Scholarship and Case Western Partnership, MSU Museum Partnership
Commercial real-estate executives and business leaders John Michael Holtmann and John Crossman recently gifted Jackson State University an established real-estate scholarship.
Official: Prisons Should be 'Training Centers,' Not Punitive
Business leaders, law enforcement officers, policy groups and government officials met at the Two Mississippi Museums to discuss ways to reduce recidivism and barriers to formerly incarcerated people having healthy, stable lives after prison.
New Mississippi House Member Formerly Secured the Senate
The newest member of the Mississippi House of Representatives used to be in control of security on the other end of the state Capitol.
Mississippi Backtracks on Gender Policy for Driver's License
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has abruptly rescinded a policy that would have simplified the process for people to change their gender listing on their driver's license or state-issued identification card.
Thursday, November 4
Will Rogers
Behind a historic performance by MSU quarterback Will Rogers, the Bulldogs knocked off the University of Kentucky 31-17. MSU previously defeated North Carolina State University and Texas A&M University.
CDC OKs COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Ages 5-11
More children across Mississippi will soon be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized children ages 5 through 11 to receive Pfizer’s vaccine.
Hospitals Lose More Nurses After Federal Contract Expires
Mississippi health care providers say they may have to close floors and reduce patient beds after losing hundreds of nurses due to the recent expiration of a federal contract put in place to help the state battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, November 3
Hicks Wins County Judge Special Election; Sheriff, District 5 Constable Elections for Runoff Nov. 23
Carlyn Hicks defeated Greta Harris at the special election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, for Subdistrict 1 Hinds County Court Judge.
I Told Congress That Misdemeanor Fines and Fees Cause Americans to Go Hungry
Approximately 10 million people in the United States owe more than $50 billion in criminal debt due to their involvement in the criminal-justice system.
Reeves: Put Tighter Limits on Medical Marijuana Proposal
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves says he wants legislators to make more changes in a proposal to create a medical marijuana program in the state.
Overall Enrollment Steady at Mississippi Public Universities
Overall enrollment in Mississippi’s public universities dropped by less than 1% in the past year, according to figures released Tuesday by the universities’ board of trustees.
Tuesday, November 2
Antonio Ross
Biloxi-based Keesler Federal Credit Union recently named Captain Antonio Ross of the Jackson Fire Department as First Responder of the Year.
Organizers Plan for Post-Roe Mississippi With Self-Managed Abortion Education
The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Mississippi’s challenge to Roe v. Wade for more than a month, but leading abortion-rights organizers say they are not holding out hope for a favorable ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Special Elections Will Fill Two Seats in Mississippi Senate
Special elections are being held Tuesday to fill two Mississippi Senate seats that have been vacant since the summer.
Mississippi Blues Promoter and Raconteur Bill Luckett Dies
Bill Luckett was an attorney, small-town mayor, candidate for governor, blues promoter, friend and business partner of Morgan Freeman and irrepressible teller of tales about the people and culture of his beloved Mississippi.
Monday, November 1
Six Jail Deaths Recorded in Hinds County this Year
Lack of compliance with court orders and the department of justice’s consent decree led to six deaths at the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond this year, court-appointed monitor Elizabeth E. Simpson wrote in a Thursday, Oct. 28, court filing.
Harvest Festival at the Ag Musuem, Mississippi Blues Marathon and Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host its annual Harvest Festival event from Tuesday, Nov. 9, through Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
University Students Denounce Use of Nazi Symbols at Protest
Tyler Daniel says he felt shock and horror when he saw a poster that had the Mississippi State University president's face defaced with an Adolf Hitler mustache, a swastika scrawled in the upper corner.
Groups Erase Some Probation Debt in Mississippi, Florida
A nonprofit group and a debtors' union have bought and erased private probation debt for about 20,500 people in Mississippi and Florida, sending letters that told them the news and sharply criticized “abusive debt collectors.”
New Pipes Could Ease Some Water Woes in Jackson
Mississippi's capital city will soon start installing larger water pipes to replace some of the lines that failed during a deep freeze that struck the Deep South in February.