Remembering Dorothy ‘Dot’ Benford
Dorothy “Dot” Benford, a longtime political activist and 2020 Democratic nominee in Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District who also ran unsuccessfully for several political offices in the state for many years, died of natural causes on Sunday, Dec. 26, at age 79.
State Legislatures in U.S. Poised to Act on Abortion Rights
Early in the new year, the Vermont House of Representatives is due to begin debate on an amendment that would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution and send the question to voters in the fall.
COVID-19 Tests, Monoclonal Treatments in Short Supply amid Case Surge
As the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S., the Mississippi State Department of Health reported a skyrocketing number of COVID-19 cases this week. MSDH reported 2,698 new cases today alone, along with 22 fatalities.
Mississippi University for Women Coach Dedrick Burnett Wears Many Other Hats
Burnett knows more than just travel plans for The W’s student-athletes, he learns a great deal more through his position as adviser to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, made up of two athletes from each team at The W.
Pickett v. Banks: Judge Green Asks Supreme Court for Special Judge
Senior Judge Tomie Green of Hinds County Circuit Court asked Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael K. Randolph on Dec. 21 to appoint a special judge to a slander case that New Jerusalem Church's senior pastor, Dwayne K. Pickett Sr., filed against two Jackson city council members on Oct. 14.
Jessie Daniels’ ‘Nice White Ladies’ Sparks Discussion About Race, Privilege In Jackson
Louwanda Evans, who said she was one of two Black women on faculty at the private college in downtown Jackson, said her daily encounters with race complicated her reading of the book. “I’m surrounded by ‘nice, white ladies’ all the time,” Evans remarked. “I have a hard time making friends. It’s hard for me to trust white women.”
Private Companies Could Manage Some Mississippi State Parks
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will seek bids soon from vendors to handle the functions of at least one park, communications director Jennifer Head said.
Analysis: Reeves on Board with Reviving Initiative Process
Days before the Supreme Court ruling, health care professionals announced they were starting to gather signatures on an initiative to expand Medicaid in Mississippi. They were trying to bypass the Republican-led Legislature, which has steadfastly rejected expanding the government health insurance program to people who work in low-wage jobs without private insurance.
Jackson Public Schools Ups Cybersecurity after Hacker Attack
Since the Feb. 6, 2020 attack, the district has implemented a cyber-education program for employees and a new anti-virus and malware protection program.
FDA Authorizes Pfizer, Merck COVID-19 Pills
“Today’s authorization introduces the first treatment for COVID-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally—a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic,” Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the Dec. 22 FDA press release.
Remains Identified after Mississippi Man's Pre-Execution Tip
Mississippi authorities say they have identified the remains of a woman, identified as 40-year-old Felicia Cox, found following a tip from inmate David Neal Cox prior to his execution last month.
Needy Mississippi Families to Receive $1,000 for Holidays
More than 1,500 low-income Mississippi families are set to receive a one-time sum of $1,000 from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, officials said. To be eligible, households must qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a program that provides benefits for families with needy children.
Denae Carter
Freshman Denae Carter has played a major part in the Bulldogs’ outstanding non-conference play, with Philadelphia, Pa., native Carter playing in all 12 games and starting in two so far this season.
Holiday Treats and Fun for Everyone to Close 2021
For those wanting to take advantage of the more moderate weather to safely venture out and check out what the metro has to offer this holiday season, the Jackson Free Press has assembled a sampling of food and event news tips to browse.
City Council Approves $2 Million for Roads, Cemetery Transfer to Jackson State University
"This will take some (pressure) off the City who don't have to do the maintenance, and it will be a part of the plan where Jackson State (University) is improving and monitoring the heritage of our community there in the Washington Edition," he said. "So we certainly appreciate this move forward."
Judge Reeves Schedules Hearing Tuesday on Holding Hinds County in Contempt for Jail Conditions
“The County thus respectfully asks that the Court hold in abeyance any decision to engage in such an extraordinary use of power until July 1, 2022, to allow the County additional time to continue its ongoing efforts and to prove it can make even more significant, positive change at the RDC,” they wrote.
UPDATED: State Health Leadership Urges Holiday Caution as U.S. Sees First Omicron Death
State health leadership is urging Mississippians to take safety precautions against COVID-19 this holiday season, as the Mississippi State Department of Health reports slow but steady increases in the number of cases.
Johnny Hubbard
Lifelong Jackson native Johnny Hubbard has served as an adjunct professor of jazz education at Jackson State University since January 2015.
Mississippi Governor Sets $1K Bonuses for State Law Officers
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that he is approving $1,000 in hazard pay bonuses for state law enforcement officers, and they will receive the money by the end of this month.
Watchdog Group: Mississippi Prison Industries Not Effective
A Mississippi legislative watchdog group is questioning the effectiveness of a nonprofit company that provides job training for people in prison.