News

Colin Powell

Colin Powell, the barrier-breaking soldier and diplomat who served Democratic and Republican presidents in war and peace but whose sterling reputation was stained by his faulty claims to justify the U.S. war in Iraq, died Monday of COVID-19 complications. He was 84.

Analysis: Ex-Lawmaker Argues for Mississippi Abortion Limits

Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold abortion restrictions that he helped put into state law.

Mississippi Chief Justice Extends COVID-19 Order for Courts

The head of the Mississippi Supreme Court is extending a emergency order that allows judges to postpone jury trials to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Moderna Booster Moves Closer To Approval

Some Mississippians who received Moderna’s vaccine may soon qualify for a booster shot, after a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee unanimously voted in favor of the third shot yesterday.

Project Could Help Needy Mississippi Families Hold Onto Land

A nonprofit law firm announced a new project Thursday to help low-income Mississippi families hold onto inherited land, an effort that advocates say would build wealth and preserve biological diversity by promoting better forest management.

‘Women are the Essential Workers’: Mississippi Senate Labor Committee to Revisit Equal Pay Issue

Mississippi is the only state in the union with no equal pay law, but the Mississippi Senate’s Labor Committee took up the issue once again on Sept. 29, hosting a public meeting where the committee heard from advocates for pay equity.

JSU/WCC Partnership, MSU Trick or Trot Event and USM Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition

Jackson State University is partnering with Washtenaw Community College in Michigan to create a program allowing students to transfer their associate degrees, with benefits such as guaranteed admission and access to in-state tuition.

Nikki McCray-Penson

Former head coach Nikki McCray-Penson stepped down as the Bulldogs’ head coach to focus on her health in hopes of returning to coaching one day. The move was announced on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and was effective immediately.

Mississippi Works to Offer Driver's License in Digital Form

Mississippi is developing a way for people to have their driver's license, vaccination card and other state-issued documents available in a smartphone wallet, Commissioner of Public Safety Sean Tindell said Tuesday.

Mayor Shares Personal Story, Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba shared a personal story of domestic violence at a press briefing on Monday, Oct. 11, as he proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Jackson.

What Makes a Man: Alfred Nicols Rethinks a Southern Man’s Duty in ‘Lost Love’s Return’

In Mississippi author Alfred Nicols’s “Lost Love’s Return,” the return is all the sweeter for the loss, as Nicols spins a tale of World War I sweethearts separated by illness, scheming lovers and the Atlantic Ocean.

Mississippi Auditor Demands Payments in Human Services Fraud

The Mississippi auditor said Tuesday that he is demanding repayment of $77 million in misspent welfare money in one of the poorest states in the nation. This includes $828,000 the auditor is seeking from retired NFL player Brett Favre and an employee of his business, Favre Enterprises.

Reeves: Work Still Happening on Medical Marijuana Proposal

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday that he and legislative leaders are continuing to negotiate changes in a proposal to create a medical marijuana program, including putting tight limits on how much of the medicine one person could buy.

Mea Ashley

Mississippi University for Women named Columbus native and Jackson State University alum Mea Ashley as its new director of Student Life on Sept. 1, 2021.

COVID Misinformation Still a Challenge as COVID-19 Wanes, Deaths Still High

COVID-19 is on the decline in Mississippi, as the state’s fourth wave of the virus steadies into an average rate of less-than-800 new cases per day for the past seven days.

West, Thompson Running for Hinds County Sheriff

In the field of 13 people who are running in the special election for Hinds County sheriff on Nov. 2 are Ather West and Reginald Thompson, both former Hinds County deputies who served under former Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin.

Jurassic Quest, Bean Path Sprouting Season and Pumpkin Adventure at the Ag Museum

The Jackson Convention Complex will host a dinosaur-themed edutainment event called Jurassic Quest from Friday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 24.

Analysis: Race Theory Report Aims to Sway Policymakers

Republican candidates in Mississippi and across the U.S. have been raising money for months by promising to ban teaching of critical race theory.

Black Vision Fund: Deploying Capital To Black Business Will Reduce Wealth Gap

Mississippi Black Pages, a statewide platform for Black entrepreneurs to connect for exposure and development, organized an event at The Synergy Link as part of their monthly series tagged “Network your Net Worth Professional Mixer.”

JSU Opendorse Partnership, MSU 4to24 App and Complete 2 Compete Tuition Assistance Grant

The Jackson State University Division of Athletics has partnered with sports technology company Opendorse to provide JSU student-athletes with education and resource opportunities to capitalize on their name, image and likeness, otherwise known as NIL.

Makai Polk

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Makai Polk enjoyed his best day as a college player. He made big catch after big catch when Rogers needed to keep the Bulldogs moving down the field. Polk caught 13 passes, which is fourth-best in school history. Kylin Hill and Eric Moulds caught 15 passes in a game and David Smith once caught 14 passes in a game.

Mississippi Appeals Order Requiring Mental Health Plan

Mississippi on Wednesday followed through on its promise to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that it come up with a plan to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of people with mental illness.

Twenty-One People Admitted to Hinds County Reentry Program

On Oct. 12, the recently launched Hinds County Reentry Program will see 21 applicants start a two-month course, called “Thinking for a Change."

State Health Leadership Urges Caution As 1.5 Million Vaccinated With One Dose

COVID-19 infections continue to decline across Mississippi, with hospitalizations and deaths dropping from August highs.

Dispute Over Mississippi House Race Goes to State High Court

The Mississippi Supreme Court acted quickly Monday to block a circuit judge's order in a dispute over whether a special election is needed to fill a vacancy in the state House of Representatives.

Dogmud Tavern Expansion, Extra Table Everyone Eats Program and Magnolia Speech School

Dogmud Tavern, a Ridgeland-based gaming bar and restaurant connected to local game developer Certifiable Studios that opened on April 1, 2021, announced on Friday, Oct. 1, that it will be expanding its facilities in honor of the tavern's six-month anniversary.

Ellington