News

Shaye’s Weekend Picks 6-25-21

The weekend is here and, once again, there are plenty of options around town to get everyone out of the house and making the most of their summer. Whatever that means for you, there is probably something that will appeal to you on our events calendar.

Civil Rights Trail Book Aims to Make History Easy to Digest

By highlighting cities that played host to significant events during the civil rights movement, a new book aims to make that complex history easier to understand and to pass its legacy on to younger generations.

New Tool Helping Identify Vaccine Deserts Across Mississippi As Variants Loom

The Mississippi State Department of Health plans to open up more relevant pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites in coming weeks with the aid of a newly launched tool called the “Vaccine Equity Planner.”

MSU Earns Two Thrilling Wins in CWS

Fans of Mississippi State University baseball are enjoying a thrill ride at the 2021 College World Series. The Bulldogs are 2-0 in two vastly different wins and both were nailbitters that kept fans on the edge of their seat till the end.

‘This is Important for Your Health’: FLOTUS Visits Jackson to Push Vaccinations

Dr. Jill Biden held 13-year-old Christian Lyles, as he received vaccinations at Jackson State University, during her visit to the school on Tuesday, June 22, as part of White House's drive to shore up vaccination numbers in Mississippi.

First Lady Jill Biden To Visit Jackson, Promote Vaccine Outreach

First Lady Jill Biden is on a tour across the south, along with other members of President Joe Biden’s administration, to promote vaccine awareness and outreach.

Megan James

Millsaps College recently named Megan James, who has served as alumni engagement associate at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since 2016, as its new dean of students. James assumed the post on Monday, June 21.

Hattie's Chicken and Waffles, Fondren Live and Lap of Love

Carlton Brown, a Jackson-born resident of Houston, Texas, plans to open a new restaurant in south Jackson called Hattie’s Chicken and Waffles, LLC by July 23.

State Senator Slams Voter Suppression Efforts at Black Voters Matter Rally in Jackson

Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Sen. Angela Turner Ford, D-West Point, said on July 19 that attempts to purge voter rolls in Mississippi risk disenfranchising many people.

Analysis: New Laws Affect Alcohol, Elections and Autopsies

Several new laws take effect July 1 in Mississippi, including one that will allow home delivery of liquor, wine or beer from local stores.

Veronica Cohen

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education recently selected Veronica Cohen, vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at Jackson State University, as a member of the 2021 CASE District III Cabinet.

MSU Advanced STEM Summer Preparatory Program, Bulldog Bash and JSU Literacy Grant

Mississippi State University is currently hosting its Advanced STEM Summer Preparatory Program. Nearly 100 Mississippi high school students from 13 rural districts are taking part in the program, which is currently in its second week.

Weekend Picks 6/18/21

Whether you’re looking to get out and enjoy the sunshine, or you prefer air-conditioned activities, you should be able to find something you’ll like on our events calendar. Get out there and enjoy them, all you fully-vaccinated people!

MSU Reaches the College World Series

Mississippi State University didn’t have the best postseason start, as the Bulldogs were bounced quickly out of the Southeastern Conference tournament. MSU ended up being routed by the University of Florida 1-13 and the University of Tennessee 2-12.

Jackson Water: City Plans Lead Testing of Every Line, Debt Forgiveness

The plan to overhaul the water-billing system in the City of Jackson will include testing each property for levels of lead, Public Works Department Deputy Director Carla Dazet told the Jackson Free Press in an interview on Tuesday, June 15.

Business Leaders Discuss How New Flag Impacts State Economy

A prominent Mississippi business leader said Wednesday the decision to change the state's flag has removed a “significant impediment” to economic development in Mississippi.

Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to Obama Era Health Law

The Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge to the Obama era health care law, preserving insurance coverage for millions of Americans.

Reeves Supports Special Session To Reimplement Medical Marijuana

The question surrounding the reinstatement of Mississippi’s medical marijuana program may be drawing closer to an answer this week, after Gov. Tate Reeves announced his support for a legislative special session in a Tuesday press briefing.

Tasha Bibb

Tasha Bibb loves to help Mississippi’s potential entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality.

Construction Starts For New Fire Station; Jackson's Juneteenth Celebration

A new fire station, Fire Station #20, is under construction to replace an old one falling into disrepair along Medgar Evers Boulevard.

Vaccine Hesitancy ‘Pitiful,’ Dobbs Says As Hospitalizations Up for Under-40 Residents

COVID-19 hospitalizations among younger Mississippians have increased in recent weeks, due to low vaccination rates compared with the state’s older population.

District Donuts in Belhaven, AmeriCorps Classes, BeastCore Fitness and Jackson Public Pools

The Belhaven Town Center recently announced that New Orleans-based District Donuts Sliders Brew will take over the space that formerly housed Campbell's Craft Donuts during summer 2021.

Weekend Picks 6-11-21

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a night out with friends, or just a reason to get out and enjoy the sunshine after all the rain this week, there’s something going on in the metro area for you.

Drag Racing and Stopping Traffic: City Adds Vehicle Towing Penalty for First Offense

Anyone who participates in drag racing in the Jackson city limits risks officials towing their vehicle, in addition to possible fines and jail time, a new ordinance indicates.

Tim Elko

In a winner take all final game of the regional, the Rebels held off the Golden Eagles to win 12-9. It took some heroics from senior Tim Elko for the Rebels to advance.

New Construction at USM, PRAM Awards and PBS Documentary at MSU

The University of Southern Mississippi has launched a series of construction projects to improve accessibility and mobility on its Hattiesburg campus, including a pedestrian pathway and additional parking.

Dobbs Say ‘We Need To Do Better’ on Vaccine, Reaching Latinx Communities

State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs has decried vaccine hesitancy and urged vaccination for those who qualify. He joined an online panel on June 7, 2021, to speak about progress the state still needs to make.

Dale Danks Jr.

Former attorney and Jackson mayor Alney Dale Danks Jr. died shortly after being hospitalized due to complications from a stroke on Wednesday, June 9. He was 81 years old.

Lumumba Wins Re-Election as Jackson Mayor; Two Freshly Elected to City Council

After garnering just shy of 70% of the votes in a field of five mayoral candidates, incumbent City of Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba emerged the winner and will serve four more years.

Jackson Holds Municipal Election Until 7 p.m. Today As Water Woes Continue

Three independents, one Republican and one Democrat are on the ballot for today's Jackson mayoral election.

Ellington