News

City to Transport 400 Seniors for Vaccination at Medical Mall in April

Four hundred seniors will get COVID-19 vaccines at the Jackson Medical Mall on a yet-to-be-announced day in April, City of Jackson Constituent Services Manager Keyshia Sanders told the Jackson Free Press Thursday.

Health Centers Receive $77.5 Million to Care for Underserved

Twenty community health centers in Mississippi will receive around $77.5 million in April to support COVID-19 vaccination and other services for vulnerable populations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.

Chandler Dillard

Senior outfielder Chandler Dillard enjoyed a strong series at the plate for Alcorn State. He went 7-for-14 batting with four walks in 18 plate appearances as well as 6 RBI.

Mississippi to Increase Minimum Welfare Payments

Mississippi families in need are set to gain a $90-per-month increase in welfare payments under a newly signed law. Gov. Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2759 on Wednesday, though the program is not expected to go into effect until summer.

JSU Amerigroup Scholarship, USM Last Mile Education Fund and MSU Bingocize

Amerigroup, a Medicaid-managed care company that promotes healthier communities, recently donated $75,000 to Jackson State University for scholarships for students with health-related majors.

Mississippi Rewrites 'Confusing' COVID-19 Scheduling Script

The Mississippi Health Department is rewriting a “confusing” script that employees and contractors read to people scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments by phone.

Mississippi to Increase Lowest Welfare Payments in the US

Mississippi will increase the lowest monthly welfare payments in the nation under a bill signed into law Wednesday by the state's Republican governor.

After 'Very Trying Year,' Jackson Opens Parks, Gymnasiums

The public can now access city parks, gymnasiums and community centers one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

Gov. Reeves Nominates New Banking Commissioner

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday that he is nominating a regulator with almost 20 years of experience to be the state commissioner of banking and consumer finance.

Mississippi Senate: Take Time to Study State Tax Structure

The Mississippi Senate is again resisting House efforts to make big, quick changes to the state tax structure.

Mississippi Prisons Begin Vaccinations As State Passes ‘1 Million Shots In Arms’

The Mississippi Department of Corrections began vaccinating the state’s prison population on Friday, starting with the entire Central Mississippi Correctional Facility.

Jaquan Powell

Jaquan Powell, a political science major at Jackson State University, recently got the chance to take part in a five-day leadership institute that the Thurgood Marshall College Fund hosted, which then led to an internship with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Jackson's Water Problem Affects Business Development, City Official Says

Planning and Development Director Jordan Hillman explained the business impact of the capital city's water problems in a virtual forum that the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership hosted on March 19.

Broad Street Easter Baskets, Operation Shoestring Water Donation and Children's Museum National Honor

Broad Street Baking Company recently released two sets of new Easter basket sets for children, in addition to its two "Boozy Brunch Baskets" for adults.

Analysis: Mississippi Lawmakers Mull Medicaid Revisions

One of Mississippi legislators' most important jobs is to keep Medicaid alive beyond June 30, the end of the current state budget year.

The US Civil Rights Trail from SC to Mississippi and More

From the port where enslaved Africans entered America to the home where Medgar Evers was murdered, a new guidebook helps readers explore for themselves the history, the landmarks and the watershed moments of the Black American struggle for equality and justice.

Azia’s Picks 3-19-21

If you’re needing some insight on a few of my favorite things to do in the tri-city area this weekend, go ahead and read below for my picks. Stay safe and accountable out there good people!

City Announces Precinct Changes in 5 Wards for Jackson Primary in 3 Weeks

With three weeks to the municipal primary election, the City of Jackson announced precincts changes in five of the seven wards and have informed those affected by the changes

Mississippi Teacher Pay Raise Plan Headed to Governor

Mississippi legislators have agreed on a teacher pay raise plan, and it will head to Gov. Tate Reeves, who said earlier this year that he would sign any teacher pay raise bill that lands on his desk.

Jackson Boil Water Lifted But Causes Remain

Jackson officials finally lifted the month-long, city-wide boil-water notice yesterday afternoon, marking an end to the most predominant symptom yet of Jackson’s aging and vulnerable infrastructure.

Destini Brown

Southern Miss senior outfielder Destini Brown put on a show during the tournament, helping the Golden Eagles earn four consecutive victories over the last two days of the classic.

JSU Masking Initiative, MSU Student Pandemic Support and MSU Humanities Council Awards

Jackson State University recently launched an incentive program called "Thank You for Masking Up" that will give students the chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $100 each week through the beginning of May.

Manager: Staff Shortage, Contractors’ Practices Affect City’s Solid Waste Management

In this Feb. 16 interview, Solid Waste Division Manager Lakesha Weathers discusses the crisis of illegal dumping in the city, who is responsible for it, and how she plans to solve it, which she said involves ramping up educational campaigns.

Jackson Lifts Precautionary Boil Water Notice

The City of Jackson has officially received clearance from the Mississippi State Department of Health to lift the precautionary boil water notice on its 43K surface water connections served by the OB Curtis and JH Fewell Water Treatment Plants.

Planning Director: Casa Grande Demolition On Hold

Casa Grande Apartments on 3603 Terry Road in Jackson may not be demolished as soon as expected, if at all, as an unnamed interested party reached out to the Department of Planning and Development after the public announcement last week.

Rest in Peace, Ronni Mott: Your Journalism Saved Lives. This I Know.

Ronni Mott's journalism and storytelling defined her—especially her work on physically and sexually abused, tortured, stalked and murdered women in Mississippi.

Mississippi Tax Cut Plan: Alive, Then Dead, Then Alive Again

A proposal to overhaul Mississippi's tax structure was killed in the Senate but then revived in the House on Tuesday—a dispute that creates conflict as legislators enter the final weeks of their annual session.

Hal’s St. Paddy’s Virtual Parade, Second Line and REMIX

Malcolm White, the founder and chief organizer of the annual Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival in Jackson, recently announced updates on a planned live virtual parade taking place this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Lt. Col. Steven Robinson

Lt. Col. Steven Robinson has served as both a professor and chairman of Military Science for Jackson State University's Department of Liberal Arts since August 2019.

‘Great Day Indeed’ As COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available To All Mississippians

All Mississippians aged 16 or older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. No employment, pre-existing condition, or citizenship requirement bar Mississippi’s adult population from getting their shot of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Ellington