News

Mississippi Proposes Allowing Some Student-Athlete Contracts

College athletes in Mississippi would be able to earn money from their own name, image or likeness, under a bill that cleared a state House committee Wednesday.

Tim Turner

Tim Turner, principal investigator and chair of the Department of Biology at Jackson State University, is currently managing a new program called the JSU Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience, which aims to help underrepresented students enter graduate schools and STEM careers.

‘State of the State’ Reflects on Pandemic, Proposes Elimination of Income Tax

“Our state is unconquerable,” Gov. Tate Reeves’ 2021 State of the State address began. Reeves congratulated Mississippians on their resilience and camaraderie in weathering COVID-19 in the past year. “We have taken every hit that can be thrown,” he said.

Azha Tattoos

Azha Sanders has worked as a licensed tattoo artist for 11 years and currently works at Forged True Tattoo in Brookhaven.

John David Baker

Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin has hired John David Baker as passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.

So Far, Six Candidates Running for Jackson Mayor, 12 For City Council Seats

Ten days out from the deadline to qualify for city elections, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba is standing for primary election against two Democratic Party contenders, Kenneth Wilson and Palvise Patterson.

Legislators Push for More Felony Expungements, Prison Labor Minimum Wage

Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, is asking the Legislature to add several felonies to the list of possible expungements from an inmate's permanent record five years after the offender’s sentence was fulfilled.

Fresh Market Valentine's Meals, Mississippi Coding Academies and Madison Primary Care Center

In preparation for Valentine's Day, The Fresh Market in Ridgeland is offering restaurant-style meals with heart-shaped entrees and desserts that couples can enjoy at home this year.

Analysis: Transition Turmoil Splits Mississippi Delegation

Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi won a 2018 special election and a 2020 regular election by making a single overarching promise—to support President Donald Trump.

Azia’s Picks 1-22-21

If you’re undecided like me about what to do this weekend, check out my picks. Whatever you decide, do it safely, responsibly and joyously!

Legislature Struggles With COVID-19 Outbreak, Jackson Drive-Through Finally Opens

The Mississippi Legislature is grappling with yet another outbreak among its members, only a few short weeks into the 2021 session. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced on Thursday that two members of the Senate have tested positive for COVID-19.

Brexit Leader to Head Mississippi Public Policy Center

Douglas Carswell, a leader of the Brexit movement and newly appointed government trade adviser in the United Kingdom, is now the head of a conservative think tank in the American South.

Mississippi Eases Some Education Mandates Amid Pandemic

Because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mississippi third graders and high school students will still take state-mandated exams this semester but will not be penalized for poor performance.

Mayor Lumumba Extends Executive Order Closing City Hall, Non-Essential Offices

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba again signed an executive order extending the closure of city hall and non-essential city offices to the public through February 12.

Sarah Thomas

This week the NFL announced the seven-person crew that will work the field on Sunday, Feb. 7, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Mississippi native Sarah Thomas will be the down judge and thus become the first woman to work a Super Bowl in NFL history.

Millsaps Race in America Conference, USM STEM on Demand Program and Crafted Identities Exhibit at MSU

Millsaps College is partnering with the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting, the Mississippi Book Festival and Lemuria Books to host "Race in America," a live conversation between journalists Jelani Cobb and Calvin Trillin—who have both reported on civil rights for The New Yorker—tonight at 5:30 p.m.

Bridging Digital Divide for JPS Students Goal of Collaboration with City of Jackson

Students in Jackson Public Schools may start having access to free internet access as early as February, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Blaine told the city council Tuesday.

Mayor Lumumba Plans Public COVID-19 Vaccination to Encourage Participation

More City of Jackson leaders taking the COVID-19 vaccine when available may increase African Americans' participation percentage from a low of about 18%, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said at the Tuesday city council meeting.

Hayden Boyd

During his preteen days attending live-music shows with his father and older brother, Hayden Boyd decided he wanted to be a musician himself. Nowadays, Boyd comprises one half of the local indie pop band Newscast.

Vaccinations Underway As State Grapples With Logistics

For many of the most vulnerable Mississippians, the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived. There are a number of ways you can schedule your vaccine, but the process may take time.

Lydia Didia

Jackson State University named Lydia Didia as an assistant professor of accounting in its College of Business in fall 2020.

Sal and Mookie's Moving, Hops and Habanas Closing and Winter Institute Virtual Events

Sal and Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint, which opened in Jackson's Fondren neighborhood in April 2007, is moving to The District at Eastover after 14 years in business.

Governor Tate Reeves Extends Executive Order

Today, Gov. Tate Reeves announced the decision to extend Executive Order 1535 until Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m.

City Partners with Mobile Lab for COVID-19 Testing as State Faces Vaccine Shortage

Only 18% of those who have been vaccinated in Mississippi are African Americans, though they account for about 40% of the population, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said at a media briefing Thursday.

Azia’s Picks 1-15-21

If you’re looking to get out and mingle responsibly in the city this weekend, check out my picks. I hope you find something you can forge new sun-lit memories with those you love.

Sharon Simmons

Jackson State University named Sharon Simmons as a new associate professor in its College of Business in August 2020. Since assuming her position, Simmons has been teaching both entrepreneurship courses and accounting, with a focus on venture creation and commercializing new ideas and technologies.

Ellington