News

James Harris, Kamala

The name James Harris might not mean much to anyone that hears it. But if you were a fan of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, the name Kamala will instantly be familiar.

JPD: How the Pandemic Affects Jackson Crime; Addressing the Police Shortage

Incidents of carjacking and violent assault have increased, the Jackson Police Department told the Jackson City Council’s law enforcement ad-hoc committee at its first-ever meeting Thursday.

Angie Moncrief

Flowood native Angie Moncrief has owned and operated Action Talent Agency since 2014.

Mayor Extends Curfew and Amends Stay Safe Jackson Executive Order

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has extended the city-wide curfew issued on August 6 commencing at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Census Official: What Jackson Should Do To Improve Self-Response Rate

The 2020 Census has been underway since March, but some parts of Jackson have less than 40% household self-response rate, which is well below the state average of 57.9%.

Legislature Overrides Gov. Tate Reeves' Veto, Spending Battles Remain

The Mississippi Legislature has beaten back a gubernatorial veto, pushing through the education bill that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves partially vetoed in July, while simultaneously funding the incentives program that led him to bounce portions of the bill back to the statehouse in the first place.

Commission Picks Top State Flag Submissions

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag considered the nearly 3,000 flag submissions and narrowed their choices to 147.

UMMC’s LouAnn Woodward: Delay School Until After Labor Day, ICU at Capacity

Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, spoke to the Jackson Free Press at length on Aug 7, sharing her concerns for an oncoming wave of hospitalizations and the long-term care requirements of COVID-19 patients.

Mississippi Coliseum Complete, New Stage Scholarships and Malco Reopenings

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson recently announced that work finished five months early on renovations to the Mississippi Coliseum at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, partially due to event cancellations from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis: Budget Dispute Goes to 1 Judge in Hinds County

Mississippi Republican legislative leaders helped defeat a 2015 education initiative by arguing that if someone sued the state over school funding, one judge in Hinds County would make budget decisions for the whole state.

Hinds County Elections: Safety Measures, Poll Changes and Jobs for 125 Poll Workers for Nov. 3

The recruitment of 125 additional poll workers in Hinds County for the Nov. 3 general election is ongoing. They will help keep the polling precincts safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinds County Election Commission Chairwoman Toni Johnson said at a press conference Wednesday.

Azia’s Picks 8-1-20

There are many events happening in the Capitol City that we can enjoy with one another despite these uncertain times. Please get some sun and breathe in some fresh air. Take some time to gaze at the heavens and laugh until your sides hurt.

Deadliest in U.S.: COVID-19 Deaths, Severe Hospitalizations Worsening in Mississippi

Mississippi hit a tragic new milestone in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this week: Its 241 reports of COVID-19 fatalities from the previous seven days have been the deadliest per capita of any state in the U.S., the New York Times reports.

Mayor: City-MSDH Data Sharing Will Yield Better COVID-19 Pandemic Response

A COVID-19 data-sharing agreement between the Mississippi State Department of Health and the City of Jackson will give a clearer picture of coronavirus spread for better-targeted responses in the capital city, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba told the Jackson City Council Tuesday.

MSU Fall Return Policy, JSU Endowment Donation and USM Memorabilia Donation

Mississippi State University's Safe Return Task Force recently developed a comprehensive health and safety return plan for students and faculty returning to school for the upcoming fall semester amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

SEC Makes Decision on 2020 Football Season

In July of this year, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Millsaps College all surmised that football was moving from fall to spring.

Tribe, Economy, Even Cemeteries Hurt as Virus Hits Choctaws

As confirmed coronavirus cases skyrocket in Mississippi, the state’s only federally recognized American Indian tribe has been devastated. COVID-19 has ripped through Choctaw families, many of whom live together in multigenerational homes.

Museum Directory, Current Hours & COVID Precautions

Browse the following list to see which museums catch your interest and their respective opening statuses.

Jackson’s Batches of Green Patches

Venturing out and embracing nature may be just the mental reprieve we have been needing, and the capital city has options aplenty for residents and visitors alike to peruse.

Break Out Your Earbuds: Jackson-based Podcasts

If you are searching for something new to listen to during your lunch break or on long drives, look no further than this list of podcasts featuring Jackson metro residents discussing a variety of topics, from life experiences to geek culture.

‘Young King’ Looks toward New Horizons

Christopher Windfield says he grew up in some of the worst neighborhoods of Jackson. He grew accustomed to having family and friends involved in street activities.

Moving Jackson Forward: Opposing Visions of a People’s Assembly

Greg Griffin, a 42-year-old finance worker based in Jackson, was happy to participate in the Real People's Assembly's effort to bring respite to Jesse and Sarah Pittman.

As School Looms, Confusion Reigns

Erica Lowell waits for her students to return, and her anxiety waits with her. She is a public-school teacher in Rankin County, speaking to the Jackson Free Press under a pseudonym.

D’Ambrah Watts

Thanks to COVID-19, the image of a picture-perfect year as Miss Jackson just didn't click for 16-year-old D'Ambrah Watts.

Mayor Issues Curfew to Stem Recent Spike in Coronavirus Cases

In an effort to stem the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the City of Jackson will enforce a city-wide curfew beginning at midnight on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Governor Reeves Issues Statewide Mask Mandate, Delays School Reopenings to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced two new executive orders to delay public school reopenings in target counties and establish a statewide mask mandate in the ongoing fight against this unprecedented pandemic.

State Health Officer Issues Immediate Statewide Order

Today State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH, issued a statewide order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19 effective immediately.

Hinds Coroner May Get Refrigerated Truck Friday; Extra Judges in Place; Evers Honored

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors yesterday presented the family of Charles Evers with a resolution recognizing the impact of his life and accomplishments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released

State Awaits Tate Reeves’ Decision On School Openings

Last week’s coronavirus metrics showed COVID-19 in Mississippi growing at an unmatched rate, reaching an all-time peak with 1,775 cases reported Friday morning.

Latoya Cutts

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority recently named Latoya Cutts, a former downtown manager and head of development for the City of Albany, Ga., as the organization's new executive director. Cutts officially began her tenure with JRA on July 20.

Ellington