News

La’Kitha Hughes

In her 15 years at Jackson State University, La'Kitha Hughes has learned that teamwork is a vital component to getting the job done, and she considers herself part of a larger team.

City of Jackson Hires JRA Executive Director, County Director of Emergency Operations Announces Resignation

Latoya Cutts is the new executive director of Jackson Redevelopment Authority. She was the downtown manager and head of development for Albany, Ga., before her new appointment, which Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba announced yesterday.

1,251 New COVID-19 Cases As Governor Expands Mask, Distancing Orders

After a week of unprecedented spread of coronavirus across Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves has extended Mississippi’s “Safe Return” period by two weeks and heightened restrictions for individuals and businesses in 10 additional counties across Mississippi.

JXN Icons Mural Unveiling, JHLS Curbside Service and Mississippi PPE Donations

Visit Jackson will hold an official unveiling ceremony for the “JXN Icons” mural at the Old Capitol Inn on Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m.

Mississippi's COVID-19 Infections Averaging 918 Cases Per Day

In the past week, Mississippi has gone from a total of 35,419 reported people infected with COVID-19 to Friday's total of 41,846 people testing positive since counting began. That's 6,427 new cases in one week, or an average of 918 cases per day, by far the most reported since the pandemic began.

Azia’s Picks 7-17-20

We made it to the weekend, and I know you’re looking for ways to enjoy summer with family and friends while remaining safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. Good news: You’re right where you should be!

Record-Shattering New Cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, Now a Pandemic ‘Red Zone’

The July spread of COVID-19 across Mississippi is catastrophic and shows no signs of letting up, with new cases peaking as severe hospitalizations resulting from earlier spikes continue to rise.

JPS Superintendent Lays Down Rules for School Reopening Amid Pandemic

Superintendent Errick L. Greene yesterday laid out the reopening plan for the Jackson Public School District while urging those who can to opt for the virtual-only learning option as, barring any future change, the 2020-2021 session will begin Aug. 10.

Mississippi Teachers Unite Rally

With the fall academic season right around the corner, many Mississippians are worried about making the right choices for their children as they try to adapt and incorporate safe measures amid COVID-19.

Jackson Public Works Director Bob Miller Resigns; Mayor Says ‘Grateful to Him’ for Service

City of Jackson Public Works Director Robert MIller revealed his resignation yesterday in a Facebook post.

Leaders Choose Mostly White Commission to Help Design State Flag Without Rebel Symbol

A mayor, a former state Supreme Court justice and a community college president are among the people chosen to design a new Mississippi flag to replace one state officials recently retired because it included the Confederate battle emblem that's widely condemned as racist.

Chris Jones

Christ Jones would have been stuck playing on the franchise tag for 16.1 million this season if he and the team couldn’t reach a long-term deal by July 15. Both sides did reach a deal on July 14.

MSU Emmett Till Memorial Project; USM and Tougaloo Fall Opening Plans

Thirty-six freshman Mississippi State University architecture students will showcase their final first-year studio projects as part of an “Emmett Till River Site Memorial” poster exhibition at the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Tallahatchie County.

Dobbs: Spike in COVID-19 Hospitalizations ‘Just Going to Keep Compounding’

Mississippi’s hospital system is experiencing an unprecedented spike in coronavirus cases, with more than 100 newly confirmed hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in the period between July 11 and 13.

Construction of Jackson Museum Trail Begins for 2.5-Mile Path from Downtown to Lakeland Drive

The Jackson Museum Trail, a 2.5-mile, 10-foot wide multi-use path, stretching from downtown Jackson to Lakeland Drive, will enhance quality of life and spur economic growth, Clay Hays of Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership told Jackson Free Press this week.

Limited Time: MAC Rapid Response Grants

The Mississippi Arts Commission offers an expanded version of its Minigrants program, coined Rapid Response Grants, to quickly assist with the evolving needs of artists and art organizations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certifiable Studios: A Photo Gallery

Certifiable Studios, a gaming and creative studio founded five years ago by Jesse Labbé and Rick Moore, has produced a number of board games that have been purchased from fans from across the globe.

People’s Assembly on Police Reform Reveals Civil Review Board in Progress

Efforts to reform Jackson policing will include increasing investment in community alternatives to policing, members of the City's criminal-justice task force told participants at the Jackson's People's Assembly virtual forum last week.

Scott Sorensen

Scott Sorensen, a well-known Fondren artist, died of pancreatic cancer on July 7 at age 53.

State Commission Seeks Flag Design Submissions

House Bill 1796 established a commission to redesign the Mississippi State Flag. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which is providing clerical support for the commission, is now accepting flag design submissions.

New Law Enforcement Committee Will Monitor Policing Responses in Jackson

The death of George Floyd inspired newly elected Jackson City Council President and Ward 6 representative Aaron Banks to kick off his one-year tenure as president by including a law-enforcement committee among his slate of 10 reconfigured committees last week.

Elective Surgeries End Statewide, 13 Counties Under Stronger COVID Restrictions

The rampant spread of coronavirus across Mississippi has finally triggered new restrictions from Gov. Tate Reeves for the 13 counties with the heaviest spikes in COVID-19 over recent weeks.

Mustard Seed Christmas in July, Museum to Market Trail Groundbreaking and MDAH Virtual Reality App

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Mustard Seed, a community for adults with developmental disabilities, has made changes to its annual Christmas in July event for 2020.

Mike Andrews

If you walk through the doors at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Mondays, Mike Andrews, a 12-year veteran volunteer, will be there to welcome you.

9,500 New Infections in 14 Days, Governor Orders Tighter Restrictions Including Jackson Metro

With 797 Mississippi residents testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday, the state's total stands at 35,419 since testing began. The past two weeks have averaged 680 cases per day, much higher than at any other time during the crisis. The average number of deaths reported per day rose to its highest level yet.

Ellington