News

Governor Sends National Guard to D.C., Unclear Whether Will Patrol Jackson Protests

The State of Mississippi has sent members of the Mississippi National Guard to Washington, D.C., amid the heavy protest actions taking place around the White House and the nation.

Azia’s Virtual Picks 6-5-20

The world is slowly opening back up, the streets are bustling with people back on the grind, trying to maintain some sense of normalcy; but the reality is, we have to adapt to a new “normal” and things are not the same.

Cedrick Wilder

Cedrick Wilder, 46, teaches students both in the classroom and on the football and baseball fields.

Mayor Lumumba Issues Statement in Support of George Floyd Demonstration and Black Lives Matter Movement

“Today, as we all pause to commemorate the life of George Floyd, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. I stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all of those engaging in civil disobedience against police brutality and the abuse of black bodies across the country and around the world."

MSDH Releases Delayed Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Data

After weeks of refusing, Mississippi State Department of Health last night released the names and counties of long-term care facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Mayor: All Jackson Businesses Can Open; Employees Must Wear Masks

Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba, in an amended ‘Stay Safe Jackson’ executive order taking effect today, loosened restrictions on gatherings and social activities, signaling that the capital city is following the trend across the country.

USM Condensed Fall Semester, JSU Annie Willie Scholarship and MSU Telehealth Psychology

The University of Southern Mississippi recently announced plans to condense its fall 2020 semester calendar to limit incoming and outgoing student travel and help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Ron Polk

If the college baseball season had not been cut short due to the novel coronavirus, this weekend would feature the Super Regionals in the world of baseball.

Jackson Protest to Honor George Floyd, Call for End to Systemic Racism

Calvert White, vice president of Alcorn State University’s chapter of the NAACP, says George Floyd is a “martyr,” killed by an oppressive power complex that affects everyone in the country.

Health Officials to Release Names of Long-term Care Facilities With COVID-19 Outbreaks

After reviewing the recent Hinds County Chancery Court ruling regarding the release of possible protected patient information, the Mississippi Attorney General’s office has recommended that the Mississippi State Department of Health release the names of current long-term care facilities that have COVID-19 outbreaks.

Raymond Detention Center Detainee First to Test Positive for COVID-19

A detainee at Hinds County Raymond Detention Center in Raymond has tested positive for COVID-19 after falling ill on Thursday, becoming the first among 371 others detained in the three facilities the Hinds County Sheriff's Office manages as they await trial.

Mackenzie Williams: Theater and Writing Key to Recent Murrah Graduate’s Success

When many people reflect on their high school experiences, they remember the times as difficult ones. Try attending two high schools at the same time, like Mackenzie Williams did.

Luther Munford

Luther Munford, an attorney with Butler Snow in Jackson, received a 2020 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award from the Burton Awards on May 28.

Sesame Street Donates Books to Jackson Children Facing Digital Divide

Sesame Street has provided learning supplies for children across the Jackson Public School District who do not have internet access at home, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba announced at a press conference at Bates Elementary School on May 29.

Sesame Workshop in Jackson, Babalu Reopens and Fresh Market Father's Day Meals

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, has provided 1,500 distance learning kits to the City to provide JPS students with continuous learning opportunities amid COVID-19-related school closures.

Mississippi Fully Reopens Today After Biggest Week of COVID-19 Cases, Yet

Today marks the “final stage” in Gov. Tate Reeves’ order to reopen the state. All businesses may now open, and the state’s schools may proceed with summer programs.

At 439 Cases, COVID-19 Hits Another High Just Before 'Safe Return' Kicks In

On Friday, testing confirmed that 439 new people have COVID-19 in the state of Mississippi, the highest one-day total since the Mississippi State Department of Health began reporting test results. Those 439 come on the heels of the 418 reported for Thursday, which was the previous high.

WIC Benefits Soon Available Through EBT Cards

The Mississippi State Department of Health Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is transitioning from a direct distribution food system to a retail food system via an electronic benefit transfer card.

Governor Tate Reeves Launches Back to Business Mississippi Website to Help Small Businesses Recover from COVID-19

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced the launch of the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website to help small businesses receive financial support quickly to recover from the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19.

Azia’s Virtual Picks 5-29-20

If you’re still remaining cautious and feel safer at home, there are still many virtual options to turn to for entertainment. Check out my picks for this weekend to see what calls out to you.

Council Hires New Clerk, Deputy Clerk; County approves $200,000 for Clinton Bridge

The City of Jackson has appointed Shenakia Mosley as council clerk, and John Carroll Sr, as chief deputy clerk, following the recent creation of those positions.

Jackson Airport Traffic Down by 85 percent, Receiving $8.4 Million in CARES Funds

The effect of COVID-19 has been severe in Jackson's aviation industry. Paul Brown, the chief executive officer of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, revealed on May 26 that daily flights have plunged from 25 to seven.

With 418 Cases, Mississippi Sees Highest Day of COVID-19 Right Before 'Safe Return'

With Gov. Tate Reeves allowing businesses and most public facilities to fully open on Monday, June 1, with his “Safe Return” order, the Mississippi Department of Health reported its highest one-day tally of people testing positive for COVID-19 today.

Lauren Rhoades

Lauren Rhoades, director of the Eudora Welty House & Garden in Jackson, has held her current position since April 2019.

COVID-19 Cluster Related to Northeast Mississippi Funeral

Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is reporting a cluster of COVID-19 infections related to a recent funeral in Northeast Mississippi.

Mississippi Fully Opening as COVID-19 Cases Grow, State Naming Nursing Homes

Mississippi’s transitional COVID-19 shutdown period is slated to end Monday, June 1, with the end of Gov. Tate Reeves’ “Safer At Home” executive order and the beginning of what he is calling a “Safe Return” order.

Thrive in Five at MSU, MSU and USM Waiving Application Requirements

Mississippi State University recently launched its new Thrive in Five accelerated degree program, which will allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

Jake Mangum

Former Mississippi State University star Jake Mangum is one of those players waiting to learn whether he is going to get to play baseball in 2020.

Mayoral Curfew Order City of Jackson

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued a proclamation continuing the civil emergency initially issued on March 16 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Tate Reeves Announces Safe Return for Mississippi in Final Stages of Reopening Economy

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his Safer At Home order will be ending on June 1 to be replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery for Mississippi.

Ellington