Friday, October 30
Person of the Day
Ryan Garry
Ryan Garry, a local photographer and videographer who focuses on creating artistic and cinematic content, does not mind if he gets home from his studio at 1 a.m. some nights.
coronavirus
Dobbs: Take ‘Middle Path’ Between Saving Lives and Economy; Mississippi 7th in Deaths
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned on Twitter today that the Mississippi death toll from COVID-19 is remarkably severe, even for the United States, which is the ninth worst …
City & County
Azia’s Picks Halloween Edition
Happy Halloween, Jackson! We have some awesome events for you and yours to enjoy safely amid COVID-19 in the tri-county area this weekend. Please dress warm and be safe out …
State
Mississippi Investigating Apparent Inmate Suicide
The Mississippi Department of Corrections said investigators are examining an apparent suicide by an inmate.
Thursday, October 29
Best of Jackson
Best of Jackson 2021 Nominations Ballot Now Open
It's time to nominate your favorite people, businesses and organizations in metro Jackson. The Best of Jackson 2021 Nominations Ballot is now open. Get online and vote!
City & County
JPS Teachers Get $100,000; 6-Hour Voting Leave for City Staff, New Public Works Director
Jackson Public School District teachers are getting $100,000 in grants in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
Education
Monta Ellis Donates to Sonic Boom, USM Children’s Center Donation and POPSpera at MSU
Former NBA shooting guard Monta Ellis, also known as the “Mississippi Bullet,” recently donated $60,000 to Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South marching band.
Person of the Day
W.C. Gorden
On Friday, October 23, Jackson State University announced that legendary former head coach W.C. Gorden passed away. Gorden is the winningest coach in JSU football history. He was 90 years …
coronavirus
Road Trip: In Mississippi, Love in the Time of Coronavirus
This is a love story. It’s a story about coronavirus, the people it strikes down, and a big quiet house outside of Jackson, Mississippi. It’s about those who take COVID-19 …
Politics
Mississippi Marijuana Ballot Dispute: No Ruling Before Vote
The Mississippi Supreme Court will wait until after next week's election to consider whether a medical marijuana initiative got onto the ballot through proper procedures.
Wednesday, October 28
National
Hurricane Zeta Speeds Toward a Storm-Weary Louisiana
Hurricane Zeta sped toward storm-weary Louisiana on Wednesday with New Orleans squarely in its path, threatening to push up to 9 feet of sea water inland and batter homes and …
Cover
2020 Election Issue Espy v. Hyde-Smith, Westbrooks v. Griffis
On the Nov. 3 ballot, the presidential election headlines a contest that includes the long-awaited Senate rematch between former U.S. Rep. and Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy and incumbent U.S. Sen. …
Economy
OPINION: The Man Behind Mississippi’s Failing ‘Moocher’ Economy
Mississippi's economy is sinking. We are among the worst in about everything, and we are dependent on money from taxpayers in other states. Gov. Tate Reeves is responsible for the …
Food
Reed Food Technology: The Next Generation
Jeffrey Reed is part of the second generation of his family to own and operate Reed Food Technology. His father, R.J. Reed, started the spice-blending business in 1995.
Art
Actor’s Journey: Jake Milton Starring as Himself
Although Jake Milton acknowledges that many actors "cut their teeth" by performing in plays and that he got his start on the stage, he always knew that his goal was …
Sports
New Sporting Association Sweeps through Jackson
Quidditch is not only a real, full-contact sport that is popular on college campuses, but it is also alive in Jackson.
Fly
Refreshing Fall Finds
The autumn season comprises more than just Halloween. After all the youngsters have collected the usual bucketfuls of candy, you may still find yourself wanting to enjoy some tranquil fall-colored …
coronavirus
2020 Election Issue Preparing for Nov. 3: Voting in Unprecedented Times
Zack Wallace, the Hinds County circuit clerk for the past five years, is seeing a record level of absentee voting this year as the Nov. 3 general election draws near.
Civil Rights
EDITOR'S NOTE: Learning to Roar in Mississippi from Anne, Hazel and Fannie Lou
Mississippi has long had women warriors who don't flinch at attempts to make them shut our little mouths, who stare back, who write scathing columns, who get the hell beaten …
Jacksonian
Jamie Shines
Jamie Shines' friends call her the "queen of the off-guard," for her love of taking spontaneous pictures of them when they least expect it. "I take the best off-guards ever," …
Tuesday, October 27
Politics
Mississippi Mayor Challenges Medical Marijuana Initiative
Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler on Tuesday challenged the petition process that put one of two medical marijuana proposals on the statewide ballot, arguing that the number of signatures gathered …
City & County
Lumumba: Maintain Social Distancing During Halloween; Southwest Flight Details Soon
Families across Jackson should continue to follow pandemic safety strategies as they celebrate Halloween this weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said at a press conference Monday.
coronavirus
Amid COVID’s Third Spike, Gov. Reeves Expands Mask Order to Seven New Counties
As COVID-19 continues to grow in Mississippi and across the nation, Gov. Tate Reeves has expanded the number of counties under a mask and social-distancing order.
Person of the Day
Vasilios "Bill" Matheos
Vasilios "Bill" Konstantinos Matheos, owner of Bill's Greek Tavern in Jackson and a man many in the city knew and referred to as "God Bless America" for his habit of …
coronavirus
Absentee Voting on the Rise in Mississippi
Absentee voting in Mississippi is continuing at a brisk pace, the state's top elections official said Monday. Secretary of State Michael Watson said nearly 170,000 absentee ballots had been requested …
Monday, October 26
Biz Roundup
Mississippi Boychoir "Be the Light" 5K, Mangia Bene 12 Days of Giving and Black Axes at the Outlets
The Mississippi Boychoir recently announced its inaugural "Be the Light" 5k run and walk and fun run event, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Flowood Nature Trail.
Person of the Day
Treon Young
Treon Young, self-taught DJ and CEO of the fashion and lifestyle clothing line Country Bumkin, works to “create to the highest level” in every aspect of his life and career, …
National
Analysis: Mississippi US Senate Race Draws Outside Attention
Democratic challenger Mike Espy and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith are both receiving help from out-of-state politicians as they compete for a U.S. Senate seat in Mississippi.
Politics
Attorney Will Evaluate Mississippi Mental Health Services
William Rosamond, a special assistant attorney general in Mississippi, has been appointed to a new role in state government as the coordinator of mental health accessibility.
Friday, October 23
Person of the Day
Scott 'Scooter' Thomas
Since 2017, Scott “Scooter” Thomas has operated Scooter’s Records after a 28-year run working as the city’s chief water operator.
City & County
Jackson Groups to Raise $1 Million for JPS Virtual Learning, Mental Health Services
Working Together Jackson, a coalition of dozens of local organizations, is raising $1 million in the next month to assist needy families within the Jackson Public School District for virtual …
Crime
DA Could Bring Case in 2017 Shooting by Mississippi Police
Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens said he might seek charges against two police officers in a 2017 shooting that wounded a man they were chasing.
Thursday, October 22
Education
Sonic Boom YouTube Event, Tougaloo Endowed Scholarship and SAA 2021 Schedule
Jackson State University announced that its Sonic Boom of the South marching band is partnering with YouTube for a livestream event called “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me on the Yard.”
State
Southwest Airlines Returning to Jackson
After a six-year absence, Southwest Airlines is returning to Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Airport in 2021. The City of Jackson, which owns the airport, has suffered from limited airline service in …
Person of the Day
Scotty Walden
In Jay Hopson's place, co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Scotty Walden was named the interim coach for the University of Southern Mississippi football team after Hopson left.
Politics
Mississippi Gov. Nominates Director for Environmental Agency
Attorney Chris Wells is being nominated to lead the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality after serving as the agency's interim director since January.
coronavirus
AP Road Trip: In Mississippi, Black Voters Face Many Hurdles
After years of being shut out of state races, Democrats hope mobilizing Black voters and recruiting Black candidates can eventually give them a path back to relevance in one of …
Wednesday, October 21
coronavirus
Hinds County Supervisors Say Nov. 3 Election Safe
Members of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors sought to allay the fears of some about voting on Nov. 3 at their meeting Monday.
City & County
City Starts Public Engagement to Craft New Comprehensive Plan
The people of Jackson have the opportunity to contribute to a new comprehensive plan for the city, with the public engagement phase lasting for the next three months, Mayor Chokwe …
Person of the Day
Jesse Davenport
Jesse Davenport was one of the founders of Vicksburg-based Foam Packaging and, during his time there, he used his skills as a tool and die maker to design a mold …
Politics
Obama Endorses Espy in US Senate Contest in Mississippi
Mike Espy, a Democrat trying to unseat a Republican U.S. senator in Mississippi, said Wednesday that he has received his “biggest endorsement yet,” from former President Barack Obama.
Development
Sports Complex Planned at Former Mississippi Water Park Site
A sports complex is being planned at the site of a former water park near Mississippi's capital city, according to officials.
National
Trump Camp: Stop Using His Name in Medical Marijuana Effort
President Donald Trump's campaign is telling a Mississippi group to stop saying that Trump supports a ballot measure that would legalize medical marijuana in the state.
Tuesday, October 20
coronavirus
Gov. Reeves Issues Mask Mandates For 9 Counties, No Election Changes
Gov. Tate Reeves reinstated a mask mandate and other restrictions in nine Mississippi counties yesterday, in the wake of a sharp uptick in transmission of COVID-19 across the state and …
Person of the Day
Scott Crawford
Scott Crawford, a retired clinical neuropsychologist and a member of Jackson’s ADA Advisory Council, has spent years advocating on behalf of people with physical disabilities in the City and working …
Politics
Mississippi Names New Child Protection Services Commissioner
Andrea Sanders, general counsel and principal deputy executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, has been named the new commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, …
Monday, October 19
Biz Roundup
Mississippi Invitational, New Stage Virtual Events and Fiber Internet for State Libraries
The Mississippi Museum of Art recently announced that it will host the Mississippi Invitational, which features contemporary artwork from around the state, in the fall of 2021.
coronavirus
Mississippi State Fair Will Reopen for Extra Days as COVID-19 Cases Rise Again
The Mississippi State Fair closed late Sunday after 12-day run, but state Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson says officials will take the unusual step of reopening the fair this coming weekend.
Friday, October 16
coronavirus
“A Critical Piece Is Missing” In COVID Strategy, State Health Officer Warns
As Mississippi’s fragile control over the coronavirus pandemic crumbles for the third time, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers held a press event on …
Development
Engineers' Report Bolsters Proposed Mississippi Pump Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday published a draft of a new environmental impact statement that supports a proposal for massive pumps to drain floodwaters from parts of …
National
24 Indicted in Probe of White Supremacist Prison Gang
Twenty-four people, including alleged members of a white supremacist prison gang, have been indicted in federal courts in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi on charges related to shootings, stabbings and killings, …
City & County
Power APAC Elementary Dropping Confederate’s Name; Students to Vote for New One
Changing the name of Jackson schools that reference past Confederate soldiers is not about erasing the past but giving the students a way to be proud, Power APAC Elementary School …
City & County
Azia’s Picks 10-16-20
Whatever you decide to do to unwind this weekend, I hope my picks for the upcoming week pique you interest. Don’t let another day past this week without doing something …
Thursday, October 15
City & County
City Will Rent Jail Space from Holmes, Yazoo Counties for Misdemeanor Detainees
The City of Jackson will rent 25 jail beds in Yazoo County and another 12 in Holmes County to house people arrested for misdemeanors.
coronavirus
MSDH Reports 1,322 New Cases of COVID-19, Which Could Mean State’s Third Spike
Two weeks to the day after Gov. Tate Reeves lifted the statewide mask mandate, a massive swell in COVID-19 cases is shaping into a third spike, imperiling the people of …
Education
JSU Social Justice Presentation, Tougaloo 151st Founders' Week and MSU Bulldog Blitz Virtual 5K
Leneice T. Smith, associate professor of political science at Jackson State University, is sponsoring a virtual Zoom presentation featuring her father, former Black Panther Party member and pastor Wayne Jenkins, …
Person of the Day
Jarod “Snoop” Conner
Jarod Conner, also known as “Snoop” on the UM roster, didn’t have the fastest start to the 2020 season. Against the University of Florida, Conner ran the ball eight times …
Politics
Espy: Hyde-Smith 'Disrespecting' Mississippi by Not Debating
Democratic challenger Mike Espy on Wednesday criticized Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith for not accepting invitations to debate him.
Wednesday, October 14
City & County
De’Keither Stamps Wins District 66 House Seat in Runoff; Replaces Jarvis Dortch
Ward 4 Councilman De’Keither Stamps of Jackson emerged victorious in the special runoff election Tuesday to fill the District 66 seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He got 65% …
Politics
Four Win Special Elections for Mississippi Legislative Seats
Three Republicans and a Democrat won special-election runoffs Tuesday to fill seats in the Mississippi Legislature, and will serve the rest of four-year terms ending in January 2024.
National
Racial Justice Movement a Factor for Five State Ballot Measures
The Black Lives Matter movement isn’t named in any of the 120 statewide ballot measures up for a vote on Nov. 3. But this year's nationwide protests over police brutality …
Education
Mississippi Gov. Nominates Two to State Board of Education
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has nominated two people to fill vacancies on the state Board of Education. The governor's office announced Tuesday that Reeves has chosen Angela Bass of Jackson …
Fly
Frightening Finds
For anyone feeling festive this spooky season, the Jackson metro has your back. Many local businesses have Halloween-themed items on sale that you can use to decorate your home or …
Food
Treat Yourself to Some Devilish Delights
In the Jackson area, rolling into October means that many of our favorite local shops are offering a number of tasty Halloweeny treats. Review the following list of a few …
Art
‘Killers in Disguise’: A Tale of Adolescent Assassins and Rebellion
More dynamic, inclusive stories bent on championing relevant, valuable themes comprise the culmination of Jackson native Christopher Windfield's anime-inspired comic series, "Killers in Disguise."
Cover
Seth Power: Advocating for Mississippi and Celebrating Milestones in Life and Music
In the last year, Seth Power has released two albums, and multiple radio stations have played his single, “I Do.”
coronavirus
Expanded Voting Access Still Off Table For Mississippians
As October unfolds, Mississippi State Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, is watching the rising case numbers in what threatens to be the third spike in Mississippi's COVID-19 pandemic, and he fears …
Politics
OPINION: What Will Election Day Look Like in Mississippi on Nov. 3? Prepare Now
Absentee voting is underway now. Because state law prohibits most Mississippians from voting early or by mail, long lines at crowded polling places are likely on Election Day. It didn't …
coronavirus
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: A Mask Mandate is Support for Small Business
We've heard it over and over again. Masks are the best defense against the spread of the virus. They're about helping other people as much as about helping yourself, especially …
Jacksonian
Dani McIlwain
Growing up, Dani McIlwain played multiple sports, including soccer, basketball and tennis. Throughout her athletic career, she underwent three knee surgeries. These experiences inspired McIlwain to pursue a career in …
Tuesday, October 13
City & County
200 Jackson Families to Avoid Eviction with Assistance from City, Salvation Army
Low-income families threatened with eviction in Jackson can receive assistance via a $517,706 homelessness-prevention grant offered by Salvation Army in partnership with the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development, …
State
PSC Requests Full Audit of AT&T’s Connect America Fund II Efforts, AT&T Responds
Telecommunications giant AT&T is challenging Northern District Public Services Commissioner Brandon Presley’s claims that it has a “pattern of submitting false data.”
Person of the Day
Tony Sultani
Tony Sultani, an oncology specialist who has practiced in the Mississippi Delta for 23 years, recently donated to Delta State University to support the construction of the university's new Financial …
Monday, October 12
Biz Roundup
Inaka Tea Company, Thailicious and Shower Power MS Donation
Belhaven resident Chat Phillips recently launched his own bottled beverage business, Inaka Tea Company, in Jackson.
Politics
Jackson Councilman Stamps, Former Teacher Lee in Runoff for House Seat Tuesday
Runoffs are happening Tuesday for special elections to fill four seats in the Mississippi Legislature, and winners will serve the rest of a four-year term that ends in January 2024.
Friday, October 9
coronavirus
862 New Cases of COVID-19, Viral Spread Increasing
The Mississippi State Department of Health announced 862 new cases of COVID-19 today—on Oct. 6, MSDH reported 975 new cases, marking the highest single-day total of reports since Aug. 19. …
Events
Azia's Picks 10-9-20
I hope you find your niche for the weekend as you chill with those you love, starting right here with my fave event picks for the week. Please be wary …
Hurricane
UPDATED: The Latest: Hurricane Delta Weakens Slightly on Path to U.S.
The National Hurricane Center said the center of the storm was about 160 miles (257 kilometers) south of Cameron, La., early Friday—and its tropical storm-force winds extend the same distance …
Person of the Day
Paul Willis
“We want them to see what they can be,” retired Army Col. Paul Willis said. “When they get positive experiences, it broadens their horizons. It inspires them to want to …
Thursday, October 8
Hurricane
Jackson May See Flash Flooding from Hurricane Delta; Precautions Urged
"Hurricane Delta will be moving through the city of Jackson probably within the next 48 hours," Interim Public Works Director Charles Williams said. "We are expecting high wind, probably somewhere …
Sports
Frank Gore, Jr.
Against the Mean Green, USM rushed for 202 yards as a team with freshman running back Frank Gore, Jr. leading the way with 130 yards. It has been rough for …
Education
USM Trombonist Livestream and Sports Safety Conference, MSU Revised 2021 Spring Calendar
Brass faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi will partner with virtuoso trombonist Wycliffe Gordon to conduct a live streaming event on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. Gordon is a …
Wednesday, October 7
City & County
Lumumba: City’s Mask Mandate Stands, But State Fair in Jackson Can Ignore Rule
"I want to remind people how this works from a legislative position—the governor sets the floor, but we can move beyond that, we can choose to have restrictions which we …
City & County
Ward 2 Council Election on Nov. 17; Shakespeare To County Election Commission, Zoo Doing Well
After Melvin V. Priester, Jr resigned as Ward 2 councilman Monday, the City has slated a special election to fill the seat on Nov. 17 with a possible runoff on …
Drink
'Elizabeth Brooks Brewning' Cocktail Recipe with Photo Instructions
Elizabeth "Betsy" Breunig, who works as a bartender for The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs, created her own signature cocktail, which she dubbed the "Elizabeth Brooks Brewning," named after herself. The …
Person of the Day
Maurice Carlos Ruffin
“Horror is a fitting genre to write about race in America,” University of Mississippi's 2020-21 John and Renée Grisham writer in residence Maurice Carlos Ruffin said. “As far back as …
coronavirus
Dr. Dobbs Warns Of COVID Surge, as State Fair Opens Without Mask Mandate
Only a week after Gov. Tate Reeves lifted the state’s mask mandate, Mississippi’s coronavirus numbers have reversed course, showing the first consistent signs of a new surge in what would …
Tuesday, October 6
Hurricane
City of Jackson Readies for Hurricane Delta: Possible Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Current weather forecast models predict that the City of Jackson will be impacted by Hurricane Delta. Residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding in low-line areas resulting from heavy …
Mask Use Dropping Rapidly After Mississippi Mandate Ends, Dr. Dobbs Warns
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs is sounding the alarm, warning that mask usage is declining in Mississippi immediately after the governor lifted the statewide mask requirement. “Listen to the …
coronavirus
Several Mississippi Universities Cut Spring Break over Pandemic
“These modifications help us continue to protect our students and employees while holding a full semester of teaching and learning,” David Shaw, Mississippi State provost and executive vice president, said …
Crime
Another Parchman Inmate Dies in Apparent Stabbing, 81st Death Since December
Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain said staff is making “every effort to reduce violence in (Mississippi's) prisons.” Officials are installing new video surveillance systems inside the units to …
Monday, October 5
City & County
Ending Viral Violence: Strong Arms of Jackson Holds Rally Against Gun Crime
"The lesson is to make a better decision with your life because when you involve yourself in gun violence, either you shoot somebody, you kill somebody, you are also making …
Jackson Planetarium Crowdfunding, Hilton Garden Inn Renovations and Mississippi Delivery
Jackson's Russell C. Davis Planetarium, which is currently undergoing a restoration due to a roof leak and resulting interior damage that forced it to close in April 2018, recently opened …
Friday, October 2
City & County
Mayor Lumumba Unloads On U.S. Attorney Hurst Over ‘Operation Legend’ Strategy
Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba accused United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi Michael Hurst Tuesday of politicizing crime problems in the capital city.
City & County
Azia’s Picks 10-1-20
I believe that October is a month for digging deeper, healing buried trauma and forging a better version of ourselves. Although the journey can be uncomfortable, the fire is necessary …
Politics
Lawmakers Approve Funding for Hospitals, Landlords, Farmers; Doesn't Address Evictions
Hospitals, veterans' centers, farmers and landlords in Mississippi would receive money to respond to the coronavirus pandemic under bills passed by state lawmakers Thursday night.
State
New Mississippi Trade Mart Opens on State Fairgrounds
State officials on Thursday opened the new Mississippi Trade Mart that's attached to the coliseum on the state fairgrounds in Jackson.
coronavirus
Trump and First Lady Test Positive for COVID-19
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus, the president tweeted early Friday.
Thursday, October 1
coronavirus
Statewide Mask Mandate Ends in Mississippi; School, Local Restrictions Continue
Gov. Tate Reeves allowed Mississippi’s statewide mask mandate to expire yesterday, replacing it with a “Safe Recovery” order that maintains some restrictions on large gatherings and still requires masks in …
Education
Research Grants for USM and JSU, Historical Markers for The Mill at MSU
The Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi recently received a $100,000 grant from the Administration of Community Living, which will go toward creating a network of …
Person of the Day
Nick Mullens
Former University of Southern Mississippi quarterback Nick Mullens got his chance in the limelight against the New York Giants this past Sunday. The former USM star didn’t disappoint in his …
coronavirus
Mississippi Legislators to Revise Some Virus Relief Spending
Mississippi lawmakers are returning to the Capitol to reconsider how the state is spending some coronavirus relief money from the federal government.
National
Biden Endorses Democrat Espy in Mississippi US Senate Race
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is endorsing Mike Espy in Mississippi's U.S. Senate race as the former agriculture secretary again tries to unseat Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican loyal to …
