Friday, January 29
City & County
Azia’s Picks 1-29-21
Whatever your goals are, be kind and patient with yourself and treat yourself to some fresh air and sun this weekend. If you need some help filling up some free …
Politics
Two More Legislators Positive for COVID-19, Second Dose Appointments Available
Two more Mississippi lawmakers were diagnosed with COVID-19 this week, raising the tally to four from the two reported last week.
Person of the Day
Niketa Pechan
When Niketa Pechan moved to Jackson four years ago as a newlywed, she left behind in Miami a close-knit Caribbean-American community that had shaped her life up until that point.
Politics
Mississippi Looks at Penalties for Blocking Roadways
Republican lawmakers in Mississippi are seeking to increase penalties for people who block public roadways during protests. Several Democrats, however, are expressing concerns about legislation that could be seen as …
Politics
Reeves: Goal is to Up Vaccine Capacity to 100,000 Per Week
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said he wants to increase coronavirus vaccinations rapidly in the month of February, ramping up the state's capacity for weekly inoculations to around 100,000.
Thursday, January 28
Crime
District Attorney Owens: Hinds County Diverted 300 From Criminal Justice
Three hundred first-time non-violent offenders went through a diversion program last year in Hinds County in exchange for dropped charges, District Attorney Jody Owens said at a press conference Tuesday.
Education
JSU Retool Your School Grant, MSU Completion Grants and GEER Grant
Jackson State University recently redesigned and renovated the commuter lounge in the university's Student Center through a $50,000 "Retool Your School" campus improvement grant from Home Depot.
Person of the Day
Kahia Warmsley
Good news for Southern Miss is that freshman Kahia Warmsley returned to the starting lineup. Warmsley has played in seven games and started four games this season for the 5-5 …
Politics
Plan Would Expand Computer Science Courses in Mississippi
Mississippi schools that don't already offer computer science courses would be required to start phasing them in, under a bill advancing at the Capitol.
Politics
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.
Wednesday, January 27
Person of the Day
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 …
Politics
‘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 …
Politics
Health Dept: Weekly Vaccine Allocation Remains Consistent
Mississippi is expecting to receive around 37,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine this week from the federal government, the same allocation the state has received for the last several weeks, state …
Tuesday, January 26
Fly
Azha Tattoos
Azha Sanders has worked as a licensed tattoo artist for 11 years and currently works at Forged True Tattoo in Brookhaven.
Politics
Mississippi Considers Allowing Home Delivery of Alcohol
A bill being considered in the Mississippi Legislature would allow for home delivery of beer, wine and hard liquor.
Person of the Day
John David Baker
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin has hired John David Baker as passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.
City & County
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.
State
Mississippi Governor Gives State of the State Speech Tuesday
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves is preparing to give his annual State of the State address.
Monday, January 25
Crime
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 …
Biz Roundup
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.
Person of the Day
Cora Norman
Former Mississippi Humanities Council director Cora Norman, who worked to promote the state's diversity soon after court-ordered school integration in the early 1970s, has died. She was 94.
Politics
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.
Friday, January 22
City & County
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!
Politics
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 …
National
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 …
Education
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.
Thursday, January 21
City & County
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.
Person of the Day
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 …
Education
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 …
City & County
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.
City & County
Jackson Mayor: City Will Not Tolerate Street Racing
Jackson’s mayor says the city will not tolerate drag racing and other types of reckless driving that draws crowds to watch.
Wednesday, January 20
City & County
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 …
Politics
Mississippi Could Renew Debate on Revising Tight Parole Laws
Mississippi legislators should try again to revise some of the strictest parole laws in the nation as a way of reducing the state's “dangerously” large prison population, a nonprofit group …
State
Mississippi County to Put Up Marker for Lynching Victims
A Mississippi county will put up a marker to remember Black men who were lynched by white mobs between 1885 and 1935. It will be near a statue that honors …
Politics
Mississippi Development Authority Chief Gets Job Permanently
The Mississippi Development Authority is giving its interim director the job permanently. John Rounsaville earned his promotion by buoying Mississippi’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday.
Politics
Teacher Pay Raise Plan Awaits Mississippi Senate Debate
A proposal to increase Mississippi teachers' pay is advancing at the state Capitol. Senate Bill 2001 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, six days after it cleared the Education …
Tuesday, January 19
JFP
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Big Changes for Jackson Free Press in January 2021
Along with changes on the national level, I've got several changes to report on the local JFP front, effective with this issue.
City & County
OPINION: Making Government Surveillance Great Again in America’s ‘Radical City’
"Virtual policing means that 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, an all-seeing eye will be fixed on Jackson's majority poor and working-class residents."
Jacksonian
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 …
State
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.
City & County
Jackson Students Return to Classroom After Semester Virtual
Some Jackson Public Schools students will be returning to the classroom on Tuesday for the first time in months. The entire district was learning from home last semester because of …
Person of the Day
Lydia Didia
Jackson State University named Lydia Didia as an assistant professor of accounting in its College of Business in fall 2020.
Biz Roundup
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 …
Education
Jackson State Band to Perform in Biden Inauguration Event
Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South marching band is set to participate in an official event celebrating diversity ahead of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden and …
Friday, January 15
State
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 & County
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 …
City & County
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 …
Person of the Day
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 …
National
Mississippi National Guard Sent to D.C. for Inauguration
The Mississippi National Guard is sending troops to Washington D. C. in preparation for the presidential inauguration next week.
Health Care
US Surgeon General Acknowledges Black Skepticism of Vaccines
The U.S. surgeon general on Thursday urged Black leaders in Mississippi to get COVID-19 vaccinations and to ask others in their communities to do the same.
Thursday, January 14
City & County
Museum Trail Complete from Downtown Jackson to Lakeview Drive
Residents and visitors to Jackson can now enjoy a 2.5-mile Museum trail, for walking, jogging and cycling after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday signaled the project's completion.
Education
MSU Day of Service and Donation Drive and USM #WhatsYourPurpose2021 Campaign
Former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Reuben Anderson will serve as the keynote speaker for Mississippi State University’s 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Day of Service …
Person of the Day
Iverson Molinar
One could argue that few players have enjoyed a jump from one season to the next like Mississippi State University guard Iverson Molinar. The sophomore basketball player is enjoying a …
Politics
Mississippi Vaccine Appointments Fill Up as Demand Surges
The Mississippi Health Department said Wednesday that the state cannot take any more appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations because of a “monumental surge” in demand after Gov. Tate Reeves announced that …
State
Mississippi Legislature Again Mulling Teacher Pay Increases
Senate Bill 2001, which unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, would give certified teachers with three or more years of experience a $1,000 pay increase.
State
Mississippi Lottery Leader: Don't Fall Victim to Scams
The president of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation is warning people not to fall victim to scams. Tom Shaheen said in a news release Wednesday that fake communications about lottery winnings …
Wednesday, January 13
State
Delays Hinder COVID Vaccinations As Requirements, Access Loosen
More Mississippians than ever now qualify for COVID-19 vaccinations, but only one-quarter of the total doses in the state so far have been administered—62,744 out of 249,100.
State
Meredith Anding Jr., Member of the 'Tougaloo Nine,' Dies
Meredith C. Anding Jr., a member of the “Tougaloo Nine," who famously participated in a library “read-in” in segregated Mississippi 60 years ago, has died. He was 79.
State
Ex-Crimestoppers Board Member Accused of Embezzlement
Michelle McBride, a former board member of a Mississippi Crimestoppers' group, has been arrested following her indictment for embezzlement.
Tuesday, January 12
National
EDITORIAL: Elected Leaders of the Mississippi 'Sedition Caucus' Must Recant or Resign
Mississippi and the nation must hold U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Reps. Trent Kelly, Steven Palazzo and Michael Guest accountable for their complicity in the lies that Donald Trump has …
State
Governor Tate Reeves Announces New COVID-19 Measures
Gov. Tate Reeves announced those who are 65 years and older or have a pre-existing medical condition are now eligible to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
National
OPINION: Mississippi’s Republican Cats Up Trump’s Authoritarian Tree
One of Mississippi’s senators and three of its congressmen chose to jump on the Trump bandwagon, objecting last week to final certification of the Biden-Harris presidential victory.
Person of the Day
Brandon Pettis
Brandon Pettis, an 18-year-old Mississippi man from Oxford, says he plans to run for mayor in his home city.
City & County
City Prepares Shelter for Homeless as Temperature Dips Below Freezing
The dip in temperature creates the need to provide shelters for the homeless population in Jackson. The City is prepared to open Champion Gymnasium at 1355 Hattiesburg St. as an …
Crime
Murder Charge Dismissed After Debunked Bite-Mark Testimony
A Mississippi judge has dismissed a murder charge against Eddie Lee Howard, a Black man who spent more than a quarter-century on death row in the 1992 killing of a …
Monday, January 11
State
Black Doctors Work to Reduce Skepticism of COVID-19 Vaccine
As many Black residents in Mississippi remain doubtful about the benefits of taking a COVID-19 vaccine when available, more Black doctors are pushing for them to reconsider by getting immunized …
Biz Roundup
Black Axes Northpark, City Limits Cafe and Friends of Children’s Hospital Donation
Northpark in Ridgeland recently announced that a new location for Black Axes Throwing Club will soon open at the complex.
Politics
Vaccinations Available for Elderly, Health Workers as COVID Surges in Mississippi
Mississippi’s COVID-19 vaccination surge is underway, but public-health officials say not all available appointments are being filled, and are calling for eligible Missisippians to take the opportunity to protect themselves …
Politics
Analysis: Health Care, Education, Incentives on 2021 Agendas
With the Mississippi legislative session just beginning, officials are starting to reveal their public policy wish lists, including proposals to increase teacher pay and improve the availability of health care …
State
Mississippi Award Honors Book on Jackson State Shooting
The Mississippi Historical Society is giving its annual award for the best state history book to an author who wrote about the shooting deaths of two Black man 50 years …
Politics
Mississippi Governor to Sign Law Monday for New State Flag
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves will sign a bill Monday to update state law with a description of the flag, his spokeswoman said Friday. Immediately after the signing, officials are scheduled …
Friday, January 8
Politics
Governor Tate Reeves Makes Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine
Today, Governor Tate Reeves made a statement in regards to the COVID-19 vaccine plan.
City & County
JPD Arrests Second Person In New Year’s Day Interstate 55 Obstruction
The Jackson Police Department made a second arrest six days after a group of people blocked Interstate 55 and had vehicles racing and doing donuts on the highway.
Politics
'Zombie Law' Cited in Court Fight Over Mississippi Marijuana
Attorneys trying to block a Mississippi medical marijuana program say the state is using a “zombie law” about old congressional districts to defend how an initiative landed on the ballot.
City & County
Azia’s Picks 1-8-2021
If you’re looking for a way to escape in the city, check out my upcoming picks. Remember to socialize responsibly, mask up and laugh more this weekend. You deserve it.
Person of the Day
Ameshya Williams
Ameshya Williams is delivering on the lofty preseason awards she received as the senior began her final season at Jackson State University. Jackson was named SWAC Preseason Play of the …
State
Group Commits $1M for Mississippi Computer Science Education
An organization announced Thursday that it is committing $1 million to help Mississippi school districts start computer science classes.
State
Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship to be Awarded for 2nd Time
A private university in Mississippi is preparing to award a second scholarship to an incoming freshman who will major in creative writing.
Thursday, January 7
Politics
Mississippi Begins Vaccination of 75+ Population, Peaks With 3,255 New Cases of COVID-19
Mississippi has rapidly accelerated its vaccination availability schedule, with members of the general public aged 75 and up already receiving their first shots at Mississippi State Department of Health drive-thru …
City & County
MLK Day During COVID-19; West Capitol Work Ahead; New Focus on Illegal Dumping
The City of Jackson is replacing its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade with a motorcade this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns. The city has officially designated Jan. …
Education
Virtual Marching Band Event and Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy
Four members of the Mississippi State University Famous Maroon Band will take part in a virtual intercollegiate marching band event for the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday, …
Education
Mississippi Schools Chief: Ease Mandates on Some Tests
Mississippi high school students will take end-of-course exams and third graders will take mandated reading assessments this spring, state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright told lawmakers Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 6
Fly
Top 10: Aron Johnson
As someone who enjoys sampling unique food establishments and attending art-centric events, Aron Johnson is happy to see that Jackson has no shortages of either option and that those areas …
Music
Viola Dacus: Vocalist, Instructor, Mother
Dr. Viola Dacus vividly recalls one of the teaching moments that affirm her career choice of helping others develop their vocal performance.
Food
Local Chef Nurtures a New Generation of Cooks
The old saying "if you want something done right, do it yourself" rings true for McKinley Pierce—the idea helped him define and develop his passion for food.
Books
Privilege and the High Cost of Being a ‘Fortunate One’
In a narrative that smacks of privilege while also reckoning with its insidiousness, Ed Tarkington spins a southern yarn about manhood, family and desire in his latest book, "The Fortunate …
City & County
Black-Owned Jackson Businesses See Million-Dollar Boost
COVID-19 has hit Black-owned businesses in Jackson hard, but Otis Rolley III, senior vice president of The Rockefeller Foundation's U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative, is eager to work with …
Tuesday, January 5
Jacksonian
Emily Pote
When Emily Pote opened "Coffee Prose," a coffee shop that doubles as a used bookstore, she wanted to participate in the local movement to portray Jackson as a place that …
EDITOR'S NOTE: My COVID-19 Story; Appreciate the Good, But Don’t Be Complacent
Well, it happened. Despite my continued caution, I ended up contracting COVID-19 the week before Christmas.
City & County
OPINION: Early Childhood; Best Investment for Community, Business Strength
As we near the end of an incredibly tumultuous and unpredictable year, I've thought a lot about what really matters and what kind of Mississippi I want to live in.
Cover
Parole Reform, Pay Raises and COVID-19: 2021 Legislative Preview
In spite of the monumental work ahead of the Legislature, there is good reason to question the wisdom of holding the session now at all. With a two-thirds vote, the …
City & County
Mayor Lumumba Closing City Hall, Non-Essential City Offices Through Jan. 21
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba today signed an executive order further extending the closure of city hall and non-essential city offices to the public.
Person of the Day
Andrew "Snakefarm" Burczynski
Andrew "Snakefarm" Burczynski, a Jackson artist and bassist who was one of the founding members of the Jason Turner Band, died of cardiac arrest at the end of December 2020.
Politics
Mississippi Announces Vaccine Rollout for Those Over 65
Officials in Mississippi announced a plan Monday to streamline access to coronavirus vaccines for vulnerable populations in the coming weeks.
City & County
City Reforms Public Transit Routes After 30 years
The City of Jackson is crafting new routes for its public transit system and is calling on the citizens to contribute to the process. At a press conference Monday, Mayor …
Politics
Mississippi Legislators Set to Finalize Magnolia-Themed Flag
Mississippi legislators are beginning their 2021 session Tuesday and one of their first tasks will be to finish adopting a new state flag that voters approved, with a magnolia blossom …
Politics
Three Mississippi Supreme Court Justices Begin New 8-Year Terms
Three Mississippi Supreme Court justices are beginning new eight-year terms. Those inaugurated Monday were Chief Justice Mike Randolph, Presiding Justice Leslie D. King and Justice Josiah Dennis Coleman.
Monday, January 4
State
Gov. Tate Reeves Announces Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Measures
Today, Gov. Tate Reeves announced the decision to allow vulnerable Mississippians to have access sooner than expected to the COVID-19 vaccine.
State
Last Week’s Record COVID-19 Admissions Challenging Mississippi Hospitals
The new year dawns on a Mississippi in deep crisis, last week breaking many key COVID-19 records as the situation continues to deteriorate in the state’s hospitals.
Biz Roundup
Sophomore Spanish Club Closes, Metro Jackson Passport and Holiday Inn "We Care" Program
Sophomore Spanish Club, a ‘90s-themed Latin restaurant that opened inside The District at Eastover in August 2019, recently closed its doors due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Person of the Day
Ellen Langford
Jackson artist Ellen Langford endeavors to exude joy through her work. Her vividly colored paintings depict scenes of connection, often between people and animals, that may be quiet or exuberant, …
State
Disaster Declared in Mississippi After Hurricane Zeta
The Trump administration has approved Gov. Tate Reeves' request for federal help following Hurricane Zeta.
