Thursday, September 30
Politics
Spooner, Tannehill Running for Hinds County Sheriff
Richard Spooner and Les Tannehill, veterans of the Hinds Sheriff's office, are among the 13 candidates running for Hinds County sheriff.
Politics
Attorney General Lynn Fitch Signals Appeal of Mental Health Ruling on Needed Solutions
The State of Mississippi has requested a delay of a July court order that demanded fundamental changes to the state’s mental-health care system and set up an external observer to …
Person of the Day
Keyron Kinsler
Alcorn State University found itself in a major hole against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Braves were down by 16 points at the end of the first quarter and …
Health Care
Mississippi Reports Two More Child Deaths from COVID
Mississippi health officials say two more children have died of COVID-19, raising the state's pediatric death toll from the virus to nine.
Wednesday, September 29
Publisher's Note
Publisher’s Note: Jackson Free Press to Suspend Printing, Boost Online Presence
We have big news from the world of the Jackson Free Press. Much of it is positive, and some of it is simply inevitable in the face of COVID-19 and …
Person of the Day
Mary Eileen Paradis
The University of Mississippi Medical Center named Mary Eileen Paradis as its first female Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety in July 2021.
City & County
Capital City Pride Breaks City-Wide Event Drought, Encourages Togetherness
After spending its first year of operation limited at every turn by the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital City Pride is prepared to host one of Jackson’s first large-scale events since March …
Politics
Dobbs: Funding for Medical Marijuana Regulation is a Concern
The Mississippi state health officer said Tuesday that he’s concerned about how the Health Department would receive money for its part in licensing and regulating a proposed medical marijuana program.
Tuesday, September 28
Health Care
COVID-19 Declines Back To Winter Surge Levels
COVID-19 has entered a relative decline compared to the worst of the winter surge, says leadership from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Person of the Day
Melody Bruce Musgrove
Melody Bruce Musgrove, former director of the Office of Special Education Programs for the U.S. Department of Education and wife of former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, died Monday. She was …
Politics
Mississippi Gov.: Still No Word on Medical Marijuana Session
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on Monday was still not saying whether he will call legislators into special session to enact a medical marijuana program and consider other issues that House …
Politics
Mississippi Asks to Delay Order on Creating Mental-Health Plan
The state of Mississippi intends to appeal a federal judge's ruling that it come up with a plan detailing how it will work to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of people with …
Monday, September 27
Politics
Matory, Harris-Williams, and Green Running for Hinds County Sheriff
Cheryl Matory, Beverly Harris-Williams and Colendula Green are among the 13 candidates running for the Hinds County sheriff’s position in a special election on Nov. 2.
Biz Roundup
Mississippi ToyCon 2021, New Stage Theatre and Southern Unity Project Pet Parade
Neal Bumpus, who organized the inaugural Mississippi ToyCon in 2020, is partnering with Nerdvana Comics, Games & Collectibles to bring the event back in a new location for 2021.
City & County
Due to Garbage Contract Dispute, Environmental Crisis Looms in the City of Jackson
The Jackson City Council recently reversed the declaration of emergency that Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba declared on Friday, Sept. 17, after pushing for a different vendor due to claims of …
State
COVID-19 Bumps Food Benefits for Some Mississippi Families
Some Mississippi households currently getting supplemental food benefits will be eligible for additional funds next month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Friday, September 24
Education
MSU Diversity Award, WJSU CPB Grant and USM STEMed Speaker Series
Mississippi State University recently became a 2021 recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which recognizes universities for a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Education
As Rankin County Schools Ditch Mask Mandates, Jackson Requires Vaccines for Teachers
As Jackson Public Schools become one of the first in the state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing for employees, students in the nearby suburban Rankin County School District …
City & County
Weekend Picks 9-24-2021
The weekend awaits, and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful one—complete with cooler temps that make you want to get outside and celebrate autumn.
State
Mississippi AG Seeks to End Family Lawsuit After Dad's Death
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed papers Wednesday seeking to dismiss a lawsuit in a family feud over the care and finances of her 88-year-old father because he has died.
Politics
Mississippi Negotiators Reach Proposal on Medical Marijuana
Mississippi House and Senate negotiators said Thursday that they have agreed on a proposed medical marijuana program.
Education
Mississippi Student Test Scores Decline in Math, English
The number of Mississippi students learning at or above grade level in math and English decreased across almost every age group during the first statewide assessments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, …
Politics
Ink Barely Dry on Budget as Mississippi Starts New One
Less than three months into the current budget year, Mississippi legislators are starting to plan for the next one.
Thursday, September 23
Health Care
Pfizer Booster Shot Available For Those 65 and Older
COVID-19 booster shots are now approved for all Mississipians aged 65 and older, as well as for those immunocompromised or otherwise at-risk of severe infection.
Person of the Day
Muralist Aspires to Promote Peace and Spark Reform through Art
For many years, Kyle Holbrook masked his pain and loss in his art, using it as a distraction. However in 2002, he realized that he could channel that energy in …
Politics
Mississippi Voting Rights Case is Argued at U.S. Appeals Court
The authors of Mississippi's 1890 constitution had racist intent when they stripped voting rights from people convicted of some felonies because they chose crimes they thought were more likely to …
Wednesday, September 22
City & County
(UPDATED) Jackson City Council Rescinds Mayor's Emergency Order, Nixes Garbage Disposal Contract
A war of words has continued between Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba and Waste Management over a new garbage disposal contract.
Business
Rethreads Grand Opening Photo Tour
Rethreads (242 US-51, Ridgeland), a consignment retailer that sells curated clothes and accessories from vendors across the state, held its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The business resides inside …
State
Board: Public Universities Cannot Require COVID-19 Vaccine
The board that governs Mississippi's public universities has voted to prohibit schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccines for students and staff.
Politics
U.S. Appeals Court to Hear Mississippi Voting Rights Case
A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn Mississippi's ban on voting rights for people convicted of some felonies—a case that …
Person of the Day
Lorenzo Neal
Dr. Lorenzo Neal, pastor of New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson since 2011, has spent the past five years advocating against gun violence as part of the nonprofit …
Tuesday, September 21
City & County
With Most Jacksonians Unvaccinated, Mayor Pushes Worker Shot Cut-off to Oct. 15
Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba extended the deadline for city workers to get vaccinated, or be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 tests. Once the deadline of Oct. 15, 2021, passes, …
State
Mississippi Takes Management of Prison from Private Company
The Mississippi Department of Corrections is taking over operation of Marshall County Correctional Facility, a prison that has been privately run since it opened 25 years ago.
Person of the Day
Parys Haralson
On Sept. 13, the New Orleans Saints announced the death of Flora native and former NFL linebacker Parys Haralson. The former All-American, as a senior at Madison Central High School, …
Monday, September 20
Biz Roundup
Un(re)solved at Two Mississippi Museums, TECH JXN and Simply Salad
The Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson opened a new traveling augmented-reality exhibit from PBS Frontline called Un(re)solved on Saturday, Aug. 28.
City & County
Mayor Declares State of Emergency As Waste Disposal Negotiations Hit Snag
Getting a garbage-collection contract for the City of Jackson is coming down to the wire after Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba declared a state of emergency on Friday, Sept. 17, saying …
Health Care
Pediatric Diabetes Surge in Mississippi: Doctors Concerned COVID-19 Is To Blame
With each passing month of the pandemic, Dr. Jessica Lilley has grown increasingly concerned that COVID-19 is linked to a massive increase in new diagnoses of pediatric diabetes throughout Mississippi.
State
Mississippi Develops Website for Reporting Human Trafficking
The state of Mississippi has developed a website for people to report suspected cases of human trafficking and find help for victims.
Friday, September 17
City & County
Weekend Picks 9/17/2021
It’s the weekend again, and there’s lots going on in the capital city to keep you entertained. You can stretch your legs in a 5k race, or your mind at …
Health Care
Mississippi COVID-19 Death Rates Highest In U.S.; Booster Shots Available for Many
Even as Mississippi’s COVID-19 infection rates are beginning to slightly decrease from the midsummer high, the state now leads not only the country but almost the entire world in deaths …
State
Crowded Field Running for Mississippi Senate Seat
Nine people have qualified to run for a Mississippi Senate seat vacated in June when Sen. Sampson Jackson retired after 29 years.
Thursday, September 16
Education
JSU HBCU Technology Conference, MSU-SEAS Program and USM Gulf Park Pantry
Jackson State University is one of several historically Black colleges and universities convening with major corporations in September at the inaugural HBCU Technology Conference, which aims to address the racial …
Person of the Day
Shedeur Sanders
Sanders, son of Jackson State University head coach Deion Sanders, enjoyed his best game as a college football player. He threw for 362 yards on 30 of 40 passing with …
Education
Lawmakers Consider Teacher Pay, Insurance Cost for Families
A Mississippi public school teacher with 15 years of experience providing health insurance for their family took home just under $30,000 a year in net pay in 2020, a “shocking …
Wednesday, September 15
State
Amerigroup and Mississippi Food Network to Launch First Food Rx Program
A $25,000 donation from Amerigroup to the University of Mississippi Medical Center will help establish the state’s first Food Rx program for children at Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only …
City & County
Illegal Dumping: City-wide Clean-up Planned
It will take a city-wide cleanup effort to move the needle against the menace of illegal dumping in Jackson, Solid Waste Division Manager Lakesha Weathers told the city council at …
Person of the Day
Roderick Little
Dockers recently featured Roderick Little, director of bands at Jackson State University, in the most recent entry of its "Recognize" storytelling series, which features regular interviews with African Americans who …
Tuesday, September 14
Health Care
Doctors: Pregnant Mississippians Need COVID-19 Vaccine With Infections, Deaths Up
Mothers-to-be are at an inherently higher risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection, leadership from the Mississippi State Medical Association said at a Sept. 10 press briefing aimed at promoting …
Health Care
State Medical Board May Revoke Licenses of Mississippi Physicians Who Spread COVID-19 Misinformation
Physicians who spread misinformation about COVID-19 in person or on social media may have their medical license suspended or revoked after a strong statement from the Mississippi State Board of …
National
Family: Man Turned Away by Dozens of COVID-Filled Hospitals
As hundreds of mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients filled Alabama intensive care units, hospital staff in north Alabama contacted 43 hospitals in three states to find a specialty cardiac ICU bed …
Monday, September 13
Biz Roundup
Rethreads Opening, 2021 Virtual WellsFest, and Van's CCG Anniversary and Alzheimer’s Fundraiser
Repeat Street, a Ridgeland consignment store specializing in contemporary and vintage clothing, furniture and accessories, remodeled its second building and turned it into a new clothing store called Rethreads on …
City & County
Jackson Planning Director Confirmed As Two Councilmen Question Her Record
Two Jackson City Council members voted against Director of Planning and Development Jordan Hillman's official confirmation to a new term on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Politics
Analysis: Mississippi Examines Help for Departing Inmates
A Mississippi law that took effect July 1 expands parole eligibility, and lawmakers are looking at programs that could help people make the transition from prison back into the free …
Friday, September 10
City & County
Weekend Picks 9-10-2021
I’ve picked a few highlights to give you a taste of what’s out there this weekend–with a focus on virtual and outdoor events, and indoor events that have COVID safety …
National
Gov. Reeves Vows to Stop Biden’s New Federal Vaccine Requirements
As part of a new federal COVID-19 action plan, President Joe Biden introduced broad new vaccine requirements for both public and private-sector workers, potentially affecting as many as 100 million …
Education
USM National Juried Painting Exhibition, JSU Digital Tele-Health Hub and MSU Wildfire Project
The Museum of Art in the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Performing and Visual Arts is hosting its biennial 2021 National Juried Painting Exhibition through Oct.1 at the university's …
State
Lawsuit: Farm Hired White Immigrants Over Black US Laborers
Six Black farmworkers in Mississippi say in a new lawsuit that their former employer brought white laborers from South Africa to do the same jobs they were doing, and that …
Thursday, September 9
City & County
Interim Hinds County Sheriff Moves to Curtail Violent Crime with Gun Suppression Unit
Interim Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler plans to set up a gun suppression unit to arrest convicted felons caught with guns.
Person of the Day
Aubrey Miller
Jackson State University opened the 2021 season against Southwestern Conference newcomer Florida A&M University. The Tigers and the Rattlers faced off in the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, …
State
Mississippi Closes Field Hospitals, Reports Baby COVID Death
Mississippi is closing its only remaining parking garage field hospital set up to treat coronavirus patients during the delta variant surge, but it is still relying on out-of-state workers to …
Wednesday, September 8
Politics
Where The Devil Comes In: Income Tax On Trial At The Mississippi Legislature
Sen. John Polk, R-Hattiesburg, who represents a certified retirement city, is concerned that eliminating the state income tax and raising the sales tax would harm the older residents of his …
City & County
JPS Hosting Vaccination Events Today, Tomorrow
The Jackson Public School District is hosting COVID-19 vaccination events at its middle schools today and tomorrow, where students over age 12 are eligible to receive their first dose of …
Person of the Day
Maruice Mangum
Jackson State University named Maruice Mangum, who previously served as chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Alabama A&M University, as chair of the JSU Department of Political Science …
Tuesday, September 7
Biz Roundup
Invisible Histories Project, MHC COVID Recovery Grants and Musical Expressions Experience
The Mississippi Museum of Art is hosting a Community Mapping Activity with the Invisible Histories Project on Friday, Sept. 10, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
City & County
Jackson Rescinds $1 Million Plan to Rent Misdemeanor Jail Space, Fund Deputies
The Jackson City Council has reversed its controversial 2020 decision to use $500,000 to rent jail spaces in Holmes and Yazoo counties for people charged with low-level misdemeanors in the …
State
Mississippi Courts Moving Slowly to Online Records
All Mississippi counties were supposed to have their circuit, chancery and county court records online by July 1, but only about half met the deadline.
Health Care
Hospitals in Crisis in Least Vaccinated State: Mississippi
As patients stream into Mississippi hospitals one after another, doctors and nurses have become all too accustomed to the rampant denial and misinformation about COVID-19 in the nation's least vaccinated …
State
Mississippi Judges Promote Vaccination Against COVID-19
Some Mississippi judges are urging people to follow their example and get vaccinated to slow the spread of COVID-19—an effort aimed at keeping courts open.
Friday, September 3
Education
MSU Student COVID Relief, USM 4 + 1 = Done! Initiative and JSU TRIO Program Grant
Mississippi State University recently announced that it is disbursing more than $12 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding directly to university students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Person of the Day
John David Lewis
John David Lewis harbors a love for Jackson that he has carried with him throughout his life and especially now in his current position as deputy director of the Department …
Health Care
Some Workers Protest Mississippi Hospital's COVID Vaccine Mandate
Some employees are protesting a Mississippi hospital's mandate that all of its workers get vaccinated against COVID-19, even as the state has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the …
Thursday, September 2
City & County
City Council Approves $2 Million for Multi-Use Trail, Questions Data Scientist on Deliverables
"While we've been doing walking trails in various parts of the city, we wanted to connect west Jackson, make sure that there were no parts of our city that were …
Person of the Day
SEC New Event Cancellation Policy
College football returns with a full slate of games this Saturday in what is considered week one of the season. Last Saturday, a handful of games were played on what …
State
Ida Damages More Than 160 Mississippi Homes
Hurricane Ida damaged at least 164 homes in Mississippi, destroying six of those and leaving 42 with major damage, state officials said Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 1
Film
The Chosen Productions to Film ‘Love Never Fails’ Pilot in Jackson
At 15 years old, Jackson native Essence Odomes finagled her way into an acting class that actress, director and producer Tasha Smith hosted in Atlanta. Smith offered the teenager a …
Music
JSU Student Overcomes Personal Obstacles to Showcase Talent on ‘American Idol’
Deshawn Goncalves, who presently studies music technology and performance at Jackson State University, placed in the Top Nine of the 2020 season of “American Idol,” in spite of personal challenges. …
Food
Jerk City Grille Represents Caribbean Cuisine in the Metro
After years of working in the food industry, Ridgeland resident Wendell Brewster decided “it was time to invest in myself” and opened a food truck in April of this year. …
Art
‘The Ripper Gene,’ a Serial Comic about Serial Killers in Mississippi
This year, music artist Jason Turner has tapped into his passion for visual art to collaborate with Michael “Ted” Burczynski, pen name Michael Ransom, to create a serialized comic of …
Fly
Good Things from the JFP Team
The last 365 days have been unconventional to say the least, but as we enter year 20, the JFP staff decided we would love to remain positive and share our …
State
MEMA Offers Assistance To Storm Victims
As now Tropical Storm Ida travels northwest across the Appalachian Mountains, Mississippians are left taking stock of the damage the once-Category 4 Hurricane Ida incurred, and beginning repairs.
Best of Jackson
Best of Jackson: Legal Services 2021
When circumstances lead you to require legal assistance, the Jackson Free Press does its part to make the road to your goals a little easier to navigate through our Best …
Cover
Lost in a Broken System: Why Detainees Spend Years in Hinds Jails Without Trial
Fifty-eight people in Hinds County Detention Centers by July 2, 2021, had spent more than two years there, documents the Jackson Free Press obtained show.
National
Even in Backup Role, Federal Government Supports Ida Victims
The Biden administration has pledged an all-of-government response to Ida, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and coordinated by White House senior adviser Cedric Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman …
Politics
Tax Relief, But For Whom?
Speaker Gunn Wants Reform That Benefits Wealthiest, Costs Others More
Just as the realities of a fourth wave of COVID-19 sunk into the state, and just miles from a field hospital set up in the garage of the Mississippi hospital …
Editor's Note
EDITOR'S NOTE: 19 Years of Love, Hope, Miss S, Dr. S and Never, Ever Giving Up
"I dedicate this first 19 years to Charles Corder, Herman Snell, Stephen, Jimmy, Alisa, Bingo, staffers over the years, advertisers who got it, and all of you who have believed …
Jacksonian
Stephen Stuart
When it came to Stephen Stuart’s dream of medical school, the third time was the charm. “It was always the goal,” Stuart says of his recent acceptance to the University …
