Julian Mills

Experts: COVID-19 Vaccines Still Effective, Needed as U.K. Variant Spreads Across U.S.

The COVID-19 variant designated as B117 is now the most common strain of the virus in parts the United States, almost two months after the Mississippi State Department of Health first detected the United Kingdom variant in Mississippi.

‘This Is Not an Entitlement Program’: Ballot Initiative Seeks to Expand Medicaid Coverage

Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians could receive expanded Medicaid coverage from the newly created Ballot Initiative 76, which would expand Medicaid coverage to those under 138% of the federal poverty limit.

Parole Reform Passes to Governor’s Desk Amid Murky Future

Accessibility to parole hearings would extend to more inmates across Mississippi’s state prison system if Gov. Tate Reeves signs legislation passed in the state Senate this week.

UPDATED: Jackson City Council Election Guide

This year, election officials will hold Jackson City Council primary elections for each party on April 6, which will decide who represents their respective parties for each ward in the general election.

Mississippi to Increase Minimum Welfare Payments

Mississippi families in need are set to gain a $90-per-month increase in welfare payments under a newly signed law. Gov. Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2759 on Wednesday, though the program is not expected to go into effect until summer.

Mississippi Prisons Begin Vaccinations As State Passes ‘1 Million Shots In Arms’

The Mississippi Department of Corrections began vaccinating the state’s prison population on Friday, starting with the entire Central Mississippi Correctional Facility.

Jackson Boil Water Lifted But Causes Remain

Jackson officials finally lifted the month-long, city-wide boil-water notice yesterday afternoon, marking an end to the most predominant symptom yet of Jackson’s aging and vulnerable infrastructure.

‘Great Day Indeed’ As COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available To All Mississippians

All Mississippians aged 16 or older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. No employment, pre-existing condition, or citizenship requirement bar Mississippi’s adult population from getting their shot of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

‘Collective Suffering’ Continues Year After COVID-19 Came to Mississippi

In a March 8 press briefing, officials from MSDH discussed how the pandemic progressed over the last year, and what we can expect moving forward.

Slow Progress as Water Crisis Continues Into 4th Week in Jackson

Jackson may not have safe, drinkable water until later this week at the earliest, while some residents still lack sufficient water pressure.

Infrastructure, Violence, Airport Takeover on Stage at Jackson Mayoral Debate

Three Jacksonians joined the stage for last night’s mayoral debate—long-time resident and sole Republican candidate Ponto Downing, current Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former firefighter Ken Wilson.

Jackson Water Suffers More Setbacks: ‘Today Was Not a Good Day for Us’

Water pressure around Jackson suffered setbacks yesterday due to issues at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant. “Today was not a good day for us,” Jackson Public Works Director Charles Williams said Wednesday via the City of Jackson’s Facebook page.

Jackson’s Water Crisis Lingers into March

Robert Sulton has lived in south Jackson since 2007, when he and his wife built their home just north of Byram. They had experienced power outages and boil-water notices before, but none as bad as the last two weeks of February 2021.

Vaccination Day Rescheduled for March 6, Water Distribution Continues

As Jackson grapples with the lingering effects of last month’s winter storm, city officials have rescheduled Vaccination Day for March 6 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Walmart Taking Vaccine Appointments in Jackson, MSDH Releases Map of Shot Options

Partnering with the Jackson Housing Authority and low-income housing company Wishrock, Walmart is administering Pfizer vaccines free of charge at the Golden Key EnVision Center at 3450 Albermarle Road.

Reeves: Vaccinations Available Monday for Teachers and First Responders

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is primed to encompass a broader range of Missisippians this March. In a Feb. 23 press briefing, Gov. Tate Reeves announced that teachers and first responders may schedule their vaccine appointments starting Monday, March 1.

City Distributes Safe Water in Jackson As Winter Storm Effects Continue

The City of Jackson is distributing safe drinking water at six locations throughout Jackson today. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced yesterday that the water is now available at specific times depending on the location.

‘Vaccination Day’ Postponed in Jackson, New COVID-19 Strain Detected in State

Due to winter weather, Jackson has postponed its first “Vaccination Day” where vulnerable residents were to receive 2,000 vaccine doses.

Capitol Police Could Gain Extradition Power Inside Jackson Under Divisive Bill

Mississippi Capitol Police are set to gain lead jurisdiction in parts of Jackson, as well as the ability to eject those it arrests on misdemeanor charges out of Hinds County, if a bill that passed the Mississippi Senate last week becomes law.

CDC Suggests Double Masking as Walmart Begins Mississippi Vaccinations

New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that under certain circumstances, wearing two masks can provide more protection than simply wearing one.

Walmart Joins Federal Pharmacy Program as 250,000 Mississippians Vaccinated

Thirty Walmart pharmacies across Mississippi will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations next week, joining CVS and Walgreens in the Federal Pharmacy program.

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.

‘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 have taken every hit that can be thrown,” he said.

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 members of the Senate have tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

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.

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 from the virus.

85 Deaths Set New COVID-19 Record in Mississippi

Yesterday, Mississippi saw a record single-day total in reported deaths from COVID-19. As the year wanes, record numbers of people continue to die from the virus as the state struggles with a persistently high rate of viral spread.

Mississippi Skies May Soon Harbor SpaceX Satellites to Increase Internet Access

Starlink’s constellation currently services more northern latitudes with plans to add enough satellites to service Mississippi by next summer.

‘January Will Be Rough’: COVID-19 Peak Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

“Be ready. January will be rough. We can mitigate if we restrain our holiday events, but likely to be extremely difficult regardless,” State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs tweeted on Dec. 17.

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 recent years and now welcomes Southwest’s return.

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 secret of Sweden’s COVID response,” Dobbs tweeted on Sunday, Oct. 4. “Near universal, voluntary compliance with public health guidance. Please mask up. Discouraging to see mask use dropping off so rapidly after mandate lifted.”

Health Officer Dobbs: Flu Shot Imperative, Nursing Home Restrictions Now Loosened

With the flu season coming up, Gov. Tate Reeves and State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs urged Mississippians to get vaccinated, saying people can have the flu and COVID-19, thus suffering more.

Mississippi State Fair Will Open Oct. 7 Despite Ongoing COVID-19 Deaths, Infections

As the U.S. passes the grim milestone of 200,000 COVID-19 deaths, the Mississippi State Fair is scheduled to open on Oct. 7, albeit with new restrictions and safety precautions.

Mississippi Schools Pass 2,000 COVID-19 Infections, 20,000 Quarantines

School is in session, with some practicing virtual learning, but the majority have returned to a traditional model with safety precautions and social distancing where possible.

Dobbs: ‘Triumvirate of Disaster’ as COVID-19 Spreads Through Mississippi Schools

Mississippi's coronavirus recovery appears to be short-lived, with a “crush” of cases ahead due to school and college openings following a mid-August slump, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned on Aug. 21.

Gov. Reeves Issues College Sports Limits; COVID-19 Rates Remain High

Fewer college football fans will be able to attend games in Mississippi's stadiums and have fewer opportunities to celebrate game day this fall after Gov. Tate Reeves signed a new executive order imposing restrictions on athletic events.

COVID-19 Numbers Slumping As School Opens Across Mississippi Today

Mississippi is showing the signs of a promising downward trend in new coronavirus infections as August unfolds, with a rolling average on a continued slump from late July’s all-time peaks.

Deadliest in U.S.: COVID-19 Deaths, Severe Hospitalizations Worsening in Mississippi

Mississippi hit a tragic new milestone in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this week: Its 241 reports of COVID-19 fatalities from the previous seven days have been the deadliest per capita of any state in the U.S., the New York Times reports.

‘Crisis Care,’ Hard Decisions Looming Due to COVID-19 Surge in Mississippi

A week of uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 has elapsed in Mississippi, with case numbers swelling to unprecedented numbers at the same time that the state’s hospital system reports the unbearable stress of earlier infections.

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.

Gov. Reeves Vetoes Parole Reform Bill

Parole reform in Mississippi hit a brick wall this week, with Gov. Tate Reeves vetoing the bipartisan legislation that would have provided more, and earlier, opportunities for parole hearings in Mississippi’s overburdened prisons.

Lt. Gov. Hosemann, Speaker Gunn Test Positive for COVID-19; Governor Hints at ‘Total Lockdowns’

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn have both tested positive for COVID-19, as have a number of other state legislators.

870 New COVID-19 Cases and Peak Hospitalizations, as Reeves Warns Health System ‘At Risk’

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs’ increasingly frantic warnings about the state of COVID-19 in Mississippi continue to reflect in the numbers.

COVID-19 Hits New Mississippi Highs, Municipalities Issuing Own Mask Orders

Mississippi’s rising coronavirus curve is prompting dire warnings from state health officials—and some municipalities are beginning to issue mask orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces.

BREAKING: Mississippi Adds 1,092 New COVID-19 Cases In Single Day

The day after State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned of a looming catastrophe facing Mississippi in the fall, the state’s hospitals reported the highest incidence of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations since the virus first arrived in Mississippi: 767.

Stories by Julian