Friday, March 31
Crime
'Operation Zero Tolerance' Nets Staggering Amount of Contraband in Prison
Pelicia Hall, the recently confirmed commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, is cracking down on contraband in public and private prisons in the state.
National
Trump Faces Questions of Interference in Investigations
President Donald Trump is facing new questions about political interference in the investigations into Russian election meddling following reports that White House officials secretly funneled material to the chairman of …
National
Schumer Warns GOP Against Rules Change on Supreme Court
As he tries to line up enough votes to block President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, the Senate Democratic leader is strongly warning Republicans against changing Senate rules to confirm …
National
Michael Flynn in Talks with Congress, Wary of Prosecution
Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn is in discussions with the House and Senate intelligence committees on receiving immunity from "unfair prosecution" in exchange for agreeing to be questioned as …
Politics
Lottery? Mississippi House Leader Setting Group to Study It
Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn says he will appoint a committee to study the pros and cons of creating a state lottery.
Thursday, March 30
City & County
Legislature Passes Cap Complex Bill, Funds Will Kick in by 2018
The Legislature passed the much-debated and anticipated Capitol Complex bill on the last day of their 2017 session, Wednesday, March 29. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill, …
Immigration
UPDATED: Gov. Bryant Joins States Supporting Trump's Travel Ban
Twelve states filed a brief in support of President Donald Trump's executive order titled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," which is his second attempt …
Person of the Day
Clint Dempsey
For many people, 2016 was a bad year, and the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team was no exception. The team had low points, such as its 0-2 loss to Guatemala …
LGBT
Agreement to End 'Bathroom Bill' but Are There Enough Votes?
Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper say they have an agreement to end the state's "bathroom bill" that they hope will drive away negative national …
National
Senate Hearing to Focus on Russian Disinformation Tactics
Some tactics Russia used to meddle in last year's presidential election would give shivers to anyone who believes in American democracy, the Senate intelligence committee's top Democrat says.
Politics
Mississippi Legislature Ends Session with Budgets Unfinished
The Mississippi Legislature ended its 2017 regular session Wednesday, but will have to return later to pass budgets for the attorney general's office and the Department of Transportation.
Wednesday, March 29
Business
Digital JXN
Jackson and Mississippi are synonymous with blues music and comeback sauce and authors such as Eudora Welty and Richard Wright. But sometime soon, Jackson could be known for its technology …
Business
Life in Code: Nader Dabit
The Jackson Free Press recently talked to Nader Dabit on the phone about his experience in coding, the importance of data in education, and the coding scene in Mississippi and …
Business
Creating a Sandbox
On March 31 and April 1, both Fondren and Mantle. will be bustling with more activity as Mantle. gears up for its first annual Sandbox Live, which is an event …
Wellness
If Not for My Size
"You are such a beautiful woman for your size." Yep. In 2017, someone said that to me.
Editorial
Cheers to Bi-partisanship in the Mississippi House
The blame for the budget meltdown belongs to both the House and the Senate, but if you believe that bipartisanship, maintaining the state's infrastructure and compromise are important in how …
Civil Rights
What ‘Confederate History Month’ Really Is
Celebrating Confederate History Month without even attempting to put it in its proper context of human slavery and racism is just another one of the things we do to refuse …
Politics
A Bi-Partisan Mutiny Over Roads and Bridges
Lightning flashed outside as storms gathered inside the Mississippi Capitol late the night of Monday, March 27, a pivotal deadline day for budget legislation.
City & County
Ahem, City Candidates
Sixteen people may be running for mayor, but as of press time, only two of them had met the Jan. 31, 2017, annual reporting deadline—nearly two months later.
City & County
UPDATED: Capitol Complex Bill with Funds for Jackson Passes, Heads to Governor
The year 2017 may be the charm for Jackson, at least when it comes to getting upward of $20 million a year from the State of Mississippi to help repair …
Education
MAEP, Mental Health Among #MSLeg Cuts
Public schools should prepare for more budget cuts, as the Mississippi Adequate Education Program took a hit in the budget lawmakers passed late Monday, March 27.
Fly
Walking the Runway
In a rehearsal at Salsa Mississippi, nearly 30 girls line up in the dance studio, walking down the floor as though it was a runway. A live audience will soon …
Music
Weighing in on ‘Wolves’
Ron Etheridge will likely be a familiar name—and voice—to many Jackson music fans.
Immigration
US judge to Hear Arguments on Longer Block to Travel Ban
A federal judge in Hawaii who temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's revised travel ban planned to hear arguments Wednesday on whether to extend his order until the state's lawsuit works …
Publisher's Note
Growing Jackson’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
There's a word for what Jackson has developed for certain industries, especially food, medical-technology, nonprofit and government work, even law—it's an "ecosystem."
Jacksonian
Sarah MacInnis
Sarah MacInnis is a dual-threat artist as a graphic designer and guitarist. While she was growing up, the Madison native's parents encouraged her creative exploits.
Civil Rights
Emmett Till Relative Asks Sessions to Push Civil Rights Law
Family members of Emmett Till pushed Attorney General Jeff Sessions Tuesday to enforce a law that that allows prosecutors to reinvestigate old civil rights murder cases.
Tuesday, March 28
Politics
Midnight Meltdown Over Roads, Bridges: Three Budgets Die after House-Senate Showdown
Lawmakers staged a showdown in the Capitol last night over money for roads and bridges, as the Mississippi Senate and the House of Representatives stayed in session until midnight on …
Books
Hari Kunzru
To those who aren't familiar with his critically acclaimed past works, such as 2011's "Gods Without Men," Hari Kunzru is known for his lively writing style and his ability to …
Biz Roundup
Underground 119, EmployAbility Job Fair, The Source, Mama Nature's, Co.Starters and Dinos
Underground 119, which closed for renovations in August 2015, will reopen Saturday, April 1.
Civil Rights
Journalist Wilson 'Bill' Minor Dies; Covered Civil Rights
Wilson F. "Bill" Minor, a journalist who chronicled Mississippi through almost 70 years of change including its turbulent struggle over civil rights, died Tuesday at his home in Jackson. He …
National
Nunes Refuses to Step Away from House Russia Probe
House intelligence chairman Devin Nunes rebuffed calls to step aside from the Russia investigation Tuesday as demands grew for him to recuse himself as head of that probe.
Politics
Talks Break Down Over Mississippi Transportation Spending
Mississippi House and Senate leaders publicly bickered but failed to agree on a transportation spending plan before a Monday night deadline, likely forcing the governor to call lawmakers back for …
Environment
Trump Puts Anti-Global Warming Projects on Chopping Block
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order Tuesday aimed at moving forward on his campaign pledge to unravel former President Barack Obama's plan to curb global warming.
Immigration
Mississippi Governor Approves Outlawing of Sanctuary Cities
Gov. Phil Bryant signed a law Monday banning sanctuary cities and other policies that might help people who have entered the country illegally, saying he wants Mississippi to help federal …
Monday, March 27
City & County
JFP Staffers Receive First Place Honors in 2016 Associated Press Regional Awards
The Jackson Free Press staff won two first place awards from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors; the winners were announced at a banquet this weekend held in …
Politics
Legislature Scorches State Services After Governor Cuts Budget Four Times
If the U.S. Civil War is a metaphor for Mississippi's supermajority's approach to state services, Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Legislature are leading a Sherman-esque march to the sea …
Health Care
Legislature Cutting Millions of Dollars from Human Services, Mental Health and Rehab Services
The Mississippi Legislature is cutting millions of dollars from state health-care services, and Democrats are not happy about it, especially with lawsuits looming.
Person of the Day
Jo Ann Gordon
The Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its current location on Old Canton Road and is now preparing for its 50th annual Beth Israel Bazaar …
Health Care
Schumer Seizes on Trump Team's Offer to Work with Dems
President Donald Trump's aides opened the door to working with moderate Democrats on health care and other issues while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer quickly offered to find common ground …
National
Trump's Border-Wall Proposal Faces Many Obstacles
President Donald Trump has now laid out exactly what he wants in the "big, beautiful wall" that he's promised to build on the U.S.-Mexico border. But his effort to build …
Health Care
Blaming Conservatives, Trump Signals New Openness to Dems
President Donald Trump on Sunday attacked conservative lawmakers for the failure of the Republican bill to replace former President Barack Obama's health care law, as aides signaled a greater willingness …
National
Ex-CIA Chief: Flynn's Firm Discussed Removing Cleric from US
Former CIA Director James Woolsey has accused the Trump administration's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, of participating in a discussion with Turkish officials about possibly subverting the U.S. extradition …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Friday, March 24
Health Care
UPDATED: Trump, GOP Leaders Pull Health Care Bill in Humiliating Loss
Republican leaders have abruptly pulled their troubled health care overhaul bill off the House floor, short of votes and eager to avoid a humiliating defeat for President Donald Trump and …
Crime
Gov. Bryant Signs 'Back the Badge,' Increased Penalties Bills
Surrounded by law enforcement officers, emergency personnel and first responders, Gov. Phil Bryant signed the "Back the Badge Act," which adds law-enforcement officials, firefighters and emergency personnel as protected classes …
Politics
Veteran Democratic Lawmaker Diagnosed with Dementia, Plans to Retire
House Speaker Philip Gunn directed all members to their seats this morning, as Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, took the podium for a point of personal privilege.
Person of the Day
Cynthia Kaiser Ferguson
Thirty years ago, Natchez native Cynthia "Tia" Kaiser Ferguson sat through a freshman engineering course at Tulane University listening intently to the success stories from school alumni, including one graduate …
Health Care
Mississippi Governor Joins Others in Backing GOP Health Plan
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has joined seven other Republican governors in a letter endorsing the GOP plan to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law.
Economy
Hood Deposits $34M, Lobbies for Mental Health Spending
As budget writers try to stretch Mississippi's cash to cover its needs, Attorney General Jim Hood is chipping in $34.4 million.
Health Care
House Steers Toward Climactic Vote on GOP Health Care Bill
The House steered toward a climactic vote Friday on the Republican health care overhaul, plunging ahead despite uncertainty over whether they had the votes to prevail in what loomed as …
Business
Nissan Declines Talks with Union After Mississippi Rally
Nissan Motor Co. has declined to talk to union supporters about conditions at its Mississippi assembly plant after a March 4 pro-union rally headlined by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Thursday, March 23
Health Care
White House Abandons Negotiations with GOP Lawmakers, Demands Friday Vote on Healthcare
WASHINGTON (AP) — Abandoning negotiations, President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded a make-or-break vote on health care legislation in the House, threatening to leave "Obamacare" in place and move on …
Health Care
Health Bill Vote Delayed in House in Setback to Trump, Ryan
GOP House leaders delayed their planned vote Thursday on a long-promised bill to repeal and replace "Obamacare," in a stinging setback for House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Donald Trump …
Civil Rights
'Big, Black or Boy' Preschoolers Face Higher Expulsions and Suspensions
Implicit bias starts early in education—really early. New research shows that boys, black children and especially black boys are more likely to be expelled or suspended from early education program …
Art
18 Artists Inducted into Mississippi Arts and Experience Hall of Fame
Mississippi's top political leaders announced the induction of 18 artists into the inaugural Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame class at the Capitol this morning.
Person of the Day
Dwight Clark
There may not have been any NFL game in the 1980s more important than the 1982 NFC Championship Game. The game was a turning point in the fortunes of both …
Politics
Campaign Spending Bill Headed to Mississippi Governor's Desk
Elected officials in Mississippi would no longer be able to use campaign money to subsidize their lifestyles or build retirement nest eggs under a bill likely to become law.
Wednesday, March 22
State
No New Civil Cases for Slow Federal Judge Till He Catches Up
A federal judge in southern Mississippi is temporarily blocked from taking on new civil court cases because of a backlog of pending cases.
The Slate
If your bracket isn't busted after the first weekend of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, feel free to rub it in with the rest of us. It didn't take long …
Music
Starting with a BVNG
An absentee headliner wasn't exactly how Jackson natives Mitch Draper and Jonathan Nixon planned to launch their new monthly event series, the FLVSH BVNG! Art & Music Showcase, in January.
Food
Taste the Bistro
When brainstorming names for her new restaurant, Candice Brewster kept coming back to one word: taste. Her reasoning was that if the food doesn't taste good, nothing else matters.
Cover
Cruel & Unusual? The Death Penalty’s Trials in Mississippi
The State of Mississippi is litigating legal challenges to the state's lethal-injection law directly. Mississippi last executed a prisoner in June 2012, Mississippi Department of Corrections records posted online show.
Civil Rights
The Last Confederate Stronghold in America
"This is no longer a Mississippi fight. This is a battle for the soul of America."
Business
Americans for Prosperity: Online Sales Tax is Wrong for Mississippi
The Jackson Free Press recently published an editorial criticizing my organization, Americans for Prosperity, for opposing a bill that would impose sales taxes on all online purchases made in Mississippi—even …
Crime
Last-Hour Gang Law Overhaul Is Self-Defeating
When Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, stood up at the last hour to amend state gang law at the Mississippi Legislature on March 8, he committed what can be called a …
Politics
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'No Evidence'
On his personal Twitter account, President Donald Trump used Clapper's decision to not comment on the ongoing investigation into the Trump administration and campaign's ties to Russia to conclude that …
Civil Rights
Caution: Oligarchy Ahead
Brother Hustle: "Welcome to this very important Compensatory Investment Request Support Group meeting. While democracy transitions into an oligarchy, the common, poor and financially challenged communities must brace themselves for …
Politics
Compromising on Vouchers, Criminal Justice as ‘Back the Badge’ Bill Goes to Governor
The fate of dyslexia scholarship-voucher expansion efforts, how criminal-justice reforms are implemented and occupational licensing-board oversight are in the hands of a few this week as Mississippi lawmakers conference and …
Education
Bracing for Budget Cuts, Sparing Ed Funds
Impending and deep budget cuts have tainted many-a-committee comment and shadowed several debates this legislative session. With less than two weeks left until lawmakers leave Jackson, they must sign off …
Jacksonian
Roderick Red
Roderick Red believes that sparking change is the best use of art. The 28-year-old filmmaker and producer is using his multimedia business, Red Squared Productions, LLC, to help spread messages …
Civil Rights
Mississippi Senate Sends Anti-Sanctuary Bill to Governor
Mississippi took another step Tuesday toward banning sanctuary cities when Gov. Phil Bryant said he would sign a bill that would keep government agencies from sheltering people in the country …
City & County
Jackson Needs More Camaraderie
It's great to have a sense of pride in your neighborhood, but it's also important to remember that we're all part of one city.
Tuesday, March 21
Crime
A ‘Gang,’ By Any Other Name
The word "gang" means different things to different people—and the realities of organized gangs in U.S. cities have shifted over the years. One result is that many of them are …
State
'Transform Your Hustle': 'Shark Tank'-Style Re-Entry Program Coming to State
Mississippians in the state's custody could soon have access to a new re-entry program focused on entrepreneurship, rehabilitation and getting a job upon release.
Biz Roundup
New Stage Theatre, Butler Snow, Innovate Mississippi
New Stage Theatre recently announced Early Bird registration for its 2017 Summer Camps for students currently enrolled in grades one through 11 from now through May 1.
Person of the Day
Simon Brown
Simon Brown, who has served as executive sous chef at Seafood R’evolution since 2015, accepted a promotion to the role of chef de cuisine at the restaurant on Saturday, March …
Books
Greg Iles: From 'Burning' to 'Blood'
For many people, today is an average Tuesday, but for longtime fans of author Greg Iles, March 21 has been a long time coming. Today marks the release of the …
State
Racial Reconciliation Project: Together for Deep Dialogue
Shelia Nabors and Tony Caldwell are both advocates for racial reconciliation in North Mississippi. Nabors is a social worker in Tupelo who says her work around race issues is "a …
Monday, March 20
Health Care
GOP Health Plan Would Affect Older Mississippians, Many Rural Whites
Despite the Affordable Care Act's uncertain future, more than 88,000 Mississippians, many elderly and white, re-enrolled in health insurance-marketplace plans by the Jan. 31 deadline, data from the Centers for …
Civil Rights
Court Blocks Law That Would Close Mississippi's Only Abortion Clinic
A federal court on Friday permanently blocked Mississippi's law that threatened to close the state's only abortion clinic by setting a hospital-privileges requirement the clinic couldn't fulfill.
Music
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry, rock 'n' roll's founding guitar hero and storyteller who defined the music's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," ''Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over …
Health Care
Ryan: More Help for Older People Needed in GOP Health Bill
Days before a pivotal vote, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sunday he will seek changes to a GOP health care bill to provide more help to older people.
National
Comey: FBI Probing Links Between Russia, Trump Associates
FBI Director James Comey confirmed Monday that the bureau is investigating possible links and coordination between Russia and associates of President Donald Trump as part of a broader probe of …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Saturday, March 18
Education
Groups Seek to Open 9 Charter Schools in Mississippi, Two in Jackson
Nine charter school operators say they're interested in opening new schools in Mississippi.
Friday, March 17
City & County
BREAKING: Mississippi’s Abortion Clinic Shutdown Law Permanently Blocked
A federal district court permanently blocked Mississippi’s Texas-style clinic shutdown law today, ensuring the last abortion clinic in the state will remain open.
Civil Rights
'Back the Badge' Bill Heads to Governor's Desk
Police officers will become a protected class for hate crimes against them if Gov. Phil Bryant signs the "Back the Badge Act of 2017," which is headed to Gov. Phil …
Civil Rights
Slain Teen's Mother Sues Business Owner Charged with His Murder
Yvette Mason-Sherman filed a civil lawsuit against Wayne Parish, the man indicted in the killing of her 17-year-old son, Charles McDonald Jr., at Performance Oil Equipment in Jackson last fall, …
Music
BlindFromDaTruth
Steven McClenty II, known in local hip-hop circles as BlindFromDaTruth, has been building up his skill as a rapper and producer for nearly a decade.
Business
Mississippi Power's Kemper Plant Blows Deadline After Leak
After a tubing leak in part of its Kemper County power plant, Mississippi Power Co. now says it's unsure when the $7 billion plant will be finished.
Thursday, March 16
City & County
Mississippi's Only Academic Hospital Cuts Jobs to Fix Budget
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is cutting jobs to deal with a budget shortfall.
Business
Advocates, Lawmakers: Women's Rights Legislation Will Be Back
Women make 75 cents to every dollar a man makes in Mississippi, data from the Mississippi State Treasurer's office says.
Education
Students, Parents, Business Leaders Rally for "Seat at the Table" in Ed-Formula Re-Write
Students, parents and advocates gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol on Thursday, March 16, calling on lawmakers to slow down the process of rewriting Mississippi's education funding formula and hold …
Person of the Day
Terence Davis
Terence Davis filled up the stat sheet with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in the Rebels' win against Monmouth.
Politics
Bryant Nominates GOP Lawmaker for Workers Comp Commission
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is nominating a longtime Republican lawmaker to serve on the three-member Workers Compensation Commission.
Wednesday, March 15
National
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's New Travel Ban Aimed At Muslim-Majority Countries
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing …
The Slate
This week is one of the biggest of the year for sports fans. People are filling out their NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament brackets at this very moment in hopes of …
Cover
Local and Lucky
If you haven't heard, the Hal's St. Paddy's Day Parade & Festival is this weekend. Here is your guide to what you can do before and after.
Cover
Prep for the Long Haul
St. Paddy's Parade weekend is a marathon, not a sprint. As such, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared.
Cover
What Do You Know About Being Green?
It's time for the annual Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival. To make sure you get where you want to be, when you want to be there, the Jackson Free …
Politics
Conserving Fannye A. Cook’s Legacy
When Fannye A. Cook was born in Copiah County, women were almost 80 years away from gaining the right to serve on a Mississippi jury and 95 years away from …
Civil Rights
Calling on Our Ancestral Mothers
Each year I make deliberate efforts to study women throughout history. This year I have dissected my celebration. With intentional focus, I am celebrating black women. I am dedicating myself …
Editorial
Use the T-word: Trauma Matters, Must Be Treated
Without an understanding of trauma—what often lies beneath the surface of a child who was taken out of an abusive home or a teenager in juvenile detention—the wounds won't heal.
Education
JPS Shrinks as Charters Pull Students, Money
In Dr. Freddrick Murray's view, Jackson Public Schools has to be proactive to get in front of the myriad problems the district faces, from decreasing enrollment and funding at most …
Jacksonian
Roy A. Adkins
Normally, when Roy A. Adkins is taking photos downtown, he takes them at his studio, Light and Glass, which he co-owns with his wife, Jerri Sherer.
National
Trump Blasts Release of 2005 Tax Form, Reporter's Account
President Donald Trump earned $153 million and paid $36.5 million in income taxes in 2005, paying a roughly 25 percent effective tax rate thanks to a tax he has since …
Music
Brantley Gilbert: All on the Table
For several years now, Brantley Gilbert has been a big name in the world of country music.
City & County
Want Change? Get Involved
Some exciting things are happening in technology and entrepreneurship in Jackson this year.
Politics
Mississippi to Begin Tracking Assets Seized by Police Groups
Mississippi will begin tracking money and assets seized by police agencies and require more oversight of such forfeitures after Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 812 .
Art
Jonathan Faulkner’s Unknown Dimensions
Jonathan Faulkner says his artistic medium—abstract drawings with permanent marker on sketch paper—developed more out of necessity at first.
Tuesday, March 14
Development
‘One Lake’ Tax Sails Forward
Previous plans to dramatically remake the portion of the Pearl River that flows through the Jackson metropolitan area ran aground, but legislation is sailing toward the governor's desk that would …
Biz Roundup
UMMC Facilities Closing, MDA Collaboration on Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge
University of Mississippi Medical Center announced in a release last week that University Wellness Center Downtown and University Wellness Center Northeast in Jackson will both close on April 1.
Person of the Day
Theresa G. Kennedy
The Women's Business Center of Mississippi named entrepreneur and activist Theresa Kennedy as the organization's new director on March 1.
Monday, March 13
National
White House Appears to Soften Trump's Claim on Wiretapping
The White House on Monday appeared to soften President Donald Trump's unproven assertion that his predecessor wiretapped his New York skyscraper during the election.
Health Care
Congress' Analyst: Millions to Lose Coverage Under GOP Bill
Fourteen million Americans would lose coverage next year under House Republican legislation remaking the nation's health care system, and that figure would grow to 24 million by 2026, Congress' nonpartisan …
Civil Rights
Legislators Back Down from Confederate Flag Threat
The Mississippi House has halted a push to require that universities fly the state's Confederate-themed flag.
Civil Rights
The Mississippi Flag Case Against Gov. Phil Bryant: A First
The case against Gov. Phil Bryant for continuing to fly the current Mississippi flag could be the first in which judges consider an Equal Protection Clause claim based on government …
State
Understanding Trauma Key to Fixing State's Foster Care System
Like Michigan, Mississippi is under a consent decree to fix its foster-care system—and the State must fulfill several promises by year's end.
Person of the Day
Nick Weatherspoon
Nick Weatherspoon scored a game-high 18 points to lead Velma Jackson over Cleveland East Side 46-32 and claim the Mississippi Boys 3A state championship on Saturday.
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Saturday, March 11
City & County
No Flush, No Shower: Mississippi Capital City in Water Pinch
Portable toilets are parked outside the Mississippi Capitol, city residents are stocking up on bottled water and restaurants are evaluating whether they can stay open with little or no water …
Friday, March 10
Business
Volkswagen Pleads Guilty, Agrees to $4.3 Billion Fine
Volkswagen pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy and obstruction of justice and agreed to pay a $4.3 billion penalty for a brazen scheme to program nearly 600,000 vehicles to cheat on …
Development
Infrastructure Funding Alive in Mississippi House
Repairing the state's roads and bridges may still be a priority of the Mississippi House of Representatives, with members voting to increase funding for infrastructure by about $150 million starting …
Person of the Day
Keith Tonkel
Keith Tonkel, who was the pastor of Wells United Methodist Church, died Wednesday, March 8, from throat cancer complications.
Immigration
ICE Releases Daniela Vargas Under Order of Supervision
Daniela Vargas, the 22-year-old undocumented immigrant who grew up in Mississippi and was detained after speaking out at a press conference in Jackson, is free from federal custody as of …
Health Care
Women's Health Services Face Cuts in Republican Bill
Women seeking abortions and some basic health services, including prenatal care, contraception and cancer screenings, would face restrictions and struggle to pay for some of that medical care under the …
Politics
Mississippi House Rolls Out New Roads, Bridges Funding Plan
The Mississippi House is pushing a new transportation funding plan.
Thursday, March 9
Civil Rights
State Flag Debate Back in the Spotlight
Rep. William Shirley, R-Quitman, is on a mission to make universities fly the state flag. The state flag debate flared up yesterday in the House of Representatives when Rep. Shirley …
Education
Dyslexia Voucher Expansion Bill Passes Senate
House Bill 1046 expands vouchers or scholarships, depending on whom you ask in the statehouse. Either way, the legislation advanced late on Wednesday night after more than two hours of …
Person of the Day
Joye Lee-McNelis
As the University of Southern Mississippi heads into the Conference USA Women's Basketball Tournament, which begins today, March 9, USM is riding a seven-game winning streak. That's an amazing feat …
Civil Rights
Hawaii Becomes 1st State to Sue Over Trump's New Travel Ban
Hawaii has become the first state to file a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, saying the order will harm its Muslim population, tourism and foreign students.
Civil Rights
Mississippi Minister Who Condemned Racism in 1960s Dies
Keith Tonkel, one of 28 white United Methodist ministers who signed a statement condemning segregation and racism in the Deep South in 1963, has died.
Wednesday, March 8
Art
Being the 'Best of Enemies'
"Right now, we’re in a time in our history where we’re so polarized as groups of people. We need to remember that people can come together and find common ground.”
Politics
Mississippi’s Women Deserve a Lot More R-E-S-P-E-C-T
"Improving women’s access to fair and equal pay not only uplifts them, but their entire families and their communities as well."
Civil Rights
Mississippi House to Colleges: Fly Flag or Lose Tax Break
Mississippi universities that refuse to fly the Confederate-themed state flag could lose proposed tax breaks, the latest twist in a long battle over a symbol critics see as racist.
City & County
Harsh Words (and Love) for Jackson and Mississippi
As a former Jacksonian looking into the city from D.C. with a powerful set of binoculars, I can't help but ask myself, "What the hell is going on?"
Music
A New Palette for City and Colour
When Dallas Green released his first music as City and Colour in 2005, he says it was meant to be a collection of "other songs."
The Slate
The madness of March is beginning as conference tournaments take center stage this week. Some teams will punch their tickets to the "big dance," and others will get their dreams …
Civil Rights
Denying Sanctuary Spreads Fear
In the midst of a souring national climate toward immigration—thanks in large part to President Donald Trump's executive order, which authorizes more detention facilities to hold detained immigrants, among other …
Civil Rights
Trump’s Dark Shadow Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
A dark shadow has been cast over the land in the wake of chants of "Make America Great Again" and "America First."
Food
Those Crazy Cats
April 15 will mark one year since Crazy Cat Bakers moved from its original Highland Village location into more spacious digs at Canton Mart Square. But the restaurant, now called …
Wellness
Spring-Time Sneezes
Allergy sufferers have the desire to enjoy the wonderful weather and all the joy that nature brings, but we suffer more during this time of year than any other because …
Civil Rights
Internalized Racism: On the Hunt for Solutions
Byron D'Andra Orey, a JSU political science professor, conducts experiments that represent a burgeoning area of study known as "biopolitics," a field examining the intersection of biology and political behavior.
Civil Rights
An Editor and a Gentleman
An odd fluke of fate brought me to the patch of dirt where three civil rights workers were murdered in my home county, holding the hand of James Chaney's daughter …
City & County
A Sense of Urgency: Sen. John Horhn Pledges to Cure What Ails City Hall
Sen. John Horhn may have been in the Mississippi Legislature for 24 years, but the Jackson man doesn't always get what he wants.
Jacksonian
Ariel Boggess
Ariel Boggess has always created art in mediums such as painting and drawing, so she says makeup was a natural fit.
Civil Rights
Lawyer: Mississippi Flag Sends Message of 'White Supremacy'
In the latest legal wrangling over one of Mississippi's most prominent symbols, a lawyer for a man who objects to the state's flag said Tuesday the Confederate-themed banner sends a …
Tuesday, March 7
Civil Rights
Petitions, Vigil Demand Feds to #FreeDany from ICE Detention Center
As Daniela Vargas sits in an immigrant detention center in Jena, La., 166 miles from her Jackson home, concerned citizens, advocates and pastors gathered here in the courtyard of Fondren …
Biz Roundup
Swell-O-Phonic, Little Bluestem Farm and Mantle. Co.working
Swell-O-Phonic is renovating this week and is temporarily moving all of its stock and operations into The Wonder Lab downstairs.
Domestic Violence
Lawmaker Flips to Support Domestic Abuse as Divorce Reason
A Mississippi lawmaker breathed life back into a proposal Monday to make domestic abuse a reason for divorce, after coming under fire recently for killing a similar measure.
Monday, March 6
Celebrate Progress, Yet Push Forward on Criminal Justice Reform
"We are moving in the right direction, but we still have much more to do."
Business
Workers, Advocates and Politicians March for Unionization at Nissan
Auto industry workers, advocates and politicians marched on the Nissan Plant in Canton on Saturday to show support for a union and to urge workers there to unionize.
City & County
Jackson Water Outage Scheduled for This Weekend
Jacksonians in some parts of the city can expect water outages or low water pressure this weekend, starting on Friday at 3 p.m. until about the same time on Sunday, …
Person of the Day
Erica Bougard
Erica Bougard won the pentathlon Friday at USA Track & Field Indoor Championships, taking advantage of defending champion Barbara Nwaba's knee injury that forced her to withdraw after the third …
Immigration
Trump Signs New Travel Ban Aimed at Withstanding Challenges
President Donald Trump on Monday signed a reworked version of his controversial travel ban Monday, aiming to withstand court challenges while still barring new visas for citizens from six Muslim-majority …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Saturday, March 4
National
Trump Accuses Obama of Phone 'Tapp', Calls Obama 'Bad (or Sick) Man'
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday accused former President Barack Obama of tapping his telephones during last year's election, lodging a startling allegation of abuse of …
Business
Nissan Accused of Wrongly Blocking Union Activity at Plant
The United Auto Workers union charges that Nissan Motor Co. broke federal labor law less than two days before a Mississippi rally where U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to speak …
City & County
As Deadline Passes, 16 Candidates Running for Jackson Mayor
As the deadline passes to qualify for the Jackson city elections, 16 candidates are running for mayor of the capital city.
Friday, March 3
Music
Champion, Unplugged
Concertgoers who catch blues artist Grady Champion whenever he plays in Jackson might think they have his live show figured out. However, when the Canton, Miss., native rolls back into …
Domestic Violence
Abusers Get Another Divorce Pass from #MSLeg, But Senator Pushes Back
Sen. Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven, is not giving up on making domestic abuse grounds for divorce in Mississippi. Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, killed Doby's bill on Feb. 28, in committee, not …
Development
UPDATED: Feds Close Over 100 Mississippi Bridges, Senator Says
"Over 100 (posted) bridges have been closed." The Mississippi Senate did not take up any legislation today, but before it adjourned, Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, stood up to give that …
Person of the Day
Jim Ellis
Longtime Mississippi State broadcaster Jim Ellis will retire from calling football and men's basketball games at the end of the current basketball season.
National
Pence Used a Private Email Account to Conduct State Business
Vice President Mike Pence used a private email account to conduct public business as Indiana's governor, according to public records obtained by the Indianapolis Star.
Politics
Mississippi May Use Gas Chamber, Electrocution for Execution
The Mississippi Senate has voted to add gas chamber and electrocution as execution options in case courts block the state from obtaining lethal injection drugs.
Thursday, March 2
City & County
ICE Plans to Deport Daniela Vargas Without Hearing, Attorney Says
Daniela Vargas, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant who grew up in Mississippi, is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody with no bond and will not get a hearing before an immigration …
Immigration
Hostility to Immigrants Breeds 'Constant State of Fear,' Advocates Say
Business owners, pastors and lawyers gathered outside Jackson City Hall Wednesday to voice concerns for the hostility shown toward immigrants in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive orders and …
Politics
From Welfare to Divorce: What's Dead, What's Alive in the Legislature
Criminal-justice and welfare reform are alive to see another day, but adding abuse as grounds for divorce and election reform were dead on arrival.
Person of the Day
Brent Rooker
Mississippi State University outfielder Brent Rooker was in the zone last weekend in the batter's box. The ball must have looked like the size of a cantaloupe each time he …
Business
Nissan Faces Safety Fine in Mississippi as Union Rally Looms
A federal workplace safety agency wants to fine Nissan Motor Co. more than $21,000, saying the company's Mississippi plant should have better trained a maintenance worker who lost three fingers …
National
Sessions Spoke with Russian Envoy in 2016, Justice Dept Says
Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign, the Justice Department confirmed, a seeming contradiction to sworn statements he gave to …
Politics
State Rep. David Myers Begins Yearlong Deployment
A Mississippi state lawmaker has been deployed to Iraq for a yearlong stint with the U.S. Army Reserves.
Wednesday, March 1
Immigration
UPDATED: DACA Immigrant Detained in Jackson After Speaking Out, ICE Responds
Minutes after leaving a press conference, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Daniela Vargas, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant in the process of applying for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) …
Cover
Sweetness Fest Takes a Run Against Obesity
Sweetness Fest organizers hope that only one thing gets bigger in the event's fight against obesity: participation.
Cover
Touch a Truck Jackson
Junior League of Jackson will host its fourth annual Touch a Truck Jackson event on March 24 and 25 at Trustmark Park in Pearl.
Art
Still She Rises
Directors Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules are bringing a new documentary to Mississippi screens: "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise," which debuted at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and …
Art
Verge in the Wild Wild West
Verge is a new community-oriented art project that evolved from FIGMENT Jackson. The website for FIGMENT says the mission of the events, which happen in multiple cities across the United …
Politics
Danny Glover and the Rights of Workers
I'll never forget Danny Glover as the drifter Moze in the 1984 film "Places in the Heart." It was a Depression-era story of a widowed mother in the South trying …
Economy
Killing Online Sales Tax Bill Is Hypocrisy
The state's budget is shrinking, and whether a lawmaker blames slow economic development or large tax breaks given to corporations that never came to Mississippi, the budget squeeze is on …
Civil Rights
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Pioneers'
DeVos called historically black colleges and universities "living proof" that more options for students means greater access and quality, when in actuality HBCUs were not so much a choice as …
Miss Doodle Mae’s Safe Haven from Fake News
Miss Doodle Mae: "In a time of 'fake news' and 'alternative facts,' Jojo's Discount Dollar Store has become a safe haven for the common people."
Education
MPB Bridges Education As Cuts Loom
Ronnie Agnew watched PBS shows like "Sesame Street" when he was growing up in Saltillo in rural Mississippi. Now the executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Agnew tells the story …
Education
EdBuild: New Formula in Hands of Few
Mississippi's new education funding formula is in the hands of a few lawmakers and the statehouse leadership—and what it will look like or how much money will go into the …
City & County
A Violence Talk That Might Have Been
It felt more like a bait-and-switch. But maybe the City Hall gathering was a start of a new way of thinking about crime prevention in the capital city.
Politics
Legislators Kill Domestic Abuse Divorce Bill
A bill adding domestic abuse as grounds for divorce has died in committee. Senate Bill 2703 , which passed the Mississippi Senate, wasn't taken up Tuesday by the House Judiciary …
Jacksonian
Adam Farcus
Artist Adam Farcus hasn't needed much time to make friends and make a difference in Jackson.
Music
Kari Jobe: Growth in ‘The Garden’
In the worship-music industry, few contemporary artists have achieved the staying power of singer-songwriter Kari Jobe. Since the Waco, Texas, native released her self-titled debut in 2009, many of her …
Editor's Note
Try Everything, Learn Something
Like a lot of people, when I was younger, I tried my hand at everything in the hopes that I would also be inexplicably great at everything.
Food
Sugar’s Legacy
Preparing meals for the masses isn't anything new for Glenda Cage Barner and her son, Donovan Barner, who own Sugar's Place. They have spent years cooking up food for their …
