Wednesday, January 31
Business
EDITORIAL: City Contracting Is a Mess, Must Be Repaired
It didn't take two women who can't get payment for hauling nasty sludge from a wastewater-treatment plant to convince the Jackson Free Press that the City's contracting system is a …
Business
OPINION: The Battle for Clear Water and Control in Jackson
Recently, the Jackson City Council dropped its appeal to block the West Rankin Utility Authority from building its own wastewater facility in lieu of using Jackson's Savanna Street treatment plant. …
City & County
EDITOR'S NOTE: Fresh Eyes on the Capital City
When dancers in the USA International Ballet Competition refer to the competition in Jackson (which, by the way, is the only one of its kind in the U.S.), they simply …
City & County
OPINION: Jackson is the ‘Sole’ of Mississippi
Jackson is the only city in Mississippi referred to as the "capital," the only one with a star or some symbol that indicates its presence on a map, the largest …
Music
A Story of Healing and Hip-hop
Jackson rapper 808 tha BASS performs his one-man show, “My Story,” on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Russell C. Davis Planetarium.
Food
A Super Bowl for the Super Hungry
Here are just a few places in the capital city where you can grab a bite to eat, a beer to drink and a good seat for Super Bowl LII …
Business
Good Faith, Bad Faith: City Contract Controversies Explode ... Again
Arneedra Smith-Gaddis seemed nervous when she stepped to the microphone in City Hall on Jan. 3, but Bridgette Gandy looked more composed. The two women subcontractors were there, separately, to …
Crime
State Gets ‘B’ for Trafficking Laws
Pearl Assistant Police Chief Dean Scott pulled out his phone in the Mississippi Capitol on Jan. 17 to show just how easy it is to solicit sex from likely trafficked …
State
Cops Learn to Help Mentally Ill Mississippians
The celebration was small, but the impact is likely to be large. On Friday, Jan. 26, nine local law enforcement officers who work in Hinds County graduated from week-long mental-health …
City & County
An Immigration Fight on Multiple Fronts
The City of Jackson's anti-profiling ordinance will stay on the books, as far as Chokwe A. Lumumba is concerned.
Jacksonian
Charles Jett
Charles Jett, owner of Empty Coffin Studios, has been part of the Jackson art scene for many years. His studio has been in the North Midtown Arts Center for four …
Tuesday, January 30
Politics
Mississippi Bill Would Ban Most Abortions After 15 Weeks
Mississippi could become the first U.S. state to try to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, setting up a possible court challenge.
State
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour Arrested with Loaded Handgun at Security Checkpoint in Airport
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour arrested with loaded handgun at security checkpoint in airport.
Crime
Unnamed Officers on Paid Leave for Shooting of 21-Year-Old Driver
Early Saturday morning, two Jackson police officers shot at 21-year-old Crystaline Barnes during a traffic stop in response to a report that Barnes may have forced another motorist off the …
Biz Roundup
Entrepreneur Quarterly at Sal & Mookie's, Metrocenter Closing and Shipley Do-Nuts
Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is partnering with Mantle. City Club to launch a series of meetings and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs titled Entrepreneur …
Person of the Day
David Baria
Rep. David Baria of Bay St. Louis, the Democratic leader in the Mississippi state House, says he is considering running for U.S. Senate this year.
Health Care
Mississippi Vaccine Exemption Bill Not Coming Up for Vote
Mississippi lawmakers will not vote this year on creating a religious exemption to Mississippi's vaccination requirements, a committee chairman says.
Health Care
Mississippi Senate Plan Steps Back from Medicaid Changes
The Senate Medicaid Committee on Monday advanced a version of Senate Bill 2836 removing earlier proposals to cut payments to health care providers and require all Medicaid spending to be …
Monday, January 29
Health Care
Drugmaker to Pay Mississippi $33 Million in Pricing Lawsuit
Attorney General Jim Hood says a drugmaker will pay Mississippi $33.4 million in a lawsuit over drug pricing.
Crime
Hinds County DA Robert Smith's Criminal Trial Delayed Again Until March
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith was supposed to be in front of a Rankin County judge this morning to begin the trial for two counts of domestic violence, …
Education
'Nonpartison' School-board Election Reform on Legislative Agenda
Sen. Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, has introduced legislation to standardize all school-board elections for districts that already elect school-board members.
Person of the Day
Quinndary Weatherspoon
Quinndary Weatherspoon scored a team-high 20 points as Mississippi State defeated Missouri 74-62 on Saturday night.
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, January 26
Crime
'Anti-Gang' Bill Heads to Full House to Expand Policing Powers
Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, called the "Mississippi Anti-Gang Act" one of the most significant pieces of legislation the Legislature could pass in 2018. The bill would make "criminal gang activity" …
City & County
Mississippi Blues Marathon Comes Back
The sound of blues music and sneakers hitting the pavement will fill the streets of Jackson on Saturday, Jan. 27, during the Mississippi Blues Marathon.
Person of the Day
Noah Barbieri
Noah Barbieri, a senior at Millsaps College, became a Rhodes Scholar in November 2017 and received a full scholarship along with travel expenses to attend the University of Oxford in …
Business
Mississippi Sues Over Mail-Order Shipments of Wine, Liquor
Mississippi officials are suing four mail-order wine sellers, saying they illegally shipped wine and liquor into the state.
Thursday, January 25
Education
No More Rallies Inside Mississippi Capitol, Leaders Say
Top Mississippi lawmakers said Thursday that they take full responsibility for an event that violated a policy against rallies being held inside the state Capitol.
Crime
Re-entry Reform Hits Wall, But Kids No Longer Face Death Penalty
Rep. Joel Bomgar, R-Madison, had a tough time convincing the House Corrections Committee to pass additional re-entry criminal-justice reforms on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Crime
Boy, 13, Indicted for Armed Robbery, Forced to pay $100,000 Bond, Gun Missing
A Neshoba County grand jury has indicted a 13-year-old African American boy on armed-robbery charges, and he is now out on $100,000 bond.
Person of the Day
Shonte Hailes
The University of Southern Mississippi women's basketball team is hoping to make its second consecutive appearance in the postseason, and sophomore guard Shonte Hailes is helping lead the way.
Music
UPDATED: The Drum of Royal Thunder
Drummer Evan Diprima may provide a lot of the “thunder” of hard-rock band Royal Thunder, but he is actually the one of two later additions to the Atlanta four-piece. Guitarist …
State
Mississippi Town Seeks to Nearly Double its Land Area
One Mississippi college town is proposing an annexation to nearly double its land area. Oxford aldermen could vote March 6 on the plan, which would take 12 sq. miles (31 …
Wednesday, January 24
Art
Best of Jackson 2018: Urban Living
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than …
Best of Jackson
Best of Jackson 2018: Music and Nightlife
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than …
Best of Jackson
Best of Jackson 2018: Food and Drink
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than …
Art
Best of Jackson 2018: People
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than …
Art
Best of Jackson 2018: Community and Culture
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than …
Immigration
OPINION: Reform for a Broken System
The Salas family is one of many in Mississippi and the U.S. caught in the madness of the immigration debate and politicians' failure to pass real and meaningful reform to …
Editorial
OPINION: Time to Work Across Aisle on Ed Funding
After lawmakers went home in April 2017, there were no public meetings, hearings or presentations to offer clues as to whether the Republican supermajority planned to use all, part, some …
OPINION: Be an Urban Warrior in and for Jackson
Regardless of how you feel about politics at a national level, we all love seeing Jackson grow and improve. The one thing many people don't realize is that we can …
Best of Jackson
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Celebrating Local Urban Warriors for 16 Years Now
In the first-ever full issue of the Jackson Free Press in October 2002, we had a Best of Jackson ballot, with plans to reveal the winners the following January—just as …
Jacksonian
Monique Ealey
Mississippi Children's Museum Outreach Coordinator Monique Ealey sees the facility as a resource for families and educators around the state, so for her, it's important that the museum has outreach …
City & County
City of Jackson Wants to Sue Siemens
The City's water-meter issues stem back to the 2012 contract with Siemens that came about when the council during Mayor Harvey Johnson's era gave Siemens the authorization to audit the …
Education
What’s in ‘UPS’ Ed Formula, What’s Not?
The Mississippi House Education Chairman, Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, repeatedly told House members that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program is too complicated to understand and not reliable for school …
Health Care
Hood Opens Meetings of Mental Health Task Force to Reporters
Reporters will be welcome from now on at meetings of a task force convened by Attorney General Jim Hood to examine Mississippi's mental health system.
Tuesday, January 23
National
Sessions Interviewed by Mueller Team in Russia Investigation
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was interviewed for hours last week in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, the Justice Department confirmed Tuesday. He's the highest-ranking Trump administration official and first …
Politics
University Funding Cuts Prompt Talk of Tuition Hikes, Consolidation
Most of the state's public university and college presidents crowded into the Mississippi House of Representatives' appropriations room on Monday with a united message.
Biz Roundup
Fondren Renovations, Skinny Sips and 1 Million Cups' New Season
Jackson's Fondren neighborhood recently began an overhaul as part of the Fondren Streetscape Project, which will reconstruct sidewalks throughout the Fondren Business District.
Person of the Day
Abram Orlansky
Attorney Abram Orlansky has been the director of Jewish Cinema Mississippi for the past three years.
Education
Breach at Testing Vendor Exposes Mississippi Students' Data
Mississippi education officials say a data breach at a testing vendor exposed information from 663 students in Tupelo and Jefferson County.
Monday, January 22
City & County
JPS Reopens Despite 27 Schools With Little to No Water Pressure
In what seems like old news, Jackson's water issues persist into this week. Except this time students have returned to schools with little to no water pressure, and the Jackson …
Education
Vouchers Could Extend to Any Public School Student Under New Bill
Just before Gov. Phil Bryant declared Jan. 21-27 "School Choice Week," Sen. Gray Tollison's, R-Oxford, voucher-expansion bill dropped. The legislation would vastly expand the use of vouchers—a way to use …
Politics
Sally Doty
A Mississippi state lawmaker who has pushed women to run for office is now entering a congressional race herself.
Politics
Analysis: Lawmakers Must Make Decisions on Oil Spill Money
Nearly eight years after an explosion unleashed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi's elective representatives still must decide how to spend part of the compensation …
Sunday, January 21
National
'Resistance' Movement and Women's March Look to 2018 Midterm Elections
The idea first came to Teresa Shook, a Hawaii retiree, in the hours after Donald Trump was elected. Perhaps, she suggested to a few friends on Facebook, women could march …
Friday, January 19
City & County
Jackson's 'Deplorable' Pipes Still Bursting, Causing School Closures
The City of Jackson is somewhere between praising its public-works department for its hard work this year and quickly patching the aging infrastructure and pipes so that all citizens and …
City & County
Percy King of the Jackson Zoo Killed in Double Homicide
Jackson Zoo's 'Snake Man,' Percy King was killed in a double homicide Friday, January 19, 2018.
National
President Trump Steps to Forefront of Anti-Abortion Movement
He once called himself "pro-choice." But a year into his presidency, Donald Trump is stepping to the forefront of his administration's efforts to roll back abortion rights.
Education
JPS Board Starts Supe Search, May Re-organize District
The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees voted this week to begin the search for a new superintendent, starting with issuing a request for proposals to hire a consultant to …
Education
JSU HBCU Film Screening, Tougaloo Receives Award, USM Nutrition Training
Jackson State University is partnering with Mississippi Public Broadcasting to host a free screening of the documentary "Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities" on …
Person of the Day
Fletcher Cox
In the divisional round, the Eagles found ways to control the Atlanta Falcons' offense. One of the biggest reasons for Philadelphia holding the Falcons to just 10 points was defensive …
Politics
Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason to Employees: 'Get out of My Way'
Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason wrote a memo to his employees Thursday basically saying they need to get on board with his leadership or "get out of my way." In …
Education
Ever-Changing Grade System for Public Schools in Flux Again
Mississippi's system for assigning A-to-F letter grades to public schools keeps changing, and it looks like the state may have to reset the scale again in 2018.
Thursday, January 18
Health Care
New Trump Office Would Protect Conscience Rights of Doctors
Reinforcing its strong connection with social conservatives, the Trump administration announced Thursday a new federal office to protect medical providers refusing to participate in abortion, assisted suicide or other procedures …
Health Care
Governors Ask Trump, Congress to Do More on Opioid Crisis
Less than three months after President Donald Trump declared the U.S. opioid crisis a public health emergency, the nation's governors are calling on his administration and Congress to provide more …
Education
House Votes to Scrap MAEP, Rewrite Ed Formula By 12-Vote Margin
After four hours of debate and 17 rejected Democratic amendments, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted mainly along partisan lines to scrap the Mississippi Adequate Education Program in favor of …
City & County
City Hall and Schools Reopen as Pipe Repairs Continue
The City of Jackson and Jackson Public Schools reopened today after being closed this week in the face of the wintry weather in Jackson and beyond.
Music
Better Sans Ezra
Better Than Ezra fans will hear plenty of hit songs when the band's frontman, Kevin Griffin, performs solo on Jan. 19 in Jackson. However, not all of those familiar tunes …
National
Trump Adds Confusion to Government Shutdown Concern
Injecting confusion into already perilous shutdown negotiations, President Donald Trump undercut his own administration's stance by tweeting Thursday that a children's health insurance program should not be part of a …
Politics
Three Republicans Now in Race for US House Seat in Mississippi
Three Republicans have now qualified to run for an open congressional seat in Mississippi.
Wednesday, January 17
OPINION: A Student of Life
Truth is the truth whether you sugarcoat it or not. It doesn't change the facts if you write it down on a notepad with hearts and smiles, won't change the …
Editorial
EDITORIAL: Tell the Truth Now, Politic Later
Ever since Gov. Phil Bryant gave his "State of the State" address, and "Mississippi Today" chose to factcheck it but not the Democratic respondent, the media circuit around the capitol …
Education
'Vampire Bill': House Expected to Vote Quickly on New Ed Formula, MAEP Rewrite
As snow swirled outside on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee passed House Bill 957, which aims to rewrite the State's education-funding formula, the Mississippi Adequate Education …
Food
Fermenting in Tradition
After mingling over goodies such as sauerkraut, mustard and kimchi, and a sampling of sake (Japanese rice wine), we began a sake and wine fermentation workshop at Sweet & Sauer's …
City & County
OPINION: Project EJECT: A War On Jackson
Project EJECT is not original, and it is not a novel way to combat violence. It is the failed "war on drugs"; it is New York's unconstitutional "Stop and Frisk" …
Development
House Passes Road Bill, Discusses Ed Formula
EdBuild's contract with the Legislature is long over, but three staff members came back to the Mississippi Capitol last week to run numbers in their education-funding recommendations for representatives.
Business
Rosie L.T.P. Johnson ‘Loved All Things Jackson’
A commissioner of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Board, Rosie L.T.P. Johnson, passed away late last week. The current JMAA chairman, James L. Henley, Jr., issued a statement on Jan. …
City & County
Simplifying Entrepreneurship in City
On Fridays an assortment of City workers situate themselves in a small conference room with a large wooden table and several cushy wheeled office chairs on the second floor of …
Jacksonian
Charles Tate
Charles Tate's favorite quote to live by is, "Whenever you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will become successful," from motivational speaker Eric Thomas.
Cover
The Push to Expand Vouchers in 2018
EdChoice defines the vague phrase "school choice" as " allow(ing) public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that's to a public …
Tuesday, January 16
Civil Rights
EDITOR'S NOTE: Reps. John Lewis, Bennie Thompson to Attend Grand Celebration of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
U.S. Reps. John Lewis and Bennie Thompson are attending the Grand Celebration and Gala at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Feb. 23 and 24. Both will receive awards.
Person of the Day
Fannye Cook
Mississippians may often hear Fannye Cook's name in discussions of the state's history. Those who are not involved in the natural-science community may not know as much about her, however, …
Politics
Mississippi Senate Votes to Reserve BP Spill Money for Coast
The Mississippi Senate is advancing a plan to reserve oil spill settlement money for use on projects along the Gulf Coast.
Health Care
Three Mississippi Insurers Broaden Coverage for Autism Services
Three insurance companies in Mississippi have agreed to provide more extensive coverage of services for people with autism and other developmental disorders.
Education
Some Criticize Fast Track for Education Funding Revision
Some Democrats say the public needs more time to study a proposal to rewrite Mississippi's education funding formula.
Monday, January 15
City & County
Free Admission to 2 Museums in Honor of MLK Day Through Tuesday
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the second annual National Day of Racial Healing, Mississippians can enjoy the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi …
Person of the Day
Victoria Vivians
Mississippi State's Victoria Vivians and Teaira McCowan scored a bunch of points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds, just like they do almost every game.
Immigration
Trump Defends Himself Anew Against Charges That He is Racist
President Donald Trump is defending himself anew against accusations that he is racist, this time after recent disparaging comments about Haiti and African nations.
Politics
France vs. Fake News Offers Test Case for Democratic Dilemma
Can a democratic country outlaw fake news? France is about to find out, after President Emmanuel Macron ordered a law to quash false information disseminated around electoral campaigns.
Civil Rights
Southern States Join to Promote Civil Rights Tourism
Southern states that once fought to maintain racial segregation are now banding together to promote civil rights tourism at sites including the building where the Confederacy was born and the …
Friday, January 12
Art
OPINION: Support Other Women
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” —Oprah Winfrey, Golden Globes 2018
Music
English Rocker to Play Steve's Deli
Marty Willson-Piper sat in a booth at the back of Steve’s Deli in downtown Jackson, lifting a finger to trace a line between the records on the wall. He owns …
Education
Lawmakers Could Shift Existing Money into New School Formula
The $53 million needed to pay for the first year of a proposed new Mississippi public school funding formula could come from other money currently going to education.
City & County
Jackson Schools to Re-Open on Tuesday with Make-up Days Ahead
Frozen pipes mean more than low water pressure for local public schools: the district is closed until Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Development
House Passes $100 Million Transportation Legislation In Bipartisan Vote
The Mississippi House of Representatives voted to use approximately $108 million in tax revenue for roads and bridges on Thursday in a bipartisan vote. House Bill 722 will divert 35 …
Civil Rights
'Mississippi Burning' KKK Leader Killen Dies in Prison at 92
Edgar Ray Killen, a 1960s Ku Klux Klan leader who was convicted decades later in the "Mississippi Burning" slayings of three civil rights workers, has died in prison at the …
Person of the Day
Meeko the Moon Bear
The Jackson Zoo announced on Dec. 18, 2017, that a new animal had recently arrived: Meeko the moon bear.
Thursday, January 11
Immigration
Trump: Why Allow Immigrants from 'Shithole Countries'
President Donald Trump questioned Thursday why the U.S. should permit more immigrants from "shithole countries" after senators discussed revamping rules affecting entrants from Africa and Haiti, according to three people …
National
Walmart Boosts Starting Pay, Closing Dozens of Sam's Clubs
Walmart confirmed Thursday that it is closing dozens of Sam's Club warehouse stores across the country—a move that seems sure to cost jobs—on the same day it announced that it …
Education
Governor Pushes Vouchers, Praises Trump in 'State of the State'
The governor made sure to mention President Donald Trump's visit to Jackson in his "State of the State" address on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Person of the Day
Maurice Rivers
The JSU Tigers have righted the ship since entering 2018 and are currently on a four-game winning streak. One bright spot throughout the season has been forward Maurice Rivers.
Development
West Rankin's Water, Sewer Lawsuit Against Jackson Continues
Water and sewage are at the heart of dueling legal efforts the City of Jackson and a coalition of west Rankin elected officials brought against each in recent years.
City & County
City Boil-Water Alerts: Updated Regularly
A live document tracking the City's water crisis
This is a live document tracking the City's water crisis that began in the first couple days of the month. Check back for updates.
Education
New Formula Seeks $107M More for State Aid to K-12 Schools
Leaders in the Mississippi House are seeking a new education funding formula that would require $107 million more than the state is spending this year to aid K-12 schools.
National
Another GOP Governor Seeks Exclusion from Drilling Proposal
Opposition to the Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling is mounting as Democrats from coastal states accuse President Donald Trump of punishing states with Democratic leaders and a second …
Wednesday, January 10
Cover
The Most Intriguing of 2017
The last year was a crazy one, to say the least, but crazy often means that intriguing people came out of the woodwork. Here are some of the local people …
Economy
OPINION: Why The Silence on Project EJECT?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that at a certain point, silence becomes betrayal. Nearly 50 years later, too many individuals are still unwilling to break away from the shackles …
Art
Keeping China’s Traditions Alive
Theater-goers who attend a Shen Yun performance will experience the marriage of classical Chinese dance and original orchestra works, but what people may not anticipate is a deeply embedded and …
Food
The Pasta Stepping Stone
In February 2017, Chaz Lindsay began a business he thought was much needed in his hometown: the Belhaven Pasta Company.
City & County
EDITORIAL: Water Successes, Public Information Losses
The new year ushered in a freezing cold front that put our pipes and infrastructure to the test. Seeing that we're in the second week of the year and also …
Crime
Crises in the Capitol: Infrastructure, Crime Lab, Not Enough Money to Cover Needs
It's hard to prosecute someone for a violent crime if you do not know how the victim died. The Mississippi Legislature is grappling over that question in the new session; …
Editor's Note
EDITOR'S NOTE: #TIMESUP for Sexual Harassment
The women who wore black at the Golden Globes and called men out are right. It's time we stopped being OK with gender inequality and sexual harassment, and those micro-aggressions …
Justice
Dismantling the Last Debtors’ Prisons
Corinth police officers arrested Sammy Brown on Dec. 1, 2017, and charged him with public drunkenness. Brown sat in jail for several days because he could not afford the $600 …
City & County
Fixing Jackson's $7 Million HUD Debt
A $7-million debt to the Department of Housing and Urban Development caused contention at the first Jackson City Council meeting of the new year, bringing recurring HUD headaches back to …
Jacksonian
Chris Myers
Architect Chris Myers, who is a principal at the Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons architectural firm, has worked on a number of major projects in Jackson. But one of the most …
National
Democratic Report Warns of Russian Meddling Across Europe
A new report by Senate Democrats warns of deepening Russian interference throughout Europe and concludes that even as some Western democracies have responded with aggressive countermeasures, President Donald Trump has …
Immigration
Judge Blocks Trump decision to End Young Immigrant Program
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration's decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
Wellness
Making Healthy Changes
We often get caught up in wanting to look a certain way, and can easily be discouraged when we don't reach our goals overnight. I encourage my patients to strive …
Tuesday, January 9
National
Bannon to Exit Breitbart News Network After Break with Trump
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is stepping down as chairman of Breitbart News Network after a public break with President Donald Trump.
City & County
Boil-Water Order Could End Thursday in Mississippi City
A boil-water order might end by Thursday for water customers in Mississippi's capital city.
National
Ex-Arizona Sheriff, Trump Ally Joe Arpaio Running for Senate
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was spared a possible jail sentence last year when his political ally President Donald Trump pardoned his criminal conviction for disobeying a judge's order, announced …
Education
Tate Reeves: Huge Tax Cuts Will Stay, Expand School Vouchers
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves will not budge on the state's massive tax cuts, and he wants more school vouchers enabling families to use public funds to send their children to …
Biz Roundup
Wasabi Township, VIBE Sports Grill and Mazda of Jackson
Wasabi Sushi & Bar, which has been in operation in Jackson Place for seven years, will soon expand with the opening of a new location called Wasabi Township at The …
Person of the Day
Molly May
In Molly May's 23 years of life, she has had to overcome obstacles that most people her age probably did not think could happen to someone so young.
Monday, January 8
Politics
Lt. Gov. Reeves Talks Up Mississippi Economy and Population
When it comes to Mississippi's economy and population growth, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that things aren't so bad.
City & County
JPS Still Closed, But Many of City's 'Peanut Brittle' Pipes Repaired
While Jackson has suffered a staggering 116 water-main breaks in the last week, Director of Public Works Bob Miller is assuring citizens that the number of new breaks has fallen …
Immigration
US Ending Special Protections for Salvadoran Immigrants
The Trump administration said Monday it is ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, an action that could force nearly 200,000 to leave the U.S. by September 2019 or face deportation.
National
Winfrey Says 'Time is Up' for Abusive Men in Globes Speech
Oprah Winfrey earned multiple standing ovations at Sunday's Golden Globes as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award with a moving speech referencing civil rights and the #MeToo movement, declaring …
LGBT
Victory for HB 1523, Governor as U.S. Supreme Court Declines Review
Opponents of LGBT rights in Mississippi enjoyed a legal victory this morning when the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would not review a challenge to the controversial House Bill 1523, …
Person of the Day
Teaira McCowan
Teaira McCowan was out of position and out of sorts in the first half of No. 5 Mississippi State game with LSU Sunday, but the 6-foot-7 junior center reasserted herself …
LGBT
Justices Won't Step into Mississippi Gay Rights Legal Fight
The Supreme Court is refusing to intervene in a legal fight over a Mississippi law that lets government workers and private business people cite their own religious beliefs to deny …
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, January 5
Politics
Coast Lawmaker Named Mississippi House Education Chairman
Republican Richard Bennett of Long Beach was named chairman Friday by House Speaker Philip Gunn. Bennett succeeds Republican John Moore of Brandon, who resigned in December facing sexual harassment claims.
City & County
UPDATED: Frozen Pipes Cause Delays, Closures at Jackson Universities
Millsaps College posted to its website yesterday, Jan. 4, that it is delaying the start of on-campus activities for the spring semester, including all athletic practices, by one week due …
Politics
Workforce Readiness, Infrastructure Top Business Priorities in Mississippi
Infrastructure funding and workforce development are the two primary legislative goals for the state's business community, Mississippi Economic Council Chairman William Yates said at the organization's "Capital Day" on Thursday, …
Person of the Day
Rep. Gregg Harper
Rep. Gregg Harper of Mississippi was first elected in 2008. He said Thursday that he never intended to make a career in Congress, and "10 years will be long enough."
National
AP Source: Trump Had Lawyer Urge Sessions Not to Recuse Self
President Donald Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to recuse himself from the Justice Department's investigation into potential ties between Russia and the …
National
Public Breakup with Trump Costs Bannon a Key GOP Backer
The acrimony surrounding former White House adviser Steve Bannon's very public break with President Donald Trump is escalating, suggesting a permanent split between the president and the pugilistic strategist who …
Politics
Some Mississippi Lawmakers Trained Against Sexual Harassment
Mississippi House members are taking training against sexual harassment, and Senate leaders are suggesting senators do the same.
Thursday, January 4
Development
'We're the Pigs': House Jumps the Gun(n) on Transportation Funding
While few House members seemed ready to begin work on legislation, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, three House committees met and passed five transportation-funding related bills, which Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, …
Crime
Victims' Family Speak to Man Sentenced for 2013 Triple Homicide
Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill Sr. sentenced Javondus Beasley to life in prison for capital murder plus two consecutive 40-year sentences for second-degree murder today.
Person of the Day
Breeland Speaks
Another player is leaving the University of Mississippi football team. This time, however, it is not a player transferring to another school due to the recent NCAA sanctions against the …
National
AP NewsBreak: Sessions to End Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the …
Wednesday, January 3
Health Care
Medicaid Meltdown?
Medicaid is arguably one of the more disliked state agencies in the Republican supermajority Legislature—constantly berated for eating up almost a sixth of the state's $6-billion budget in the last …
National
Manafort Sues Mueller, Justice Department Over Russia Probe
President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman sued special counsel Robert Mueller and the Justice Department on Wednesday, saying prosecutors had overstepped their bounds by charging him for conduct that he …
Diy Guides
Starry Skies and Sneakers
If you know me, you probably know that Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers are one of my most favorite things in the world. I have probably about 10 to 15 pairs. …
Editor's Note
EDITOR'S NOTE: Fighting Like a Woman in 2018
Like many women, I grew up in a world where our careers were already subject to the approval of the men who tend to run and fund stuff, and if …
Music
Indie Music Week Growing in Third Year
Now, in its third year, the week-long Jackson Indie Music Week festival is held across Jackson in various venues. It features showcases, industry panels, award shows and other events, and …
Cover
Honey, We Shrunk the General Fund: Medicaid, Education, Gang Debates Loom in 2018
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, made up of lawmakers, adopted a budget that cuts the State's general fund by $66.1 million or 1.3 percent. The legislators' plan includes small increases …
Editorial
EDITORIAL: Equity, Transparency in Ed Formula Re-Write
From kindergarten to colleges and universities, education expenses make up more than half of the state's proposed budget.
City & County
Council OKs Municipal Judges, Debates Bonds
June Hardwick, a Hinds County municipal judge under the first Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, returned to that post in late December after the Jackson City Council confirmed her and re-confirmed two …
Politics
UPDATED: Top Jackson, Hinds Officials Fight Charges, Settle Lawsuits for Harassment, More
The "Weinstein era" of exposing sexual misconduct has launched many powerful and high-profile men out of their career posts and into the spotlight for their raunchy and violating behaviors in …
Jacksonian
Constance Hare Shelby
Perfect Fit Nutrition owner Constance Hare Shelby wants to show people the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that they can find health and nutrition outside of fad diets.
National
Trump Boasts of 'Nuclear Button' but Doesn't Really Have One
President Donald Trump boasted that he has a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un does — but the president doesn't actually have a …
Immigration
Homeland Chief: Wait and See on Citizenship for Immigrants
The Trump administration would consider immigration legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of young people, the U.S. Homeland Security secretary said Tuesday, while emphasizing no …
LGBT
Mississippi Gay Marriage Law Affects College Baseball
College baseball is affected by a Mississippi law that lets government clerks or private business people cite their own religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples.
Tuesday, January 2
National
Utah's Hatch to Retire, Opening Door to Possible Romney Run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for former GOP presidential nominee …
Politics
Mississippi Lawmakers Beginning 3-Month Session
The Mississippi Legislature has started its 2018 session with plenty of issues to consider.
State
Hinds Judge Jeff Weill Sr. Will Not Seek Re-election
On the last day of 2017, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill Sr. announced that he will not seek re-election to a third term in 2018. Weill was elected …
City & County
New Interim Police Chief Anthony Moore ‘Familiar’ with National Trends
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appointed Anthony Moore as the interim chief of the Jackson Police Department today. Moore fills former Chief of Police Lee Vance's spot, as he retired suddenly …
Person of the Day
Andy Kennedy
Style points were not the top consideration for the Mississippi Rebels and head coach Andy Kennedy Sunday night. The top consideration was opening the Southeastern Conference schedule as the Rebels …
Biz Roundup
Allstate Helping Hands Grant, Downtown Fitness and Brookwood Country Club
Jackson Allstate agency owner Steven James recently joined with financial specialists and volunteers in the Jackson metro to obtain a $103,000 Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grant to benefit breast cancer …
National
Trump Accuses DOJ of Being Part of 'Deep State'
President Donald Trump accused the Justice Department Tuesday of being part of the "deep state" and urged prosecution against a top aide to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and …
