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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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, …
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.
