Jackson Free Press

Suspects Still At Large, Crimes Against Persons on the Rise, Seeking Solutions

After a relatively low crime season, this past weekend began a very tense week for the city of Jackson.

Mayor Yarber Voices Frustration Over Potholes, Airport, Water, More on Facebook

Mayor Yarber on Facebook: "It took me at least 15 minutes to begin this post. It took so long because I actually didn't know where to start. In the City …

Ditto: Capitol District to Free Up Local Repair Funds, Get State to Pay Fair Share

The goal behind the proposed "Capitol Complex Improvement District" is to free up City of Jackson funds to work on more neglected neighborhoods, one of the original architects of the …

Amendment Hijacks Parent Involvement Bill: 'Not About Teachers'

Rep. Gregory Holloway, Sr., D-Hazlehurst, helped mold the Parent Involvement and Accountability Act, which would "grade" parents in C, D or F districts on their involvement in their children's education.

DJ Young Venom: I Was Kicked Out of Trump Rally for Marvel's Black Panther Shirt, X Cap

Phillip Rollins was sitting in the bleachers at Madison Central High School's auditorium, looking at his phone, when suddenly he noticed people pointing and shouting: "Get him out!"

State Tax Cuts Would Divert $575 Million from State Fund

Taxpayers could get a pay raise if the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016 becomes law, but after two hours of debate today, several senators asked, “At what cost?”

UPDATED: Mayor Fires Back at Council's Rejection of $400K Contract for Water Study, Says 'Political'

Several council members have spent the last hour and a half questioning the mayor's request to award a $400,000 corrosion study on the city's water to a Texas company run …

After 'Heartbreaking' Violence, Mayor Creates Task Force to Examine Roots of Crime

After one of the most violent weekends in the city this year, Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber announced on Wednesday the formation of a Criminal Justice Reform Task Force.

City Faces Emergency and Puzzling Water Shutdown; Promises Answers in 48 Hours

The City of Jackson issued an emergency warning early today that citizens must preserve water due to an emergency shutdown. Here's what we know so far.

Indictment: Downtown Jackson Leader Stole and Misused Money

An indictment says the head of a downtown Jackson development group misused money in an investigation that has also led to two high-ranking employees of the Mississippi Audit Department being …

Payne Behavioral Health

Just In: Big Freedia to perform at Martin's in Jackson on March 24

DJP President Ben Allen Indicted, State Auditor and DJP Slam Hinds County DA Investigation

Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering says Hinds County District Attorney Robert S. Smith must drop indictments against two of his employees.

Evolving a Vocabulary

At Belhaven University's Bitsy Irby Gallery, Samara Thomas, who goes by Sam, seems at home among the photographs and objects on display.

Rep. Gipson: Guns in Courthouses Nothing New

Below is a verbatim statement from Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, in support of guns in courthouses and House Bill 571.

Execution Teams, Uber Access and Planned Parenthood

The Mississippi Legislature is one step closer to defunding Planned Parenthood services for Medicaid recipients, allowing Uber free rein in the state and guarding the identities of the state's execution …

Rep. Dortch: Confederate Heritage Month Not 'Worthy of Honor'

Below is a verbatim statement from Rep. Jarvis Dortch, D-Jackson, on Confederate Heritage Month.

Election Reform Still Possible

Mississippi's election law codes could be getting a makeover this legislative session.

Foster Care Legislation: ‘The Beginning to an End of Madness’

The state's foster-care system, now housed under MDHS as the Division of Family and Children's Services, must comply with a court order in the Olivia Y lawsuit to avoid federal …

Helmick: ‘Private’ Charter Schools Drain Public Schools

When the Jackson Free Press sat down again with Joyce Helmick, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators, she repeatedly called charter schools "private charter schools."