Stories for December 2017

OPINION: Giving Voice to Truth in 2017

True change-makers don’t get discouraged with noise and distractions. Instead, they ignore the noise because they understand that they must stay the course and speak up even when it seems like things are not changing.

Ben Sparaco

At age 20, Florida native Ben Sparaco has already amassed a highlight reel longer than many that of many older guitarists and songwriters.

Government Seeks Change to Order Lifting Trump Refugee Ban

Lawyers with the Department of Justice have asked a federal judge to change his order that partially lifted a Trump administration refugee ban.

Trump Says East Could Use Some 'Global Warming' this Weekend

President Donald Trump says the East Coast "could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming" as bitterly cold temperatures are expected to freeze large swaths of the country this holiday weekend.

Mississippi Lawmakers Seek to End Road Money Stalemate

Mississippi lawmakers deadlocked in 2017 over efforts to increase spending on roads and bridges, and with the 2018 Legislature opening Tuesday, it's not clear that anything has changed.

Democrat Jones Officially Declared Winner Over Roy Moore

Democrat Doug Jones' historic victory over Republican Roy Moore was declared official Thursday as Alabama election officials certified him the winner of the special Senate election, despite Moore's last-minute lawsuit claiming voter fraud.

Businesses in Mississippi Need Educated Workforce

Mississippi's businesses are ready to expand but most cannot because they cannot find educated employees to help make it happen, a new survey of 1,800 business owners in the state shows.

Alvin Kamara

Rookie running back Alvin Kamara has combined with fellow running back Mark Ingram to give the Saints one of the best backfields in the NFL.

Roy Moore Files Lawsuit to Block Alabama Senate Result

Failed candidate Roy Moore has doubled down on his claims of voter irregularities in Alabama's U.S. Senate race in a last-ditch effort to stop the certification of the Democratic opponent who pulled off a historic upset last month in a traditionally deep-red state.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Moving On from the Dumpster Fire of 2017

Between social media, podcasts, the radio and more, it's really hard to miss the news right now. Really, really hard.

Women's Basketball Preview 2017

Most of the talk in Mississippi about women's college basketball for the 2017-2018 season will focus on Mississippi State University after the Bulldogs broke the University of Connecticut's 111-game winning streak during the Final Four.

College Basketball Preview 2017: The Smalls

Last season, Alcorn State challenged Texas Southern University for the top spot in the SWAC. The Braves battled TSU close but could not figure out a way to beat a team that has been on top of the conference the last few seasons.

College Basketball Preview 2017: The Bigs

Now that the 2017-2018 college-basketball season is well underway, it is understandable if you are one of the many Mississippi sports fans who has already forgotten about last season.

One Lake Project One Step Closer to Public Input

The 2007 map of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District includes just a sliver of Jackson, predominantly along the Pearl as well as a piece of downtown, including the Mississippi Coliseum.

Council: Continue, Don’t Double Tourist Tax

At a special Jackson City Council meeting called just before the long Christmas weekend, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba asked members to reauthorize the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau and double the tourist and convention tax that supports the bureau from 1 percent to 2 percent.

OPINION: The Business of Us All

I settled comfortably into my favorite chair one recent night and began watching the best Christmas movie ever: the 1951 version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

Ring in the New Year

Ring in 2018 with help from local businesses. Find more New Year’s Event happenings at jfpevents.com.

City Votes to End Water Treatment Lawsuit

The City of Jackson has been going through a long, public and drawn-out break-up with the West Rankin Utility Authority since WRUA received a permit to create its own wastewater treatment, pulling out of an agreement to use the Jackson's Savanna Street Wastewater Treatment Plant.

EDITORIAL: Time for Evidence-based Crime Prevention at JPD

As this year comes to a close, so will Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance's 30-year career in the Jackson Police Department, who announced his retirement on Dec. 20.

OPINION: ‘Star Wars’ and Blerds

In 2017, being labeled a black nerd, or a blerd, is seemingly a badge of honor. But a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, being labeled a blerd did not reside anywhere in the realm of "cool" or "popular."

Inside the Closed Mental Health Meetings

While Attorney General Jim Hood has not yet opened mental-health task force meetings to public and media scrutiny, members of the group are talking about how they are trying to tackle the state's system of care from practically every angle, including within the criminal-justice system.

Ke'Asia Gray

During a preseason workout earlier this year, Belhaven University senior guard Ke'Asia Gray landed awkwardly while going up for a layup. When the former Magee High School star landed, she twisted her ankle and delayed the start of her final year on the basketball court.

Jackson Schools Can Start Clearing Accreditation Standards in the New Year

Jackson Public Schools can start clearing accreditation standard violations as early as January. William Merritt, the executive director of school improvement, told the school board at its last December meeting that the board needs to get the new JPS corrective action plan to the Commission on School Accreditation by Jan. 16, 2018.

Timothy Pakron

For Gulfport native Timothy Pakron, cooking is a form of art. Pakron, who is a visual artist, photographer and home cook, has spent the last six years in New York City but moved to Jackson recently to write "The Mississippi Vegan Cookbook," which he plans to publish with Avery of Penguin Random House by fall 2018.

Jackson New Year's Events Preview

New Year's Eve is this weekend. Here's a sampling of this year's local events ahead of tomorrow's issue to help you prepare for the big night.

Judge Partially Lifts Trump Administration Ban on Refugees

A federal judge in Seattle on Saturday partially lifted a Trump administration ban on certain refugees after two groups argued that the policy prevented people from some mostly Muslim countries from reuniting with family living legally in the United States.

DC Appeals Court Denies Stay of Transgender Military Ban

The White House has lost another attempt to put a hold on a requirement that it allow transgender people to enlist in the military starting on Jan. 1.

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.

How Did Your Representative, Senator Vote on Tax Reform?

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Republican tax-reform package that afternoon predominantly along party lines (then had to re-pass it on Wednesday by a vote of 224-201 after some technical changes from the Senate).

JSU Photography Award, Belhaven Mental Health Program, Leadership Mississippi and JSU HBCU Program

This week, Jackson State University Department of Communications and Marketing team members Charles A. Smith and Kentrice Rush received the Libris Iconic Images Award from the photography website Photoshelter.

Ann Rogers-Brigham

Ann Rogers-Brigham says that she believes church should be about inclusivity and sharing God's love with others.

UN Denounces US Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday to denounce President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, largely ignoring Trump's threats to cut off aid to any country that went against him.

City Council Rejects Mayor's Request to Double Tourist Tax in 2018

The Jackson City Council voted against Mayor Chokwe Lumumba's request to double the local tourist tax this morning from 1 percent to 2 percent on purchases at restaurants, hotels and motels.

Jackson Schools Open Friday to Meet State Accreditation Standards

Jackson Public Schools teachers and students were supposed to be off Friday, Dec 22, but now must go in for a "60 percent" school day (a little longer than half the day) after the district canceled school to make up for the snow day on Dec. 8.

Hal Mumme

The Hal Mumme era at Belhaven University ended Nov. 28 when the head coach left to pursue coaching opportunities at higher levels of football.

Lumumba Praises Retiring Chief Lee Vance As Maybe 'Best', Day After 'Project Eject' Tweets

Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance suddenly announced his retirement effective in a about a week after 30 years on the force.

City to Vote on Doubling Tourist Tax in Special, Pre-Holiday Meeting Thursday

In a late-announced Jackson City Council meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, the members will decide if they want to pursue an increase in the local tourist and convention tax from 1 percent to 2 percent.

Tackling Poverty this Holiday Season

For families and individuals who are struggling, especially financially, the holidays can be a tough time. That's where nonprofits come in, for both immediate and systemic help. You can donate to and/or volunteer with these nonprofits.

The Mississippi 40: New Music for the New Year

There is never a shortage of music in Mississippi, with countless concerts, showcases and open mics taking place around the state on a daily basis. Since the live music scene slows down a bit over the holiday season, we put together a list featuring new music that Mississippi artists have released over the past few months. Here are 40 new albums, EPs and singles to check out in the New Year.

OPINION: Telling the Rest of the Civil Rights Story

It took a while, but I soon learned (not soon enough) that the opening day and bicentennial celebration of the Museum of Mississippi History and more specifically the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum struck a nerve in my life.

EDITORIAL: Not Addressing Statewide Health Is Short-Sighted

Workforce development, continuing education and job training are all important but really quite futile without a long-term plan for the Mississippians to take those jobs. People must be healthy in order to go to school, find work and stay in jobs.

OPINION: Separate But Unequal

On Saturday, Dec. 9, I was lucky enough to attend the historic opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

Interrupting the Poverty Cycle: Looking Back to Move Forward in Mississippi

Otibehia Allen's days in the Mississippi Delta start and end with her five children—three boys and two girls. She feeds them. Clothes them. Their well-being rests on her shoulders. She does it all on her own.

Stocking Stuffers

Filling stockings with local gifts can make it way more fun, and you can fill them with almost anything. Candy, jewelry, food, socks ... a bottle of bloody Mary mix if your stocking is big enough and the stocking owner old enough. For this holiday season, the Jackson Free Press has scoured the area to find the perfect stocking stuffers. Here are a few ideas.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Tis the Season to Stop Judging the Poor

Bare feet don't have bootstraps. You catapult from day-to-day, trying to stay ahead enough not to go hungry or have the lights turned off, even if you eat milk and cornbread for supper a lot.

Mississippi Stops Yanking Driver's Licenses for Unpaid Fines

Mississippi will stop suspending people's driver's licenses purely because they haven't paid court fines and fees, and tens of thousands of people who lost driving privileges could get them back.

Taking Responsibility in West Jackson

Civil-rights veteran John Perkins and his wife, Vera Mae, founded Voice of Calvary Ministries in 1975. The mission-driven Christian organization renovates homes and helps low-income families purchase them through financial literacy courses.

Rural Hospitals in Financial Crunch

Work can get personal for State Auditor Stacey Pickering. With the release of a new study of the state's 19 public rural hospitals, Pickering reflected on almost losing his father to a stroke.

Darius Williams

Darius Williams, 27, says he has always been interested in information technology. As a child, the Greenwood native says he didn't always know what he wanted to do when he get older, but he knew he wanted to help people and wear suits.

Senate Moves Tax Cut Legislation to Brink of Final Passage

After midnight, the Senate narrowly passed the legislation on a party-line 51-48 vote. Protesters interrupted with chants of "kill the bill, don't kill us" and Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly called for order.

House Passes Massive Tax Package; Senate to Vote Next

Gleeful Republicans on Tuesday muscled the most sweeping rewrite of the nation's tax laws in more than three decades through the House.

'Winter Wonderland' Ice Skating Coming to Jackson Dec. 22

The City of Jackson's Winter Wonderland ice-skating rink will begin Dec. 22, 2017, through Jan. 4, 2018, in the parking lot of Smith-Wills Stadium.

601 Escape Rooms, Sous Chef for Dave's Triple B Named and Museum Cafe Reopens

Britny and Trey Hester, owners of 601 Escape Rooms, held a ribbon cutting for their business on Monday, Dec. 11. The business first opened in August.

Teaira McCowan

Teaira McCowan had 18 points and 11 rebounds in her seventh double-double of the season, and Mississippi State beat Maine 83-43.

University of Mississippi and Meridian Hospitals to Ally

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is agreeing to work more closely with another hospital.

Trump Unveils Details of 'America First' Security Strategy

President Donald Trump declared a new national security strategy on Monday, stressing the "America first" message of his 2016 campaign and faulting previous U.S. leaders for failing to measure up to it and look out for the nation's citizens.

Amtrak Train Hurtles Off Overpass; At Least 6 People Killed

An Amtrak train making the first-ever run along a faster new route hurtled off an overpass Monday near Tacoma and spilled some of its cars onto the highway below, killing at least six people, authorities said. The death toll was expected to rise.

UPDATED: Mental-Health Center Must Pay $7 Million in False Claims Act Settlement

Region 8 Mental Health Services must pay back $6.93 million to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, the U.S. government and a whistleblower because the facility did not provide proper services and staff needed for its preschool day-treatment program from 2004 to 2010.

Dr. Robert Smith

The American Medical Association presented civil-rights veteran Dr. Robert Smith its Medal of Valor Award at the annual meeting in Honolulu on Saturday, Nov. 13.

Roy Moore Tells Supporters 'Battle is Not Over' in Senate Race

Alabama Republican Roy Moore on Friday told supporters that the "battle is not over" in Alabama's Senate race even though President Donald Trump and others have called on him to concede.

Trump Upset About Email Disclosure But Not Firing Mueller

President Donald Trump says he is not considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, but he's plenty upset about the way the Russia probe investigator obtained and is using thousands of emails sent and received by senior Trump transition officials.

Mississippi Medicaid Director Resigns

Gov. Phil Bryant told WLBT-TV Friday that Dr. David Dzielak is leaving his post as executive director of the Division of Medicaid after six years.

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.

OPINION: We Must Continue the Journey of Reconciliation

Mississippi was at the center of much of the racial strife of the fifties and sixties, and even now Mississippi still has much work to do to stamp out the legacy of racism and hatred entirely. But I can acknowledge that the museum is a step in the right direction.

JPS Listening Sessions Bring Out Concerns, Aspirations and Community

Parents, students, teachers and other concerned Jacksonians packed into City Hall on Thursday night to participate in the last of several citywide listening sessions this week about the Jackson's public school system.

UMMC New Pediatric Unit, Woodward Hines and USM Polymer Research

Dave O'Donnell, executive vice president of Washington, D.C.-based mechanical contracting firm Bowers Group, recently donated $1 million to the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Campaign for Children's of Mississippi after he and his wife, Priscilla O'Donnell, toured Batson Children's Hospital earlier this year.

Col. Trent Kelly

Major General Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, announces the promotion of Col. Trent Kelly to brigadier general. The ceremony will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Jackson.

UPDATED: Jackson Schools Not Part of New Achievement School District

Jackson Public Schools will not be a part of the state's new Achievement School District.

Mississippi Ranks 50th in Overall Health, New Report Shows

Mississippi ranks 50th for the second year in a row in the United Health Foundation's health rankings. The foundation specializes in clinical expertise and health data, focused on making the country heathier.

Disney Buying Large Part of 21st Century Fox in $52.4B Deal

Disney is buying the Murdoch family's Fox movie and television studios and some cable and international TV businesses for about $52.4 billion, as the home of Mickey Mouse tries to meet competition from technology companies in the entertainment business.

AP Explains: What is Net Neutrality and Why Does it Matter?

"Net neutrality" regulations, designed to prevent internet service providers like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and Charter from favoring some sites and apps over others, are on the chopping block.

Madinah Muhammad

Much of the preseason hype has been focused on Mississippi State University women's basketball, but there could be a good team in Oxford, Miss., as well. The University of Mississippi has a 9-1 record following a 68-59 win over the University of Southern Mississippi on Dec. 12.

Democrat Doug Jones Wins In Stunning Alabama Senate Upset

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — In a stunning victory aided by scandal, Democrat Doug Jones won Alabama's special Senate election on Tuesday, beating back history, an embattled Republican opponent and President Donald Trump, who urgently endorsed GOP rebel Roy Moore despite a litany of sexual misconduct allegations.

OPINION: JPS: The Future of the World

I recently walked into the asthma and allergy clinic to get my monthly allergy shot. I slid my ID card through the slot and waited. The only other patient, an older white woman, struck up a conversation. After the initial pleasantries, she asked, "What school do you go to?"

EDITORIAL: Legislature Needs to Address Teacher Shortages

Technically, if districts on probation due to a lack of licensed staff can't come up with certified staff by next July, they could be in danger of losing their accreditation, and they means a state takeover. It is time to look at solutions beyond takeovers to address teacher shortages, however.

OPINION: Mississippi’s More Revolutionary Museum

This past weekend, national media descended on Jackson for the opening of the 2 Mississippi Museums, especially after it was announced that President Trump would be taking part in the festivities.

Local Ho-Ho Holidays

This holiday season, many local restaurants and businesses can help any Jacksonians who are looking for help with preparations.

A Choral Christmas

The Mississippi Chorus will perform the first movement of 18th-century composer George Frideric Handel's seminal oratorio, "Messiah," again this year, following two sold-out performances in 2016.

Bringing Back a Poorly Named Park

On a cold Friday night, the snow still dusting the trees from the snowfall that morning, Bilal Qizilbash set up his weekly station where he offers food to those in need free of charge. The only qualifying question he asks is, "Are you hungry?"

Blows, Bullets, Tears: History, Civil Rights Museums Open Amid Hope, Distrust

Myrlie Evers never mentioned Donald Trump by name but said that she sees prejudice, hatred and negativism today she never thought she would see again.

‘This Is Our State’: Museums’ Opening Makes and Breaks Peace

Charlie Davis, a 9-year-old from West Point, Miss., read the panel outside an Emmett Till exhibit not long after the doors of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017.

Truth and Pandering as Mississippi History, Civil Rights Museums Open

When the 90-year-old man slipped into the open seat next to me, the opening ceremony for Mississippi's duo of history museums was about to start.

Carol Johnson Burger

Carol Johnson Burger, president and chief executive officer of United Way of the Capital Area, has been a mainstay in the organization since her start as a volunteer in 1980.

JROTC Preps Students for College, Life

Willie Day, a senior at Callaway High School, just got his acceptance letter in the mail. "I think I'm going to Hinds Community College. I'm going for graphic design," he said.

A ‘Serious, Serious’ Teacher Shortage

Jackson Public Schools needs certified teachers—fast. The state's second-largest district is on probation for violating 24 accreditation standards, despite averting a state takeover this fall.

An (Almost) Full House at Mississippi Legislature, Must Still Replace Moore

The House of Representatives is one member shy of a full house, after a series of retirements and resignations in the off-season.

Pam Confer

When Pam Confer writes songs, she says the lyrics just come to her, and she starts singing them. So one evening in spring 2016, Confer was walking her dog, Jazzie, when she began singing, "Who are we?"

New Executive Chef at Table 100, Brunch with Santa at Estelle, Fine & Dandy Opens and $1 Million for Innovate Mississippi

Table 100 recently named Payton Warren, who once served as chef de cuisine under previous Executive Chef Mike Romhild, as the restaurant's new executive chef.

Bryant Names New County Court Judge in South Mississippi

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is appointing a new county court judge.

Mississippi Lawmaker Quits Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

Mississippi's House speaker says a key legislator who resigned Sunday was facing sexual harassment allegations.

Inside Trump's Private Event at the Opening of the Two Museums

Mississippi turned 200 Sunday, and President Donald Trump descended upon Jackson to crash the party at the invitation of Gov. Phil Bryant.

Simeon Booker

Simeon Booker, a trail-blazing African-American journalist and the first full-time black reporter at The Washington Post, died Sunday at the age of 99.

Final Push for Moore and Jones in Alabama Senate Race

Alabama Democrats see Tuesday's special Senate election as a chance to renounce a history littered with politicians whose race-baiting, bombast and other baggage have long soiled the state's reputation beyond its borders.

Several Hurt When Bomb Strapped to Man Explodes in New York Subway

A crude pipe bomb strapped to a man inspired by the Islamic State group went off Monday in a crowded subway corridor near Times Square, injuring the man, slightly wounding three others and snarling the rush-hour commute for hundreds of thousands of New York workers.

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.

Museums Open, Mississippi Turns 200: Where to Go, What to Do on Dec. 9

Mississippi turns 200 this year, and to celebrate the state's bicentennial, a lot is going on in downtown Jackson on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Trump First to Tour Museum Saturday, Mayor Lumumba Will Boycott Opening

President Donald Trump is not scheduled to speak during the opening ceremony of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum this Saturday.

Guns Part of 'Non-violent' Movement in Mississippi Due to White Resistance

The formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Civil Rights veteran Charles Cobb Jr. said, was one of the pivotal ways the state has changed the country.

Shea Patterson

University of Mississippi quarterback Shea Patterson might not be returning to the Rebels. Patterson has been granted permission to go other programs, the Ole Miss Spirit reported.

Reps. Bennie Thompson and John Lewis Will Not Attend Mississippi Museums' Opening

Today, U.S. Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and John Lewis (D-GA) announced that they will not attend the grand opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Saturday.

Feds Helping JPD, Hinds 'Eject' Suspects into Federal System Without Bond

On the steps of the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst stood alongside federal, state and local law enforcement as he announced their new project to reduce violent crime in the City of Jackson called Project EJECT: Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together.

New JPS Board Inspects Contracts, Demands Data and Accountability

The atmosphere got tense in the Jackson Public Schools boardroom on Tuesday night as board members drilled question after question at contractors helping the school district with its corrective action plan.

Liza Mundy

Author Liza Mundy was at her home in Arlington, Va., when the wheels began turning for her next bestseller. At the time, however, she did not yet realize what the story was—or how expansive it would turn out to be.

White Ex-Cop Gets 20 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Black Man

A white former South Carolina officer was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday for fatally shooting an unarmed black motorist in the back in 2015, wrapping up a case that became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.

A Mile of Mississippi Celebration

To coincide with the opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and as a way to celebrate the state's bicentennial, Team JXN, the Greater Jackson Arts Council, and other organizations and businesses will partner together for the "Mississippi Mile" on Saturday, Dec. 9.

JXN Natural Hair Expo

Tameka Dyon saw a need for Jackson to have its own space for women with natural hair to come together and share their knowledge about the subject.

Junie B. Jones, Batman and Puppets

For the fourth time, the Mississippi Puppetry Guild will do a production of "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells."

OPINION: Bridging the Tech Gap

Media literacy is a necessary step in bridging the technological gap, especially the question of adoption, and a partnership with Gallardo and his team may go a long way in helping ISPs understand the rural culture of Mississippi and the challenges its people face.

EDITORIAL: Trump Should Not Speak at Museums’ Opening

Trump, who waffled and botched a "many sides" response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., earlier this year, could speak at the opening of a museum he arguably knows nothing about.

Illuminating ‘Shine’

For Larry Brewer, writing songs isn't a "some of the time" endeavor. He has been a professional musician for more than 40 years, most notably as the frontman for rock act The Windows in the 1980s and then as a solo artist in the Jackson-metro music scene after the group disbanded in 1995. That experience doesn't mean there's an exact science, though.

OPINION: Creating a Movement

I almost majored in history during college, but since my memory for facts and dates has always been a little shoddy, I decided not to go that route. I ended up choosing journalism because even if I can't remember facts, I know how to tell a good story, and journalism is a good opportunity to always learn something new.

Hot and Collective: Inside the People’s Assembly

Many locals joke that when Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba took office six months ago, so did they, echoing his slogan: "When I become mayor, you become mayor."

JPS Commission Announces Community Listening Sessions

The Better Together Commission, made up of 15 stakeholders, released a schedule of listening sessions throughout the city of Jackson for next week.

A Legal Battle for Same-Sex Parental Rights

Christina and Kimberly could not get married in Mississippi in 2009. Same-sex marriage was illegal at the time and would be legal until 2015, so the couple went to Massachusetts to get married. They adopted their first son in 2007 before they were married, but after their marriage in 2009, they wanted to have a child of their own.

UPDATED: The Fallout of the Ayers Settlement

Three of Mississippi's historically black colleges and universities—Alcorn State, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State—had a lot to gain back in 1975 when Jake Ayers filed a lawsuit against the state in order to improve academic programs and facilities at the state's three public HBCUs.

Jeremy Loving

For Jeremy Loving, who works as a bartender at Lou's Full-Serv in Belhaven, creating an atmosphere for his customers is a major part of his job. He says he strives to incorporate his personality into every customer's experience.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Trump Crashes Mississippi’s Coming-out Party

Inviting Trump is a lurid distraction from what the civil-rights museum finally admits about Mississippi, even using state dollars to tell these truths. Maybe that's why Bryant invited him.

Silence Breakers Named Time Magazine's Person of the Year

"The Silence Breakers"—those who have shared their stories about sexual assault and harassment—have been named Time magazine's Person of the Year.

Temporary OK for Travel Ban Puts Focus on Wednesday Hearing

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision allowing President Donald Trump's third travel ban to take effect—at least for now—has intensified the attention on a legal showdown Wednesday afternoon before three judges in Seattle who have previously been cool to the administration's efforts.

Bryant Names Judge for New Court on Mississippi Coast

Gov. Phil Bryant is naming a county court judge on the Mississippi coast.

Silent Protesters Will Greet Trump at Opening of Mississippi Museums

The Mississippi chapter of the NAACP and a Hinds County Democratic committee are calling for Trump's surprise plans to visit to Jackson this weekend to be cancelled.

Center for Art & Public Exchange, Holiday Tamales and Mississippi Trade Mart

The Mississippi Museum of Art launched a new initiative called the Center for Art & Public Exchange on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Teresa Haygood

The Mississippi Arts Commission chose mosaic artist Teresa Haygood to represent the state in the National Christmas Tree Lighting display.

Split Mississippi Court Rejects Appeal Over Delayed Trial

The Mississippi Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a Hattiesburg man who said a delay of nearly five years between arrest and trial was unfair.

UPDATED: Trump May Be in Jackson for Civil Rights, History Museums' Opening

This weekend, the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will open their doors—and President Donald Trump might make an appearance.

Prosecutors: Manafort Wrote Op-Ed with Colleague in Russia

While facing several felony charges, Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been working on an op-ed essay with a longtime colleague "assessed to have ties" to a Russian intelligence service, according to court papers filed Monday by prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller.

Supreme Court Allows Full Enforcement of Trump Travel Ban

The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to fully enforce a ban on travel to the United States by residents of six mostly Muslim countries.

Kneel-In Movements Tried to De-segregate Jackson Churches in 1960s

This day and age, it is almost impossible to talk about kneeling without thinking about Colin Kaepernick and his NFL protests during which he and now other football players have taken a knee during the national anthem to bring awareness to racial injustices in America.

JPS Better Together Commission Will Secure Contractor This Month

The Better Together Commission will issue a request for proposal today in its search for an independent contractor to study Jackson Public Schools for about 10 months in 2018.

Quinndary Weatherspoon

Quinndary Weatherspoon scored with eight seconds left to lift Mississippi State to a 61-59 victory over Dayton on Sunday.

Trump Complains About 'Unfair' Treatment of Flynn

Lobbing new criticism at the special counsel's Russia investigation, President Donald Trump said Monday he feels "very badly" for former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who last week pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on the president's behalf.

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.

Flynn Pleads Guilty, is Cooperating in Trump-Russia Probe

Michael Flynn, the retired general who campaigned at Donald Trump's side and then served as his first national security adviser, pleaded guilty Friday to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trump's behalf and said members of the president's inner circle were intimately involved with—and at times directing—his contacts.

Stories for December 2017

Friday, December 29

Thursday, December 28

Wednesday, December 27

Tuesday, December 26

Monday, December 25

Friday, December 22

Thursday, December 21

Wednesday, December 20

Tuesday, December 19

Monday, December 18

Friday, December 15

Thursday, December 14

Wednesday, December 13

Tuesday, December 12

Monday, December 11

Friday, December 8

Thursday, December 7

Wednesday, December 6

Tuesday, December 5

Monday, December 4