Stories for September 2017

Sean Tindell

Gov. Phil Bryant tapped a state senator Friday to become a Mississippi Court of Appeals judge, adding to a list of appointments that have created vacancies in public offices.

Trump's Health Secretary Resigns in Travel Flap

President Donald Trump's health secretary resigned Friday, after his costly travel triggered investigations that overshadowed the administration's agenda and angered his boss. Tom Price's regrets and partial repayment couldn't save his job.

Puerto Rico Angry at Trump Official 'Good-News Story' Remark

President Donald Trump pledged to help Puerto Ricans recover basic necessities and security in Maria's ruinous aftermath as his homeland security chief tried to escape a tempest of her own making, set off when she called Washington's response to the hurricane a "good-news story."

Mississippi Gets $15 Million for New Charter Schools

Charter schools could grow more rapidly in Mississippi, fueled by $15 million over five years that the U.S. Department of Education awarded to the state Thursday.

Auditor: 'Culture of Obstruction' Inside State Education Department

The Mississippi Department of Education may have broken state law with contracts it authorized in fiscal-year 2014 and 2015, and some of those deals with people and companies in the state superintendent's network.

New Doctorate Program and Education Symposium at Belhaven, and New Campus for Strayer

Belhaven University recently implemented its first doctorate degree program with two new education-related doctorate degrees.

Hunter McEachern

Fans may not remember Belhaven University quarterback Hunter McEachern's performance against East Texas Baptist University forever, but it was a great effort in a losing cause. McEachern did his best to keep the Blazers in the game against the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Education Agency Denies Auditor's Claim of Breaking Bid Laws

Mississippi's state auditor says he continues investigating contracts by the state Department of Education.

Job in Jeopardy, HHS Chief Tom Price Promises to Repay Charter Costs

Fighting to keep his job, health secretary Tom Price said Thursday he'd write a personal check to reimburse taxpayers for the cost of his travel on charter flights taken on government business and pledged to fly commercial going forward—"no exceptions."

Trump: NFL Owners Fear Players as League Stresses Injustice

The NFL says the message players and teams are trying to express is being lost in a political firestorm.

Fondren Residents Demand Rejection of Patio Variance for Precinct Lofts

A group of Fondren residents walked out of the downtown Hood Building relieved on Wednesday after the City of Jackson planning board rejected a request for a "front yard" variance to allow the construction of a patio addition to The Precinct Fondren, a new 8,000-square-feet development in the site of the old police headquarters for the fourth precinct.

Civil Rights Photographer Doris Derby Unveils Work at JSU Tonight

Doris Derby, a civil-rights veteran who worked in Jackson in the 1960s, walked into a basement room of the not-yet-opened Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and saw her black and yellow dress she had made when she moved to the South.

A Musical and a Mattress

The Center Players Community Theatre's will be putting a modern twist to a Hans Christian Andersen classic in the opening play for its 17th season, "Once Upon a Mattress."

Beth Poff

Beth Poff may be the executive director at the Jackson Zoo, but she says that she is a zookeeper at heart.

Murder Case Raises Question: Do LGBT Hate Crime Laws Work?

Each year, for the past three years, LGBT advocacy groups have tallied the killings of more than 20 transgender people in the U.S. Yet state or federal hate crime laws are rarely used to prosecute the slayings.

Trump Waives Cargo Restrictions to Speed Help to Puerto Rico

Under pressure to do more for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, President Donald Trump is waiving federal restrictions on foreign ships' transportation of cargo to the island.

Twitter to Talk to House, Senate in Russia Probe

Social media giant Twitter will visit Capitol Hill Thursday as part of the House and Senate investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

Man Who Bribed Mississippi Official to Enter Prison Nov. 30

U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on Monday set Nov. 30 as the start of Cecil McCrory's 8½-year prison term.

State Board Chairwoman: What Constitutes a State of Emergency in a School District?

Members of the Mississippi State Board of Education have received numerous questions about the Board’s determination on Sept. 14 that a state of emergency exists in the Jackson Public School District.

Iran Foreign Minister Scolds Trump for Tweet, Rules Out Nuke Renegotiation

Iran's top diplomat scolded President Donald Trump on Wednesday for a weekend tweet about a nonexistent Iranian missile launch and essentially ruled out renegotiating or launching follow-up talks to a landmark nuclear accord that Trump is threatening to dismantle.

Roy Moore's Path to Victory in Alabama: God, Guns and Defiance

Roy Moore wouldn't stand a chance in many Senate races after defying federal court orders, describing Islam as a false religion, calling homosexuality evil and pulling out a revolver on stage before hundreds of supporters.

Best of Jackson: Spin Cycle

Sometimes exercise may seem boring, but if you find the right activity, it can feel more like fun than a chore. Indoor cycling, or spin, is a way to do that, and Jackson has a few spin instructors. Here are the ones you said are the best.

Character Acting With Harry Dean Stanton

Harry Dean Stanton, who died this month at the age of 91, was a "character actor," a term he didn't particularly like, one of those working stiffs of the Big Screen whose faces everyone knows, but not their names.

How the JPS Takeover Affects Students

JPS has been under scrutiny for 18 months, and I would not claim that the district does not need major improvements. But is JPS in such bad shape that the state should take control and shut out the people of Jackson from the process of improvement?

The War for Cupcakes

Jamie Kurlej, communications outreach specialist for NAMI Mississippi and its Youth Advisory Council, says the goal of Cupcake Wars 2017 is to raise money that will help "expand awareness of mental illness," specifically to a younger audience, she says.

Takeover or Not: Jackson Schools in Limbo

The afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 14, seemed to creep by slowly as Mississippi Board of Education members deliberated the future of Jackson Public Schools behind closed doors.

A Star-Studded State Fair

The Mississippi State Fair is never short on activities to keep visitors occupied, between the carnival games, livestock shows, rides and food—oh, so much food.

Protecting Children: New Leader, New Challenges

Almost 6,000 children are in the state's custody, and some of them are backlogged in the system, newly appointed commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services Jess Dickinson told lawmakers last week.

Gate Ordinance Finally a Go

Shortly after five of the seven Jackson City Council members approved a gating ordinance on Sept. 12 that had haunted the body for more than a year, the City Hall chamber filled with resounding claps lasting at least a minute.

Hotel Project Pops Up in Fondren, Demolished Houses Cause Outrage

Less than 36 hours after developers of a Hilton Homewood Suites Hotel explained their plan to neighborhood residents, the remains of "Fondren House" lay in ruins by the time darkness fell on Sept. 21.

Jackson Developers: Involve Locals in Decisions Early

As long as developers are following zoning and city codes, it's within their right to build. Just because you can do something, however, does not mean you should.

Yep, JPS Takeover Is a Conspiracy. Prove Me Wrong.

The predictability of all this takeover hoohaa isn't lost on anyone who comprehends Mississippi's history of racial dynamics, white flight and victim-blaming.

Garrad Lee

Hinds Community College history professor Garrad Lee has crafted a niche for himself as an advocate for arts and music in the capital city.

Trump, GOP Tax Plan Cuts Rates, Nearly Doubles Deduction

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing a far-reaching plan Wednesday that would cut taxes for individuals and corporations, simplify the tax system and nearly double the standard deduction used by most Americans.

Big Stakes in High Court Fight Over Partisan Political Maps

Democrats and Republicans are poised for a Supreme Court fight about political line-drawing with the potential to alter the balance of power across a country starkly divided between the two parties.

Lawsuit: Waitress Fired Over Religious Objection to Pants

A restaurant chain discriminated against the religious beliefs of a Pentecostal woman by refusing to let her wear a denim skirt instead of blue jeans while she worked as a waitress, a federal agency says in a lawsuit.

Louisiana Lt. Governor Won't Attend NFL Games Amid Protests

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he's boycotting New Orleans Saints games and NFL events after several players refused to stand during the national anthem.

Trump Misfired on Tweet About Iranian Missile Launch

When President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that Iran had "just test-fired" a missile, he seemed to know something the rest of the government did not. Turns out, he did not.

Watchdog Agency Questions Mississippi Education Contracts

A state government watchdog agency is criticizing the Mississippi Department of Education for issuing contracts without taking bids, even though the contractors were paid more than the amounts that trigger bid requirements.

More Mississippi Students Pass Advanced Placement Exams

The number of Mississippi public school students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams both rose in 2016-17.

Republican Leaders: Senate Won't Vote on Obamacare Repeal

Facing assured defeat, Republican leaders decided Tuesday not to even hold a vote on the GOP's latest attempt to repeal the Obama health care law, surrendering on their last-gasp effort to deliver on the party's banner campaign promise.

Fragments of Women's History

"I’m all too aware of the lack of recognition at both the state and national levels that women receive for their contributions to the arts, letters, politics and the law, among other fields."

Charter School Decision Over Diversion of Public Funds Should Drop Soon

Parents with children in Jackson Public Schools are waiting for Hinds County Chancery Court Judge J. Dewayne Thomas to decide if the state's charter-school law violates the Mississippi Constitution, which may happen any day now.

The Flamingo, Emerge Women's Business Conference and Flowood Pet Hospital

Jackson will gain a new music and event venue when The Flamingo opens its doors on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Cristen Craven Barnard

Mississippi artist Cristen Craven Barnard has created a design for posters and T-shirts for the 34th annual WellsFest in the late Keith Tonkel's honor, which includes one of his favorite sayings, "Always love, always."

McConnell: Debate Over Nation's Health Care Will Continue

The partisan battle over the country's health care system will "certainly continue," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday. But he stopped short of saying whether the chamber will vote on the latest Republican plan repealing the Obama health care law, which seems virtually certain to be rejected.

Mexico Tallying the Economic Cost of Big Earthquake

Mexican officials are tallying up the economic losses of the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that caused widespread damage in the capital, as the number of buildings that may need to be pulled down or need major repairs rose to 500.

NCAA Assistant Coaches Among 10 Accused of Fraud, Corruption

Four assistant basketball coaches from Arizona, Auburn, the University of Southern California and Oklahoma State were among those arrested on federal corruption charges Tuesday after they were caught taking thousands of dollars in bribes to steer NBA-destined college stars toward certain sports agents and financial advisers, authorities said.

Equifax CEO Retires in the Wake of Damaging Data Breach

Equifax CEO Richard Smith retired effective immediately on Tuesday, as the credit reporting agency tries to clean up the mess left by a damaging data breach that exposed highly sensitive information about 143 million Americans.

The Darker Side of Social Media

Young people are much more impressionable than adults, and in many unfortunate scenarios, allow their peers to impact their self-image.

State Economic Growth Lags, As Agencies Request More Funding

From public safety to education, several large state agencies asked top lawmakers for more funding last week. Based on the State of Mississippi's economic outlook, however, more funding does not seem to be in sight.

Noel Wilkin

University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter named interim provost Noel Wilkin to the post permanently on Friday, Sept. 22 after a national search.

State Gets More Time in Lawsuit Over Confederate-Themed Flag

The U.S. Supreme Court is giving Mississippi more time to respond to a lawsuit that challenges the Confederate battle emblem on the state flag.

New Blow to GOP Health Bill: Paul Opposes Revised Measure

Conservative Sen. Rand Paul remained opposed Monday to the Republican bill repealing the Obama health care law despite fresh revisions, darkening White House and GOP leaders' hopes of staving off defeat in a Senate showdown this week.

State of Missouri Lands at Center of Racial Conflict, Again

Missouri is again at the center of a racially charged conflict after a judge acquitted a white former St. Louis police officer of first-degree murder in the death of a black drug suspect.

Trump Comments on Curry, NFL Protests Anger Athletes

President Donald Trump denounced protests by NFL players and rescinded a White House invitation for NBA champion Stephen Curry in a two-day rant that targeted top professional athletes and brought swift condemnation Saturday from league executives and star players alike.

President's Criticisms Spark More Protests at NFL Games

President Donald Trump's criticism of players who kneel during the national anthem sparked angry protests around the National Football League Sunday, as about 200 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance.

US Says It's Not Pushing for Regime Change in North Korea

The Trump administration said Monday it's not seeking to overthrow North Korea's government after the president tweeted that Kim Jong Un "won't be around much longer" and called Pyongyang's assertion absurd that Donald Trump's comment amounted to a declaration of war.

Trump Replaces 90-Day Ban With New Travel Restrictions

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing strict new restrictions on travelers from a handful of countries, including five that were covered by his expiring travel ban. Administration officials say the new measures are required to keep the nation safe.

Health Care Bill Teeters, GOP Adds Money to Woo Dissidents

Top Republicans are adding money to their staggering effort to repeal the Obama health care law and say they're pushing toward a climactic Senate faceoff this week. Yet their path to succeeding in their last-gasp effort has grown narrower, perhaps impossible.

Trump Relishes Feud With the NFL, Reviving Issue With Tweets

President Donald Trump is indulging in his favorite kind of drama—personal, aggressive, culturally volatile and entirely of his own making.

Kneeling for America: My Dad Fought, Lost Much for Athletes’ Right to Protest Racism

I believe that today my Daddy would stand, or kneel in spirit, with the NFL players who are pushing back on Trump’s treatment of them as chattel entertainment, calling for them to be kicked out to pasture if they dare exercise their rights that Willie Hoyt Smith left so much behind in Korea to maintain.

NFL Responds to Trump Tweet With Criticism, Protest

The owners of the Baltimore Ravens, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and other teams on Sunday joined a chorus of NFL executives criticizing President Donald Trump's suggestion that they fire players who kneel for the national anthem.

GOP Health Bill All But Dead; McCain Again Deals the Blow

Sen. John McCain declared his opposition Friday to the GOP's last-ditch effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare," dealing a likely death blow to the legislation and, perhaps, to the Republican Party's years of vows to kill the program.

Finding My People in Mississippi

"Over the last nine years, so many people welcomed this transplant into their hearts and homes. They adopted me as their people."

A Mental Self-Care Plan for Fall

Fall is the season for drawing inward and preparing for the stillness of winter.

'Our JPS' Coalition Activates Against State Takeover

The pending takeover of Jackson Public Schools drew dozens of citizens to Friday Forum at the former Koinonia Coffeehouse this morning to learn about what it means for capital-city families.

MSU Drone Research, Millsaps Renovations and UMMC/MSU Child Health Project

This week, the Department of Homeland Security began operations with Mississippi State University and other locations throughout Mississippi as a research and development test site for drones, or unmanned small aircraft.

Crystal Kelly

"When people see my cake jars, and they see purple towels or purple spoons, they already know that’s Cakes by Crystal."

Uber to Lose Its License to Operate in London

Uber's license to operate in London won't be renewed because its practices endanger public safety and security, the local regulator said Friday, in a blow to a company already facing big questions over its corporate culture.

Public Shaming Likely but GOP Wary of New Laws After Equifax

Prospects are good for a public shaming in the Equifax data breach, but it's unlikely Congress will institute sweeping new regulations after hackers accessed the personal information of an estimated 143 million Americans.

Kim Fires Off Insults at Trump and Hints at Weapons Test

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lobbed a string of insults at President Donald Trump on Friday, calling him a "mentally deranged U.S. dotard" and hinting at a frightening new weapon test.

Trump Hits GOP Foes of Health Bill, Sen. Paul Calls It Fake

President Donald Trump used Twitter Friday to slam Sen. Rand Paul and other Republicans who might oppose the GOP's last-gasp effort to topple the Obama health care law. Paul fired back, calling the Senate bill "fake repeal" and saying the White House just wants a victory without caring about the legislation's details.

May Tries to Reboot Brexit, Offers 2-Year Transition Period

Britain is prepared to abide by European Union rules and pay into the bloc's coffers for two years after leaving the EU in March 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday in a conciliatory speech intended to revive foundering exit talks.

Trump Piles Economic Action Onto His North Korea Military Threats

President Donald Trump added economic action to his fiery military threats against North Korea on Thursday, authorizing stiffer new sanctions in response to the Koreans' nuclear weapons advances.

Facebook to Release Russia Ads to Congress Amid Pressure

Facebook will provide the contents of 3,000 ads bought by a Russian agency to congressional investigators, bowing to pressure that it be more forthcoming with information that could shed light on possible interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Rogues' Gallery: Fun, Creative Ways Critics Went After the JFP Over 15 Years

Critics have gone after the JFP in quite a number of ways over the years. Here are just a few of them.

When the JFP Launched in September 2002 ...

Quite a few things have changed since the Jackson Free Press launched in September 2002. Here's a list of some of them.

Sanders: Diplomacy, Human Rights Must Drive US World Affairs

Bernie Sanders is criticizing President Donald Trump's foreign policy but also offering a sweeping indictment of how the United States has engaged in world affairs for generations.

UPDATED: Darnell Turner Gets 45 Years, Judge Brings Up DA Smith

The young woman who accused Darnell Turner of beating her, dragging her, strangling her, shooting at her car, and dangling her off a bridge in the Washington Addition when she was 22 was in the courtroom this morning when Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill sentenced the 39-year-old to 45 consecutive years in prison on three felony counts.

Mississippi Economic Performance 'Lackluster,' Expert Says

An expert is telling state budget writers that Mississippi has had "lackluster" economic performance since the Great Recession.

Ito Smith

Rushing yards have not been easy to find for University of Southern Mississippi senior running back Ito Smith. The Mobile, Ala., native entered the third game of the season still looking to break the 100-yard mark in 2017.

South Carolina: Call for a Monument to Black Civil War Hero

A call to honor a black Civil War hero with a monument at the South Carolina Statehouse grounds, onetime epicenter of a groundswell movement to rid communities of Confederate symbols, is being made by two lawmakers in a bid to encourage consensus-building in a nation divided by the issue.

Memo: Consider Civil Rights Home for National Monument

Mississippi civil rights sites, including the home of slain leader Medgar Evers, should be considered for national monument designation, the U.S. interior secretary says in a memo to President Donald Trump.

Second Escaped Mississippi Inmate Back in Custody

A second inmate who escaped from a Mississippi prison in back in custody.

Emails Point to Manafort Offer to Brief Russian in Campaign

In the middle of Donald Trump's presidential run, then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort said he was willing to provide "private briefings" about the campaign to a Russian billionaire the U.S. government considers close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump to Look at Even Stricter Cap on Refugees

President Donald Trump is considering a further reduction in the number of refugees allowed into the United States as the administration works to re-shape American immigration policy, officials say.

Most Viral, Impactful Stories in the First 15 Years of the Jackson Free Press

The JFP has gotten hundreds of thousands of page views for our top-viewed stories since we started tracking a decade or so ago. Here are our biggest stories ever, and the most impactful.

Jackson’s Confederate-Named Schools May Change After JPS Board Vote

With the potential for a state takeover of the Jackson Public School District looming, its board of trustees voted to allow the local PTAs to rename three elementary schools in the district named for Confederate generals and leaders at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

GOP Senator Defends Health Bill Against Kimmel's Attacks

Sen. Bill Cassidy defended his health care bill Wednesday after late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel accused the Louisiana Republican of lying to him about it, heightening the tension around the last-ditch GOP effort to make good on years of promises to repeal "Obamacare."

Jackson's Creative Pulse: What Has Changed Since 2002, What Is Still Ahead

When this newspaper started 15 years ago this week, promising a rising creative class in Jackson on its cover, the capital city was a different place that nearly everyone said they wanted to leave. Jackson was the butt of suburban jokes, and its champions were always on the defensive. Not fun.

Study: Most States Would Take a Hit from GOP Health Bill

Most states would take a stiff budgetary hit if the latest Senate GOP health care bill becomes law, according to an outside analysis released Wednesday. That would likely result in more uninsured Americans.

The JFP at 15: Raising Hell, Having Fun

The Jackson Free Press' official birthday is Sept. 22, my late badass mother's birthday. She was illiterate, but loved to tell stories and encouraged me to say whatever I needed to say—so it was only appropriate to start the JFP on the day she would have turned 78.

Gov. Bryant on JPS Takeover: 'Not Going to Rush Judgment'

After meeting with Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba this morning, Gov. Phil Bryant said today that he does not plan to "rush judgment" on the Mississippi Board of Education's proposal to take over Jackson Public Schools, which awaits his signature.

Editorial: A State Takeover is Not the Solution for JPS

The looming state takeover of Jackson Public Schools is full of myriad problems, from the State' of Mississippi's less-than-stellar track record of previous takeovers to a lack of transparency and collaboration on the part of Mississippi Department of Education officials.

Doing It Ourselves in (and for) Jackson

Several people I know have recently referred to Jackson as a do-it-yourself city. But maybe it's more of a D.I.O. city—do-it-ourselves.

Celebrating 15 Years in the DIY City

The Jackson Free Press is 15 years old. It's still sinking in a little. No, it doesn't seem like "yesterday" to me when we started the JFP—because it's been a long road, and sometimes a tough one.

The Avett Brothers: Learning from ‘Sadness’

Fans of The Avett Brothers might not have to find the band in such high spirits based on the title of their ninth album, "True Sadness."

One Escaped Mississippi Inmate is Caught, One Still at Large

One of two inmates who escaped from a Mississippi prison is back in custody, and authorities are still searching for the other.

Aaron Banks: New Kid on the Ward 6 Block

Although new Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks is a new kid on the City Hall block, he is not new to Jackson.

Next Steps for JPS Takeover: Governor in No 'Rush'

Jackson Public Schools started the week of Sept. 11 facing a possible takeover and ended with its fate in Gov. Phil Bryant's hands.

Lilli Evans Bass

Lilli Evans Bass says that Jackson is and always will be home for her. That's why, even after receiving her law degree at the University of Mississippi in 2008, she decided to come home to practice law.

Nations Start Signing Nuke Ban Treaty Opposed by Big Powers

Nations on Wednesday began signing the first treaty to ban nuclear weapons, a pact backed by over 100 countries but spurned by those with nuclear arms.

One Last Last Chance: GOP Strains for Obamacare Repeal Votes

Time growing short, President Donald Trump and Republican Senate leaders dove into a frantic hunt for votes Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare." The pressure was intense, the outcome uncertain in a Capitol newly engulfed in drama over health care.

7.1 Magnitude Quake Kills 61 as Buildings Collapse in Mexico

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked central Mexico on Tuesday, killing at least 61 people as buildings collapsed in plumes of dust. Thousands fled into the streets in panic, and many stayed to help rescue those trapped.

Trump's Lawyer to Publicly Testify in Senate Next Month

President Donald Trump's lawyer will return to Capitol Hill for a public hearing next month after the Senate intelligence committee abruptly canceled a closed-door staff interview Tuesday morning.

Beware of Scams Tied to Credit Info Breach, Hood Says

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is warning about scams tied to the Equifax security breach.

Trump Slams Venezuela at UN; Maduro Calls Him 'Hitler'

President Donald Trump urged world leaders Tuesday to help restore "democracy and political freedoms" in Venezuela, singling out the South American country for some of his most blistering criticism in a speech to the United Nations.

UPDATED: Zoo Faces Uncertain City Funding, Could Relocate

The Jackson Zoo is asking for donations in wake of its financial crisis due to budget cuts made in the past year.

Mississippi Blues Marathon, Beckham Custom Jewelry and New Venture Challenge

Mississippi Blues Marathon director John Noblin announced Monday, Sept. 18, that Continental Tire the Americas has signed on to serve as the presenting sponsor for the 11th annual race in Jackson on Jan. 27, 2018.

Earnest Lee

Earnest Lee, superintendent of the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, retired on Sept. 15.

At UN, Trump Threatens 'Total Destruction' of North Korea

President Donald Trump, in a combative debut speech to the U.N. General Assembly, threated the "total destruction'" of North Korea if it does not abandon its drive toward nuclear weapons.

Protesters Make Good on Threat to Disrupt St. Louis Business

When a former police officer was acquitted in the fatal shooting of a black suspect, protesters vowed to show their disdain by disrupting business in downtown St. Louis. They quickly succeeded.

Hurricane Maria Grows, Threatens Storm-Battered Caribbean

Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. Forecasters warned it was likely to grow even stronger.

Senate GOP Musters Final Push to Erase Obama Health Care Law

Senate Republicans are revving up a final push to scuttle President Barack Obama's health care law. Though the effort faces low odds of success and just a two-week window to prevail, Democrats backed by doctors, hospitals, and patients' groups are mustering an all-out effort to smother the GOP drive once and for all.

35 New U.S. Citizens from 23 Countries Take Oath at Jackson Middle School

In honor of Constitution Day, Sept. 17, as well as the anniversary of federal courts this month, U.S. District Courts around the country hosted naturalization ceremonies in schools.

Dan Mullen

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen—now in his ninth season—is used to the gauntlet the SEC provides on a yearly basis.

AGs Want Health Insurers to Review Policies in Opioid Fight

Attorneys general from 35 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia are urging health insurers to review their policies for pain management treatment to spark higher use of alternatives to opioid prescriptions.

Two Inmates, Including Murderer, Escape Mississippi Prison

Two inmates, included a convicted murderer, have escaped from Mississippi's largest prison, with officials saying they're armed and dangerous.

Mississippi Awards First Diploma in Degree-Completion Push

A Grenada woman is the first person to earn a degree under a new Mississippi program aimed at helping people finish college.

Trump, in UN Debut, Urges the World Body to Reform

President Donald Trump made his debut at the United Nations on Monday, using his first appearance to urge the 193-nation organization to reduce bureaucracy and costs while more clearly defining its mission around the world.

Interior Secretary Recommends Shrinking Four National Monuments in West

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is recommending that four large national monuments in the West be reduced in size, potentially opening up hundreds of thousand or even millions of acres of land revered for natural beauty and historical significance to mining, logging and other development.

Protests Resume After 80 Arrests in St. Louis Unrest

A racially mixed crowd of demonstrators locked arms and marched quietly through downtown St. Louis Monday morning to protest the acquittal of a white former police officer in the killing of a black suspect, following another night of unrest and more than 80 arrests.

'Veep' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' Win Top Emmy Award Prizes

The dystopian vision of "The Handmaid's Tale," the deeply cynical Washington comedy "Veep" and the ever-topical "Saturday Night Live" won top series honors Sunday in an Emmy Awards ceremony that took almost nonstop aim at President Donald Trump in awards and speeches.

Top US Diplomat Says Closing Embassy in Cuba 'Under Review'

The Trump administration is considering closing down the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Havana following a string of unexplained incidents harming the health of American diplomats in Cuba, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday.

Judge: Sessions Can't Deny Grant Money for Sanctuary Cities

Attorney General Jeff Sessions can't follow through—at least for now—with his threat to withhold public safety grant money to Chicago and other so-called sanctuary cities for refusing to impose new tough immigration policies, a judge ruled Friday in a legal defeat for the Trump administration.

Transgender Troops Can Re-Enlist in Military, For Now

New guidance released Friday by the Pentagon makes it clear that any transgender troops currently in the military can re-enlist in the next several months, even as the department debates how broadly to enforce a ban on their service ordered by President Donald Trump.

Mississippi State Routs LSU 37-7

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Nick Fitzgerald threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores to help Mississippi State rout No. 12 LSU 37-7 on Saturday night.

JSU Getting New Band Director, Career Closet, Food Bank, Recycling; Walking Path Coming for MUW

Deborah Bynum, wife of Jackson State University President William Bynum Jr., recently announced a series of programs that she plans to implement to help JSU students.

Attorney, JPS Parent Files Federal Lawsuit to Block State Takeover of School District

Jackson attorney Dorsey Carson says the state's process to take over school districts, violates his child's and all parents' due-process rights.

Trump Revives Debate on Hate Groups, Then Condemns Them

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a resolution condemning white supremacists and hate groups, hours after reviving his assertion that there were "bad dudes" among the people who assembled to oppose a white nationalist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month.

Trump, Lawmakers Squabble Over Whether They Struck a Deal

The fate of 800,000 young immigrants hung in the balance as top lawmakers, White House officials and President Donald Trump himself squabbled over whether an agreement had been struck to protect them—and if so, exactly what it was.

North Korea Fires Missile Over Japan in Longest-Ever Flight

North Korea conducted its longest-ever test flight of a ballistic missile Friday, sending an intermediate-range weapon hurtling over U.S. ally Japan into the northern Pacific Ocean in a launch that signals both defiance to its rivals and a big technological advance.

Manhunt on After Homemade Bomb Wounds 22 on London Subway

Hundreds of London police embarked on a massive manhunt Friday, racing to find out who placed a homemade bomb on a packed London subway train during the morning rush hour. The explosion wounded 22 people and ignited a panicked stampede to safety.

St. Louis Ex-Officer Acquitted in Killing of Black Man

A judge found a white former St. Louis police officer not guilty of first-degree murder on Friday in the death of a black man who was fatally shot following a high-speed chase in 2011.

State Board Sends JPS Takeover to Governor for Stamp of Approval

The fate of Jackson Public Schools is now in the hands of Republican Gov. Phil Bryant after the Mississippi Board of Education declared an “extreme emergency situation” in the district this afternoon.

House Backs Bill Targeting Gang Members for Deportation

The House on Thursday backed legislation that would make membership in a criminal gang grounds for deportation as Republicans warned of the dangers of the violent street gang MS-13.

Trump Says GOP Leaders 'On Board' in Immigration Talks

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was "fairly close" to a deal with congressional leaders to preserve protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants living illegally in America and declared that Republican leaders were "very much on board."

'Solutions' for Youth Crime Theme of Kenneth Stokes' City Hall Forum

"Solutions" was the most common word heard on Wednesday night at a meeting of parents, students, police officers, and community leaders in City Hall to discuss strategies to reduce youth crime and violence in Jackson.

Solomon Muhammad

Solomon Muhammad, a linebacker at Alcorn State University, is already having a breakout year as a redshirt sophomore. He has nearly been a one-man wrecking crew on the Braves' defense during their two games thus far.

Pelosi, Schumer Announce Deal with Trump for Young Immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — Schumer, Pelosi announce deal with Trump to protect young immigrants; will include border security, but no wall.

JPS ‘Takeover’ Looms as Commission Declares ‘Extreme Emergency’ in District

The impending state takeover of Jackson Public Schools moved forward today, shocking a packed board room at the Mississippi Department of Education, which is housed in the old, long-segregated Central High School in downtown Jackson.

Takeover of Jackson Schools Moves on to State School Board

The state School Accreditation Commission voted Wednesday that the state Board of Education and Gov. Phil Bryant should declare an emergency in the 27,000-student Jackson district.

Ryan: Deporting Young Immigrants Not in Nation's Interest

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday said deporting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally is "not in our nation's interest," as he and President Donald Trump prepared to huddle with top Democrats to try to hash out a legislative fix.

High School Shooting in Washington State Kills 1, Injures 3

A shooter opened fire at a high school in a tiny town in Washington state Wednesday, killing one student, injuring three others and sending worried parents to the school in a frenzied rush, authorities said.

Obama to Bring Civic Leaders to Chicago in October

Former President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that he plans to invite civic leaders to Chicago next month to exchange ideas and plan ways to solve some of the world's common problems.

Republicans Unveil Long-Shot Effort on Health Care

Senators on Wednesday rolled out competing plans for the nation's health care system, with a group of GOP senators making a last, long-shot effort to undo Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders proposing universal government-run coverage.

Senate Rejects Bipartisan Push for New US War Authorization

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan push for a new war authorization against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, electing to let the White House rely on a 16-year-old law passed after the Sept. 11 attacks as the legal basis to send U.S. troops into combat.

ESPN Distances Itself from Anchor Jemele Hill's Trump Tweets

ESPN distanced itself from anchor Jemele Hill's tweets after she called President Donald Trump "a white supremacist" and "a bigot."

‘Everybody Matters, Or Nobody Matters’: The JFP Interview with Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher shared his opinions and ideas about how law enforcement fits into society and government as a whole with the Jackson Free Press recently.

The Slate

The first week of the NFL season brought a few surprises. A major surprise was the Kansas City Chiefs' blowout victory over the New England Patriots in the opening game of the season.

Lumumba Alleges 'Nefarious Intent' in JPS Audit, Says City Will Fight

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba rallied with advocates on Tuesday ahead of this morning's Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation meeting, during which members will determine whether or not to put Jackson Public Schools is in an "emergency" situation.

Dent May: MS Confidential

There's a story that countless TV shows and movies have mined over the years: The small-town artist moves to the big city chasing fame and fortune.

Mr. Chen’s Expands

Ty Bowls in Clinton, which is in the former China Express space, has recently re-opened its doors under shared management and ownership with Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Restaurant.

Kids Need Solutions, Not Just Numbers

The numbers in the Mississippi KIDS COUNT factbook should compel us to drive change at every level because Mississippi's children don't need numbers—they need solutions.

The People of Jackson Deserve Strong Transparency

We understand the need to increase revenue, but everyone must have a chance to be heard in the process.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Disservice'

Rolling back protections for survivors does nothing but push women back into a culture of silence, surviving sexual assault with no protections or avenues to justice at their universities.

In Times Like These

Rev. Cletus: "Welcome to another Rev. Cletus Car Sales Church radio broadcast. This is your car-sales pastor proclaiming the good news that God is in the blessing business in times like these."

UPDATED: How Will the Jackson Property Tax Increase Affect You?

The Jackson City Council approved Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's revenue increase proposal, raising the city's property tax rate by 2 mills, late on the Friday before Labor Day weekend.

Flashing a Kid’s Mugshot Is No Way to Prevent Crime

Disseminating mugshots of minors should be rare due to the harm that it can cause to that kid and society to treat children as adult criminals, especially before they even get a trial.

Local DACA Immigrants: We Still Have a Dream

The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security show that more than 3,000 Mississippians have applied for DACA approval, with 2,700 applications approved as of March 31.

Andreas Moffett

Andreas Moffett, 29, says his goal is to improve the lives of those around him.

Justices Allow Trump Administration Ban on Most Refugees

The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to maintain its restrictive policy on refugees.

Another City Could Furl State Flag with Confederate Emblem

Another Mississippi city could stop flying the state flag because it features the Confederate battle emblem that critics see as racist.

Big Holdup for Borrowers Claiming For-Profit College Fraud

Tens of thousands of former students who say they were swindled by for-profit colleges are being left in limbo as the Trump administration delays action on requests for loan forgiveness, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Bernie Sanders' Health Care Plan Puts Democrats on the Spot

Sen. Bernie Sanders rode his impassioned liberal army of supporters through a tumultuous 2016, fighting to snatch the Democratic presidential nomination from Hillary Clinton. Now he's disrupting the party anew, forcing Democrats to take sides over his plan to provide government-run health care for all.

Senate GOP Struggles With Deficit in Work on Budget, Taxes

Senate Republicans are struggling with how many billions of dollars President Donald Trump's tax code overhaul will add to the deficit as they work on a GOP budget plan that's a prerequisite to any far-reaching change in the nation's tax system.

FEMA Estimates One-Fourth of Keys Homes Could be Destroyed

Search-and-rescue teams made their way into the Florida Keys' farthest reaches Tuesday, while crews labored to repair the single washed-out highway connecting the islands and rush aid to Hurricane Irma's victims. Federal officials estimated one-quarter of all homes in the Keys were destroyed.

Age Matters When It Comes to Screening for Cervical Cancer

Getting checked for cervical cancer isn't one-size-fits-all: Millions of women may soon have to decide between a routine Pap or a newer test that detects if they have a cancer-causing virus.

As Money Flows to Hopefuls, Hattiesburg Votes to Elect New Legislator

Hattiesburg residents have their choice of four candidates in the special election for House District 102, which they vote in today, to replace former Rep. Toby Barker's seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Barker ran for mayor of Hattiesburg this spring and won, leaving his seat open.

Advocates, Lumumba Call For 'No State Takeover' as State Decisions Looms

This week, the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation will decide whether or not Jackson Public Schools is in a state of emergency.

Jackson Restaurants Closing and Opening, Sombra's New Menu and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at Newk's

Jackson lost one restaurant last week and will lose another this week.

Chicago Asks for National Halt to Trump Immigration Rules

Attorneys for Chicago on Monday asked a federal judge for a nationwide halt to Trump administration requirements that cities enforce tough immigration laws in order to receive some federal grants, staking out a leadership role for the nation's third largest city in the fight over so-called sanctuary cities.

UN Approves Watered-Down New Sanctions Against North Korea

The U.N. Security Council on Monday unanimously approved new sanctions on North Korea but not the toughest-ever measures sought by the Trump administration to ban all oil imports and freeze international assets of the government and its leader, Kim Jong Un.

Mississippi's First Rural Charter School Set for Clarksdale

Clarksdale will be the host to Mississippi's first charter school serving a rural area, after the Charter School Authorizer Board on Monday unanimously approved plans for a school to open in fall 2018.

Trump Administration Appeals to Supreme Court on Refugee Ban

The Trump administration is back at the Supreme Court, asking the justices to continue to allow strict enforcement of a temporary ban on refugees from around the world.

Catholic Leaders Decry Democrats' Questioning of Judicial Pick

Roman Catholic leaders are objecting to Democratic senators' line of questioning for one of President Donald Trump's judicial nominees, arguing the focus on her faith is misplaced and runs counter to the Constitution's prohibition on religious tests for political office.

Chicago's Lawsuit Over Sanctuary City Threat Goes to Court

Attorneys for Chicago will urge a federal judge on Monday to block President Donald Trump's administration from following through on threats to withhold public safety grants from so-called sanctuary cities unless they agree to tougher enforcement of immigrations laws.

Mississippi Helps Florida in Irma Response

Ninety-eight emergency responders from Mississippi are headed to Florida to assist with hurricane relief and recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma made landfall there this weekend.

Analysis: Pickering's School Funding Ideas Cut Against Grain

Legislative leaders recently said that they'd still like to rewrite Mississippi's public school funding formula, and urged people with ideas to speak up.

Irma Loses Hurricane Status but Keeps Spreading Misery

Hurricane Irma weakened to a still-dangerous tropical storm Monday as it pushed inland, triggering record flooding in Florida's northeastern corner, while rescuers in its soggy, wind-battered wake mobilized to reach victims and learn the full extent of the damage.

Solemn, Personal Ceremonies as US Commemorates 9/11

Holding photos and reading names of loved ones lost 16 years ago, 9/11 victims' relatives marked the anniversary of the attacks at ground zero on Monday with a solemn and personal ceremony.

University of Mississippi's NCAA Infractions Hearing Begins Monday

University of Mississippi's football program will begin its appearance in front of the NCAA's infractions committee panel, nearly five years after the governing body first launched its investigation.

Lumumba Stands With Dreamers, Turner Convicted, State Flag SCOTUS Case: Last Week's News Not to Miss

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.

Simeon Wright: Unsung Civil-Rights Hero

"Fighting for justice is a long-term commitment, and it's our faith in hope and the people around us that sustains you."

After Trump Deal, Pelosi Predicts Greater Leverage for Dems

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi predicted on Friday that Democrats will have increased leverage on immigration and other issues, after a debt and disaster aid deal they cut with President Donald Trump passed the House on the strength of Democratic votes.

UPDATED: Darnell Turner May Serve 45 Years for 'Heinous Crimes'; Feds Earlier Tied Him to DA

A Hinds County jury yesterday convicted Darnell Turner, who also goes by Donald Dixon, in three separate counts related to a 2014 domestic incident—aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated domestic violence and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

AG Warns: It's a Felony to Sell Flood-damaged Vehicles as New

Attorney General Jim Hood cautioned Mississippians who are in the market to purchase vehicles in the next few months to be wary of flood damage.

Sanford Out, Adams in at JSU, Mississippi Dance Festival and Dr. Jermaine Gray

Jackson State University fired O'Neill Sanford, director of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, following an incident in which the band allegedly traveled with members who were not fully registered with the school.

H.L. "Sonny" Merideth Jr.

H.L. "Sonny" Merideth Jr., a former Mississippi lawmaker who helped open the way for casino gambling in the state, has died. He was 86.

In Wake of Equifax Breach, What to Do to Safeguard Your Info

There's no way around it: The news from credit reporting company Equifax that 143 million Americans had their information exposed is very serious.

As Irma Spins, Cuba Evacuates; Floridians Empty Stores

Cuba evacuated tourists from beachside resorts and Floridians emptied stores of plywood and bottled water after Hurricane Irma left at least 20 people dead and thousands homeless on a devastated string of Caribbean islands and spun toward Florida for what could be a catastrophic blow this weekend.

Mississippi State Gets Ready for Road Game vs Louisiana Tech

Mississippi State (1-0) goes on the road to face Louisiana Tech (1-0) on Saturday in a game that should provide a much bigger challenge than its opener, an easy 49-0 victory over FCS opponent Charleston Southern .

Mayor Lumumba Backs 'Dreamers,' Calls on Trump to Preserve DACA 

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is calling on President Donald Trump to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, known as DACA. Lumumba signed the "We Are With Dreamers" letter today, which includes governors, state and municipal leaders, and faith leaders throughout the country.

All NFL Games Will Air Online, but Watching Won't be Easy

Every NFL football game will be shown live online this season—but that doesn't mean you'll be able to watch them.

DeVos Planning to Scrap Obama Rules on Campus Sexual Assault

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Thursday declared that "the era of 'rule by letter' is over" as she announced plans to change the way colleges and university handle allegations of sexual violence on campus.

Gate Ordinance Faces Council Vote Next Week

For more than a year, a proposed gating ordinance has sparked controversy from both Jacksonians who are in favor of neighborhood gates for security reasons and those who reject the gates as unneeded and unsightly, each time resulting in the Jackson City Council revising the proposed language.

Hurricane Aid Measure Grows to $15B as Irma Bears Down

Senate Republicans have almost doubled the size of the disaster relief package for Harvey to more than $15 billion, a first installment to help communities in Texas rebuild from the storm—and stock reserves for looming damage from Hurricane Irma.

Trump Jr. Tells Senators 'No Collusion' with Russians

President Donald Trump's eldest son told lawmakers Thursday he was open to receiving information about Hillary Clinton's "fitness, character or qualifications" in a meeting with a Russian lawyer last year.

Secretary of State Launches Voter Registration Status Tool

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann launched a new part of the Y'all Vote website on Wednesday, Sept. 6, that allows Mississippians to easily see if they are registered to vote—and if so, where they should be voting.

Robert Brazile

When people discuss the greatest outside linebacker in professional football history, former New York Giant Lawrence Taylor is often near the top of the list. However, one could make the argument that linebacker Robert Brazile paved the way for Taylor.

Tough Path for GOP on Immigration, and Trump Made It Harder

On immigration, there were few easy answers for the Republican Party's most vulnerable members. And President Donald Trump just made things harder.

Mississippi ACT Scores Up in 2nd Year of Statewide Testing

Mississippi's ACT scores inched up in the second year that all public high school graduates in the Magnolia State took the test.

Another Confederate Statue Sparks Debate in Mississippi

Another Confederate monument is sparking debate in Mississippi between critics who see it as a symbol of racial oppression and supporters who say it pays tribute to history.

Fifteen States, DC Sue Trump Administration Over Ending DACA

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued Wednesday to block President Donald Trump's plan to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation—an act Washington state's attorney general called "a dark time for our country."

Clarksdale Charter School to be Recommended for Approval

Only one charter school is being recommended for approval this year in Mississippi.

John De Chiaro

As a child, John De Chiaro often traveled with his stepfather, a shoemaker in New Jersey, into New York City to buy supplies, but on one trip, at about 5 years old, he wandered next door to a pawnshop and found an object that changed his life.

The Slate

College football got off to a good start for some teams, including Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi, but others, such as Southern Miss, are still looking for answers. There is plenty of time for teams that lost to turn things around.

Celebrate the Bicentennial Through Art

"Gone But Not Forgotten" by Benny Andrews will be one of the pieces on display during the "Picturing Mississippi, 1817-2017: Land of Plenty, Pain, and Promise" exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

The Wild, Wild, Tasty West

Common Ground Covenant Church will host Taste of West Jackson for a second year on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Claiborne Park from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Redefining Royalty: A Look Inside Jackson’s Drag Culture

Zachary Salter, who performs as Tara Shay Montgomery, says his drag persona is an extension of his own personality.

The Joel Osteen Transaction

Obtaining wealth through teaching the word of Jesus clash with each other. This clash is so violent that I ask how one who has gained so much wealth by teaching Jesus' sacrifices, especially financial, be trusted?

The Dollars and Sense Needed to Fund Infrastructure

You can't have your cake and eat it, too, as the old proverb goes. Similarly, you can't cut taxes and increase them, too.

A Flag For Us All

If, as a state, we insist that symbols that were selected precisely for their oppressive, coercive charge remain, we send a message to the rest of the nation and world that we do not fathom how their continued display has the power and potential to harm the hearts and minds of some.

Reflections in a Dark, Watery World

Unplugging doesn't actually require you to do something crazy like get in a float tank. It could be something as simple as choosing to put your phone up when you go to bed. But we all need to unplug sometimes.

Amid Growing Scrutiny and Pressure, State Flag May Land at Supreme Court

Pressure to change the Mississippi state flag has intensified since shocking images emerged of torch-wielding white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., marching to protect symbols honoring the Confederacy—a weekend rally that ended with an anti-racist protester dead.

JPS Faces ‘Emergency’ Decision: What’s Next?

The future of Jackson Public Schools is uncertain after a recent audit investigation found the district has hundreds of unfilled and uncertified teacher slots; inconsistent board-to-district policies; and did not teach graduating seniors enough days to qualify for graduation.

UPDATED: Lumumba, City Council Quietly Raise Property Taxes to Fill Budget Holes

Late last week, the Jackson City Council approved a 2-millage tax increase in a close 3-2 vote, with two city council members not attending the last-minute Friday-evening meeting.

House Moving Swiftly on $7.9B Harvey Relief Bill

The House on Wednesday moved swiftly toward approving $7.9 billion in Harvey disaster relief as Democratic leaders signaled they would back the measure along with a short-term increase in the nation's borrowing limit to avoid an economy-rattling default.

Pete Halverson

For Pete Halverson, the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" holds special meaning because, in a sense, that is part of his job description as a senior book designer at the University Press of Mississippi.

A Look at the Facts Surrounding Obama Immigration Program

Here is a look at the claims made by the Trump administration about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and the facts.

'Dreamers' Accuse Trump Administration of Betraying Them

They grew up in America and are working or going to school here. Some are building businesses or raising families of their own. Many have no memory of the country where they were born.

UPDATED: Hinds DA Wants Rankin Charges Quashed, Again Cites AG 'Overreach'

District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith wants a Rankin County judge to quash another set of criminal charges against him—for domestic violence, stalking and robbery charges.

City of Jackson Collecting Harvey Relief Supplies, Where to Donate

The City of Jackson is collecting relief supplies to send to people in Texas and Louisiana affected by the storm damage from Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall last week.

A.J. Brown

Mississippi receiver A.J. Brown had trouble explaining what he felt in pregame warmups, but he had no trouble translating those feelings into a record-breaking performance against South Alabama.

Putin Says Trump 'Not My Bride, and I'm Not His Groom'

Russian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

ACLU Statement on Termination of DACA

Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns at the American Civil Liberties Union, released a statement on Donald Trump's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson’s Statement on Trump’s Ending of DACA

U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson released a statement on President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

North Korea Conducts 6th Nuclear Test, Says It Was H-Bomb

North Korea said it set off a hydrogen bomb Sunday in its sixth nuclear test, which judging by the earthquake it set off appeared to be its most powerful explosion yet.

Trump to Phase Out Program Protecting Young Immigrants

President Donald Trump will phase out a program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children and call for Congress to find a legislative solution to protect the immigrants, sometimes known as "dreamers."

Symbol of Racist Terror Set for Display in State Museum

The terror of a burned cross and the comfort of hand-crafted quilts. Those contrasting images will be shown in side-by-side museums telling the complex story of one Southern state.

Lumumba, Council Raise Property Taxes Tonight, Pledge to Be 'Good Steward' of Funds

In a rare Friday-night meeting, the Jackson City Council increased property taxes on the city's homeowners at a special meeting announced by fax 25 hours earlier at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday.

JPS Threatened, Crime Advice, First Lady at Provine: Last Week's News Not to Miss

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.

Harvey Aid Package Likely Vehicle for Debt Ceiling Increase

The White House plans to ask Congress Friday for a $5.9 billion down payment for initial Harvey recovery efforts. Republican leaders are already making plans to use the aid package, certain to be overwhelmingly popular, to win speedy approval of a contentious increase in the federal borrowing limit.

Young US Immigrants Mobilize Effort to Avoid Deportation

President Donald Trump is facing increasing pressure from CEOs, Roman Catholic bishops, celebrities and a national mobilization effort as he weighs eliminating an Obama-era program that shields young immigrants from deportation.

Banks: Preventing Crime Needs 'A Man from Every Block,' Teen Outreach

On a rainy Thursday night at Forest Hill High School in south Jackson, Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks hosted what he says is the first of many more of his "Not on My Block" crime-prevention forums, in light of high-profile crime and violence recently throughout the Jackson area.

Stories for September 2017

Saturday, September 30

Friday, September 29

Thursday, September 28

Wednesday, September 27

Tuesday, September 26

Monday, September 25

Sunday, September 24

Friday, September 22

Thursday, September 21

Wednesday, September 20

Tuesday, September 19

Monday, September 18

Saturday, September 16

Friday, September 15