Wednesday, January 31
EDITORIAL: City Contracting Is a Mess, Must Be Repaired
It didn't take two women who can't get payment for hauling nasty sludge from a wastewater-treatment plant to convince the Jackson Free Press that the City's contracting system is a mess, and ripe for abuse and corruption.
OPINION: The Battle for Clear Water and Control in Jackson
Recently, the Jackson City Council dropped its appeal to block the West Rankin Utility Authority from building its own wastewater facility in lieu of using Jackson's Savanna Street treatment plant. Public Works Director Bob Miller made this recommendation as a "good faith" appeal to show Jackson will be a better service provider.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Fresh Eyes on the Capital City
When dancers in the USA International Ballet Competition refer to the competition in Jackson (which, by the way, is the only one of its kind in the U.S.), they simply refer to it as "Jackson."
OPINION: Jackson is the ‘Sole’ of Mississippi
Jackson is the only city in Mississippi referred to as the "capital," the only one with a star or some symbol that indicates its presence on a map, the largest city in our state, and the city that hosts the Mississippi Capitol. Jackson is special. As much as some would like to throw out the whole shoe, Jackson's sole is built strong and solid.
A Story of Healing and Hip-hop
Jackson rapper 808 tha BASS performs his one-man show, “My Story,” on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Russell C. Davis Planetarium.
A Super Bowl for the Super Hungry
Here are just a few places in the capital city where you can grab a bite to eat, a beer to drink and a good seat for Super Bowl LII this Sunday, Feb. 4.
Good Faith, Bad Faith: City Contract Controversies Explode ... Again
Arneedra Smith-Gaddis seemed nervous when she stepped to the microphone in City Hall on Jan. 3, but Bridgette Gandy looked more composed. The two women subcontractors were there, separately, to tell the Jackson City Council that a local construction company had cheated them out of money paid through a municipal contract.
State Gets ‘B’ for Trafficking Laws
Pearl Assistant Police Chief Dean Scott pulled out his phone in the Mississippi Capitol on Jan. 17 to show just how easy it is to solicit sex from likely trafficked girls just minutes down the road.
Cops Learn to Help Mentally Ill Mississippians
The celebration was small, but the impact is likely to be large. On Friday, Jan. 26, nine local law enforcement officers who work in Hinds County graduated from week-long mental-health training to help them on the job.
An Immigration Fight on Multiple Fronts
The City of Jackson's anti-profiling ordinance will stay on the books, as far as Chokwe A. Lumumba is concerned.
Charles Jett
Charles Jett, owner of Empty Coffin Studios, has been part of the Jackson art scene for many years. His studio has been in the North Midtown Arts Center for four years.
Tuesday, January 30
Mississippi Bill Would Ban Most Abortions After 15 Weeks
Mississippi could become the first U.S. state to try to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, setting up a possible court challenge.
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour Arrested with Loaded Handgun at Security Checkpoint in Airport
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour arrested with loaded handgun at security checkpoint in airport.
Unnamed Officers on Paid Leave for Shooting of 21-Year-Old Driver
Early Saturday morning, two Jackson police officers shot at 21-year-old Crystaline Barnes during a traffic stop in response to a report that Barnes may have forced another motorist off the roadway, but is so far only providing vague information about the deadly incident as well as whether its use-of-force policy for moving vehicles meets national guidelines.
Entrepreneur Quarterly at Sal & Mookie's, Metrocenter Closing and Shipley Do-Nuts
Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is partnering with Mantle. City Club to launch a series of meetings and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs titled Entrepreneur Quarterly.
David Baria
Rep. David Baria of Bay St. Louis, the Democratic leader in the Mississippi state House, says he is considering running for U.S. Senate this year.
Mississippi Vaccine Exemption Bill Not Coming Up for Vote
Mississippi lawmakers will not vote this year on creating a religious exemption to Mississippi's vaccination requirements, a committee chairman says.
Mississippi Senate Plan Steps Back from Medicaid Changes
The Senate Medicaid Committee on Monday advanced a version of Senate Bill 2836 removing earlier proposals to cut payments to health care providers and require all Medicaid spending to be administered by managed care companies. It goes to the Senate for more debate.
Monday, January 29
Drugmaker to Pay Mississippi $33 Million in Pricing Lawsuit
Attorney General Jim Hood says a drugmaker will pay Mississippi $33.4 million in a lawsuit over drug pricing.
Hinds County DA Robert Smith's Criminal Trial Delayed Again Until March
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith was supposed to be in front of a Rankin County judge this morning to begin the trial for two counts of domestic violence, and aggravated stalking and robbery. After yet another delay, the trial will take place in March.
'Nonpartison' School-board Election Reform on Legislative Agenda
Sen. Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, has introduced legislation to standardize all school-board elections for districts that already elect school-board members.
Quinndary Weatherspoon
Quinndary Weatherspoon scored a team-high 20 points as Mississippi State defeated Missouri 74-62 on Saturday night.
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Friday, January 26
'Anti-Gang' Bill Heads to Full House to Expand Policing Powers
Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, called the "Mississippi Anti-Gang Act" one of the most significant pieces of legislation the Legislature could pass in 2018. The bill would make "criminal gang activity" a separate offense from any underlying misdemeanor or felony a person is accused of if prosecutors can prove they are gang members.
Mississippi Blues Marathon Comes Back
The sound of blues music and sneakers hitting the pavement will fill the streets of Jackson on Saturday, Jan. 27, during the Mississippi Blues Marathon.
Noah Barbieri
Noah Barbieri, a senior at Millsaps College, became a Rhodes Scholar in November 2017 and received a full scholarship along with travel expenses to attend the University of Oxford in England for graduate studies.
Mississippi Sues Over Mail-Order Shipments of Wine, Liquor
Mississippi officials are suing four mail-order wine sellers, saying they illegally shipped wine and liquor into the state.
Thursday, January 25
No More Rallies Inside Mississippi Capitol, Leaders Say
Top Mississippi lawmakers said Thursday that they take full responsibility for an event that violated a policy against rallies being held inside the state Capitol.
Re-entry Reform Hits Wall, But Kids No Longer Face Death Penalty
Rep. Joel Bomgar, R-Madison, had a tough time convincing the House Corrections Committee to pass additional re-entry criminal-justice reforms on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Boy, 13, Indicted for Armed Robbery, Forced to pay $100,000 Bond, Gun Missing
A Neshoba County grand jury has indicted a 13-year-old African American boy on armed-robbery charges, and he is now out on $100,000 bond.
Shonte Hailes
The University of Southern Mississippi women's basketball team is hoping to make its second consecutive appearance in the postseason, and sophomore guard Shonte Hailes is helping lead the way.
UPDATED: The Drum of Royal Thunder
Drummer Evan Diprima may provide a lot of the “thunder” of hard-rock band Royal Thunder, but he is actually the one of two later additions to the Atlanta four-piece. Guitarist Josh Weaver and vocalist Mlny Parsonz formed the earliest version of the outfit in the mid-2000s, bringing Diprima into the fold in 2012 and guitarist Will Fiore in 2015.
Mississippi Town Seeks to Nearly Double its Land Area
One Mississippi college town is proposing an annexation to nearly double its land area. Oxford aldermen could vote March 6 on the plan, which would take 12 sq. miles (31 sq. kilometers) in five separate areas into the city limits.
Wednesday, January 24
Best of Jackson 2018: Urban Living
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We're officially in our 16th award season. Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.
Best of Jackson 2018: Music and Nightlife
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We're officially in our 16th award season. Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.
Best of Jackson 2018: Food and Drink
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We're officially in our 16th award season. Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.
Best of Jackson 2018: People
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We're officially in our 16th award season. Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.
Best of Jackson 2018: Community and Culture
We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food--you get the idea. There's nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We're officially in our 16th award season. Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.
OPINION: Reform for a Broken System
The Salas family is one of many in Mississippi and the U.S. caught in the madness of the immigration debate and politicians' failure to pass real and meaningful reform to a broken system.
OPINION: Time to Work Across Aisle on Ed Funding
After lawmakers went home in April 2017, there were no public meetings, hearings or presentations to offer clues as to whether the Republican supermajority planned to use all, part, some or none of EdBuild's suggested changes to the state's education funding formula.
OPINION: Be an Urban Warrior in and for Jackson
Regardless of how you feel about politics at a national level, we all love seeing Jackson grow and improve. The one thing many people don't realize is that we can all be urban warriors for our city.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Celebrating Local Urban Warriors for 16 Years Now
In the first-ever full issue of the Jackson Free Press in October 2002, we had a Best of Jackson ballot, with plans to reveal the winners the following January—just as we do to this day, 16 Best of Jackson ballots and celebrations in.
Monique Ealey
Mississippi Children's Museum Outreach Coordinator Monique Ealey sees the facility as a resource for families and educators around the state, so for her, it's important that the museum has outreach programming.
City of Jackson Wants to Sue Siemens
The City's water-meter issues stem back to the 2012 contract with Siemens that came about when the council during Mayor Harvey Johnson's era gave Siemens the authorization to audit the city's water system and evaluate the need for a new electronic water-meter system.
What’s in ‘UPS’ Ed Formula, What’s Not?
The Mississippi House Education Chairman, Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, repeatedly told House members that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program is too complicated to understand and not reliable for school districts last week.
Hood Opens Meetings of Mental Health Task Force to Reporters
Reporters will be welcome from now on at meetings of a task force convened by Attorney General Jim Hood to examine Mississippi's mental health system.
Tuesday, January 23
Sessions Interviewed by Mueller Team in Russia Investigation
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was interviewed for hours last week in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, the Justice Department confirmed Tuesday. He's the highest-ranking Trump administration official and first Cabinet member known to have submitted to questioning.
University Funding Cuts Prompt Talk of Tuition Hikes, Consolidation
Most of the state's public university and college presidents crowded into the Mississippi House of Representatives' appropriations room on Monday with a united message.
Fondren Renovations, Skinny Sips and 1 Million Cups' New Season
Jackson's Fondren neighborhood recently began an overhaul as part of the Fondren Streetscape Project, which will reconstruct sidewalks throughout the Fondren Business District.
Abram Orlansky
Attorney Abram Orlansky has been the director of Jewish Cinema Mississippi for the past three years.
Breach at Testing Vendor Exposes Mississippi Students' Data
Mississippi education officials say a data breach at a testing vendor exposed information from 663 students in Tupelo and Jefferson County.
Monday, January 22
JPS Reopens Despite 27 Schools With Little to No Water Pressure
In what seems like old news, Jackson's water issues persist into this week. Except this time students have returned to schools with little to no water pressure, and the Jackson Public School District seems prepared to keep students in class by any means necessary.
Vouchers Could Extend to Any Public School Student Under New Bill
Just before Gov. Phil Bryant declared Jan. 21-27 "School Choice Week," Sen. Gray Tollison's, R-Oxford, voucher-expansion bill dropped. The legislation would vastly expand the use of vouchers—a way to use taxpayer money in public schools—beyond the limited special-education role they currently plan.
Sally Doty
A Mississippi state lawmaker who has pushed women to run for office is now entering a congressional race herself.
Analysis: Lawmakers Must Make Decisions on Oil Spill Money
Nearly eight years after an explosion unleashed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi's elective representatives still must decide how to spend part of the compensation for the spill.
Sunday, January 21
'Resistance' Movement and Women's March Look to 2018 Midterm Elections
The idea first came to Teresa Shook, a Hawaii retiree, in the hours after Donald Trump was elected. Perhaps, she suggested to a few friends on Facebook, women could march on Washington to show the depth of their resistance. Two days later, New York fashion designer Bob Bland joined the call for action with her own message. "Who wants to join me?!?" she asked. Turns out, a whole lot of people did.
Friday, January 19
Jackson's 'Deplorable' Pipes Still Bursting, Causing School Closures
The City of Jackson is somewhere between praising its public-works department for its hard work this year and quickly patching the aging infrastructure and pipes so that all citizens and businesses can have water and children can go back to school.
Percy King of the Jackson Zoo Killed in Double Homicide
Jackson Zoo's 'Snake Man,' Percy King was killed in a double homicide Friday, January 19, 2018.
President Trump Steps to Forefront of Anti-Abortion Movement
He once called himself "pro-choice." But a year into his presidency, Donald Trump is stepping to the forefront of his administration's efforts to roll back abortion rights.
JPS Board Starts Supe Search, May Re-organize District
The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees voted this week to begin the search for a new superintendent, starting with issuing a request for proposals to hire a consultant to assist in the search.
JSU HBCU Film Screening, Tougaloo Receives Award, USM Nutrition Training
Jackson State University is partnering with Mississippi Public Broadcasting to host a free screening of the documentary "Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities" on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. in JSU's Mississippi e-Center.
Fletcher Cox
In the divisional round, the Eagles found ways to control the Atlanta Falcons' offense. One of the biggest reasons for Philadelphia holding the Falcons to just 10 points was defensive tackle Fletcher Cox's play.
Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason to Employees: 'Get out of My Way'
Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason wrote a memo to his employees Thursday basically saying they need to get on board with his leadership or "get out of my way." In a departmental memo dated Jan. 18, 2018, Mason called out "dissenters" in his office, while praising his own leadership to date.
Ever-Changing Grade System for Public Schools in Flux Again
Mississippi's system for assigning A-to-F letter grades to public schools keeps changing, and it looks like the state may have to reset the scale again in 2018.
Thursday, January 18
New Trump Office Would Protect Conscience Rights of Doctors
Reinforcing its strong connection with social conservatives, the Trump administration announced Thursday a new federal office to protect medical providers refusing to participate in abortion, assisted suicide or other procedures on moral or religious grounds.
Governors Ask Trump, Congress to Do More on Opioid Crisis
Less than three months after President Donald Trump declared the U.S. opioid crisis a public health emergency, the nation's governors are calling on his administration and Congress to provide more money and coordination for the fight against the drugs, which are killing more than 90 Americans a day.
House Votes to Scrap MAEP, Rewrite Ed Formula By 12-Vote Margin
After four hours of debate and 17 rejected Democratic amendments, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted mainly along partisan lines to scrap the Mississippi Adequate Education Program in favor of a new funding formula House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, wrote and then revealed less than a week ago.
City Hall and Schools Reopen as Pipe Repairs Continue
The City of Jackson and Jackson Public Schools reopened today after being closed this week in the face of the wintry weather in Jackson and beyond.
Better Sans Ezra
Better Than Ezra fans will hear plenty of hit songs when the band's frontman, Kevin Griffin, performs solo on Jan. 19 in Jackson. However, not all of those familiar tunes come courtesy of the New Orleans, La., alternative-rock act.
Trump Adds Confusion to Government Shutdown Concern
Injecting confusion into already perilous shutdown negotiations, President Donald Trump undercut his own administration's stance by tweeting Thursday that a children's health insurance program should not be part of a short-term budget agreement.
Three Republicans Now in Race for US House Seat in Mississippi
Three Republicans have now qualified to run for an open congressional seat in Mississippi.
Wednesday, January 17
OPINION: A Student of Life
Truth is the truth whether you sugarcoat it or not. It doesn't change the facts if you write it down on a notepad with hearts and smiles, won't change the meaning if you sing the words or speak slowly.
EDITORIAL: Tell the Truth Now, Politic Later
Ever since Gov. Phil Bryant gave his "State of the State" address, and "Mississippi Today" chose to factcheck it but not the Democratic respondent, the media circuit around the capitol as well as some state lawmakers have been busy debating whether it is possible to be both nonpartisan and unbiased.
'Vampire Bill': House Expected to Vote Quickly on New Ed Formula, MAEP Rewrite
As snow swirled outside on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee passed House Bill 957, which aims to rewrite the State's education-funding formula, the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.
Fermenting in Tradition
After mingling over goodies such as sauerkraut, mustard and kimchi, and a sampling of sake (Japanese rice wine), we began a sake and wine fermentation workshop at Sweet & Sauer's fermentation kitchen in The Hatch on Dec. 13, 2017.
OPINION: Project EJECT: A War On Jackson
Project EJECT is not original, and it is not a novel way to combat violence. It is the failed "war on drugs"; it is New York's unconstitutional "Stop and Frisk" program and all other "tough on crime" crusades. Like all of them, it will result in collateral damage to society's most vulnerable.
House Passes Road Bill, Discusses Ed Formula
EdBuild's contract with the Legislature is long over, but three staff members came back to the Mississippi Capitol last week to run numbers in their education-funding recommendations for representatives.
Rosie L.T.P. Johnson ‘Loved All Things Jackson’
A commissioner of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Board, Rosie L.T.P. Johnson, passed away late last week. The current JMAA chairman, James L. Henley, Jr., issued a statement on Jan. 12—the day of Johnson's passing—offering condolences to her family and praising Johnson's commitment to the airport.
Simplifying Entrepreneurship in City
On Fridays an assortment of City workers situate themselves in a small conference room with a large wooden table and several cushy wheeled office chairs on the second floor of the Warren Hood building downtown across from City Hall.
Charles Tate
Charles Tate's favorite quote to live by is, "Whenever you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will become successful," from motivational speaker Eric Thomas.
The Push to Expand Vouchers in 2018
EdChoice defines the vague phrase "school choice" as " allow(ing) public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that's to a public school, private school, charter school, home school or any other learning environment parents choose for their kids," its website shows.
Tuesday, January 16
EDITOR'S NOTE: Reps. John Lewis, Bennie Thompson to Attend Grand Celebration of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
U.S. Reps. John Lewis and Bennie Thompson are attending the Grand Celebration and Gala at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Feb. 23 and 24. Both will receive awards.
Fannye Cook
Mississippians may often hear Fannye Cook's name in discussions of the state's history. Those who are not involved in the natural-science community may not know as much about her, however, other than her exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
Mississippi Senate Votes to Reserve BP Spill Money for Coast
The Mississippi Senate is advancing a plan to reserve oil spill settlement money for use on projects along the Gulf Coast.
Three Mississippi Insurers Broaden Coverage for Autism Services
Three insurance companies in Mississippi have agreed to provide more extensive coverage of services for people with autism and other developmental disorders.
Some Criticize Fast Track for Education Funding Revision
Some Democrats say the public needs more time to study a proposal to rewrite Mississippi's education funding formula.
Monday, January 15
Free Admission to 2 Museums in Honor of MLK Day Through Tuesday
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the second annual National Day of Racial Healing, Mississippians can enjoy the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History on Monday, Jan. 15, and Tuesday, Jan. 16, free of charge.
Victoria Vivians
Mississippi State's Victoria Vivians and Teaira McCowan scored a bunch of points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds, just like they do almost every game.
Trump Defends Himself Anew Against Charges That He is Racist
President Donald Trump is defending himself anew against accusations that he is racist, this time after recent disparaging comments about Haiti and African nations.
France vs. Fake News Offers Test Case for Democratic Dilemma
Can a democratic country outlaw fake news? France is about to find out, after President Emmanuel Macron ordered a law to quash false information disseminated around electoral campaigns.
Southern States Join to Promote Civil Rights Tourism
Southern states that once fought to maintain racial segregation are now banding together to promote civil rights tourism at sites including the building where the Confederacy was born and the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died.
Friday, January 12
OPINION: Support Other Women
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” —Oprah Winfrey, Golden Globes 2018
English Rocker to Play Steve's Deli
Marty Willson-Piper sat in a booth at the back of Steve’s Deli in downtown Jackson, lifting a finger to trace a line between the records on the wall. He owns many of them, which is not all that surprising. As the founder of the In Deep Music Archive, he has collected more than 40,000 entries in different formats, including vinyl, laser disc, cassette and reel-to-reel tape.
Lawmakers Could Shift Existing Money into New School Formula
The $53 million needed to pay for the first year of a proposed new Mississippi public school funding formula could come from other money currently going to education.
Jackson Schools to Re-Open on Tuesday with Make-up Days Ahead
Frozen pipes mean more than low water pressure for local public schools: the district is closed until Tuesday, Jan. 16.
House Passes $100 Million Transportation Legislation In Bipartisan Vote
The Mississippi House of Representatives voted to use approximately $108 million in tax revenue for roads and bridges on Thursday in a bipartisan vote. House Bill 722 will divert 35 percent of the state's use tax collections to cities, counties and a grant program to pay for infrastructure.
'Mississippi Burning' KKK Leader Killen Dies in Prison at 92
Edgar Ray Killen, a 1960s Ku Klux Klan leader who was convicted decades later in the "Mississippi Burning" slayings of three civil rights workers, has died in prison at the age of 92, the state's corrections department announced Friday.
Meeko the Moon Bear
The Jackson Zoo announced on Dec. 18, 2017, that a new animal had recently arrived: Meeko the moon bear.
Thursday, January 11
Trump: Why Allow Immigrants from 'Shithole Countries'
President Donald Trump questioned Thursday why the U.S. should permit more immigrants from "shithole countries" after senators discussed revamping rules affecting entrants from Africa and Haiti, according to three people briefed on the conversation.
Walmart Boosts Starting Pay, Closing Dozens of Sam's Clubs
Walmart confirmed Thursday that it is closing dozens of Sam's Club warehouse stores across the country—a move that seems sure to cost jobs—on the same day it announced that it was boosting its starting salary for U.S. workers and handing out one-time bonuses to others.
Governor Pushes Vouchers, Praises Trump in 'State of the State'
The governor made sure to mention President Donald Trump's visit to Jackson in his "State of the State" address on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Maurice Rivers
The JSU Tigers have righted the ship since entering 2018 and are currently on a four-game winning streak. One bright spot throughout the season has been forward Maurice Rivers.
West Rankin's Water, Sewer Lawsuit Against Jackson Continues
Water and sewage are at the heart of dueling legal efforts the City of Jackson and a coalition of west Rankin elected officials brought against each in recent years.
City Boil-Water Alerts: Updated Regularly
A live document tracking the City's water crisis
This is a live document tracking the City's water crisis that began in the first couple days of the month. Check back for updates.
New Formula Seeks $107M More for State Aid to K-12 Schools
Leaders in the Mississippi House are seeking a new education funding formula that would require $107 million more than the state is spending this year to aid K-12 schools.
Another GOP Governor Seeks Exclusion from Drilling Proposal
Opposition to the Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling is mounting as Democrats from coastal states accuse President Donald Trump of punishing states with Democratic leaders and a second Republican governor asks to withdraw his state from the plan.
Wednesday, January 10
The Most Intriguing of 2017
The last year was a crazy one, to say the least, but crazy often means that intriguing people came out of the woodwork. Here are some of the local people who we found the most interesting over the last year, for better or worse.
OPINION: Why The Silence on Project EJECT?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that at a certain point, silence becomes betrayal. Nearly 50 years later, too many individuals are still unwilling to break away from the shackles of political expediency, personal allegiances and popular opinion.
Keeping China’s Traditions Alive
Theater-goers who attend a Shen Yun performance will experience the marriage of classical Chinese dance and original orchestra works, but what people may not anticipate is a deeply embedded and elaborate history lesson of an almost-extinct Chinese culture that spans 5,000 years.
The Pasta Stepping Stone
In February 2017, Chaz Lindsay began a business he thought was much needed in his hometown: the Belhaven Pasta Company.
EDITORIAL: Water Successes, Public Information Losses
The new year ushered in a freezing cold front that put our pipes and infrastructure to the test. Seeing that we're in the second week of the year and also week two of a system-wide boil-water notice, Jackson didn't quite pass.
Crises in the Capitol: Infrastructure, Crime Lab, Not Enough Money to Cover Needs
It's hard to prosecute someone for a violent crime if you do not know how the victim died. The Mississippi Legislature is grappling over that question in the new session; the Mississippi crime lab is in crisis.
EDITOR'S NOTE: #TIMESUP for Sexual Harassment
The women who wore black at the Golden Globes and called men out are right. It's time we stopped being OK with gender inequality and sexual harassment, and those micro-aggressions toward women.
Dismantling the Last Debtors’ Prisons
Corinth police officers arrested Sammy Brown on Dec. 1, 2017, and charged him with public drunkenness. Brown sat in jail for several days because he could not afford the $600 bond the Corinth Municipal Court required.
Fixing Jackson's $7 Million HUD Debt
A $7-million debt to the Department of Housing and Urban Development caused contention at the first Jackson City Council meeting of the new year, bringing recurring HUD headaches back to the forefront.
Chris Myers
Architect Chris Myers, who is a principal at the Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons architectural firm, has worked on a number of major projects in Jackson. But one of the most recent and significant, he says, was his work on the recently opened Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, which CDFL designed with Eley Guild Hardy Architects and Dale Partners Architects.
Democratic Report Warns of Russian Meddling Across Europe
A new report by Senate Democrats warns of deepening Russian interference throughout Europe and concludes that even as some Western democracies have responded with aggressive countermeasures, President Donald Trump has offered no strategic plan to bolster their efforts or safeguard the U.S. from again falling victim to the Kremlin's systematic meddling.
Judge Blocks Trump decision to End Young Immigrant Program
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration's decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
Making Healthy Changes
We often get caught up in wanting to look a certain way, and can easily be discouraged when we don't reach our goals overnight. I encourage my patients to strive to be healthier, and not to base their motivation for a healthier lifestyle on impressing others.
Tuesday, January 9
Bannon to Exit Breitbart News Network After Break with Trump
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is stepping down as chairman of Breitbart News Network after a public break with President Donald Trump.
Boil-Water Order Could End Thursday in Mississippi City
A boil-water order might end by Thursday for water customers in Mississippi's capital city.
Ex-Arizona Sheriff, Trump Ally Joe Arpaio Running for Senate
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was spared a possible jail sentence last year when his political ally President Donald Trump pardoned his criminal conviction for disobeying a judge's order, announced Tuesday he plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Jeff Flake.
Tate Reeves: Huge Tax Cuts Will Stay, Expand School Vouchers
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves will not budge on the state's massive tax cuts, and he wants more school vouchers enabling families to use public funds to send their children to private schools.
Wasabi Township, VIBE Sports Grill and Mazda of Jackson
Wasabi Sushi & Bar, which has been in operation in Jackson Place for seven years, will soon expand with the opening of a new location called Wasabi Township at The Township at Colony Park on Monday, Jan. 15.
Molly May
In Molly May's 23 years of life, she has had to overcome obstacles that most people her age probably did not think could happen to someone so young.
Monday, January 8
Lt. Gov. Reeves Talks Up Mississippi Economy and Population
When it comes to Mississippi's economy and population growth, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that things aren't so bad.
JPS Still Closed, But Many of City's 'Peanut Brittle' Pipes Repaired
While Jackson has suffered a staggering 116 water-main breaks in the last week, Director of Public Works Bob Miller is assuring citizens that the number of new breaks has fallen off with pressures starting to return to normal in some areas.
US Ending Special Protections for Salvadoran Immigrants
The Trump administration said Monday it is ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, an action that could force nearly 200,000 to leave the U.S. by September 2019 or face deportation.
Winfrey Says 'Time is Up' for Abusive Men in Globes Speech
Oprah Winfrey earned multiple standing ovations at Sunday's Golden Globes as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award with a moving speech referencing civil rights and the #MeToo movement, declaring that the reign of abusive men was coming to an end: "Their time is up!"
Victory for HB 1523, Governor as U.S. Supreme Court Declines Review
Opponents of LGBT rights in Mississippi enjoyed a legal victory this morning when the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would not review a challenge to the controversial House Bill 1523, which Gov. Phil Bryant signed into law in April 2016.
Teaira McCowan
Teaira McCowan was out of position and out of sorts in the first half of No. 5 Mississippi State game with LSU Sunday, but the 6-foot-7 junior center reasserted herself in the second to finish with 31 points and 20 rebounds in an 83-70 victory.
Justices Won't Step into Mississippi Gay Rights Legal Fight
The Supreme Court is refusing to intervene in a legal fight over a Mississippi law that lets government workers and private business people cite their own religious beliefs to deny services to LGBT people.
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
Friday, January 5
Coast Lawmaker Named Mississippi House Education Chairman
Republican Richard Bennett of Long Beach was named chairman Friday by House Speaker Philip Gunn. Bennett succeeds Republican John Moore of Brandon, who resigned in December facing sexual harassment claims.
UPDATED: Frozen Pipes Cause Delays, Closures at Jackson Universities
Millsaps College posted to its website yesterday, Jan. 4, that it is delaying the start of on-campus activities for the spring semester, including all athletic practices, by one week due to several days of below-freezing temperatures in Jackson.
Workforce Readiness, Infrastructure Top Business Priorities in Mississippi
Infrastructure funding and workforce development are the two primary legislative goals for the state's business community, Mississippi Economic Council Chairman William Yates said at the organization's "Capital Day" on Thursday, Jan. 4.
Rep. Gregg Harper
Rep. Gregg Harper of Mississippi was first elected in 2008. He said Thursday that he never intended to make a career in Congress, and "10 years will be long enough."
AP Source: Trump Had Lawyer Urge Sessions Not to Recuse Self
President Donald Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to recuse himself from the Justice Department's investigation into potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Public Breakup with Trump Costs Bannon a Key GOP Backer
The acrimony surrounding former White House adviser Steve Bannon's very public break with President Donald Trump is escalating, suggesting a permanent split between the president and the pugilistic strategist who helped put him in the Oval Office.
Some Mississippi Lawmakers Trained Against Sexual Harassment
Mississippi House members are taking training against sexual harassment, and Senate leaders are suggesting senators do the same.
Thursday, January 4
'We're the Pigs': House Jumps the Gun(n) on Transportation Funding
While few House members seemed ready to begin work on legislation, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, three House committees met and passed five transportation-funding related bills, which Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, primarily authored.
Victims' Family Speak to Man Sentenced for 2013 Triple Homicide
Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill Sr. sentenced Javondus Beasley to life in prison for capital murder plus two consecutive 40-year sentences for second-degree murder today.
Breeland Speaks
Another player is leaving the University of Mississippi football team. This time, however, it is not a player transferring to another school due to the recent NCAA sanctions against the program.
AP NewsBreak: Sessions to End Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.
Wednesday, January 3
Medicaid Meltdown?
Medicaid is arguably one of the more disliked state agencies in the Republican supermajority Legislature—constantly berated for eating up almost a sixth of the state's $6-billion budget in the last year.
Manafort Sues Mueller, Justice Department Over Russia Probe
President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman sued special counsel Robert Mueller and the Justice Department on Wednesday, saying prosecutors had overstepped their bounds by charging him for conduct that he says is unrelated to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Starry Skies and Sneakers
If you know me, you probably know that Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers are one of my most favorite things in the world. I have probably about 10 to 15 pairs. (I haven't counted lately).
EDITOR'S NOTE: Fighting Like a Woman in 2018
Like many women, I grew up in a world where our careers were already subject to the approval of the men who tend to run and fund stuff, and if I was too loud, too outspoken, too sassy, the powers-that-decide would move along to a woman, or probably a man, who wasn't.
Indie Music Week Growing in Third Year
Now, in its third year, the week-long Jackson Indie Music Week festival is held across Jackson in various venues. It features showcases, industry panels, award shows and other events, and as transitioned into a staple for many in the community.
Honey, We Shrunk the General Fund: Medicaid, Education, Gang Debates Loom in 2018
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, made up of lawmakers, adopted a budget that cuts the State's general fund by $66.1 million or 1.3 percent. The legislators' plan includes small increases for the Department of Public Safety to fund 60 state troopers who will graduate from in 2018.
EDITORIAL: Equity, Transparency in Ed Formula Re-Write
From kindergarten to colleges and universities, education expenses make up more than half of the state's proposed budget.
Council OKs Municipal Judges, Debates Bonds
June Hardwick, a Hinds County municipal judge under the first Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, returned to that post in late December after the Jackson City Council confirmed her and re-confirmed two other existing municipal judges, Henry C. Clay III and Ali Shamsiddeen.
UPDATED: Top Jackson, Hinds Officials Fight Charges, Settle Lawsuits for Harassment, More
The "Weinstein era" of exposing sexual misconduct has launched many powerful and high-profile men out of their career posts and into the spotlight for their raunchy and violating behaviors in the workplace by the end of 2017.
Constance Hare Shelby
Perfect Fit Nutrition owner Constance Hare Shelby wants to show people the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that they can find health and nutrition outside of fad diets.
Trump Boasts of 'Nuclear Button' but Doesn't Really Have One
President Donald Trump boasted that he has a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un does — but the president doesn't actually have a physical button.
Homeland Chief: Wait and See on Citizenship for Immigrants
The Trump administration would consider immigration legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of young people, the U.S. Homeland Security secretary said Tuesday, while emphasizing no decision on that issue has been made and a border wall remains the priority.
Mississippi Gay Marriage Law Affects College Baseball
College baseball is affected by a Mississippi law that lets government clerks or private business people cite their own religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples.
Tuesday, January 2
Utah's Hatch to Retire, Opening Door to Possible Romney Run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat.
Mississippi Lawmakers Beginning 3-Month Session
The Mississippi Legislature has started its 2018 session with plenty of issues to consider.
Hinds Judge Jeff Weill Sr. Will Not Seek Re-election
On the last day of 2017, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill Sr. announced that he will not seek re-election to a third term in 2018. Weill was elected twice to the Jackson City Council and twice to the circuit bench. He will continue to serve in his judgeship through the end of his term that ends Dec. 31, 2018.
New Interim Police Chief Anthony Moore ‘Familiar’ with National Trends
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appointed Anthony Moore as the interim chief of the Jackson Police Department today. Moore fills former Chief of Police Lee Vance's spot, as he retired suddenly late in December.
Andy Kennedy
Style points were not the top consideration for the Mississippi Rebels and head coach Andy Kennedy Sunday night. The top consideration was opening the Southeastern Conference schedule as the Rebels defeated South Carolina 74-69.
Allstate Helping Hands Grant, Downtown Fitness and Brookwood Country Club
Jackson Allstate agency owner Steven James recently joined with financial specialists and volunteers in the Jackson metro to obtain a $103,000 Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grant to benefit breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
Trump Accuses DOJ of Being Part of 'Deep State'
President Donald Trump accused the Justice Department Tuesday of being part of the "deep state" and urged prosecution against a top aide to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey.