Stories for March 2019

GOP Leaders Trick House Into Sending $2 Million to Private Schools

Mississippi will use millions in taxpayer dollars to fund private schools after Republican leaders in the Legislature secretly slipped funds into a bill for state construction projects.

HCC Honors Gala, Tougaloo Gospel Explosion Musical and MSU International Film Festival

Hinds Community College's Utica campus hosted its Vice President's Scholarship and Hall of Honors Gala on Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Clyde Muse Center

Abortion-Rights Group Sues Mississippi Over 'Heartbeat' Law

An abortion-rights group is asking a federal judge to block a Mississippi law that will ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.

Jackson Black Pages Plans Expo for Mississippi's Black-Owned Businesses

Chuck Patterson founded the Jackson Black Pages, which connects Jacksonians with black-owned local businesses through its website so they can put money back into their local communities.

Tyrone Jackson

Tyrone Jackson will become Mississippi Delta Community College's first African-American president and its ninth overall. Larry Nabors is retiring after six years as president.

Lawmakers Approve $1,500 Pay Raise for Mississippi Teachers

The Mississippi Senate on Thursday voted 46-2 to approve changes to the pay schedule for teachers starting July 1. Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison says the increase is expected to cost about $58 million.

Mississippi Senate Approves New Map to Boost Black Voting Power

Mississippi lawmakers are working to redraw the lines of a state senate district that two federal courts ruled dilutes black voting power.

Mississippi Closes More Bridges After Counties Don't Act

Mississippi officials are closing more bridges that county officials haven't closed after inspectors found them unsafe.

Yolanda Ni

Yolanda Ni, an eighth-grader at Oak Grove Middle School in the Lamar County School District, won the 2019 Mississippi Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 19, at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Auditorium in Jackson.

Evolutions Beauty Bar, JXN Gumbo at Mantle and 52nd Annual Beth Israel Bazaar

Latarsha Ellis, a lifelong Jackson native who has worked as a cosmetologist and hair stylist for more than 20 years, will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for her new salon, Evolutions Beauty Bar, on Friday, April 26.

Speaker: Lawmakers Eye $1,000 Raise for Mississippi Teachers

House Speaker Philip Gunn said Monday that Mississippi public school teachers are likely to get a one-time raise of $1,000 in the coming year.

John O'Neal Jr.

John O'Neal Jr., a civil-rights activist, playwright and actor who cofounded the Free Southern Theater and Junebug Productions, died of vascular disease on Feb. 15 in New Orleans. He was 78.

Michael Avenatti Defrauded Mississippi Bank, Prosecutors Charge

Michael Avenatti, the high-profile attorney who formerly represented Stormy Daniels, defrauded a Mississippi bank, federal prosecutors in California charged on Monday.

Teacher Pay in Limbo as Mississippi Senate Balks at $4,000 Raise

The fate of a bill that could grant Mississippi's public-school teachers a $4,000 pay raise over a two-year period remained uncertain Monday morning as lawmakers from both chambers of the state Legislature worked to reach an agreement.

Kermit Davis

Kermit Davis has earned a new contract after leading Mississippi on a surprising run to the NCAA Tournament.

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.

Voting Rights Act Denied Mississippi Its 'Sovereignty,' AG Candidate Says

At a Tupelo campaign stop on Monday, Mississippi State Rep. Mark Baker, a Republican candidate for attorney general, said the 1965 Voting Rights Act violated Mississippi's "sovereignty."

Mueller Concludes Russia-Trump Probe, Delivers Report

Special counsel Robert Mueller on Friday turned over his long-awaited final report on the contentious Russia investigation that has cast a dark shadow over Donald Trump's presidency.

Mississippi Library Partnership, UM Tobacco-Free Grant and MSU Ragtime and Jazz Festival

Hinds Community College President Clyde Muse and Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum signed an agreement on Wednesday, March 20, to join the Mississippi Library Partnership.

Mississippi Senate Calls for Constitutional Convention, Raising Civil Rights Concerns

Civil-rights protections could be "rolled back" if Mississippi joins a conservative group's effort to amend the U.S. Constitution, a prominent civil-rights organization is warning.

Gov. Bryant Signs Abortion Ban in Deadliest State for Babies

With Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves at his side, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed the nation's most restrictive abortion bill into law on Thursday morning.

City Council Approves Dart-Like GPS Launchers for Police Cruisers

The Jackson City Council recently approved the use of the StarChase system, which allows police cruisers to shoot GPS tracking devices that stick to fleeing suspects' vehicles, to cut down on the number of dangerous high-speed police chases in the city.

Abby Trahan

Junior pitcher Abby Trahan is enjoying a strong start in her first season with the University of Southern Mississippi softball team.

Becoming Curious Citizens

Through Curious Citizens, local creative and organizer daniel johnson wants people to activate people to find ways to participate in local government.

Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring School Shooter Drills

Lawmakers on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill meant to make Mississippi schools safer from mass shootings.

Caring for Natural Hair with Fran Alexander

Though Signature Hair Lounge specializes in weaves, Fran Alexander is knowledgeable about all types of hair. The Jackson Free Press recently talked to her over the phone about caring for natural hair.

In Honor of Dead Diet Resolutions

I propose that we bring pleasure back into our vocabulary around food. In honor of all those dead diet resolutions, here are some ideas for making the rest of 2019 more, ahem, palatable.

Josh Journeay’s ‘Down the Road’ Makes Waves

Just two days after local musician Josh Journeay, 26, released his first solo album "Down the Road," on Feb. 12, 2019, the five-track EP reached No. 7 on the iTunes country music charts.

‘Why Can’t I Break That Barrier?’: The JFP Interview with AG Hopeful Jennifer Riley Collins

During our afternoon interview with Jennifer Riley Collins in downtown Jackson, she explained why she believes she is up to the momentous task of becoming the first African American woman ever to win a statewide office, and what she believes she can bring to the attorney general's office.

OPINION: Lessons to Learn From Nissan

Unless workers unionize, companies operate as dictatorships, where the businesses will sacrifice workers' livelihoods, pantries, mortgages, car payments, medical bills and other needs for the bottom line.

Legislative Update: Fetal Heartbeats, Teacher Pay, Tort Reform

Daniella Dismuke-Roja is an activist who is challenging laws that she believes threaten the rights of Mississippians. On March 14, she traveled to Jackson and joined a group of Democratic state legislators and Planned Parenthood activists to protest the state's fetal heartbeat bill.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Women, Don’t Apologize

As women, we need less criticism and more support. We need people who will step up and remind us of all that we've accomplished.

John Spann

When Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Curator of Education John Spann was in high school, history came easy to him. "It wasn't like geometry or anything, and I got it," he says.

Mississippi Senate OKs Ban on Abortion After Fetal Heartbeat

Mississippi senators on Tuesday passed the final version of a bill that would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.

Changes Coming to Seafood R'evolution

The restaurant group of Derek and Jennifer Emerson will take ownership of Seafood R'evolution on March 31 and reopen the restaurant as CAET.

City to Launch Pre-K Pilot Program With Grant From the Kellogg Foundation

Mayor Chokwe Lumumba announced on March 18 that the City is receiving grant funds from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for a pre-k pilot program dubbed Ready To Learn.

UMMC/FirstNet Partnership, Gulf Seafood Outlet and Vitality Bowls

Greg Adams, a former conductor for the Canadian National Railroad who retired in 2016, opened his own seafood market, Gulf Seafood Outlet, in Jackson in September 2018.

Supreme Court Set for Case on Racial Bias in Jury Selection

This week, the Supreme Court will consider whether Curtis Flowers' conviction and death sentence in a sixth trial should stand or be overturned because prosecutors improperly kept African-Americans off the jury.

Second Woman to Lead Tougaloo College After First Retires After 17 Years

Tougaloo College Board of Trustees Chairman Wesley F. Prater named Carmen J. Walters as the 14th president of the institution on Monday, March 18.

Analysis: Mississippi Lawmakers Seek Early Exit to Session

Mississippi lawmakers are aiming for an early end to their scheduled 90-day session. This is the fourth and final year of the current term, and most members of the House and Senate are seeking re-election.

Quinndary Weatherspoon

Mississippi State swept the 2019 C Spire Howell and Gillom awards Monday as two seniors, guard Quinndary Weatherspoon and center Teaira McCowan, were named the state's best male and female college basketball players this season.

‘I Can’t Keep Calm’: Myrlie Evers-Williams ‘Incensed’ at Bryant, Hyde-Smith

Civil-rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams told a radio host Friday that she refused “sit down and be quiet” after Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant credited only President Donald Trump and the state’s two white Republican U.S. senators for a law making her former home a national memorial—a designation the state’s lone black congressman spent years pushing.

No Segregated Pools, City of Jackson Decided in 1960s with Court Support

By 1961 in Jackson, not only could black and white citizens not legally drink from the same water fountains, but they could not swim together in the capital city's taxpayer-funded swimming pools.

"A Tale of Two Collections," JSU Creative Arts Festival and Argosy Student Aid at Belhaven

Tougaloo College is partnering with the Mississippi Museum of Art on a joint exhibition titled "A Tale of Two Collections."

Jayveous McKinnis

Jayveous McKinnis, a Brandon, Miss., native, not only earned the SWAC's Freshman of the Year Award; he also earned All-SWAC First-Team honors.

Global Condemnation, Condolences After Mosque Attack

World leaders expressed condolences and condemnation Friday following the deadly attacks on mosques in New Zealand, while Muslim leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of violent Islamophobia.

Sen. Roger Wicker Defies Trump With Vote Against National Emergency Order

At the Neshoba County Fair in August 2018, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker sought to assure a suspicious, conservative crowd of his allegiance to President Donald Trump's agenda.

Senate Rejects Trump Border Emergency as Republicans Defect

The Republican-run Senate firmly rejected President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southwest border on Thursday, setting up a veto fight and dealing him a conspicuous rebuke as he tested how boldly he could ignore Congress in pursuit of his highest-profile goal.

'Go Clean JXN' Launches Saturday With Residents Helping Pick Up Trash Citywide

Jackson has a problem with trash, and the City of Jackson wants residents to take responsibility for cleaning it up through its Let's Go Clean JXN campaign kicking off Saturday, March 16.

Phil Bryant Praises White Officials for Evers Honor, Bashes Bennie Thompson

In the wake of a new federal law declaring civil-rights hero Medgar Evers' home a national monument, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant credited President Donald Trump and Mississippi's two white Republican U.S. senators—but not the African American Mississippi congressman who spent 16 years pushing for its passage.

Bill: Ban Disclosure Requirement for Some Political Spending

Mississippi senators have passed a bill that says the government could not require disclosure of donors' names to certain types of tax-exempt groups involved in politics.

The Sweet Potato Queens Come Home

Earlier this year, parade cofounder Malcolm White asked her if she could give he and the other organizers a date for when the Sweet Potato Queens would be part of the parade. She said this year. Then, as soon as the play was ready to be licensed, she immediately called New Stage Theatre Creative Director Francine Thomas Reynolds and asked if the company would consider the production for this season.

Ronnie Crudup Jr. Wins Special Election for South Jackson House Seat

Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn called Ronnie Crudup, Jr. Tuesday evening to congratulate him on his victory after voters in south Jackson elected the local activist to fill a vacated seat in the House of Representatives.

Kimberlee Haralson

Real estate company Crye-Leike Brandon recently gave Kimberlee Haralson, a realtor who joined the company in September 2017, its 2019 Crye-Leike Rookie of the Year award for the Central Mississippi region.

Medgar Evers' Home Becomes National Monument

The Mississippi home of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers is becoming a national monument.

Nissan Lays Off 381, Down from 700 Originally Projected

Nissan Motor Co. says fewer contract workers than previously announced were laid off from its Mississippi plant.

Duvalier Malone Named Top Entrepreneur and Mississippi Museum of Art Events

The Mississippi Business Journal will name community activist, author and motivational speaker Duvalier Malone as its top entrepreneur for 2019 in a ceremony at the Old Capitol Inn on Thursday, March 28.

Mississippi Teachers Unimpressed As House Ups Two-Year Pay Raise to $4,000

Mississippi teachers told the Jackson Free Press that they agreed with critics of the Legislature's $1,000 raise bill, and they had their own criticisms of even a $4,000 raise.

Mississippi Holds Special Elections for Three House Seats Today

Mississippi voters in three state House districts head to the polls today to elect new representatives to fill vacant seats.

Mississippi House Passes Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Bill

Mississippi lawmakers continue to push ahead with a proposal that could become one of the strictest abortion laws in the nation.

Democratic Candidate Warren Sets Televised Mississippi Forum

Jackson State University says U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will participate in a March 18 forum that will be televised on CNN.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves' 2003 Victory over Gary Anderson 'All About Race,' Critics Say

In his successful 2003 bid for state treasurer, critics accused current-Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves of running ads designed to remind voters that his Democratic opponent, Gary Anderson was black. Reeves denied the allegations.

Breein Tyree

University of Mississippi point guard Breein Tyree and Mississippi State University's Teaira McCowan won the fan voting portion of the 2019 C Spire Howell and Gillom Trophies, which annually honor the top male and female college basketball players in Mississippi.

10 Local Stories of the Week

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.

OPINION: Jay Hughes and the Apostasy of ‘White Democrats’ in Mississippi

Not content with the number of obstacles currently in a pregnant woman's path to accessing safe abortion care, our state government has continued its efforts to erode Roe v. Wade. Gov. Phil Bryant has repeatedly said that he wants “Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child”—even, apparently, if that entails making Mississippi the least safe place for mothers and born children.

Voucher Bill Dies at Legislature, Possibly Ending Program Next Year

Mississippi's education voucher program, which subsidizes private-school tuition at the expense of public schools, could end next year after lawmakers allowed a bill to extend it to die in committee.

Millsaps CFA Challenge, USM Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience and MSU Women's History Month

Four Millsaps College students recently won first-place honors during the regional Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

Honor, Authority and Joy in JPS Priorities of Jackson Community

A March 1 Jackson Public Schools meeting was one of various forums an organization called "Our JPS" has organized across the city to learn the ideals local residents want to see reflected inside local public schools.

New Food Truck and Restaurant Coming to Jackson and Bilal's EasyKale Grand Opening

Lataurius Rodgers, owner of Diamond Nail Studio in Jackson, will soon bring a new food truck to the city together with Lamarcus Robinson, a friend who also lives in Jackson.

Teaira McCowan

Teaira McCowan has spent the last four years growing as a basketball player at Mississippi State University.

Gov on Anti-Boycott Bill: 'Mississippi Stands with Israel'

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to sign a bill that will ban the state from investing in companies that boycott Israel.

Hal’s St. Paddy’s Festival Music Lineup

Each year following the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade, music artists performing live at Hal & Mal's. Here is a rundown on who is playing this year on Saturday, March 23.

Blues in the City

For Xperience JXN event promoter Yolanda Singleton, Betty Wright was part of her childhood. Singleton says she is "a music legend whose music transcends generations."

Feeling Lucky and Local

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 23 with local events, including the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival that day.

The Murals: A Place for Creatives

Producer Amanda Paige knew the type of business she wanted to add to the Jackson art scene: something that could bring creatives together. The result is The Murals, a business that functions as a collective where creatives like Paige can showcase their work.

Four Officers Fired in Mississippi After Man's Death Last Month

The city of Jackson announced the firings of three officers and a supervisor Tuesday following an internal affairs investigation of the arrest and death of 31-year-old Mario Clark.

Cultivating Growth in Women Business Owners

Something sets Cultivation Food Hall apart: women-owned businesses. Of the nine businesses there, women have full ownership of four—Ariella's, Poke Stop, Fauna and Whisk—and co-own il Lupo and Bocca Pizzeria.

Promoting Magnolias and Museums

Each year, thousands of people gather in downtown Jackson to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival is always lively and full of colorful and bright floats, marching bands, walking krewes and more.

Martin’s Downtown Moves into 2019

Martin's Downtown, previously known as Martin's Restaurant & Bar, has long been a staple of downtown Jackson, showcasing both local and touring bands, as well as giving Jacksonians a place to hang out.

Coffee, Eats and South Street Live

South Street Live opened in December 2018. The Jackson Free Press hosted its 2019 Best of Jackson awards party at the venue on Jan. 27.

Faith Simone Thigpen

Those who follow the TV series "Bring It!"—a show about the Dancing Dolls, a Jackson dance group—will likely recognize the name Faith Simone Thigpen.

Lake Hico: Closed by Racism?

Jim Crow-era segregation laws and customs prevented Lake Hico from interracial use until the late 1960s after the Civil Rights Movement and federal legislation officially ended segregation. The lake then closed to the public in 1968.

Jackson ‘Transplants’ Unite

When New Orleans native Ashlee Kelly first arrived in Jackson in 2003 to attend Jackson State University, she struggled to find people to connect with.

UPDATED: 2019 Power Couples

It's the time of year when many of us are thinking about those we love and what we love. This time of year also means that we look around for the area's power couples.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: On Tourism, the Food Business and ‘Let’s Talk Jackson’

This issue of BOOM Jackson serves two major purposes. One, it's a three-month look ahead at arts and cultural events in the Jackson metro. Two, we do the BOOM edition quarterly, with a focus on local entrepreneurship and economic development—stuff I love!

Stories for March 2019

Friday, March 29

Thursday, March 28

Wednesday, March 27

Tuesday, March 26

Monday, March 25

Friday, March 22

Thursday, March 21

Wednesday, March 20

Tuesday, March 19

Monday, March 18

Friday, March 15

Thursday, March 14

Wednesday, March 13

Tuesday, March 12

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Friday, March 8

Thursday, March 7

Wednesday, March 6

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Monday, March 4

Friday, March 1