EDITORIAL: Legislature Budgets for Critical Needs, Neglects Others
The 2018 legislative session's story largely revolves around Republicans' inability to get a lot done due to failed negotiations between the House and the Senate.
OPINION: Tickled to See Teenagers Restarting the Revolution
Writer and champion of social justice Dorothy Day once said that "fighting for a cause is part of the zest of life. ... What we need is a revolution. Each one of us can help start it."
Women, Whiskey, Watchdogs (and Dead Bills) at Session's End
Late in the 2018 legislative session, Rep. Jeff Smith, R-Columbus, talked about a night that his son broke curfew. His boy had spent his father's money on "whiskey, women and wasted the rest," Smith described.
Deeneaus Polk
The experiences Deeneaus Polk gained while doing research in Germany help him create and implement policies that focus on poverty and economic disparity in Mississippi.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mississippi, the Birthplace (and Future) of America’s Music
Maybe there is a problem with just saying we're the "birthplace of America's music." It doesn't really say that the music still lives here.
Jackson City Council Pays for $1.6 Million Winter Emergency
Last week, the city council ultimately approved the $1.6 million in various emergency contracts for repairs to water lines and other engineering services, but not without some pushback.
Mississippi Outs Legal Immigrants on Drivers' Licenses
Abigail Pina Mandujano had to start carrying her visa with her when she drives because her license is not enough to fend off questions from law-enforcement officials at roadblocks, she says.
Moving Jackson Zoo to East Jackson Leaves Hope Behind
On March 27, the Jackson Zoological Society board confirmed it will move to the eastern side of the city to LeFleur's Bluff State Park, closer to Rankin County than its long-time home on West Capitol Street.
Financial Demand Issued Against State Board of Cosmetology
The Mississippi auditor is demanding that Board of Cosmetology members pay the state about $21,000 because of lax oversight in money handling.
Police Respond to Reports of Shooting at California YouTube
Police and federal officials have responded to reports of a shooting Tuesday at YouTube headquarters in Northern California.
Public Will Have Input on JPS Superintendent Search, Board Says
The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees wants the community's input as they work to hire a new superintendent this spring.
Mississippi Bacon Association, Babalu Lunch Specials and Shapley's Moving
The Mississippi Bacon Association, a group of chefs and representatives of restaurants in Jackson and around the state, took home second place overall out of 85 teams that competed in a barbecue-themed fundraising event called "Hogs for the Cause" in New Orleans from March 22 to March 24.
Diversity is 'Blessing' for Mississippi, New Ag Leader Says
Former state Rep. Andy Gipson of Braxton was sworn in Monday as the state's eighth commissioner of agriculture and commerce.
Report: Low-performing Districts Test Students More in State
Mississippi students spend less than 1 percent of a school year on state testing, a new Mississippi First study shows.
JPD Begins Downtown Foot Patrol Unit
The Jackson Police Department will implement a foot-patrol unit in downtown Jackson beginning Monday, April 2, under Interim Chief Anthony Moore's direction.
Rep. Andy Gipson
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday appointed a third-term state lawmaker to be the state's new agriculture commissioner.
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.
Lawyer in Flowood Officer-Involved Shooting Wants Video, Answers
On the evening of March 8, a Flowood Police Department officer unloaded his gun into Von McDavid's car somewhere between four and eight times.
Keeshea Pratt Keeps Going
This year's International Blues Challenge featured many musicians from the Magnolia State, with artists from the Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola and the Vicksburg Blues Society making the semifinals. While neither group made the list of winners in late January, Jackson blues fans had reason to rejoice when they saw who took first place: the Keeshea Pratt Band.
New JSU Theater Director, USM Entrepreneur of the Year and Jackson Chamber Teacher Awards
Jackson State University named alumnus Prince Duren as director of the school's theater department this week.