Inside the Closed Mental Health Meetings
While Attorney General Jim Hood has not yet opened mental-health task force meetings to public and media scrutiny, members of the group are talking about how they are trying to tackle the state's system of care from practically every angle, including within the criminal-justice system.
Ke'Asia Gray
During a preseason workout earlier this year, Belhaven University senior guard Ke'Asia Gray landed awkwardly while going up for a layup. When the former Magee High School star landed, she twisted her ankle and delayed the start of her final year on the basketball court.
Jackson Schools Can Start Clearing Accreditation Standards in the New Year
Jackson Public Schools can start clearing accreditation standard violations as early as January. William Merritt, the executive director of school improvement, told the school board at its last December meeting that the board needs to get the new JPS corrective action plan to the Commission on School Accreditation by Jan. 16, 2018.
Timothy Pakron
For Gulfport native Timothy Pakron, cooking is a form of art. Pakron, who is a visual artist, photographer and home cook, has spent the last six years in New York City but moved to Jackson recently to write "The Mississippi Vegan Cookbook," which he plans to publish with Avery of Penguin Random House by fall 2018.
Jackson New Year's Events Preview
New Year's Eve is this weekend. Here's a sampling of this year's local events ahead of tomorrow's issue to help you prepare for the big night.
Judge Partially Lifts Trump Administration Ban on Refugees
A federal judge in Seattle on Saturday partially lifted a Trump administration ban on certain refugees after two groups argued that the policy prevented people from some mostly Muslim countries from reuniting with family living legally in the United States.
DC Appeals Court Denies Stay of Transgender Military Ban
The White House has lost another attempt to put a hold on a requirement that it allow transgender people to enlist in the military starting on Jan. 1.
10 Local Stories of the Week
There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.
How Did Your Representative, Senator Vote on Tax Reform?
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Republican tax-reform package that afternoon predominantly along party lines (then had to re-pass it on Wednesday by a vote of 224-201 after some technical changes from the Senate).
JSU Photography Award, Belhaven Mental Health Program, Leadership Mississippi and JSU HBCU Program
This week, Jackson State University Department of Communications and Marketing team members Charles A. Smith and Kentrice Rush received the Libris Iconic Images Award from the photography website Photoshelter.
Ann Rogers-Brigham
Ann Rogers-Brigham says that she believes church should be about inclusivity and sharing God's love with others.
UN Denounces US Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital
The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday to denounce President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, largely ignoring Trump's threats to cut off aid to any country that went against him.
City Council Rejects Mayor's Request to Double Tourist Tax in 2018
The Jackson City Council voted against Mayor Chokwe Lumumba's request to double the local tourist tax this morning from 1 percent to 2 percent on purchases at restaurants, hotels and motels.
Jackson Schools Open Friday to Meet State Accreditation Standards
Jackson Public Schools teachers and students were supposed to be off Friday, Dec 22, but now must go in for a "60 percent" school day (a little longer than half the day) after the district canceled school to make up for the snow day on Dec. 8.
Hal Mumme
The Hal Mumme era at Belhaven University ended Nov. 28 when the head coach left to pursue coaching opportunities at higher levels of football.
Lumumba Praises Retiring Chief Lee Vance As Maybe 'Best', Day After 'Project Eject' Tweets
Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance suddenly announced his retirement effective in a about a week after 30 years on the force.
City to Vote on Doubling Tourist Tax in Special, Pre-Holiday Meeting Thursday
In a late-announced Jackson City Council meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, the members will decide if they want to pursue an increase in the local tourist and convention tax from 1 percent to 2 percent.
Tackling Poverty this Holiday Season
For families and individuals who are struggling, especially financially, the holidays can be a tough time. That's where nonprofits come in, for both immediate and systemic help. You can donate to and/or volunteer with these nonprofits.
The Mississippi 40: New Music for the New Year
There is never a shortage of music in Mississippi, with countless concerts, showcases and open mics taking place around the state on a daily basis. Since the live music scene slows down a bit over the holiday season, we put together a list featuring new music that Mississippi artists have released over the past few months. Here are 40 new albums, EPs and singles to check out in the New Year.
OPINION: Telling the Rest of the Civil Rights Story
It took a while, but I soon learned (not soon enough) that the opening day and bicentennial celebration of the Museum of Mississippi History and more specifically the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum struck a nerve in my life.