Michael Farris Smith
Author Michael Farris Smith's latest thriller, "The Fighter," hit shelves on March 20. He began working on the novel shortly after finishing his critically acclaimed third book, 2017's "Desperation Road."
Oh, the Places You'll Go: Project EJECT Expels Gun Offenders to Faraway Prisons
U.S. Attorney Michael Hurst has charged 35 people since he first announced the anti-crime initiative Project EJECT in late 2017.
Christopher Lockhart
Christopher Lockhart, owner of Capital City Kayaks, says he has always enjoyed being out on the water.
Lawmakers Turn to Budgets; Re-Entry Reforms on Governor’s Desk
It's crunch time at the Mississippi Capitol. This week lawmakers will have to finalize the state budget, predominantly behind closed doors, before passing a slim fiscal-year 2019 budget.
UPDATED: ‘Galactic Trouble’ for Foster Care Ahead?
Jess Dickinson likes to use an ancient maxim he heard in a film, "The Bourne Ultimatum," to illustrate where he sits currently as the commissioner of Mississippi's foster-care system. "Hope for the best; plan for the worst," Dickinson says.
Judge Blocks Newly Signed 15-Week Abortion Ban for 10 Days
It took less than 24 hours for Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban to become law and then be stopped from taking effect.
Uncle Ray's Hookah Lounge, vineyard vines and Two Dog Farms
Jackson resident Ray McCants will hold a grand opening for his new business, Uncle Ray's Hookah Lounge, on Friday, April 20.
'One Lake' Project Could Go to Public for Comment Next Month
Engineers are pumping water at both Pearl River stations after a weekend of storms. The river reached a crest of 21 feet this weekend but is projected to drop down to lower levels later this week.
Indigent Defendants Denied Counsel, Speedy Trials in 10 Counties
Mississippians accused of felonies who cannot afford their own representation have the right to counsel and a speedy trial under the 6th Amendment, but a new report found that access to adequate representation across 10 Mississippi counties is lacking and far from consistent.
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.
Black, Male, Arrested: Madison County Case May Go Class Action
Attorneys argue that Madison County's policing program violates black residents' rights outlined in the Fourth Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The ACLU of Mississippi released data found during discovery at a press conference Wednesday.
USM Symphony Orchestra Concert, UNCF HBCU Report and ACHE at Belhaven
The United Negro College Fund recently published a study titled "HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities," which showed that Tougaloo College has generated $42 million in total economic impact for the region.
Saint Patrick
People across the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17 with parades, festivals and a variety of revelry, but who exactly is Saint Patrick?
Criminal Justice Reform Law Headed to Governor's Desk
If Gov. Phil Bryant signs House Bill 387 into law, Mississippians will not automatically go to prison or jail if they do not pay fines or court fees.
Drew Brees
New Orleans entered this offseason, much like many in the past years, with one major question: "What will happen with quarterback Drew Brees?" Fans got their answer on March 13 when the quarterback signed a new two-year deal to stay with the franchise.
St. Paddy’s Celebrates 35 Years
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade (formerly known as the Mal's St. Paddy's Parade) may be a cultural staple of Jackson now, but for residents on their way home from work in 1983, its first iteration was simply the cause of a traffic jam in downtown.
V.A. Patterson
As a young child, V.A. Patterson's mother, Mary Alice Bookhart, who was a long-time women's editor for The Clarion-Ledger, would take her to art shows and the theater, where Patterson would get to meet artist and performers.
Inside JPD’s Use-of-Force Policy: Public Trust vs. Officer Safety
Lately Tetrina Blalock has been reconnecting with family members she has not seen in a while. Losing her cousin brought them together.
Reversing 'Roe'; Outside Group Uses Mississippi as 'Bait' to End Abortion
The State of Mississippi's Republican legislative leadership may have just decided to end all abortions after 15 weeks, but they used a template developed outside the state. The legislation is designed to "bait" abortion-rights proponents into a fight over ending abortion outright, the bill's architect group admits.
Sabotage, Death, Danger: Private Prison on Trial
The Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Prison Project of the ACLU and two other law firms brought a class-action lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Corrections back in 2013 due to conditions at EMCF.
UPDATED: Rankin County Middle Schooler Wins Mississippi State Spelling Bee
Around 50 middle-schoolers ranging from ages nine to 14, along with their parents and supporters, filled the Rose E. McCoy auditorium at Jackson State University today for the 2018 Mississippi Spelling Bee.
Michele Mathis
Michele Mathis, a Raymond, Miss., resident, will host a launch event for her new podcast, "Point of Perception," on Friday, March 16.
Swell-O-Phonic Celebrates 20 Years, Spring Market and New Trade Mart
Ron Chane, owner of Swell-O-Phonic, Studio Chane and The Wonder Lab, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Swell's opening with a series of events all week leading up to Saturday, March 17.
Woman Crashes into McDade's in Belhaven, Hits Worker Inside
Just after 9 a.m. today, a woman drove her car into McDade's Market on Fortification Street, crashing through the brick wall outside the cafeteria.
Not 'Soft on Crime': Clergy Want Prison Reforms to Become Law
The Mississippi Legislature could approve two re-entry and criminal-justice reform measures this session, which are still alive.
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.
Anime Fest Checklist
The Mississippi Anime Festival, which takes place March 10 at the Mississippi Trade Mart, brings together vendors, special guests, artists, cosplayers and more under one roof to celebrate Japanese animation and pop culture.
JPS Closing Four Elementary Schools Due to Funding, Costly Repairs
Four elementary schools will close at the end of this school year in Jackson Public Schools.
MUW Alumni Awards and VEX Robotics Competition at USM
The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association announced the recipients of its four annual alumni awards on Wednesday, March 7.
City Roundup: New Pot-Hole Machine, School Sidewalk Delays, Historic Midtown
A Jackson elementary school has to wait for new sidewalks because the City of Jackson has to restart a bid process for funding under the federal Safe Routes to School program.
Blogs
- Boil Water Lifted for Most Jackson ZIPs
- City Responds to Hinds County Emergency Declaration
- ZDD Giveaways and Festival on Mar 25, but No Parade
- Casino-Mogul Trump Going Against the Odds With 'Muslim Ban'
- Millsaps Issues Statement on Trump's Immigration Order
- Court Denies Attempts to Dismiss Election Complaint for "Straw Contest"
- Roll-Off Dumpster Day on February 4
- City: Court Rules Rankin Can Build Own Wastewater Treatment Plant
- LaDarion Ammons Announces Run for Ward 7 Council Seat
- Tornado Warning for Central Hinds, NE Rankin, Madison Counties
Video
- Gov. Reeves Answers Nick Judin's Questions
- Chris McDaniel on Morning Joe
- Word on the street: What would you like to see come to Jackson?
- Trump Rally
- Trump Rally
- More Trump Rally Footage
- Trump Rally
- Kameron Palmer On Saving Our Sons
- Joel D. Swan On Saving Our Sons
- Attorney Martin Perkins Speaks for Inmates