News

Most Viral, Impactful Stories in the First 15 Years of the Jackson Free Press

The JFP has gotten hundreds of thousands of page views for our top-viewed stories since we started tracking a decade or so ago. Here are our biggest stories ever, and the most impactful.

Jackson’s Confederate-Named Schools May Change After JPS Board Vote

With the potential for a state takeover of the Jackson Public School District looming, its board of trustees voted to allow the local PTAs to rename three elementary schools in the district named for Confederate generals and leaders at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

Jackson's Creative Pulse: What Has Changed Since 2002, What Is Still Ahead

When this newspaper started 15 years ago this week, promising a rising creative class in Jackson on its cover, the capital city was a different place that nearly everyone said they wanted to leave. Jackson was the butt of suburban jokes, and its champions were always on the defensive. Not fun.

Gov. Bryant on JPS Takeover: 'Not Going to Rush Judgment'

After meeting with Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba this morning, Gov. Phil Bryant said today that he does not plan to "rush judgment" on the Mississippi Board of Education's proposal to take over Jackson Public Schools, which awaits his signature.

Aaron Banks: New Kid on the Ward 6 Block

Although new Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks is a new kid on the City Hall block, he is not new to Jackson.

Next Steps for JPS Takeover: Governor in No 'Rush'

Jackson Public Schools started the week of Sept. 11 facing a possible takeover and ended with its fate in Gov. Phil Bryant's hands.

Lilli Evans Bass

Lilli Evans Bass says that Jackson is and always will be home for her. That's why, even after receiving her law degree at the University of Mississippi in 2008, she decided to come home to practice law.

UPDATED: Zoo Faces Uncertain City Funding, Could Relocate

The Jackson Zoo is asking for donations in wake of its financial crisis due to budget cuts made in the past year.

Mississippi Blues Marathon, Beckham Custom Jewelry and New Venture Challenge

Mississippi Blues Marathon director John Noblin announced Monday, Sept. 18, that Continental Tire the Americas has signed on to serve as the presenting sponsor for the 11th annual race in Jackson on Jan. 27, 2018.

Earnest Lee

Earnest Lee, superintendent of the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, retired on Sept. 15.

35 New U.S. Citizens from 23 Countries Take Oath at Jackson Middle School

In honor of Constitution Day, Sept. 17, as well as the anniversary of federal courts this month, U.S. District Courts around the country hosted naturalization ceremonies in schools.

JSU Getting New Band Director, Career Closet, Food Bank, Recycling; Walking Path Coming for MUW

Deborah Bynum, wife of Jackson State University President William Bynum Jr., recently announced a series of programs that she plans to implement to help JSU students.

Attorney, JPS Parent Files Federal Lawsuit to Block State Takeover of School District

Jackson attorney Dorsey Carson says the state's process to take over school districts, violates his child's and all parents' due-process rights.

State Board Sends JPS Takeover to Governor for Stamp of Approval

The fate of Jackson Public Schools is now in the hands of Republican Gov. Phil Bryant after the Mississippi Board of Education declared an “extreme emergency situation” in the district this afternoon.

'Solutions' for Youth Crime Theme of Kenneth Stokes' City Hall Forum

"Solutions" was the most common word heard on Wednesday night at a meeting of parents, students, police officers, and community leaders in City Hall to discuss strategies to reduce youth crime and violence in Jackson.

Solomon Muhammad

Solomon Muhammad, a linebacker at Alcorn State University, is already having a breakout year as a redshirt sophomore. He has nearly been a one-man wrecking crew on the Braves' defense during their two games thus far.

JPS ‘Takeover’ Looms as Commission Declares ‘Extreme Emergency’ in District

The impending state takeover of Jackson Public Schools moved forward today, shocking a packed board room at the Mississippi Department of Education, which is housed in the old, long-segregated Central High School in downtown Jackson.

‘Everybody Matters, Or Nobody Matters’: The JFP Interview with Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher shared his opinions and ideas about how law enforcement fits into society and government as a whole with the Jackson Free Press recently.

Lumumba Alleges 'Nefarious Intent' in JPS Audit, Says City Will Fight

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba rallied with advocates on Tuesday ahead of this morning's Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation meeting, during which members will determine whether or not to put Jackson Public Schools is in an "emergency" situation.

UPDATED: How Will the Jackson Property Tax Increase Affect You?

The Jackson City Council approved Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's revenue increase proposal, raising the city's property tax rate by 2 mills, late on the Friday before Labor Day weekend.

Local DACA Immigrants: We Still Have a Dream

The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security show that more than 3,000 Mississippians have applied for DACA approval, with 2,700 applications approved as of March 31.

Andreas Moffett

Andreas Moffett, 29, says his goal is to improve the lives of those around him.

As Money Flows to Hopefuls, Hattiesburg Votes to Elect New Legislator

Hattiesburg residents have their choice of four candidates in the special election for House District 102, which they vote in today, to replace former Rep. Toby Barker's seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Barker ran for mayor of Hattiesburg this spring and won, leaving his seat open.

Ellington