News

UPDATED: School Choice Bills Die, Sanctuary Cities Bills Still Alive

Never mind changing the state's education-funding formula; both the House and Senate education committees have passed several bills that would affect student funding, school-board autonomy and a school's responsibility to fly the state flag.

Ways the State Can ‘Back the Badge’

It is clear that lawmakers in both houses of the Mississippi Legislature intend to implement some sort of "Back the Badge" or "Blue Lives Matter" bill this session, but how such a law is written could be up for debate.

Jillian Smart

When Jillian Smart, owner of Jackson Education Support, was growing up, she says her parents wanted their children to be productive.

UPDATED: In Allen Trial, DA Argues that DJP Funds Are Public

The trial of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen began this morning with opening statements and testimony from an attorney who formerly worked with the state auditor's office asserting the money DJP collects from downtown property owners is public money.

Joey Shelton

Millsaps College announced last week that Reverend Joey Shelton will join the college's staff as chaplain and director of church relations on July 1.

New Businesses at Metrocenter Mall and The District at Eastover

Freshii, a restaurant franchise dedicated to using entirely fresh ingredients with nothing fried or frozen, is one of several businesses opening new locations at The District at Eastover.

Arts Commission Facing Drastic Overhaul, With Gov. Bryant's Support

The Mississippi Legislature could abolish the state's art commission this year, with two bills still alive in both the House of Representatives and the Senate that would roll it under the purview of the Mississippi Development Authority.

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.

McCain to Trump: 'Putin Will Never Be Our Partner'

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.

Early Voting, Online Registration, Felon Voting Back on Table in Legislature

Mississippians would be able to vote before Election Day and register online if legislation the House Apportionment and Elections Committee passed this week stays alive long enough to become law.

UPDATED: 'Kingmaker' Bickers' Name Surfaces in Atlanta Bribery, Intimidation Investigation

A well-known and nationally recognized political operative that Mayor Tony Yarber refers to as a "kingmaker," Mitzi Bickers, has been mentioned in connection to a federal bribery investigation into the Atlanta, Ga., municipal government.

Debora Wenger

NewsPro magazine recently honored Debora Wenger, who is an associate professor at the University of Mississippi's Meek School of Journalism and New Media and head of its journalism department, in its January issue as one of the "10 Journalism Educators Who Made the Grade."

'Blue, Red and Med Lives Matter' Act Passes Mississippi Senate

Sen. Sean Tindell, R-Gulfport, brought up legislation to extend Mississippi's hate-crimes law to cover law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are targeted because of their jobs.

Press Room in Capitol Free and Open, for the Moment

The status of media access to parts of the Mississippi Capitol has been unclear so far this legislative session.

Jon Gilbert

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, USM President Rodney D. Bennett announced that Jon Gilbert will be taking the reins as director of athletics.

Ben Allen’s Defense Hangs on DJP’s Public/Private Status

Whether Downtown Jackson Partners is public or private, governmental or nonprofit, is a pivotal issue in the case against indicted DJP President Ben Allen.

EdBuild Plan A Path to Expanding ‘School Choice’?

Mississippi isn't EdBuild's first state rodeo. Back in early 2015, EdBuild met with officials in Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's office, who campaigned for re-election on the idea of re-evaluating school funding in his state.

Mo’ Money for Streets This Year?

Jackson legislators are working with city leaders to bridge the gap between needed infrastructure improvements totaling over $1 billion, and the City's tight budget.

William Thomas

William Wesley Thomas, 28, is the first nursing student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to be elected the Associated Student Body president since the School of Nursing's establishment in 1948. He will be sworn in as president for the 2017-2018 school year.

John Horhn Promises 'Results' in Jackson Mayoral Announcement

Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, publicly placed his hat in the ring, once again, for mayor of the City of Jackson, turning widespread rumors into reality.

B Chill Lemonade, Jaco's Tacos Flowood, Feathered Cow on the Reservoir and Studio Styles

Kinyah Braddock, an 8-year-old Jackson resident, got into the lemonade business last week, but not in the form of a local lemonade stand as one may expect.

UPDATED: City Selects Blogger 'Kingfish' Hendrix, 'Snakeman' Percy King for Jackson Zoo Board

James Hendrix, a local blogger and controversial personality known for his Jackson Jambalaya website, is one of two candidates up today for two spots on the Jackson Zoo's board of directors.

Hundreds Protest for Women's Rights in Jackson in Sister March to D.C.

Hundreds of women, men and children protested in downtown Jackson on Saturday in a sister event to the Women's March on Washington, D.C., in support of women's rights.

Peter Zapletal, Jewish Cinema Mississippi

Peter Zapletal is in his third year of reviewing films for entry into Jewish Cinema Mississippi's annual film festival, but this is his first year to co-chair the event, along with Shira Moskowitz, co-chair of the festival's selection committee.

Hendrix Emphasizes Infrastructure, Legislation for City

It is time to leverage Jackson's 1-percent sales-tax allocation to draw in funds to address the city's infrastructure, Council President Tyrone Hendrix of Ward 6 said this morning. In fact, it should have occurred years ago, he said.

House Again Tries to Curb Dem Attorney General's Powers

The Mississippi attorney general, who is elected, could be subject to oversight from the governor, lieutenant governor and the secretary of state if Rep. Mark Baker, R-Brandon, gets his way.

Clint Martin

Artist Clinard "Clint" Martin unveiled his painting, "Surprise!", which depicts the Tuskegee Airmen—the African American 332nd Fighter Group from World War II—to the Mississippi State Senate on Jan. 5.

At-Risk Youth Diversion Program Rolls Out, But Funds Already in Jeopardy

At-risk youth have a new alternative in counties across Mississippi called the Community Youth Career Development Center.

Gov. Bryant: 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'Sacred Cows' Need to Go

"Blue Lives Matter," Gov. Phil Bryant stated emphatically when he spoke from the Mississippi House of Representatives on Tuesday night, reiterating his legislative priorities in front of the state's elected officials, Supreme Court justices, various agency heads and lawmakers.

Brittany Dinkins

Everything has come together this year for University of Southern Mississippi senior guard Brittany Dinkins, who is having her best basketball season at USM in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Ellington