News

Erick Dampier

Today marks the first day of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but viewers won’t find any teams from our state in the Big Dance. That wasn’t the case 20 years ago.

City to Begin $9 Million Operation Orange Cone Street Repairs—But Which Roads?

The Operation Orange Cone committee has given the go-ahead to begin work on several of the city’s most worn-down streets. However, it is still unclear which streets the work is starting on,

Doing Juvenile Detention Right ... Finally

After a long fight against oppressive juvenile-justice policies and negligent practices in Mississippi, 2012 was a watershed year for juvenile rights in Mississippi.

City Roundup: Local Control for ’Hoods, Crime’s Root Causes, Taxi Wars

In its third annual attempt, the Jackson City Council worked to approve a resolution to support a private, local fund resource for neighborhood associations to address their local issues, like sidewalks, parks and other issues.

Side-by-Side Donations: Key Players in Jackson Airport ‘Takeover’ Debate

Sen. Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, and Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson—airport "takeover" adversaries—both received campaign donations from several of the same PACs and businesses.

As the Water Turns, City Wrestles Over Corrosion Study

One question has haunted Jackson residents since January: Is the water safe to drink?

Tackling ‘Corrupting Effects’ of Election Laws

The Mississippi Legislature, at least so far, is showing more willingness to regulate campaign and election practices than at anytime in its history.

Politicians for Sale? Manufacturers Association Wines, Dines and Takes Lawmakers on Quail Hunts

As pure as the election process might be, democracy has the potential to break down with the influence of money.

At What Cost? Legislative Majority Tries to Slash Size of State Government

Taxpayers could get a pay raise if the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016 becomes law, but after two hours of debate last week, several senators asked, "At what cost?"

Father Michael O’Brien

Father Michael O'Brien first met Hal White more than 10 years ago while O'Brien was serving as the priest at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson.

Thalia Mara Hall, Innovate Jackson, MedeAnalytics and Ryan's Closes in Pearl

Business is booming at Thalia Mara Hall, with the venue selling out shows like never before.

Airport's New Plan: Development, East Metro Corridor, Challenges Prominent

Development of the area around the airport is at the center of the recently released Jackson Municipal Airport Authority's "Strategic Plan 2021."

City Lifts Boil Notice, Some Streets Still Under Watch

The City of Jackson has lifted the boil notice for most of the city as they receive results from water tests, while one area still remains under watch.

State Begins Lead Testing of Children, Awaits City's Corrosion Compliance Plan

The City of Jackson has extended a "precautionary boil notice" from last week's treatment-plant shutdown.

Man Who Filed Flag Lawsuit Has Hired Full-Time Security, Amends Suit

The Mississippi attorney who filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Phil Bryant has hired full-time security for his law firm staff and family due to death threats after news broke that he had sued the governor in order to change the state flag.

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.

Suspects Still At Large, Crimes Against Persons on the Rise, Seeking Solutions

After a relatively low crime season, this past weekend began a very tense week for the city of Jackson.

Mayor Yarber Voices Frustration Over Potholes, Airport, Water, More on Facebook

Mayor Yarber on Facebook: "It took me at least 15 minutes to begin this post. It took so long because I actually didn't know where to start. In the City that we all love, it seems that everything that could go wrong is going wrong, fast."

Ditto: Capitol District to Free Up Local Repair Funds, Get State to Pay Fair Share

The goal behind the proposed "Capitol Complex Improvement District" is to free up City of Jackson funds to work on more neglected neighborhoods, one of the original architects of the plan, former Mayor Kane Ditto, said this morning.

Amendment Hijacks Parent Involvement Bill: 'Not About Teachers'

Rep. Gregory Holloway, Sr., D-Hazlehurst, helped mold the Parent Involvement and Accountability Act, which would "grade" parents in C, D or F districts on their involvement in their children's education.

DJ Young Venom: I Was Kicked Out of Trump Rally for Marvel's Black Panther Shirt, X Cap

Phillip Rollins was sitting in the bleachers at Madison Central High School's auditorium, looking at his phone, when suddenly he noticed people pointing and shouting: "Get him out!"

Repairs to Water System Made, Boil Water In Effect

The City of Jackson reports that repairs have been made to the water system and water pressure is returning to normal.

State Tax Cuts Would Divert $575 Million from State Fund

Taxpayers could get a pay raise if the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016 becomes law, but after two hours of debate today, several senators asked, “At what cost?”

UPDATED: Mayor Fires Back at Council's Rejection of $400K Contract for Water Study, Says 'Political'

Several council members have spent the last hour and a half questioning the mayor's request to award a $400,000 corrosion study on the city's water to a Texas company run by a woman with a business degree from the University of Phoenix.

After 'Heartbreaking' Violence, Mayor Creates Task Force to Examine Roots of Crime

After one of the most violent weekends in the city this year, Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber announced on Wednesday the formation of a Criminal Justice Reform Task Force.

Paris Collins

If Jackson State University is going to make great strides in postseason play, the team is going to need big games from Paris Collins.

City Faces Emergency and Puzzling Water Shutdown; Promises Answers in 48 Hours

The City of Jackson issued an emergency warning early today that citizens must preserve water due to an emergency shutdown. Here's what we know so far.

City of Jackson Issues Emergency Water Restriction Notice

Effective immediately, The City of Jackson has issued an emergency water use restriction for all customers served by the City’s Water System. The city’s Department of Public Works has determined that system-wide water conservation measures are needed at this time due to loss of power at the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Facility.

DJP President Ben Allen Indicted, State Auditor and DJP Slam Hinds County DA Investigation

Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering says Hinds County District Attorney Robert S. Smith must drop indictments against two of his employees.

Rep. Gipson: Guns in Courthouses Nothing New

Below is a verbatim statement from Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, in support of guns in courthouses and House Bill 571.

Ellington