News

MS Avoids Tremendous Hike in Premiums by Three Votes

This morning the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Fourth Circuit decision in King v. Burwell.

Only a Special Session Could Change Mississippi Flag Before January

Since the first cry for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State Capitol, the national conversation has broadened to the use of the symbol beyond Charleston. In Mississippi, the state flag's Confederate symbol is now also in question.

Dundrecous Nelson

Dundrecous Nelson hopes 85 percent is enough right now. After an ankle injury that ended his college career, he is currently 85 percent back to his old self and knows he is a work in progress.

Mississippi Had Most to Lose in Obamacare Decision

Mississippi could experience the largest cost spike in health-care premiums in the country if the "Obamacare" premium tax credit becomes unavailable.

Mayor Tony Yarber: "No need to display a Confederate emblem..."

In Mississippi, our legislative leaders have the power to rid this state of a vestige linked to one of our most shameful periods. Why hold on to it?

Confederate Flag Divides Mississippi Politicians

In the wake of the Charleston massacre, the nation is questioning South Carolina's Confederate flag, and in turn, looking to Mississippi's state flag that features the symbol.

Transgender Man Sues Tower Loan

On April 13, 2015, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Altshuler Berzon LLP, and Delaney & Robb filed suit against Tower Loan for discrimination on behalf of Tristan Broussard.

Pride and Prejudice: A Life-Long Battle from Civil Rights to LGBT Rights

It was 1962 in Jackson, and Dee Smathers lived in an apartment on State Street with her first college roommate turned lover. Dee's family was living out of the state, so she did not worry about their judgment. Her partner, on the other hand, was living a secret life.

Dan Jones on Mississippi Flag: 'It's Time to Change'

I join my voice to that of others encouraging a change in our state flag. My life experience has offered many opportunities for conversations with many people from all walks of life about our state flag and other symbols of the Confederacy.

Julianna Pardue

Julianna Pardue was never far from a comic book when she was a child. Her dad collected them, so she fondly remembers playing around and rifling through his many boxes of issues.

Alphonso Hunter: Rebuild Hinds County

This year, Alphonso Hunter, 56, is making another bid for the Hinds County District 2 Supervisor seat. He recently sat down with the JFP to talk about his vision for the county.

The Mississippi Money Race

Mississippi state executive offices are up for election this year. Incumbent Gov. Phil Bryant and incumbent Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves both have the largest amounts of money at their campaigns' disposal: a combined total of more than $5 million.

Lt. Gov. Reeves: Fate of State Flag Will 'Be Decided by the People of Mississippi'

Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves released a statement today on the Mississippi state flag.

McDaniel Slams Changing State Flag

Senator Chris McDaniel made the following verbatim statement regarding calls to do away with Mississippi's official state flag.

Farish Street Blues and Mississippi Tobacco Settlement

Johnny T's Bistro and Blues is a sister establishment to Norma Ruth's that will focus on quality steak, pasta, seafood and what John "Stax" Tierre says will be his own spin on bar food, including finger foods and shareable items.

Deidra Jones-Snell

Deidra Jones-Snell has done her fair share of traveling.

From Terrorists to Politicians, the Council of Conservative Citizens Has a Wide Reach

When I clicked on Dylann Roof's alleged racist "manifesto" yesterday, I wasn't surprised at all to see the name of the Council of Conservative Citizens name-checked. In some ways, I was happy to see it.

LeMia Jenkins

Jackson native LeMia Jenkins recently returned home from Washington, D.C., and joined the research team at Jackson State University as its new director of federal relations.

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.

JSU Breaks Ground on Tech, Engineering Facilities

Jackson State University held a groundbreaking ceremony June 18 for a proposed 24,000-square-foot engineering classroom complex, a two-story addition to the College of Science, Engineering and Technology building on campus.

Jackson AME Officials React to Charleston Tragedy

Before tragedy struck in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal in Charleston, S.C., with the killings of nine worshippers Wednesday, June 17, AME officials were preparing to convene in New Orleans on June 29 for the Council of Bishops and general board meeting.

Hinds County Campaign Finance Reports Are In

Nearly 100 pages of campaign-finance reports have been filed in Hinds County local races.

Calvin Smith

Only a few men can lay claim to being the fastest human in the world. One of those men is Calvin Smith.

Sheriff: Crime Has No Boundaries

On June 9, Tyrone Lewis invited the Jackson Free Press to his office to respond to Victor Mason, explain his famous holiday-themed billboards and say why he deserves to remain the county's top law-enforcement officer.

Special Ed Groups on the Fence about Initiative 42

Initiative 42, the citizen-supported ballot measure to fully fund Mississippi's public-school system, boasts of having a broad coalition of support. However, a vocal and influential bloc aren't fully convinced that the initiative will be good for their kids.

Quincy Mukoro

As the first generation of his family to live in America and the president of his own company, Quincy Mukoro, 33, has had an interesting journey to Mississippi.

A Long, Long LGBT Road

Cameron Stewart and Amber Cameron have been together five and a half years. About a year ago, the couple had a backyard wedding ceremony with vows and commitments—but because they live in Mississippi they could not get a license.

Private Prison ‘Whack-a-Mole’

Legal advocates for prisoners in Mississippi say the state has failed to follow through on promises to create better conditions at Walnut Grove Correctional Facility and that attempts to address safety concerns at Walnut Grove, which started out as a youth prison, have spurred violence at other prisons.

Barnette's, Mellow Mushroom, Kemper and Gulf Broadband

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has released its second annual Homegrown Picks menu, consisting of new food and beverage concepts from its own employees.

Rita B.

For more than two years, Cherita Brent has been taking the stage as stand-up comedian Rita B. Now, she's taking one giant step forward in her comedy career with her first hour-long special, "Rita B. Is the New Black," which records live Saturday, June 20, at the Alamo Theater.

Ellington