News

Stefan Moody

If I was going to bet on who will be the frontrunner for this year's Howell Trophy, my money would be on University of Mississippi junior guard Stefan Moody.

For Many Middle-Class Taxpayers On Obamacare, It's Payback Time

As tax day approaches, hundreds of thousands of families who enrolled in plans through the insurance marketplaces could be stuck with unexpected tax bills, according to researchers.

Moss Point Schools LGBT Bullying Case Settled

The Southern Poverty Law Center has reached a settlement with Mississippi’s Moss Point School District on behalf of Destin Holmes, a student who was subjected to pervasive anti-LGBT bullying and harassment by fellow students, faculty and even administrators.

Chamber Initiative Connects Do-Gooders

The holidays have passed, but the spirit of giving—or more precisely, giving back—remains in Jackson, thanks in part to a new initiative of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

Mississippi Sex Education Efforts Still Limited

Although the state began to require institutions of higher education to create a plan for pregnancy prevention, it has not helped the schools develop those plans, nor has it required the schools to follow them.

One Year After Chokwe

One year ago, on the afternoon of Feb. 25, 2014, Chokwe Lumumba passed away after less than a year serving as mayor of Jackson.

Johnnie Mae Maberry

When Tougaloo College professor Johnnie Mae Maberry created one of her longest-running art exhibits, "Slave Narratives," which was sponsored by New York Life, it wasn't just about giving viewers a visual history of slavery.

Dumping Siemens Could Be Lengthy, Costly Process

Kenneth Stokes, in his first week back as Ward 3 councilman, said he plans to offer a proposal to get the city out from underneath its $90 million contract with Siemens Energy Inc. for replacing water meters and making repairs to water and sewer lines.

Tackling Poverty, Medicaid: Solutions Discussed Outside of Capitol

Over the last several days, the Mississippi Legislature has hit a calmer patch of the session as it deals with the state budget, despite the week beginning with racist comments from Rep. Gene Alday, R-Walls, flooding the media.

N.U.T.S. is Moving, New Restaurants and eTech Conference Coming

N.U.T.S. (Neat Used Things for Sale) in Fondren (3011 N. State St.) is moving from its location next to Campbell's Bakery by the end of the week. In order to help reduce inventory ahead of the move, the consignment store is holding a 50-percent-off moving sale through Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Tom Freeland

Tom Freeland, who passed away Feb. 21, dedicated his free time to Mississippi political commentary, including on cases such as Michelle Byrom's.

Beyond Crime and Punishment

Willie Jerome Manning and Michelle Byrom were the last two people the state of Mississippi attempted to execute.

Delbert Hosemann Seeks Third Term

Republican Delbert Hosemann made it official that he will seek a third term as Mississippi secretary of state.

Sheriff Tyrone Lewis Prevails in Bailiff Dispute

It is up to Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis, not local judges, to hire and assign courtroom bailiffs, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Wilma Mosley Clopton

This year, Wilma Mosley Clopton, owner, filmmaker and chief producer for NMHS Unlimited Film Productions, will partner with Women for Progress of MS Inc. to celebrate African American history with the "It's About You" film festival Feb. 24-28.

Vicki Slater Announces Governor Candidacy

Democrat Vicki Slater announced her candidacy for governor Thursday morning on the platform of better jobs, better education and better healthcare.

Raymond Cotton

Things were supposed to be easy on the football field for Raymond Cotton. He was a member of the 2008 ESPN Elite 11 quarterbacks, along with Geno Smith, Tajh Boyd, Garrett Gilbert, A.J. McCarron, Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger and Tom Savage, all of whom were drafted into the NFL.

The Anti-Vax Paradox: Pitting Parental Freedom Against Children’s Health

Rebecca Estepp is a San Diego mother whose son Eric developed a fever after his Hepatitis B shot when he was 9 months old. Estepp blames vaccinations for her son's eventually diagnosed autism.

Meddling in Foreign Policy Could Cost State

With the same gusto as with last year's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Mississippi lawmakers are advancing new laws that appear to have little real effect.

Common Core Rollback Leads a Week of Capitol Politics

While the Mississippi Legislature advances several pieces of substantial legislation, some lawmakers appear to be gearing up to seek higher office. And voters this year will be subjected to new party primary rules due to a bill that the House passed Feb. 12.

Siemens, City Headed for Showdown?

After months of complaints from residents about uncharacteristically large water bills, slow progress on the city-wide installation of 65,000 new water meters and skepticism about the prudence of a $90 million deal with Siemens AG, the city's public works director has halted the project as city and company officials scramble to figure out what went wrong and who will pay for the mistakes.

Jillian Romano

When Chicago native Jillian Romano graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., in 2008, she decided to get down to brass tacks.

Ilyasah Shabazz

Malcolm X's daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, challenged students at Jackson State University this morning to "take up the baton" for the rights of African Americans.

Hinds County Races Take Shape

As statewide candidates garner most of the attention from pundits and observers, three of the top jobs in Hinds County government are also drawing challenges, which could set up interesting contests in the Democratic primary election.

Kroger Still Closing, Ratepayers Getting Kemper Refund

Despite efforts to save the Kroger on Terry Road, residents are preparing for its closure at the end of February.

Sen. Chris McDaniel for Lieutenant Governor?

A Facebook group page in support of Sen. Chris McDaniel changed its name to "Friends of Chris McDaniel for Lieutenant Governor."

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.

State Supreme Court Orders New Trial for Death Row Prisoner Manning

Willie Jerome Manning, one of the last people the state of Mississippi attempted to execute, will get a new trial, the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered on Feb. 12.

Advocates Press for Uninsured to Get Special Enrollment Option After They See Tax Penalties

Sunday’s deadline for signing up for health insurance on the exchanges will have long passed by the time many people file their taxes this March and April. But that may be the first time it sinks in for some people that they owe a penalty for not having insurance last year.

White Judge Accused of Assault, Race Abuse Indicted

Madison County Justice Court Judge Bill Weisenberger has been indicted and arrested for allegedly assaulting a mentally disabled black man in Canton last year.

Ellington