News

Addressing Infrastructure Essential

When the 2015 elections comes around, we will hear about education, health care, job creation and economic development. These issues without a doubt are essential to a community's growth, but there is an underlying issue has a direct impact on these important aspects of life.

Stay Healthy for the Holidays

As we head into the winter months, we all look forward to the holidays and festive times with family and friends. Unfortunately, we also have to anticipate a higher likelihood of getting an upper-respiratory-tract infection.

Astin Sullivan

Filmmaker Astin Sullivan, 24, is proof that passions lead to interesting places.

Shaunna Thomas’ Fight Against Sexism

Shaunna Thomas, Ultraviolet cofounder, says her organization creates costs for sexist behavior.

Ward 1: Side-by-Side

Given the mountain of challenges staring at the Jackson City Council, it's hard to imagine two candidates whose resumes make them better equipped to get their hands dirty than Ashby Foote and Dorsey Carson.

Fireworks Over Siemens, Human Rights

The Jackson City Council approved a $7,200 pyrotechnic display for Thalia Mara Hall for New Year's Eve. But the real fireworks came later on in the meeting, when the council received one of its most comprehensive public updates about the ongoing water-meter installation project that's part of a $90 million contract with Siemens AG and a number of Jackson-area subcontractors.

Some Companies Face Charges, Others Make Donations

The Rotary Club District 6820 recently approved a $7,500 grant for the Jackson Zoological Park to purchase technology equipment for the zoo's Wild Learning program, according to a release from the zoo.

Willie Richardson

The Southwestern Athletic Conference Alumni Association awarded JSU alumni Willie Richardson with the Lifetime Achievement Award Dec. 6.

Making Mississippi 420 Friendly

The potential of cannabis as an appetite stimulant is among the key arguments from proponents of rolling back legal restrictions for marijuana for its medicinal purposes.

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.

Bettye Quinn

Bettye Quinn, a professor of elementary education and psychology at Belhaven University, has been attending the university's Singing Christmas Tree event for 77 years.

After Ferguson, Mississippi Pushes Cop Accountability

Several Mississippi officials are looking at ways to increase police accountability in the wake of deadly encounters between police and unarmed men nationwide.

Rep. Espy Calls For Body Cameras

In light Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Mo., a Mississippi legislator has followed suit with President Barack Obama’s proposal to require that police officers wear body cameras while on duty.

Activists Want City Human Rights Commission

In the aftermath of a string of extrajudicial killings, including Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York, advocates in Jackson want to charter a commission to protect and facilitate more equitable social relations.

Pregnancy Discrimination Case Reaches Supreme Court

Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in yet another blockbuster case at the intersection of sex discrimination, workplace law and reproductive justice.

Senquez Golson

College football is full of highs and lows for every player and coach, but no player knows more about perseverance and fighting through the lows than University of Mississippi senior defensive back Senquez Golson.

Fondren Hotel Project Withdrawn

The developer of a hotel slated for Fondren has withdrawn the project.

Corey Ellison

Corey Ellison doesn't have a background in cooking, and she never thought it would be something she would do as a career. Yet, what started as an entry-level job waiting tables has become something Ellison takes great pride in.

It's Carson, Foote In Ward 1 Runoff

Dorsey Carson, an attorney specializing in construction businesses, faces financier Ashby Foote in a runoff for Jackson Ward 1 councilman.

Waging Battle Against the Minimum Wage

Today, the campaign for $15 has spread to 150 cities and 33 countries. City councils in Seattle and San Francisco have raised the minimum wage to $15 in those cities.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves Attacks Common Core, Urges 'Investments That Matter'

Mississippi's second-highest elected official says that Mississippi needs to spend its money responsibly on "investments that matter" instead of focusing on more money to "do something for our kids" as other politicians urge.

Teddy Bear Tea, Millsaps International Program and Outstanding Educator Award

This holiday season at the historic King Edward Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown will host a series of Teddy Bear Teas for kids of all ages.

Josh Robinson

It took time, but the spotlight finally found MSU running back Josh Robinson. His story to just get to this point is amazing, and it took a whole community to get him here.

The Ward 1 Money Race

The race for the Ward 1 seat on Jackson City Council is nearing its end. Voters will go to the polls tomorrow, Dec. 2, to pick new representation. After that, they will likely go back to the voting booth on Dec. 16 to decide a runoff election.

Dr. Aaron Shirley

Dr. Aaron Shirley, who broke racial barriers at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and founded the Jackson Medical Mall, has died. He was 81.

Looking Way, Way Into Gay Marriage's Future in Mississippi

Predictably, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves—as most federal judges appointed by Presidents Clinton and Obama did before him—last night ruled that same-sex couples in Mississippi should be allowed to marry.

Doris Whitaker

The word pastoral has several meanings. In one sense, the word means to give spiritual or religious guidance. In another way, it evokes the shepherding of grazing animals. Doris Whitaker, the head chaplain at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, does both.

Ellington