Jackson Free Press

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:

1. Mayor Tony Yarber feels like he's between a rock and a hard place when it comes to addressing Jackson's failing infrastructure.
2. After hoisting a crisp new American flag above Jackson police headquarters, Jackson's top law-enforcement officials remembered officers who've fallen in the line of duty.
3. The Jackson Free Press has won seven southeast regional Society of Professional Journalists, including five first-place prizes.
4. Allysha Patrick, who teaches at Capital City Alternative School, says she and other teachers are unclear about the role of Jackson Public Schools’ private police force when it comes to enforcing student discipline.
5. It's not yet known how many of the black males who entered McComb High School four years ago will cross the stage at graduation and pick up diplomas this month, but the most recent statistics provide a frightening glimpse of failure.
6. The Legislature's goal to increase the statewide graduation rate to 85 percent by the 2018-2019 school year has, in part, fueled Mississippi to work hard to keep students in school.
7. Jackson martial artist Jeremiah Liddell opened Magnolia Mixed Martial Arts one month ago with the intent of bringing a casual, friendly, diverse and inclusive learning environment for both self-defense and fitness to Jackson.
8. Results from the so-called third-grade gate test, which requires students to demonstrate reading proficiency before moving on to the fourth grade, show that 28 percent of JPS' third graders may have to be held back.
9. B.B. King, whose scorching guitar licks and heartfelt vocals made him the idol of generations of musicians and fans while earning him the nickname King of the Blues, died late last Thursday at home in Las Vegas. He was 89.
10. Mississippi Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker are supporting legislation to expand energy exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.

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