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. The University of Mississippi removed the state flag on its Oxford campus on Oct. 26 because the banner contains the Confederate battle emblem, which some see as a painful reminder of slavery and segregation.
2. The Jackson City Council was poised this week to reconsider an agreement with the new operators of JATRAN, the city's bus system, but held off on discussion amid a threat of litigation.
3. Robert Gray, the Democratic nominee for governor, says he draws some odd reactions from people.
4. The running joke in Jackson political circles is that Phil Bryant is just three handshakes away from being a Hinds County sheriff's deputy.
5. If campaign publicity is a measure, the stage is set for a showdown between Tate Reeves and Tim Johnson—although it has been a relatively quiet race thus far.
6. While most organizations fully support the creation and implementation of a restraint and seclusion policy, many are not satisfied with the policy as it is written now.
7. Addie Lee Green, the Democratic challenger for the Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce seat, said she wants to bring farming back to young people.
8. The council rejected an agenda item that would have required a $1.25 million to United Water Co., which manages the City's wastewater treatment facility, because the City is two months behind on payments—nearly $2 million in all.
9. In overall proficiency, Mississippi still ranks below the national averages and sits in the third tier of NAEP's rankings—below "basic" and "proficient" standards and below the national averages.
10. Less than a week until the Nov. 3 election, Initiative 42 proponents are making their final push to inform voters about the citizen-driven ballot initiative.

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