Stories for August 2018 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Stories for August 2018

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Friday, August 31

Tease photo Music

Presidents, Pop Stars Join in Epic Farewell to Queen of Soul

Former presidents and preachers joined a parade of pop stars Friday in a singing, hip-swaying, piano-pounding farewell to Aretha Franklin, remembering the Queen of Soul as a powerful force for …

Tease photo National

Thousands Line Up to Say Goodbye to John McCain

Thousands of people lined up for blocks outside the U.S. Capitol Friday to say goodbye to John McCain as officials, relatives and friends paid their tributes inside to the Vietnam …

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McDaniel Embraces Trump's Trade Agenda, Criticizes 'Free Trade' 'Capitalists'

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Chris McDaniel endorsed President Donald Trump's trade agenda Wednesday, taking aim at opponent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and "the capitalists who've been championing so-called 'free …

Tease photo City & County

Black Mississippi Mayors Endorse Espy at Civil Rights Museum

Nearly a dozen black mayors from cities and towns throughout Mississippi took the stage Thursday afternoon at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to endorse Mike Espy in his campaign for …

Tease photo Education

JSU Alums Unveil Obama Mural, New MSU Metal Detector Policy, and USM Faculty Art and Design Show

Jackson State University alumni Charles and Talamieka Brice unveiled a mural depicting former President Barack Obama, which the husband-and-wife design team painted along the south wall of Barack Obama Magnet …

Thursday, August 30

Tease photo Civil Rights

ACLU Files Brief Supporting Harvard University in Admissions Lawsuit

The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Massachusetts filed a friend-of-court brief supporting Harvard University’s right to consider race as one of many factors in a whole-person admissions process.

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Government Accuses Harvard of 'Outright Racial Balancing'

In its latest push to end the use of race in college admissions, the Trump administration on Thursday accused Harvard University of "engaging in outright racial balancing" and sided with …

Tease photo Crime

Mississippi Prison Inmate Dies in Pascagoula Hospital

A 13th inmate has died in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections this month. The state prison system says 75-year-old Tony Springer died Monday at a Pascagoula hospital.

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'Run, Jim, Run': AG Hood on Race for Governor, Women Empowerment

Women for Progress of Mississippi hosted a women's issues forum called "She is Running," where Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood offered remarks about the role of women in his prosecutorial …

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U.S. Senate Hopefuls McDaniel, Baria Explain Votes Against Lottery

Mississippi House of Representatives Minority Leader Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, and State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, both voted against a state lottery bill lawmakers sent to the governor's …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Keytaon Thompson

The pressure of starting the season for Mississippi State University will fall to sophomore quarterback Keytaon Thompson.

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Trump Stands by Warning of 'Violence' if Dems Win Midterms

President Donald Trump urged evangelical leaders this week to get out the vote ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and warned of "violence" by opponents if they fail.

Wednesday, August 29

Tease photo City & County

Activists Delay Officer-Involved-Shooting Task Force's Final Report

Members of Jackson's officer-involved-shooting task force started showing up at the Porter Building across from City Hall on Monday, Aug. 27, prepared for what was supposed to be their final …

Tease photo Politics

Mary Currier to Retire as Leader of Mississippi Health Department

The head of the Mississippi State Department of Health is planning to retire, saying she wants to spend more time with her family after a 34-year career in state government.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Crystal Spurlin

Crystal Spurlin, a resident of Pontotoc, Miss., is representing Mississippi in a campaign that cosmetics company Avon launched on Aug. 21.

Tease photo National

Racism Quickly Become an Issue in Florida Governor's Race

Racism immediately became an issue in the Florida governor's race on Wednesday as both nominees made predictions: The Democrat said voters aren't looking for a misogynist, racist or bigot, while …

Tease photo National

Final Farewells to Sen. John McCain Begin at Arizona Capitol

Family, friends and constituents will gather Wednesday at Arizona's Capitol to pay their respects to Sen. John McCain, the first of two days of services here before he departs the …

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Senate Approves Bill Dividing $700M in Oil Spill Damages

Mississippi senators late Tuesday approved a bill to divide up $700 million in oil spill damages, setting aside more than $100 million overall for special projects.

Tuesday, August 28

Tease photo Politics

Aiming for Alabama-like Victory, Espy Opens ‘Modern’ Campaign Headquarters

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy announced what he called “the most modern headquarters that I think any Democrat has had in Mississippi’s history” at a ceremony for the opening …

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Soggy Sweat Craft Beer & BBQ Festival, Mississippi Craft Center Renaming and Trustmark 'Topping Off' Ceremony

The Mississippi Craft Center will be renamed the William Lowe (Bill) Waller Sr. Craft Center in honor of the late Mississippi governor during a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 23, …

Tease photo Politics

UPDATED: House Passes Lottery Bill, Sends to Governor’s Desk

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant cast blame on Democrats in the Mississippi House of Representatives on Monday night, Aug. 27, as his bill to create a state lottery appeared on the …

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Lottery Bill Passes Mississippi Senate but Falters in House

Mississippi legislators split late Monday on whether to create a state lottery, leaving uncertainty about what will happen. Senators voted 31-17 to pass a lottery bill , moments after the …

Monday, August 27

Tease photo Politics

Louisiana Congressman Helps Raise Money for Mississippi GOP

U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is helping fellow Republicans in neighboring Mississippi raise money for this November's elections.

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US and Mexico Tentatively Set to Replace NAFTA With New Deal

The Trump administration and Mexico have reached a preliminary accord to end the North American Free Trade Agreement and replace it with a deal that the administration wants to be …

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JPD Seeks Body Cams from Axon on 30-Day Free Trial

The Jackson Police Department will seek Jackson City Council's approval for body cameras through a month-long trial with Axon, the company formerly known as TASER International.

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Transport Funding Bill Going to Governor; Lottery Unfinished

Mississippi lawmakers have agreed on a transportation funding plan that would give cities and counties some of the sales tax money the state collects from people shopping online.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Shea Patterson

Mississippi transfer Shea Patterson will be under center when the 14th-ranked Wolverines open the season on the night of Sept. 1 at No. 12 Notre Dame. Patterson said Harbaugh has …

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Abortion Clinics and Crisis Pregnancy Centers Differ

In Mississippi, there are more than 30 organizations that identify along the lines of a crisis pregnancy center. The state has one abortion clinic.

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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.

Sunday, August 26

Tease photo State

John McCain's Evolution on Confederate Flag, Family’s Slavery Legacy

Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain, who died Saturday, Aug. 25, of brain cancer at age 81, once apologized for lying to voters about his position on the Confederate flag. He …

Saturday, August 25

Tease photo State

More Transparent Lottery Bill Passes Mississippi House, Session Resumes Monday

Two days into a special legislative session, the Mississippi House of Representatives voted 70-43 on Friday to pass a state lottery bill that included significant changes to the version the …

Friday, August 24

Tease photo City & County

Protesters Interrupt Piper Kerman's Talk on Incarceration, Education

Piper Kerman spent several hours in the Old Capitol Inn Thursday first talking her life and her bestselling memoir about her year in a federal women's prison, "Orange is the …

Tease photo Education

'Suit Up Event' at USM, 'Famous Types' at MSU and Jackson Heart Study at Tougaloo

The University of Southern Mississippi's Office of Career Services is partnering with clothing retailer JCPenney to offer USM students discounts on professional-business and business-casual attire during the "Suit Up Event" …

Tease photo National

McCain's Family Says He's Stopping Medical Treatment

Sen. John McCain has chosen to discontinue medical treatment for brain cancer, the Arizona senator's family said.

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Lottery Bill Passes Mississippi Senate with Public-Records Exemption

Mississippi senators passed a bill that would establish a state lottery at a special session of the Legislature Thursday evening.

Tease photo Business

Mississippi's Senators Say Award to Help City Buy Airport

Mississippi's senators say the City of Olive Branch has received a $14.9 million federal grant to help with the purchase of the Olive Branch Airport.

Thursday, August 23

Tease photo National

McDaniel Rages Against the GOP After Trump Endorses Hyde-Smith

JACKSON — Republican Mississippi State Sen. Chris McDaniel raged at his own party on Thursday after President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, in the …

Tease photo Business

In Session, Gov. Bryant Pushes Mississippi Lottery to Pay for Infrastructure

Mississippi lawmakers have debated whether or not to establish a state lottery for decades, but Gov. Phil Bryant called it a necessary move to fix Mississippi’s crumbling roads and bridges.

Tease photo Civil Rights

Improved LGBT Health Access in the South Goal of New Survey

The Campaign for Southern Equality launched a survey on Wednesday, Aug. 22, that aims to help improve health-care access for LGBT southerners.

Tease photo Person of the Day

A.J. Brown

University of Mississippi wide receiver A.J. Brown is getting love from nearly everywhere this offseason. It should be expected after he put up one of the best single-season receiver performances …

Wednesday, August 22

Tease photo Politics

Karl Rove Helps Sen. Wicker Raise $5,000 Per Couple at Private Jackson Dinner

Karl Rove, the political strategist and senior adviser to President George W. Bush, helped raise campaign funds for Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker at the home of Cissye and Billy …

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Mississippi Governor Calls Special Session on Transportation

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday issued the official document to call lawmakers into special session Thursday to discuss more money for roads and bridges.

Tease photo City & County

JPS Board of Trustees Announce Selection of New Superintendent

The Jackson Public School Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Errick Greene to the position of Superintendent of Schools on Tuesday, August 21.

Tease photo Development

Mississippi Reservoir Plans Generating Louisiana Concerns

Louisiana officials are worried Mississippi's plans for a new reservoir on the Pearl River could harm Louisiana's ecology.

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College Football Preview 2018: The Smalls

Alcorn State should have a reload season instead of a rebuild. The Braves have 11 Preseason All-SWAC players. Only Grambling State University had more selections.

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College Football Preview 2018

Whether you are routing for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs to come out as top dog or for the Millsaps College Majors to score a major victory this season, this …

Tease photo Music

Liza Anne: Moving Forward to ‘Fine’

When singer-songwriter Liza Odachowski, whom fans know as Liza Anne, selected a studio for her third album, "Fine But Dying," her choice revolved around atmosphere rather than equipment.

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A Galaxy in a Jar

I love to browse through images from the Hubble telescope. It gives such a cool view of space and all that happens in it. Those photos often inspire my work …

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Tropical Vibes

Though Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint was closed to the public on Monday, Aug. 6, it was filled with people and food all the same …

Tease photo Cover

Vetting the ‘One Lake’ Project

The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District, often called the Levee Board, is supporting the "One Lake" plan, the latest version of a years-long strategy to create a …

Tease photo City & County

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: ‘One Lake’ Backers Have a Transparency Problem

Proponents of the "One Lake" project on the Pearl River have a high bar to clear, and I don't think they're doing it yet. Their problem is simple: lack of …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Reuben Antvelink

Reuben Antvelink's love of community and bringing people together that led him to work as a youth director at First Presbyterian Church of Madison and the tour manager at Lucky …

Tease photo JFP Interviews

Johnnie McDaniels: ‘I Pray, I Plant, and I Plow’

Johnnie McDaniels and his sons spent three days taping 1,411 bumper stickers all across his pickup truck. They have not yet thought about how they will get them off in …

Tease photo Politics

Busting Chris McDaniel’s Confederate Myths

Mississippi State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, spent the early months of his 2014 Republican primary bid for U.S. Senate downplaying his ties to neo-Confederate groups.

Tuesday, August 21

Tease photo National

Ex-Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Guilty of 8 Charges

Paul Manafort, the longtime political operative who for months led Donald Trump's winning presidential campaign, was found guilty of eight financial crimes Tuesday in the first trial victory of the …

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Ex-Trump Lawyer Cohen Pleads Guilty in Hush-Money Scheme

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, could be charged before the end of the month with bank fraud in his dealings with the taxi industry and with committing …

Tease photo City & County

EDITORIAL: City Needs to Name Officers Who Shot Citizens Without Delay

We can understand the need to protect officers and their families, but it is not acceptable to allow it based on a reason shrouded in secrecy.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

From My Hand to Your Kitchen, Kimmiesweett and Merit Health Madison

Jackson chef Nick Wallace announced on Wednesday, Aug. 8, a new service from his business, Nick Wallace Culinary, called "From My Hand to Your Kitchen."

Tease photo Books

Jesmyn Ward

National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward told a home-state audience in Mississippi on Saturday that she's working on two books.

Tease photo National

Confederate Statue on UNC Campus Toppled by Protesters

A Confederate statue in the heart of North Carolina's flagship university was toppled Monday night during a rally by hundreds of protesters who decried the memorial known as "Silent Sam" …

Tease photo National

Trump Plan Scales Back Obama's Coal Emissions Standards

The Trump administration on Tuesday came out with new rules scaling back Obama-era constraints on coal-fired power plants, striking at one of the former administration's legacy programs to rein in …

Monday, August 20

Tease photo Politics

Sen. Chris McDaniel Blasts 'Snowflake Stalkers' After Lee Poll Backfires

Mississippi State Sen. Chris McDaniel derided critics as "snowflake stalkers" Sunday after his tweet about Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and a follow-up poll went awry.

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Mississippi Senate Leader Signals Deal Likely on Road Money

Mississippi's lieutenant governor said Monday that he's ready to accept most of the transportation funding proposals championed by leaders of the state House. That makes an agreement more likely during …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Charles McClelland

On Aug. 13, 2018, the SWAC Council of Presidents announced that it had selected the conference's new leader, Charles McClelland. The Jackson, Miss., native and Callaway High School graduate is …

Tease photo Politics

Bryant Sets Transport Session, Specifics Expected This Week

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant confirms he will call legislators into special session this week to deal with transportation funding.

Tease photo LGBT

Project Uncovering South's Hidden LGBTQ History

A new project is documenting the history of LGBTQ people in the Deep South, a region that once all but forced gays, lesbians and others to live in hiding.

Tease photo City & County

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.

Friday, August 17

Tease photo Civil Rights

Mississippi Flag Foes Want Court Arguments on Rebel Symbol

Some Mississippi residents are asking a federal court of appeals to fully consider their arguments that the state flag with the Confederate battle emblem represents white supremacy and sends a …

Tease photo City & County

JPD to 'Saturate' Streets Following Two Armed Business Robberies

Following two armed business robberies in the City of Jackson on Aug. 13, Interim Police Chief James Davis announced that members of the Jackson Police Department and the Jackson-Hinds S.W.A.T. …

Tease photo Education

Scianna Challenge at USM, UM Medgar Evers Scholarship and Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series

Kenny and Vicki Scianna, Madison residents who attended the University of Southern Mississippi, recently established an endowment for the university's Children's Center for Communication and Development.

Tease photo Music

Rock Eupora

Clayton Waller says he knew that he wanted to be in the music industry but was on the fence as to whether that would be on the artist side or …

Tease photo National

Trump Nixes $92M Military Parade, Blames DC for High Cost

President Donald Trump said Friday he had canceled plans for a Veterans Day military parade, citing the "ridiculously high" price tag—a day after U.S. officials said the November event could …

Thursday, August 16

Tease photo City & County

OPINION: Jacksonians Should Reject EJECT

it is clear that Hurst’s strategy to combat violence and criminality in the capital city is misguided, flawed and is a failed strategy on arrival. Jacksonians need to reject EJECT.

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City Enters Interlocal Agreement With Hinds County for Street Repairs

At a press conference in July, the mayor defended himself and his administration against claims that he had a stack of interlocal agreements on his desk he had been refusing …

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EDITORIAL: Free Press Is Not Here to Comfort the Powerful; We're Here for Truth

The Jackson Free Press, and its editors and journalists, have come under fire many times since we launched 16 years ago in Mississippi's capital city.

Tease photo Art

Frances "Franny" Fortner: Reaching a Higher Truth

Eighteen-year-old Frances "Franny" Fortner, a Jackson Academy senior who passed away in May after her car hit an unsecured manhole cover, often wore a necklace that said "higher truth."

Tease photo JFP Interviews

Lyle Lovett

Singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett has been a constant presence in the international music scene since his second single, "Cowboy Man," made its way into the top 10 on the country charts …

Tease photo Music

AP Newsbreak: 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin Dies at 76

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul" who sang with matchless style on such classics as "Think," ''I Say a Little Prayer" and her signature song, "Respect," and stood as …

Wednesday, August 15

Tease photo Civil Rights

'Mississippi's Exiled Daughter' Recalls Civil Rights Push

Brenda Travis was a high school student when she was arrested and expelled for participating in a sit-in in 1961— a punishment that led to the Burglund High School walkout …

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Signs of Danger for GOP in Polls of Mississippi's U.S. Senate Race

The race in Mississippi for the seat that U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran vacated in April is functionally tied between Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy, a leaked …

Tease photo City & County

Developer Secures More Farish Properties; Area Blight Worries Council

After over an hour of deliberation, the Jackson City Council voted to hand over seven of eight parcels Oxford-based developer Clarence Chapman after years of hold-up.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Josh Abrams

Josh Abrams, a former Jackson resident who has been living in California since 2008, is returning to Jackson for the premiere of his animated movie, "Josh's Journal."

Tease photo Development

Interstate 55 Expansion Wrapping Up Soon South of Jackson

The state Department of Transportation says all six lanes of Interstate 55 are opening Wednesday between south Jackson to the southern suburb of Byram.

Tuesday, August 14

Tease photo Business

Metrocenter Mall Closing

16 WAPT News reported today that Metrocenter Mall owner and chief investor Paul Oliver announced the mall will close Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Tease photo Business

Lumumba 'Eager' for New Zoo Management Company to Take Over

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba hinted that the Jackson Zoological Society's time as the managing entity of the Jackson Zoo could be coming to a close.

Tease photo Business

Mississippi Court Says Suit Against Google Can Continue

Mississippi's Supreme Court says a state lawsuit against Google alleging violations of student privacy should stay in a northeast Mississippi court.

Monday, August 13

Tease photo City & County

Developer Seeks More Farish Street Properties Pending Council Vote

Farish Street, the once vibrant African American neighborhood in Jackson, has since become a barrage of empty lots, fallen-in homes and abandoned storefronts, with a few active businesses mixed in.

Tease photo Civil Rights

Baria: 'My Son Will Feel Pain' When He Looks At Mississippi's Flag

The people of Mississippi have "a duty to acknowledge that hatred and racism remain alive and well in America today," Mississippi State Rep. David Baria, the Democratic nominee for U.S. …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Italiana Anderson

Italiana Anderson spent three days in Orange County, Texas, in September 2017, working with four other students and two assistant professors from the University of Mississippi to produce a multimedia …

Tease photo Politics

Analysis: Road Money Session Waits on Lieutenant Governor

A special session to seek more money for Mississippi's roads and bridges could be drawing near. But nothing is likely to happen without Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves' agreement, and many …

Tease photo City & County

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.

Friday, August 10

Tease photo Civil Rights

OPINION: I Grew Up in the Segregated South. For Me, Supreme Court Rulings Are Personal.

"I fear a return to a time when our rights were considered secondary, if at all."

Tease photo Music

Robert Randolph & the Family Band

The City with Soul will once again welcome the man behind "Got Soul" this month. New Jersey outfit Robert Randolph & the Family Band will return to Jackson on Aug. …

Tease photo Business

Jackson Zoo's Future: A Bailout, A Resignation and Closed Doors?

The Jackson Zoo's future is the latest victim of Murphy's Law: Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. And in the last week, it has.

Tease photo City & County

People on the Streets

The Jackson Free Press asked people on the streets the question, "What does Jackson need?"

Tease photo Education

Eudora Welty Chair at Millsaps, Free National Guard Tuition at MSU and USM Foundation Milestone

Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum and National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Janson "Durr" Boyles signed an agreement on Tuesday, Aug. 7, that says MSU will guarantee free tuition for …

Tease photo National

NFL Players Protest During Anthem, Drawing Rebuke from Trump

NFL players demonstrated during the national anthem at several preseason games Thursday night, protests that again drew a rebuke from President Donald Trump.

Tease photo City & County

US Courthouse in Mississippi Named for Former Sen. Cochran

A federal courthouse in Mississippi has been named for Thad Cochran, a longtime Republican U.S. senator who resigned this year.

Thursday, August 9

Tease photo Crime

Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty as Part of Largest Health Care Fraud Case Ever in Mississippi

Thomas Edward Spell, Jr., 50, of Ridgeland, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a Criminal Information outlining his role in a more than $240 million dollar …

Tease photo National

'Don't Let Anybody Take Our Flag From Us,' Kamala Harris Tells Netroots

"Don't let anybody take our flag from us," Democratic U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris urged an audience in New Orleans on Friday, Aug. 3. The California senator was pushing back against …

Tease photo City & County

Jackson to Hire 'Returning Citizens' to Develop City's 100GB Broadband

The City of Jackson will employ "returning citizens" re-entering the community after serving time to establish the Jackson's forthcoming 100GB high-speed broadband network.

Tease photo Health Care

Mississippi Officials Seek Return of Medicaid Overpayments

Mississippi officials are trying to get two insurance companies that manage care for patients to repay Medicaid funds.

Tease photo National

Pence Outlines Plan for New Space Force by 2020

Vice President Mike Pence told a Pentagon audience that the plan fulfills President Donald Trump's vow to ensure America's dominance in space—a domain that was once peaceful and uncontested that …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Cam Akers

One of the biggest bright spots for the Seminoles season came from Clinton, Miss., in the form of Cam Akers. The highly recruited freshman running back came out of Clinton …

Wednesday, August 8

Tease photo Civil Rights

OPINION: Do You Give a Damn?

This is a life that never allows you to truly rest, because there is so much injustice in the world that we need to address.

Tease photo Crime

Mississippi Man Appeals Judge's Ruling Clearing Prosecutor

A man accused of killing a Mississippi woman by setting her on fire is appealing a judge's ruling clearing a prosecutor of misconduct, saying the judge used the wrong legal …

Tease photo National

Charlottesville Gave Momentum to Confederate Monument Foes

Pressure to take down America's monuments honoring slain Confederate soldiers and the generals who led them didn't start with Charlottesville. But the deadly violence that rocked the Virginia college town …

Tease photo Art

Local List: David Lewis

If you've been out and about around Jackson, chances are you may have seen David Lewis, who recently became manager of the Arts Center of Mississippi. Here are his top …

Tease photo City & County

$65 Million Bond for JPS Passes in Landslide

The crowd of Jackson Public Schools Board members, students and parents was joyous when they received news that the bond referendum passed on Tuesday night.

Tease photo Food

Six Easy Ways to Support Your Local Farmers

Supporting our small farmers strengthens the local economy, is better for the environment and leads to better public-health outcomes.

Tease photo Art

Around the World in Jackson

Through Kidi-Zen Multicultural Art Camp at Jax-Zen, children in the Jackson metro area learned about the culture, art, food and more of different places around the world, including Japan and …

Tease photo City & County

Museum Quirks

Museums are rich with knowledge, culture and history, and the city of Jackson is lucky to be home to so many of these great establishments. Here is a list of …

Tease photo City & County

Living the Natural Life

Fair Trade Green, which recently reopened in Fondren, carries products such as incense made in Japan, tumbled stones from around the world and items such as herbal bath and body …

Tease photo City & County

Cups Espresso Cafe Features New Mocktails

While Cups Espresso Cafe in Fondren has been supplying us with needed caffeine, it's got something new now: a mocktail menu. The four new drinks are $5 each. Barist Lauren …

Tease photo City & County

Eat Your Greens

If you're vegan or vegetarian, eating at restaurants can be difficult. Luckily, Jackson has a decent amount of good options. Here are a few.

Tease photo City & County

From Mississippi with Love

The Moscow mule is a simple, yet delicious drink made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. So why reinvent the wheel? Well, because sometimes the wheel tastes better with …

Tease photo City & County

A’Walkin’ We Will Go

The Jackson metro is filled with great places to go for a walk. Here are just a few of them.

Tease photo Best of Jackson

Newcomers: Need to Know

If you are a newcomer to Jackson, you may not know things like how to get your water turned on or where the DMV locations are. Luckily, we're here to …

Tease photo City & County

Jackson's Historical Landmarks

Jackson has a rich and storied past, and today, a few landmarks help remind us of where we've been. Here are a few you can find.

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Black, White and Orange: Piper Kerman on Prison Reform

The Jackson Free Press recently got on the phone with Piper Kerman, who will be the guest speaker for the Greater Jackson Arts Council's 2018 Creative Impact Luncheon on Aug. …

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OPINION: A Heroine of the Civil Rights Movement

Real change only comes to those who are open to new people and new ideas. A 6-year-old is a delightful open book, which is why segregated schools, churches and neighborhoods …

Tease photo City & County

EDITOR'S NOTE: Finding Community in a Calendar

It is next to impossible to spread the word about every single interesting activity going on in Jackson in any given week, but we are sure trying to put a …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Tina Brooks

Between her full-time job at Ross & Yerger Insurance and assisting her husband, Will Brooks, with his business, JellyDonut Studio, Tina Brooks has her hands full, but she says she …

Tease photo City & County

Virgi Lindsay’s Rookie Year and Cautious Optimism

During an interview in her living room on July 2, Virgi Lindsay reflected on her first year as councilwoman for Ward 7, and what she hopes for the City in …

Tease photo City & County

Plugging Kids into Mental Health

NFusion Metro is a community-based mental-health-care program primarily for ages 11 to 18 years old in the Jackson area. During the summer, counselors are doing themed weeks for their lesson …

Tuesday, August 7

Tease photo Business

Tesla CEO Drops Latest Bombshell With $72B Buyout Proposal

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is considering leading a buyout of the electric car maker in a stunning move that would end the maverick company's eight-year history trading on the stock …

Tease photo Politics

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Draws Key Manufacturers Association Endorsement

The Mississippi Manufacturers Association endorsed United States Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith for election to the U.S. Senate seat she is holds temporarily.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Table 100 Wins Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Aplos at Highland Village and Fuse.Cloud at Landmark Center

Table 100 received a 2018 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in July. Wine Spectator is a food and drink culture magazine that recognizes restaurants worldwide for their wine programs each …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Blondean Davis

Tougaloo College named Blondean Davis, chief executive officer of Southland College Prep Charter High School in Chicago, to its board of trustees in June.

Monday, August 6

Tease photo National

Trump Reimposes Sanctions to Levy Economic Pressure on Iran

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday reimposing many sanctions on Iran, three months after pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, saying the U.S. policy is to levy …

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Aerospace Firm to Put Headquarters in Mississippi, Hiring 70

Vertex Aerospace, an aerospace company spun off from a larger conglomerate, will make its headquarters in central Mississippi.

Tease photo City & County

JPS Bond Vote: 'It's So Integral to the Success of Every One of Us Students'

Jackson Public Schools officials and supporters of Tuesday's bond referendum held a press conference Monday, Aug. 6.

Tease photo Civil Rights

Medgar Evers

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has added the Mississippi home of Medgar and Myrlie Evers to the African-American Civil Rights Network, which was created by federal law this year.

Tease photo City & County

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.

Saturday, August 4

Tease photo Justice

OPINION: Emmett Till's Legacy Vandalized, Brutalized Again: It's Time for a Change

Mississippi is not what it used to be. And yet here we are again, facing the news that the Emmett Till sign that marks the place of his death has …

Friday, August 3

Tease photo Politics

Intra-GOP Squabbling Dominates Senate Speeches at Neshoba Fair

"Tough crowd," Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant muttered to himself, just before taking the stage at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., on Thursday.

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Parkland Teens in Jackson: 'We Can't Turn Away from These States'

The "March For Our Lives: Road to Change" students held a town hall in Thalia Mara Hall on Aug. 2. It featured students from Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School and …

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JPS and Tougaloo Early College Program, MSU YMCA Renovation and USM Optoelectronic Center

Jackson Public Schools recently partnered with Tougaloo College to establish an Early College High School program. ECHS is an independent high-school program that will operate on Tougaloo's campus in the …

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Price Wallace

Republican Price Wallace of Mendenhall has won a special election runoff for a seat in the Mississippi House. He defeated Hayes Patrick of Puckett on Tuesday in House District 77, …

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Mississippi Zoo Faces Money Woes, Idea of Temporary Closure

The city council in Mississippi's capital city has approved $200,000 to cover the Jackson Zoo's "depleted" budget.

Thursday, August 2

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City Manager, Not the Mayor, Would Run Jackson Under Proposal

A city manager, rather than the mayor, would run Jackson under a new proposal presented this week. Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither Stamps proposed changing the form of local government in …

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JPS Sets Up Bond Oversight Committee for $65 Million on Ballot Aug. 7

If the $65-million bond passes on Aug. 7, the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees have framework in place to create a bond oversight committee.

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Robert Brazile

Linebacker Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile's football career has earned him honors in quite a few halls of fame.

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Mueller Offers Trump Team New Proposal for Interview

In negotiations over a possible interview by prosecutors, special counsel Robert Mueller's team has offered the White House format changes, perhaps willing to limit some questions asked of President Donald …

Wednesday, August 1

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UPDATED: March For Our Lives Students to Stop in Jackson Aug. 2, Host Town Hall

On Feb. 18, a gunman killed 17 students and staff, and injured 17 more at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The students who survived, and then formed …

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US Appeals Court: Trump 'Sanctuary Cities' Order is Illegal

President Donald Trump's executive order threatening to withhold funding from "sanctuary cities" that limit cooperation with immigration authorities is unconstitutional, but a judge went too far when he blocked its …

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Delbert Hosemann Will Seek Higher Office; Not Running for Re-election

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann drew boos from a crowd of supporters on Wednesday at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., when he announced he would not run …

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Jail Time for Dilapidated Property in Jackson?

Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks wants to create a safer 1-mile radius around schools in the City of Jackson by making it a crime to own unkempt abandoned properties.

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ABC News: Race to Replace Sen. Thad Cochran 'Could Reshape Washington'

The race to decide who will win Mississippi's U.S. Senate seat that Thad Cochran vacated is one of the "races that could reshape Washington and the country," ABC News said …

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Trump Calls on Sessions to End Mueller's Russia Probe

President Donald Trump called Wednesday for his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to end special counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russia's election intervention, a day after Trump's former campaign chairman went …

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Glenda Glover

Glenda Glover became the 30th international president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on Thursday, July 12, at the organization's international conference in Houston, Texas.

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Amid Dispute, Health System Will Accept Insurance Coverage

Mississippi's largest hospital system says it will continue accepting policies from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi patients, despite the lack of agreement on a new contract.

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Britton: High-Speed Internet Service Should be Statewide

Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Sam Britton is calling for high-speed internet to reach residents in all parts of the state.

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Slashed Funding Ends Southern Miss Health Care Help Program

A University of Southern Mississippi program that helped residents navigate the federal health insurance marketplace will end because of budget cuts.

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Pro-School Bond Ruling Appealed to Mississippi Supreme Court

Opponents of a Mississippi school district's effort to secure bonds to build a new high school have appealed to the state Supreme Court.

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Promoting Voter ID, Trump says ID Needed to Buy Groceries

President Donald Trump wrongly claimed that shoppers need to show photo identification to buy groceries and accused Democrats of obstructing his agenda and his Supreme Court nominee during a raucous …