Friday, November 30
Mike Espy Files to Run Against Hyde-Smith in 2020 Rematch
On his 65th birthday, Democrat Mike Espy filed Friday morning to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith when it is up again in …
Water Main Break Causing Citywide Water Issues, Need to Boil Water
Over 60,000 Jackson residents are under a precautionary boil water advisory until further notice, the City of Jackson said today.
Bloomberg Gives $1 Million for Jackson Art; Talks 2020 Plans, Stop-and-Frisk
The small-statured, thick-accented former billionaire mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, descended upon Jackson on Nov. 29 to announce a $1-million public-art grant, while perhaps putting out feelers for …
New Endowment Scholarship at JSU, Belhaven Commencements and USM Service Learning Seminar
Jackson State University alumna Annie Rene Harris Slaughter recently established a $100,000 endowment at the university in honor of her late mother, who was also a JSU alum.
Blair E. Batson
Blair Everett Batson, namesake and first chairman of pediatrics at University of Mississippi Medical Center's Batson Children's Hospital, died on Nov. 26 at age 98.
Thursday, November 29
Police: Two Children Shot in Car Near Mississippi Hospital
Two young children were shot Thursday in a car being driven by their mother near the University of Mississippi Medical Center, prompting the mother to pull them from the car …
Mike Espy Came Closer to Senate Seat Than Any Dem Since 1982
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy did not win his bid for U.S. Senate in Tuesday night's special election, but he came closer than any Mississippi Democrat has in 36 …
Noah Johnson
Noah Johnson, a redshirt junior quarterback from Tampa, Fla., led the ASU squad down the field at the start of the third quarter with a touchdown.
Wednesday, November 28
Mississippi-Made Holiday
Need ideas for gifts for loved ones this season? Check out our gift guide full of Mississippi-made items.
Resin for the Holidays
If you've been on Instagram lately, chances are you've probably seen artists who create ornaments, key chains, and more using resin and alcohol ink. It sounds like intimidating crafting, but …
Yayo the Drummer: Making the One-Man Band
Jackson-native musician Matthew Mayberry, better known as Yayo the Drummer, has been performing with Lil Wayne for about two years, but he says that he has worked to promote live …
Judicial Run-off: Black Women Lead Hinds Circuit; Bryant Choices Bomb
Hinds County voters had a harder decision to make than most on Nov. 27, with six judicial seats up for grabs alongside the hotly contested, historic U.S. Senate race that …
EDITOR'S NOTE: 'Tis the Season for Kindness
I will be the first to admit that "make America kind again" is a super hokey phrase, but it's a good reminder, and also so necessary right now when we're …
Daisy Carter
Daisy Carter, executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Central Mississippi Area, says that when her family was dealing with an addiction when she …
End Near for Racist Politics in Mississippi?
Wearing a long coat, she stood in front of a statue of Elvis Presley when she told the crowd that if her friend Colin Hutchinson "invited me to a public …
‘They Want a Roe Test Case’: 15-Week Abortion Ban Moving Forward
For eight months, the nation's toughest abortion bill hung in limbo. The 2018 Mississippi Legislature sent the Gestational Age Act, called HB 1510, to Gov. Phil Bryant, who signed it …
Frances Fortner’s Family Seeks to Teach Lesson to City, Businesses of Jackson
Almost six months to the day, Frances Fortner's mother and father have filed a wrongful-death suit against the City of Jackson, Superior Asphalt, Sigma Corporation, IMS Engineers Inc., and Integrated …
Divisive Race Ends with Win for Republican Sen. Hyde-Smith
Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith returns to Washington as a solidly loyal supporter of President Donald Trump after he stumped for her in a divisive Mississippi runoff shaped by her …
Tuesday, November 27
LiveBlog: 2018 Run-Off Coverage From the Jackson Free Press
Coverage from JFP reporters, poll problems, headlines and returns for Tuesday, November 27, 2018. (Retweets of candidates or opinion pieces are not endorsements.)
UPDATED: Election Night Watch Parties
Today is Election Day, and after voting comes watch parties.
UPDATED: Absentee Voting Lawsuit Unfolding on Day of Mississippi Run-off Election
Three individuals and the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP brought a civil-rights suit against the State for absentee-ballot issues ahead of the U.S. Senate run-off election between Cindy Hyde-Smith …
Midtown Holiday Studio Tours, Glennray Tutor at Fischer Galleries and Entergy Donation to UMMC
The Business Association of Midtown will host its annual Holiday Studio Tours on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
OPINION: Cindy Hyde-Smith is Telling You Exactly Who She Is
In attempting to "apologize" for her offensive statements about being in the front row of a public hanging and her endorsement of voter suppression, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith read her "apology" …
OPINION: Hello, Cindy, We See You on Women's Health and Abortion
These past weeks Cindy Hyde-Smith has done a great job of yelling "abortion, abortion, abortion" every chance she gets, but the truth is that abortion is not at issue here.
Archie Manning
The Southeastern Conference has named Archie Manning winner of the Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award.
Monday, November 26
OPINION: Factchecking Hyde-Smith, She Lied About Pre-Existing Conditions
U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy has campaigned on protecting health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has voted to destroy, repeal and deny that coverage in both the …
Long Lines for Absentee Voting Point to Engagement, Room for Improvement
Rukia Lumumba was the last person in a long queue of voters waiting to cast a ballot on the final day of in-person absentee voting on Saturday, Nov. 24. The …
Seven Nooses Found by Mississippi Capitol Before Senate Runoff
A Mississippi official says two nooses and six signs were found on the grounds of the Mississippi state Capitol.
Wesley McGriff
Mississippi has announced that defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff will not return to the coaching staff next year, one day after the Rebels finished the season on five-game losing streak.
Mississippi Senator Banking on Boost from Trump Rallies
President Donald Trump is stumping in Mississippi on Monday for a Republican Senate appointee who wants voters to focus on her unwavering support for him, and not the racial questions …
Sunday, November 25
Full ‘Public Hanging’ Video Surfaces, Revealing More About Hyde-Smith’s Views
In extended footage released exclusively by the Jackson Free Press, the context of Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s now-infamous “public hanging” remarks becomes clearer, and the video sheds new light on …
Friday, November 23
Hyde-Smith Attended All-White ‘Seg Academy’ to Avoid Integration
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith attended and graduated from a segregation academy that were set up so that white parents could avoid having to send their children to schools with black …
Hinds County Judicial Runoff: Who’s Left, What Progress Can Be Made?
Although the nation waits with bated breath for the results of the U.S. Senate runoff between Cindy Hyde-Smith and Mike Espy, six judicial seats are still up for grabs in …
OPINION: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Lives in a Bubble of White Privilege
"I recognize the advantages my white privilege gave me. It doesn’t define me. It gave me an opportunity to be successful in life that I had to take advantage of …
Team of the Day: Mississippi State Bulldogs
Nick Fitzgerald's previous Egg Bowl included a career-altering injury and a crushing loss on his home field. One year later, Mississippi State's senior quarterback earned redemption.
Wednesday, November 21
Meredith Gonzalez
When Meredith Gonzalez moved to Jackson from California in 2015, she found what she described as a small but vibrant and passionate art community, but was not sure of where …
Cathead’s New Bourbon, Frock Fashions Opens and Lemuria’s ‘Photos with Paddington’
Cathead Distillery’s new bourbon line, Old Soul bourbon whiskey, went on sale in liquor stores statewide on Friday, Nov. 16. Cathead produced 500 cases of Old Soul for this initial …
Jackson City Council: 'No Confidence’ in Cindy Hyde-Smith as Senator
Less than a half hour after U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and her runoff opponent, Mike Espy, finished a closed-door debate, the Jackson City Council voted 4-1 for a symbolic showing …
Tuesday, November 20
OPINION: Don’t Be the 'Good One’: White Supremacist ‘Jokes’ Are Call to Action
"Why aren't you laughing? Those are all jokes, right? Laugh, and join in the fun. After all, our national leaders just say these things to amuse themselves and their supporters, …
Cory Booker Rallies USM Students for Espy
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a likely 2020 presidential candidate, traveled to Mississippi on Monday to campaign for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy.
Hyde-Smith Demanded No Audience, No Press for Tonight’s Debate
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith demanded there be no audience or outside press allowed at tonight’s U.S. Senate debate and requested other restrictions, a source familiar with the debate negotiations told …
Monday, November 19
Mississippians Call for Hyde-Smith to Resign at Protests Following Videos
“A lot of the students who aren’t from Mississippi, from out north or out west, they’re like, ‘Really? Your public officials would say something like that?’ So they’re energized. People …
Republicans Call Espy ‘Sexist’ for Saying He’s Better for Women
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith accused her Democratic opponent, Mike Espy, of sexism and “mansplaining” after he told supporters he would be a better U.S. senator for women.
Trenton Johnson
When University of Mississippi Medical Center named Trenton Johnson as one of its Volunteers of the Year at an Oct. 19 banquet, the 23-year-old Jackson State University senior says it …
Espy Seeks Women's Support; Trump to Rally for Hyde-Smith
For Mike Espy, a high-profile woman helped Espy make the argument Saturday that the Democratic man would be a better choice in Mississippi's U.S. Senate runoff for the state's women.
Friday, November 16
OPINION: Cindy Hyde-Smith's Words Are Unacceptable
When Cindy Hyde-Smith made the statement that she would attend a “public hanging,” her statements should have been universally condemned.
Hyde-Smith Accepts $2,700 Donation from Notorious White Supremacist
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith accepted a donation from Peter Sieve, a businessman in Washington state known for his white supremacist views, just days after a video published by Bayou Brief …
OPINION: An Open Letter to Christians of Good Conscience: We Are Not 'Ridiculous'
Mississippi is a state steeped and stained with a dark history of racial prejudice and violence towards African Americans.
Myranda Cozad
Since its debut in 2013, the Scooby Doo truck has become something of an icon at Monster Jam, thanks in part to Myranda Cozad, who has been one of its …
Singing Christmas Tree at Belhaven, 'Lighting the Way' at USM and MSU Holiday Open House
Belhaven University will host its 86th annual Singing Christmas Tree event on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1.
Thursday, November 15
Hyde-Smith in New Video: Make Voting ‘More Difficult’ for People in ‘Those Schools’
In a newly surfaced video, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith suggests making it “more difficult” for people in certain schools to vote.
Activists to Call for Hyde-Smith's Resignation at Friday Protest
Mississippi Matters, a coalition of activists and organizations, plans to call for U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith's resignation at a protest outside her Jackson office Friday at noon.
Google Donates $5,000 to Cindy Hyde-Smith Amid 'Hanging' Firestorm
Tech giant Google donated $5,000 to U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, even as she courted national outrage for her comment about attending a "public hanging."
Espy on Mississippi Stereotypes, Public Schools and Immigration at Jackson Forum
U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy addressed Jacksonians at a community forum on Nov. 14 where he expounded upon and set the record straight about his stances, including his response to …
Jordan Johnson
Running back Jordan Johnson left JSU's 34-28 win over Prairie View A&M University with a lower leg injury on Nov. 3, but before the injury, Johnson was having a great …
Wednesday, November 14
DIY Sugar Scrubs
Sugar scrubs were my "gateway project" into DIY self-care, because they're so easy to put together and inexpensive.
The Man with the Horn and a Brush
Jackson State University is the first university in the United States to host a gallery of Miles Davis' visual artwork, with more than a dozen of his paintings and personal …
Turkeys and Treats
If you don’t want to cook this Thanksgiving, let local businesses and restaurants help you out.
OPINION: Why The History of Lynching Is No Laughing Matter
"A 'public hanging' solicited the worst images of black men and women swinging like strange fruit from sycamore trees while dozens or hundreds of white, mostly Christian, men and women …
OPINION: NAFTA to USMCA, An Even Trade?
"Demagogues have winning ways, especially with the man who has no one else to whom he can turn in his troubles," Mauldin wrote in his book, "Back Home," first published …
From Mississippi to Liberia: The Living Legacy of America’s West African Colony
Many say the legacy of freed African-American slaves, some from Mississippi, living and ruling over Liberia for more than 150 years ignited two Liberian civil wars that spanned 14 years …
ANALYSIS: Mississippi’s Economic Inequality and Conventional Wisdom
French economist Thomas Piketty's analysis reveals the myth of meritocracy—people gaining power based on their ability—and challenges conventional wisdom on economic inequality and its root causes.
The Right, and Wrong, Way to Change the Mississippi Flag
It's hard to know whether it cost him votes, but there was a moment during Mississippi Rep. David Baria's unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate that caused a surprised buzz …
DeVonn Armstrong
For his Inktober challenge, graphic designer DeVonn Armstrong took a specific approach to his sketches: He decided he would tell a story.
Tuesday, November 13
EDITOR'S NOTE: GOP Leaders, Stop Disrespecting Black Mississippians
Dear Mississippi Republican leaders: Like much of the recent 40 years, your actions toward African Americans in our state in the last 10 days have been atrocious.
Espy to Join Hyde-Smith for Debate As 'Hanging' Backlash Grows
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy has accepted an invitation to join incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., for a runoff debate that will be broadcast across the state …
Kermit Davis
There were no fireworks, no drama and that was exactly what Kermit Davis wanted in his Mississippi head coaching debut Saturday as the Rebels defeated Western Michigan 90-64.
Offbeat Black Friday Sale, Operation Shoestring 50th Anniversary, Painting in the 'Park and Lounge 114
Offbeat, Jackson's only vinyl record store, will hold a special sale in conjunction with the national Record Store Day Black Friday on Friday, Nov. 23, from noon to 7 p.m.
CNN Sues Trump, Demanding Return of Acosta to White House
CNN sued the Trump administration Tuesday, demanding that correspondent Jim Acosta's credentials to cover the White House be returned because their revocation violates the constitutional right of freedom of the …
Mississippi Study Examines if Marijuana Can Cut Seizures
A study of whether ingredients extracted from marijuana can reduce seizures in children is moving ahead in Mississippi.
Monday, November 12
Governor Calls Abortion ‘Black Genocide,’ Defends Hyde-Smith on ‘Hanging’ Tape
As state and national controversy swirls around U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s comment about a public hanging” in her race against an African American opponent, Gov. Phil Bryant opened a press …
McDaniel v. Hood? State Senator to 'Pray About' Run for Governor
Just days after his hopes of becoming a U.S. senator were dashed for the second time in four years, Mississippi State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, signaled interest in a possible …
William Waller Jr.
Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice William Waller Jr. announced Friday that he will retire from the bench Jan. 31.
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, November 11
Hyde-Smith’s ‘Public Hanging’ Quip Bombs in State with Most Lynchings
Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith lit up social media Sunday morning after a video clip in which she jokingly says she would be “on the front row” at “a public …
Friday, November 9
Trump Move to Limit Asylum is Challenged in Court
President Donald Trump issued an order Friday to deny asylum to migrants who enter the country illegally, tightening the border as caravans of Central Americans slowly approach the United States. …
Vacationing While Latino: Family Sues for 'Pervasive' Profiling in Mississippi
A lawsuit on behalf of a Latino and Native American family from South Carolina alleges that Hancock County Sheriff's deputies detained and searched them while traveling through Mississippi because they …
Tougaloo and JSU Farish Art Project, Visiting Artist Lecture at USM and Miss USM Pageant
Johnnie Mae Maberry, associate professor of art at Tougaloo College, and art students from Tougaloo and Jackson State University will announce the launch of an outdoor art project in the …
Yolanda Owens
The Jackson State University National Alumni Association selected Yolanda Owens, who served as the association's president until June 30 this year, as the 2018 Alumnus of the Year during its …
Thursday, November 8
Nick Mullens
Quarterback Nick Mullens left the University of Southern Mississippi owning most of the school's passing records. He is the career leader in passing yards for the Golden Eagles with 11,994 …
Hyde-Smith Accepts Debate Invite With McDaniel Out; Espy Considering
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., has accepted an invitation Mississippi Farm Bureau to debate her runoff opponent, Democrat Mike Espy, on Nov. 27.
Hinds Judicial Races, Court of Appeals Likely Headed to Runoff
Candidates for various Hinds County and statewide judicial roles appeared on Tuesday's ballot alongside U.S. Senate and congressional candidates. Just before midnight on election night, Hinds County released unofficial results …
Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg, 85, Hospitalized After Fracturing 3 Ribs in Fall
Eighty-five-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital, the court said Thursday.
White House Bans CNN Reporter After Confrontation with Trump
The White House has suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Donald Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference.
Mississippi's 3rd District Stays GOP, Incumbents Win
Mississippians in the 3rd District elected a Republican district attorney as the state's newest member of Congress on Tuesday, choosing Michael Guest of Brandon over Democratic state Rep. Michael Ted …
Wednesday, November 7
Jeff Sessions Resigns as Attorney General at Trump's Request
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has resigned as the country's chief law enforcement officer at President Donald Trump's request.
Baria Proud of Progressive Effort; Wicker Headed Back to Washington Again
Mississippi Democratic House Minority Leader David Baria's chances to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker came to an end at just after 8 p.m. on election night—an hour after Mississippi …
Espy, Hyde-Smith Head to Nov. 27 Runoff with McDaniel Out
In a historic contest, Democrat Mike Espy will face incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in a runoff on Nov. 27 after the two candidates snagged the top two positions …
Abrams, Kemp Await More Ballots in Georgia Governor's Race
Georgia's hotly contested and potentially historic governor's race may not be over yet, with Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp awaiting the final accounting of absentee and provisional ballots.
Trump Celebrates GOP Gains, Threatens House Democrats
President Donald Trump on Wednesday celebrated Senate Republican gains in the midterm election but immediately threatened Democrats, who won back control of the House and with it the power to …
Tuesday, November 6
Mississippi Voters Turned Away in Historic Civil-Rights Community
A polling location in Philadelphia, Miss., turned nearly a dozen people away from voting this morning because poll workers didn’t have enough back-up paper ballots after a snafu with voting …
Gov. Bryant Fights for His Legacy with Support for Hyde-Smith
In the final day before the election, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant urged Republicans to support Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, pushing back against the idea that he was part of the "establishment."
Northpark Grand Opening Events, South Street Live Grand Opening and Arts Around the Outlets
Northpark will hold a grand-opening celebration for its newly remodeled facilities from Thursday, Nov. 15, to Sunday, Nov. 18. The mall announced the large-scale renovations in November 2017, and work …
LiveBlog: 2018 Election Coverage from Jackson Free Press
Coverage from JFP reporters, poll problems, national headlines and returns for Tuesday, November 6, 2018. (Retweets of candidates or opinion pieces are not endorsements.)
Mississippi's 3rd District to Choose New US House Member
Mississippians in the state's 3rd District will elect a new member of Congress as they choose between a Republican district attorney and a Democratic state House member.
Monday, November 5
Evers-Williams Endorses Espy: Don't Let 'Our Souls Be Dragged Back'
Civil rights leader Myrlie Evers-Williams endorsed Democrat Mike Espy's bid for U.S. Senate in a radio ad his campaign released Monday, calling on Mississippians to help stave off a return …
Candidate Questionnaire: Bridgette Marie Morgan
The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson metro area, regardless of whether they …
Candidate Questionnaire: Deborah McDonald
The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson metro area, regardless of whether they …
Tougaloo College Rally Reminds Students that Black Voters Matter
The Friday before Election Day, the People's Advocacy Institute, MS M.O.V.E. and Black Voters Matter descended upon Tougaloo College to get students excited about voting right there on their historic …
Patrick Shegog
Compounding problems for the Delta State University Statesmen in the 2018 season was senior quarterback Breck Ruddick's injury in the second game, which forced Delta State to turn to true …
Georgia Governor's Race Awash in Election Security Issue
An already tight governor's race in Georgia devolved into new chaos Monday after the Republican candidate, who is also the state's chief election official, alleged with little evidence that Democrats …
Hyde-Smith, Wicker Voted to Expand Pre-existing Illness Discrimination
In a press huddle on Nov. 1, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said she had not cast "a single vote" to allow health-insurance companies to sell plans that discriminate against people …
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, November 2
GOP Mailers Misleadingly Paint Espy as a Criminal
A series of campaign mailers the Mississippi Republican Party sent out around the state this week misleadingly paint Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy as a "corrupt" criminal for charges …
Millsaps Forum Series, MSU Autism Clinic Grant and Songfest at USM
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann will speak at Millsaps College today, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. as part of the Millsaps Forum Series.
James Patterson
The passing of influential artists often inspires outpourings of gratitude and respect from fans, colleagues and loved ones, but Jackson photographer James Patterson was one of the few who got …
Candidate Questionnaire: Crystal Wise Martin
The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson metro area, regardless of whether they …
Candidate Questionnaire: Byron Carter
The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson metro area, regardless of whether they …
Candidate Questionnaire: Melvin Vincent Priester, Sr.
The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson metro area, regardless of whether they …
Thursday, November 1
Video of Cop Killer Tweeted by Trump Denounced as Racist
Luis Bracamontes, an immigrant in the country illegally who was convicted this year of murdering two law enforcement officials, is now the centerpiece of a video President Donald Trump tweeted …
Thompson Calls on Bryant to Drop Lawsuit to Gut Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson called on Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to withdraw from a lawsuit that could overturn protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
Carmen Hendrix
Members of the community such as Jackson State University English instructor C. Liegh McInnis, The Nest at Highlites co-owner Mac Epps and others will host an event tonight, Nov. 1, …
UPDATED: Who's on the Ballot in Mississippi in 2018?
This year will be an entertaining ride for Mississippi voters, who will have elect all four congressional representatives as well as two senators to represent the state in Washington, D.C.