Friday, March 29
Education
GOP Leaders Trick House Into Sending $2 Million to Private Schools
Mississippi will use millions in taxpayer dollars to fund private schools after Republican leaders in the Legislature secretly slipped funds into a bill for state construction projects.
Education
HCC Honors Gala, Tougaloo Gospel Explosion Musical and MSU International Film Festival
Hinds Community College's Utica campus hosted its Vice President's Scholarship and Hall of Honors Gala on Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Clyde Muse Center
Personhood
Abortion-Rights Group Sues Mississippi Over 'Heartbeat' Law
An abortion-rights group is asking a federal judge to block a Mississippi law that will ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.
Thursday, March 28
Business
Jackson Black Pages Plans Expo for Mississippi's Black-Owned Businesses
Chuck Patterson founded the Jackson Black Pages, which connects Jacksonians with black-owned local businesses through its website so they can put money back into their local communities.
Person of the Day
Tyrone Jackson
Tyrone Jackson will become Mississippi Delta Community College's first African-American president and its ninth overall. Larry Nabors is retiring after six years as president.
Politics
Lawmakers Approve $1,500 Pay Raise for Mississippi Teachers
The Mississippi Senate on Thursday voted 46-2 to approve changes to the pay schedule for teachers starting July 1. Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison says the increase is expected …
Wednesday, March 27
Civil Rights
Mississippi Senate Approves New Map to Boost Black Voting Power
Mississippi lawmakers are working to redraw the lines of a state senate district that two federal courts ruled dilutes black voting power.
Politics
Mississippi Closes More Bridges After Counties Don't Act
Mississippi officials are closing more bridges that county officials haven't closed after inspectors found them unsafe.
Person of the Day
Yolanda Ni
Yolanda Ni, an eighth-grader at Oak Grove Middle School in the Lamar County School District, won the 2019 Mississippi Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 19, at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting …
Tuesday, March 26
Biz Roundup
Evolutions Beauty Bar, JXN Gumbo at Mantle and 52nd Annual Beth Israel Bazaar
Latarsha Ellis, a lifelong Jackson native who has worked as a cosmetologist and hair stylist for more than 20 years, will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for her …
Education
Speaker: Lawmakers Eye $1,000 Raise for Mississippi Teachers
House Speaker Philip Gunn said Monday that Mississippi public school teachers are likely to get a one-time raise of $1,000 in the coming year.
Person of the Day
John O'Neal Jr.
John O'Neal Jr., a civil-rights activist, playwright and actor who cofounded the Free Southern Theater and Junebug Productions, died of vascular disease on Feb. 15 in New Orleans. He was …
Monday, March 25
Crime
Michael Avenatti Defrauded Mississippi Bank, Prosecutors Charge
Michael Avenatti, the high-profile attorney who formerly represented Stormy Daniels, defrauded a Mississippi bank, federal prosecutors in California charged on Monday.
Education
Teacher Pay in Limbo as Mississippi Senate Balks at $4,000 Raise
The fate of a bill that could grant Mississippi's public-school teachers a $4,000 pay raise over a two-year period remained uncertain Monday morning as lawmakers from both chambers of the …
Person of the Day
Kermit Davis
Kermit Davis has earned a new contract after leading Mississippi on a surprising run to the NCAA Tournament.
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, March 22
Civil Rights
Voting Rights Act Denied Mississippi Its 'Sovereignty,' AG Candidate Says
At a Tupelo campaign stop on Monday, Mississippi State Rep. Mark Baker, a Republican candidate for attorney general, said the 1965 Voting Rights Act violated Mississippi's "sovereignty."
National
Mueller Concludes Russia-Trump Probe, Delivers Report
Special counsel Robert Mueller on Friday turned over his long-awaited final report on the contentious Russia investigation that has cast a dark shadow over Donald Trump's presidency.
Education
Mississippi Library Partnership, UM Tobacco-Free Grant and MSU Ragtime and Jazz Festival
Hinds Community College President Clyde Muse and Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum signed an agreement on Wednesday, March 20, to join the Mississippi Library Partnership.
Politics
Mississippi Senate Calls for Constitutional Convention, Raising Civil Rights Concerns
Civil-rights protections could be "rolled back" if Mississippi joins a conservative group's effort to amend the U.S. Constitution, a prominent civil-rights organization is warning.
Thursday, March 21
Personhood
Gov. Bryant Signs Abortion Ban in Deadliest State for Babies
With Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves at his side, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed the nation's most restrictive abortion bill into law on Thursday morning.
City & County
City Council Approves Dart-Like GPS Launchers for Police Cruisers
The Jackson City Council recently approved the use of the StarChase system, which allows police cruisers to shoot GPS tracking devices that stick to fleeing suspects' vehicles, to cut down …
Person of the Day
Abby Trahan
Junior pitcher Abby Trahan is enjoying a strong start in her first season with the University of Southern Mississippi softball team.
Wednesday, March 20
Art
Becoming Curious Citizens
Through Curious Citizens, local creative and organizer daniel johnson wants people to activate people to find ways to participate in local government.
Politics
Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring School Shooter Drills
Lawmakers on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill meant to make Mississippi schools safer from mass shootings.
Fly
Caring for Natural Hair with Fran Alexander
Though Signature Hair Lounge specializes in weaves, Fran Alexander is knowledgeable about all types of hair. The Jackson Free Press recently talked to her over the phone about caring for …
Food
In Honor of Dead Diet Resolutions
I propose that we bring pleasure back into our vocabulary around food. In honor of all those dead diet resolutions, here are some ideas for making the rest of 2019 …
Music
Josh Journeay’s ‘Down the Road’ Makes Waves
Just two days after local musician Josh Journeay, 26, released his first solo album "Down the Road," on Feb. 12, 2019, the five-track EP reached No. 7 on the iTunes …
Cover
‘Why Can’t I Break That Barrier?’: The JFP Interview with AG Hopeful Jennifer Riley Collins
During our afternoon interview with Jennifer Riley Collins in downtown Jackson, she explained why she believes she is up to the momentous task of becoming the first African American woman …
Business
OPINION: Lessons to Learn From Nissan
Unless workers unionize, companies operate as dictatorships, where the businesses will sacrifice workers' livelihoods, pantries, mortgages, car payments, medical bills and other needs for the bottom line.
Personhood
Legislative Update: Fetal Heartbeats, Teacher Pay, Tort Reform
Daniella Dismuke-Roja is an activist who is challenging laws that she believes threaten the rights of Mississippians. On March 14, she traveled to Jackson and joined a group of Democratic …
Business
EDITOR'S NOTE: Women, Don’t Apologize
As women, we need less criticism and more support. We need people who will step up and remind us of all that we've accomplished.
Jacksonian
John Spann
When Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Curator of Education John Spann was in high school, history came easy to him. "It wasn't like geometry or anything, and I got it," he …
Tuesday, March 19
Personhood
Mississippi Senate OKs Ban on Abortion After Fetal Heartbeat
Mississippi senators on Tuesday passed the final version of a bill that would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.
Biz Roundup
Changes Coming to Seafood R'evolution
The restaurant group of Derek and Jennifer Emerson will take ownership of Seafood R'evolution on March 31 and reopen the restaurant as CAET.
City & County
City to Launch Pre-K Pilot Program With Grant From the Kellogg Foundation
Mayor Chokwe Lumumba announced on March 18 that the City is receiving grant funds from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for a pre-k pilot program dubbed Ready To Learn.
Biz Roundup
UMMC/FirstNet Partnership, Gulf Seafood Outlet and Vitality Bowls
Greg Adams, a former conductor for the Canadian National Railroad who retired in 2016, opened his own seafood market, Gulf Seafood Outlet, in Jackson in September 2018.
Justice
Supreme Court Set for Case on Racial Bias in Jury Selection
This week, the Supreme Court will consider whether Curtis Flowers' conviction and death sentence in a sixth trial should stand or be overturned because prosecutors improperly kept African-Americans off the …
Monday, March 18
Education
Second Woman to Lead Tougaloo College After First Retires After 17 Years
Tougaloo College Board of Trustees Chairman Wesley F. Prater named Carmen J. Walters as the 14th president of the institution on Monday, March 18.
Politics
Analysis: Mississippi Lawmakers Seek Early Exit to Session
Mississippi lawmakers are aiming for an early end to their scheduled 90-day session. This is the fourth and final year of the current term, and most members of the House …
Person of the Day
Quinndary Weatherspoon
Mississippi State swept the 2019 C Spire Howell and Gillom awards Monday as two seniors, guard Quinndary Weatherspoon and center Teaira McCowan, were named the state's best male and female …
Friday, March 15
Civil Rights
‘I Can’t Keep Calm’: Myrlie Evers-Williams ‘Incensed’ at Bryant, Hyde-Smith
Civil-rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams told a radio host Friday that she refused “sit down and be quiet” after Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant credited only President Donald Trump and the state’s …
City & County
No Segregated Pools, City of Jackson Decided in 1960s with Court Support
By 1961 in Jackson, not only could black and white citizens not legally drink from the same water fountains, but they could not swim together in the capital city's taxpayer-funded …
Art
"A Tale of Two Collections," JSU Creative Arts Festival and Argosy Student Aid at Belhaven
Tougaloo College is partnering with the Mississippi Museum of Art on a joint exhibition titled "A Tale of Two Collections."
Person of the Day
Jayveous McKinnis
Jayveous McKinnis, a Brandon, Miss., native, not only earned the SWAC's Freshman of the Year Award; he also earned All-SWAC First-Team honors.
Crime
Global Condemnation, Condolences After Mosque Attack
World leaders expressed condolences and condemnation Friday following the deadly attacks on mosques in New Zealand, while Muslim leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of …
Thursday, March 14
Immigration
Sen. Roger Wicker Defies Trump With Vote Against National Emergency Order
At the Neshoba County Fair in August 2018, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker sought to assure a suspicious, conservative crowd of his allegiance to President Donald Trump's agenda.
Immigration
Senate Rejects Trump Border Emergency as Republicans Defect
The Republican-run Senate firmly rejected President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southwest border on Thursday, setting up a veto fight and dealing him a conspicuous rebuke …
City & County
'Go Clean JXN' Launches Saturday With Residents Helping Pick Up Trash Citywide
Jackson has a problem with trash, and the City of Jackson wants residents to take responsibility for cleaning it up through its Let's Go Clean JXN campaign kicking off Saturday, …
Civil Rights
Phil Bryant Praises White Officials for Evers Honor, Bashes Bennie Thompson
In the wake of a new federal law declaring civil-rights hero Medgar Evers' home a national monument, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant credited President Donald Trump and Mississippi's two white Republican …
Politics
Bill: Ban Disclosure Requirement for Some Political Spending
Mississippi senators have passed a bill that says the government could not require disclosure of donors' names to certain types of tax-exempt groups involved in politics.
Wednesday, March 13
Art
The Sweet Potato Queens Come Home
Earlier this year, parade cofounder Malcolm White asked her if she could give he and the other organizers a date for when the Sweet Potato Queens would be part of …
Politics
Ronnie Crudup Jr. Wins Special Election for South Jackson House Seat
Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn called Ronnie Crudup, Jr. Tuesday evening to congratulate him on his victory after voters in south Jackson elected the local activist to fill a vacated …
Person of the Day
Kimberlee Haralson
Real estate company Crye-Leike Brandon recently gave Kimberlee Haralson, a realtor who joined the company in September 2017, its 2019 Crye-Leike Rookie of the Year award for the Central Mississippi …
Tuesday, March 12
Civil Rights
Medgar Evers' Home Becomes National Monument
The Mississippi home of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers is becoming a national monument.
Business
Nissan Lays Off 381, Down from 700 Originally Projected
Nissan Motor Co. says fewer contract workers than previously announced were laid off from its Mississippi plant.
Biz Roundup
Duvalier Malone Named Top Entrepreneur and Mississippi Museum of Art Events
The Mississippi Business Journal will name community activist, author and motivational speaker Duvalier Malone as its top entrepreneur for 2019 in a ceremony at the Old Capitol Inn on Thursday, …
Education
Mississippi Teachers Unimpressed As House Ups Two-Year Pay Raise to $4,000
Mississippi teachers told the Jackson Free Press that they agreed with critics of the Legislature's $1,000 raise bill, and they had their own criticisms of even a $4,000 raise.
Politics
Mississippi Holds Special Elections for Three House Seats Today
Mississippi voters in three state House districts head to the polls today to elect new representatives to fill vacant seats.
Personhood
Mississippi House Passes Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Bill
Mississippi lawmakers continue to push ahead with a proposal that could become one of the strictest abortion laws in the nation.
Monday, March 11
National
Democratic Candidate Warren Sets Televised Mississippi Forum
Jackson State University says U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will participate in a March 18 forum that will be televised on CNN.
Politics
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves' 2003 Victory over Gary Anderson 'All About Race,' Critics Say
In his successful 2003 bid for state treasurer, critics accused current-Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves of running ads designed to remind voters that his Democratic opponent, Gary Anderson was black. …
Person of the Day
Breein Tyree
University of Mississippi point guard Breein Tyree and Mississippi State University's Teaira McCowan won the fan voting portion of the 2019 C Spire Howell and Gillom Trophies, which annually honor …
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, March 8
Personhood
OPINION: Jay Hughes and the Apostasy of ‘White Democrats’ in Mississippi
Not content with the number of obstacles currently in a pregnant woman's path to accessing safe abortion care, our state government has continued its efforts to erode Roe v. Wade. …
City & County
Voucher Bill Dies at Legislature, Possibly Ending Program Next Year
Mississippi's education voucher program, which subsidizes private-school tuition at the expense of public schools, could end next year after lawmakers allowed a bill to extend it to die in committee.
Education
Millsaps CFA Challenge, USM Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience and MSU Women's History Month
Four Millsaps College students recently won first-place honors during the regional Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.
Thursday, March 7
Education
Honor, Authority and Joy in JPS Priorities of Jackson Community
A March 1 Jackson Public Schools meeting was one of various forums an organization called "Our JPS" has organized across the city to learn the ideals local residents want to …
Biz Roundup
New Food Truck and Restaurant Coming to Jackson and Bilal's EasyKale Grand Opening
Lataurius Rodgers, owner of Diamond Nail Studio in Jackson, will soon bring a new food truck to the city together with Lamarcus Robinson, a friend who also lives in Jackson.
Person of the Day
Teaira McCowan
Teaira McCowan has spent the last four years growing as a basketball player at Mississippi State University.
Politics
Gov on Anti-Boycott Bill: 'Mississippi Stands with Israel'
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to sign a bill that will ban the state from investing in companies that boycott Israel.
Wednesday, March 6
Music
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Festival Music Lineup
Each year following the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade, music artists performing live at Hal & Mal's. Here is a rundown on who is playing this year on Saturday, March 23.
Music
Blues in the City
For Xperience JXN event promoter Yolanda Singleton, Betty Wright was part of her childhood. Singleton says she is "a music legend whose music transcends generations."
Food
Feeling Lucky and Local
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 23 with local events, including the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival that day.
Art
The Murals: A Place for Creatives
Producer Amanda Paige knew the type of business she wanted to add to the Jackson art scene: something that could bring creatives together. The result is The Murals, a business …
City & County
Four Officers Fired in Mississippi After Man's Death Last Month
The city of Jackson announced the firings of three officers and a supervisor Tuesday following an internal affairs investigation of the arrest and death of 31-year-old Mario Clark.
Business
Cultivating Growth in Women Business Owners
Something sets Cultivation Food Hall apart: women-owned businesses. Of the nine businesses there, women have full ownership of four—Ariella's, Poke Stop, Fauna and Whisk—and co-own il Lupo and Bocca Pizzeria.
Biz Roundup
Promoting Magnolias and Museums
Each year, thousands of people gather in downtown Jackson to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival is always lively and full of colorful and bright …
Business
Martin’s Downtown Moves into 2019
Martin's Downtown, previously known as Martin's Restaurant & Bar, has long been a staple of downtown Jackson, showcasing both local and touring bands, as well as giving Jacksonians a place …
Business
Coffee, Eats and South Street Live
South Street Live opened in December 2018. The Jackson Free Press hosted its 2019 Best of Jackson awards party at the venue on Jan. 27.
Art
Faith Simone Thigpen
Those who follow the TV series "Bring It!"—a show about the Dancing Dolls, a Jackson dance group—will likely recognize the name Faith Simone Thigpen.
Business
Lake Hico: Closed by Racism?
Jim Crow-era segregation laws and customs prevented Lake Hico from interracial use until the late 1960s after the Civil Rights Movement and federal legislation officially ended segregation. The lake then …
City & County
Jackson ‘Transplants’ Unite
When New Orleans native Ashlee Kelly first arrived in Jackson in 2003 to attend Jackson State University, she struggled to find people to connect with.
Cover
UPDATED: 2019 Power Couples
It's the time of year when many of us are thinking about those we love and what we love. This time of year also means that we look around for …
City & County
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: On Tourism, the Food Business and ‘Let’s Talk Jackson’
This issue of BOOM Jackson serves two major purposes. One, it's a three-month look ahead at arts and cultural events in the Jackson metro. Two, we do the BOOM edition …
Jacksonian
Sue Hernandez
Sue Hernandez says she did not use social media for a long time until one of her Hinds Community College professors told her that she needed to use it if …
Tuesday, March 5
Politics
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Plans 2020 Kickoff With High-Dollar Donors
Just months after winning the most closely contested U.S. Senate race in Mississippi since the 1980s, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith plans to kick off her 2020 re-election bid next month …
Politics
Hood and Reeves Headline 2019 Mississippi Election Field
The top of the ticket for Mississippi's 2019 statewide election could feature the most competitive governor's race since 2003.
Monday, March 4
Politics
'Take This Country Back': State Legislators Want Constitutional Convention
On Feb. 21, 2019, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Allen West asked state legislators to do something Americans have not done since the time when muskets and bayonets were commonplace—call …
Politics
McDaniel Won't Seek Statewide Office in Mississippi in 2019
Chris McDaniel, a Republican state senator who has twice run for higher office, says he won't seek a statewide position in Mississippi's 2019 elections.
Politics
Analysis: Mississippi Will See Big Turnover of State Offices
Mississippi this year will have its biggest shake-up of statewide offices in a generation, no matter who wins in November.
Person of the Day
Montez Sweat
The defensive linemen hailed as the gems of the draft class didn't disappoint during their on-field testing Sunday, and nobody performed better than Montez Sweat.
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, March 1
Politics
Democratic House Leader David Baria Won’t Seek Re-Election
Mississippi House Minority Leader David Baria will not seek re-election to his seat, the Bay St. Louis Democrat announced unexpectedly in a letter to supporters Friday afternoon.
Education
Teachers College and Women's History Month at USM and MSU Alumni Association Awards Banquet
Mississippi State University will recognize Ridgeland native Richard A. Rula as its National Alumnus of the Year during the MSU Alumni Association awards banquet.
Business
Water Customers Still Getting No Bills as City Scrambles for Payments
The City of Jackson over-billed David Thompson several times in 2018, with his most recent water bill coming in at $937, even though he lived alone in his home in …
Politics
Former Chief Justice Waller to Run for Mississippi Governor
Bill Waller Jr., a retired chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, says he has the best chance to win the governor's race because he believes he will appeal to …
Person of the Day
Sherry Overby
Belhaven University named Sherry Overby, an adjunct professor of human resources, leadership and business communications, the new director of human resources in January 2019. She replaced former director Virginia Henderson, …
