Friday, November 29
Azia's Picks
Christmas is rapidly approaching and there are many events taking place in the tri-city area to get us all engaged, including a plethora of interactive outings for children to keep …
Gee Whiz: Peeing Dog Celebration Costs Ole Miss in Egg Bowl
Luke Logan missed a 35-yard extra point after Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore was penalized for celebrating a touchdown by crawling and pretending to urinate like a dog, and Mississippi …
MSU Mental Health Expansion, USM Golden Idea Competition and JSU Teacher Initiative
The John C. Longest Student Health Center at Mississippi State University recently partnered with outpatient provider Right Track Medical Group to expand student access to comprehensive mental health care.
John Rhys Plumlee
The future looks bright for the Hattiesburg, Miss., native as John Rhys Plumlee took over the starting quarterback job in week five of the season. His legs have been a …
Global Climate Protests Ahead of Madrid Meeting
Protesters in cities across the world staged rallies Friday demanding leaders take tougher action against climate change, days before the latest global conference, which this year takes place in Madrid.
Wednesday, November 27
Best of Jackson 2020 Finalist Ballot
Best of Jackson voting is divided into two stages—a nominations ballot and a final ballot. We must receive your mailed finalist ballot by Dec. 15, 2019, or you may submit …
A New Dynamic: Shanda Yates’ Surprise Victory
Shanda Yates had never thought about running for office and had a litany of reasons not to pursue the House District 64 seat when she first discussed the idea with …
OPINION: Mississippi Not a ‘Lost Cause’; Build and Fight
"I chose to make my home here 23 years ago. Mississippi has broken my heart on many more than one occasion. So, I hope everyone who worked hard will take …
Mike Cashion
Michael "Mike" P. Cashion Sr., who has lived in Clinton for 23 years with his wife, Debbie, recently retired as the executive director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association …
Credible Messengers Closer to Hitting Streets to Prevent Violence in Jackson
Credible messengers, many of whom have been through the criminal-justice system, enter into communities to mentor and discourage at-risk individuals from participating in criminal activity.
Jack’s Kurbissuppe and Cranberry Sauce
These autumn-inspired dishes make for fun and inventive seasonal meals.
Top 9: Edwark Moak
Edward Moak is a Jackson-based artist who is known for his colorful paintings, whimsical hand illustrations and unique T-shirt designs.
Holiday Fave Hits the Stage
New Stage Theatre presents regular showings of "A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas" starting Dec. 5. The family-friendly performance features a swirling chorus of characters who dance …
Kern Pratt’s Long Road: ‘That’s the Blues’
Mississippi may arguably be more awash with musical talent than any state in the nation. As the gestation point for the blues, the fertile football of ground between Vicksburg and …
Tuesday, November 26
Museum-to-Market Trail Could Open by Fall 2020 in Jackson
A new 2.5-mile-long walking, running, and biking trail connecting Jackson's museums and the Mississippi Farmers Market could open as early as fall 2020 if the Jackson City Council gives it …
OPINION: Even More Thankful This Year With Cancer in Remission
"We shouldn't limit being thankful to the last Thursday in November, especially in America."
Ralph Brown
Madison native Ralph Brown, who has worked with Hope Credit Union since February 2017, became the company's vice president of small business lending in October 2019.
Ex-White House Lawyer McGahn Ordered to Comply with Subpoena
A federal judge has ordered former White House counsel Donald McGahn to appear before Congress in a setback to President Donald Trump’s effort to keep his top aides from testifying.
Trump’s Actions Raise Concern About Role in Military Justice
Defense Secretary Mark Esper declared that President Donald Trump ordered him to stop a disciplinary review of a Navy SEAL accused of battlefield misconduct, an intervention that raised questions about …
Analysis: Espy Says He’s Better Prepared for 2020 Campaign
Democrat Mike Espy says he has a clearer strategy to win a U.S. Senate seat in Mississippi in 2020 than he had when he ran for the same seat last …
Monday, November 25
Sixth Annual Sleep-out to Help the Homeless
The purpose of the 6th Annual Sleep-Out to Help the Homeless event is to assist the Capital's City displaced community by being present with them during their time of need …
Wicker Defends Trump, Boosting Russian Ploy to Pin 2016 Attacks on Ukraine
Mississippi's senior U.S. senator, Roger Wicker, claimed in an interview on Sunday that he saw no "direct evidence" that President Donald Trump did anything wrong when he pressured Ukraine to …
St. Paddy's Parade on for 2020, Yuzu Ramen and WellsFest Extra Table Donation
Malcolm White, founder and organizer of Jackson's annual Hal's St. Paddy's Parade, recently collaborated with Visit Jackson, the City of Jackson and Downtown Partners to maintain the 36-year-old event without …
Robert Whitley
Robert Whitley, 65, knew from a very young age than that that he wanted to work in the store, surrounded by flowers and those who appreciate them. He says he …
Friday, November 22
JPS Reports Lower Suspensions Overall, But More Discipline of High School Students
The Jackson Public School District is meeting its goal of suspending 12% or fewer of JPS students three months into the 2019-2020 school year, district officials say.
DOSSIER: Shanda Yates' Win in Mississippi Inspires Voters, Teaches Lessons
If the last week has proved anything, it's that people in the U.S., in Mississippi and especially in the Jackson metropolitan area are excited about a political newcomer, Shanda Yates, …
Azia's Weekend Picks
"Take a look at my top picks for this weekend. Be intentional, find a place for yourself in the city, get involved and live fulfilled. You'll thank me later!"
Billy McCoy
Former Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at age 77, but his legislative work remains visible in the form of four-lane highways in rural areas and …
Thursday, November 21
Israel’s Netanyahu Indicted on Corruption Charges
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted Thursday in a series of corruption cases. He rejected calls to resign, angrily accusing prosecutors of staging “an attempted coup.”
How 'Sister District' Helped Shanda Yates Unseat Longtime Mississippi Republican
Sister District, a California-based group dedicated to helping elect Democrats in state legislatures across the country, helped one Jackson area political newcomer unseat a longtime Republican incumbent.
OPINION: Caution; Numbers in Presidential Polls Don't Count, Yet
President Donald Trump's approval ratings are in the basement, and he could be impeached. But with about a year to go until Election Day 2020, it's too early to write …
Women's Suffrage Exhibit and Chevron STEM Program at MSU and JSU Commencement Speaker
Mississippi State University recently announced that it will commemorate next year's centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the women's suffrage movement with a special fall semester exhibit at the …
Juwan Taylor
Alcorn State junior defensive back Juwan Taylor made one of the biggest defensive plays in a game against Alabama A&M late in the third quarter.
Wednesday, November 20
OPINION: Kentucky, Virginia and Louisiana Voted for Change; Mississippi Still Has Work to Do
"While the rest of the country is erupting in action by using the power of the vote to elect more progressive officials, it seems apathy has gripped a large portion …
'Extreme' Prison Terms Must Be Focus for New Mississippi Leaders, Reformers Say
Mississippi's incoming class of statewide and legislative leaders should prioritize reducing "extremely" long prison sentences, a national bipartisan criminal-justice reform organizations says.
Mass Incarceration Rally at Smith Park
On Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Mississippi Prisoner Advocacy invites the community to join together for a rally focused on bringing awareness to and protesting …
Cathy Hegman
What started as an elective course during her undergraduate years at Mississippi State University has turned into a lifelong career for Mississippi painter Cathy Hegman.
Historic Designation Considered for Iconic Jackson Hotel
Trustees for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History have put downtown Jackson’s Sun-N-Sand Motor Hotel on consideration for a state landmark designation.
Tuesday, November 19
Suit Seeks to Block Prosecutor from Excluding Black Jurors
Four black voters and a branch of the NAACP sued a Mississippi prosecutor on Monday, asking a federal judge to order him to stop excluding African Americans from juries.
Report: Mississippi Laws Cause ‘Extreme’ Prison Sentences
Mississippi’s habitual offender laws are causing “extreme” prison sentences that are disproportionally affecting African American men and are costing the state millions of dollars for decades of incarceration, according to …
Museum After Hours: Music in Motion
This Thursday, Nov. 21, Museum After Hours will present "Music in Motion" from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event showcases a pop-up exhibit to display the dynamic artistry of …
Jackson Zoo Receives $50,000 from County; Road and Bridge Repairs in Limbo
The Jackson Zoo will benefit from a $50,000 grant from the Hinds County Board of Supervisors after it reversed its earlier decision to withhold the grant because the zoo is …
Karla Edwards
Karla Edwards, who has served as director of the Central Mississippi Hub for Volunteers and Nonprofits since May 2019, says that she has long felt compelled toward nonprofit work out …
Monday, November 18
It's Official: Dem Shanda Yates Ousts 32-Year Republican in Mississippi House
Shanda Yates, a 38-year-old Jackson-area attorney, has ousted Billy Denny, a top Republican in the Mississippi House of Representatives who first won his seat in 1987—when Yates was just 6 …
Voting Suit Challenges Mississippi Law on Citizenship Proof
A new federal lawsuit challenges a Jim Crow-era law in Mississippi that requires naturalized U.S. citizens to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote.
US Softening Position on Israeli Settlements in West Bank
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday that the U.S. is softening its position on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the latest in a series of Trump administration …
Trump's Tupelo Visit Boosted Dems More Than GOP in Northeast Mississippi, Strategist Says
President Donald Trump's visit to Tupelo earlier this month may have helped Mississippi Democrats more than Republicans in this year's state elections, Chism Strategies, one of the state's top polling …
Hello Kitty Cafe Jackson Stop, Fauna Foodworks Dinner and CFM Grant Challenge
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, a traveling food truck that debuted in 2014, will come to the Jackson metro for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. …
Jeremiah Blanchard
Mississippi visual artist Jeremiah Blanchard draws inspiration from the concepts of travel and movement, concepts that are represented in the four works of his that the Fondren Art Gallery is …
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities' Torchbearers Celebration
The Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities will honor several individuals and organizations for their commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities at its 30th anniversary Torchbearers Celebration.
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.
Thursday, November 14
FeedJXN: Dining with Dignity Pop-up Restaurant
Honoring National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week for the fourth consecutive year, Dining with Dignity brings local chefs, business professionals and volunteers together for a five-star fine dining experience fit …
Hyde-Smith Blocks Gun Checks as School Shooting Unfolds in California
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, an NRA-endorsed Republican, blocked a universal background-checks bill this morning around the same time a teenage gunman in Santa Clarita, Calif., carried out a mass shooting …
DOSSIER: From Bashing 'Boys of Spring' to Unpacking a Mississippi-Brexit Love Affair
"TV networks may live and die on ratings and people screaming opinions at each other from two "sides," but our democracy really can't take much more of this kind of …
Dozens of Sewer Failures Require Millions in Emergency City Funds to Repair
The City of Jackson need to allocate as much as $5 million to fix 50 sewer failures throughout Jackson, although more money may be necessary to fix them all. The …
Flags Lowered After Death of Ex Mississippi House Speaker
Gov. Phil Bryant ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor former Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy. The Democrat from Prentiss County died Tuesday at age 77.
Gabe Grothe
What started as a summer job for a young Gabe Grothe turned into his life-long passion. Landscaping, Grothe says, is an art form that encompasses more than just mowing a …
MSU Chairs of Honor, Millsaps Math Competition and JSU Bowling Night Out
Mississippi State University unveiled permanent POW/MIA chairs of honor inside Davis Wade Stadium, Humphrey Coliseum and Dudy Noble Field in honor of service members on Veterans Day.
Marvin Terry
A defensive touchdown capped a spectacular game for Delta State University linebacker Marvin Terry. His eight yard touchdown return helped DSU win its third straight game and keep any Division …
Wednesday, November 13
Takeaways so Far from House Public Impeachment Hearings
Wednesday’s start of public impeachment hearings unfolding in Congress marked the first time that the American public could watch and listen to the witnesses whose testimony is at the center …
Watson: Mississippi Should Change Multipart Election System
Republican Michael Watson, Mississippi’s incoming secretary of state, says he will work to change a Jim Crow-era election system that requires multiple steps for statewide races.
Vick Allen
Jackson native and soul-music singer Vick Allen said his interest in music started at a very young age. He sang in his church choir and also played the piano for …
OPINION: Women in Mississippi—So Strong and So Tough
"Over the 25 years that we have lived in Mississippi, we have taken quite a ribbing. Whenever we told them of our children's successes, they always scoffed and said 'but …
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mississippi Women, It’s Your Time to Speak Up, Lead
Election season was tough for Mississippi women as usual. It was a time for broken promises and slights as we watched male candidates, and their women enablers, show little apparent …
Marie O'Banner-Jackson
Marie O'Banner-Jackson, retired interim dean of undergraduate studies and cyber learning at Jackson State University, says she knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was in fourth grade.
Field Hearing Sheds Light on Mississippi ICE Raids
The (ICE) field hearing touched on the impact of the raids on local economies, the cost of carrying them out, and back wages owed to workers, but it did not …
Seeking Alta Woods’ Former Glory
The Alta Woods community was predominantly white when Stephany and Herbert Brown became the first black family to move there in 1996. "When we moved over here 20 years ago, …
God Save the Governor: Phil Bryant, Brexit Soldier
Republican Phil Bryant is certainly not the first Mississippi governor to support a state's plan to secede from a multi-state union. ... But Bryant seems to be the first to …
‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ Promises Holiday Splendor
"Cirque Dreams Holidaze," a multimillion-dollar circus-like show that centers around the sense of wonder surrounding the holiday season, is coming to Thalia Mara Hall on Dec. 9.
DIY: Glitter Snow Globe
Making homemade ornaments can be a great way to spend an afternoon during the holiday season. Whether you are a teacher, a parent or simply someone who enjoys being creative, …
The Season Is Upon Us
The holiday season is drawing near, and there will be plenty to do in Jackson and beyond.
Mamie’s Sugar Cream Pie
In my family, any holiday that can include a family meal often means we are having sugar cream pie for dessert. The recipe comes from my mother's grandmother, whom she …
Tuesday, November 12
OPINION: It's Not Easy Being a White Democrat in Mississippi
"There is never a perfect, seamless match between a political party and its people. But I think the Democratic Party in Mississippi can do a lot better."
Mike Espy Vows to 'Correct Our Mistakes' in New U.S. Senate Campaign
Democrat Mike Espy has a plan to win in Mississippi, he told the Jackson Free Press Tuesday morning, soon after officially launching his 2020 campaign for U.S. Senate.
Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris
Retired Air Force Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris, originally from the small agricultural village of Preston, Maryland, was 36 years old with a wife, two young daughters and a third baby …
KaBOOM! Funds Playground in West Jackson
The Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi recently won a grant from national nonprofit KaBOOM! for the installation of a new playground at the Boys and Girls Club of …
Supreme Court Lets Sandy Hook Shooting Lawsuit Go Forward
The Supreme Court said Tuesday a survivor and relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting can pursue their lawsuit against the maker of the rifle used to …
Monday, November 11
Judge Dismisses Trump Lawsuit Against NY Over Tax Returns
A federal judge on Monday dismissed President Donald Trump's lawsuit against New York officials that was aimed at preventing the release of his tax returns.
Mississippi Woman Sues Over Unsecured Manhole Cover Crash
A Mississippi woman who says she hit an unsecured manhole cover hours before a teenager was killed in a similar crash has filed a lawsuit.
Rocket Fizz at the Outlets, Beanfruit and Thunderhead Merge and Gallery Garden
Shreveport, La., native Richard Morris brought Rocket Fizz, a California-based specialty soda and candy franchise, to Mississippi with the opening of a new store at the Outlets of Mississippi on …
Art Space 86: Unframed @Unwrapped
Art Space 86 will host a free, pop-up art gallery event, Unframed @Unwrapped, on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., located at The Flamingo JXN.
Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino is enjoying a freedom she says she has not felt in years, and it is all thanks to her independent album, "Sketchbook."
Sunday, November 10
OPINION: Running While Black—Dem AG Nominee Reveals Privilege, Ghosts Faced in Race
I boxed the glaring ghost of a broken and unsupportive party structure. I guess I am not supposed to say that out loud, but we might as well tell the …
Friday, November 8
White Supremacists Help Emmett Till Center Raise More Than $30,000
A small clan of white supremacists unintentionally helped a Mississippi anti-racism organization raise more than $30,000 in just six days after filming a propaganda video around the memorial of Emmett …
DOSSIER: Of Corporate Media and Insulting Shenanigans
What a week. The last 10 days saw not only the official demise of the Mississippi Democratic Party, at least the way it's run and strategized now, but it was …
Azia's Picks 11-8-19
We finally made it to Friday, Jackson! I know it's been a long, tiresome work week full of deadlines, unwelcomed nuances, awkward office small talk, missed lunches and divisive conversations …
Democratic Women Win House Seats, Oust GOP Incumbents in Mississippi
Shanda Yates, a millennial Democrat, could still oust Bill Denny, a top Republican in the Mississippi House, if her current lead in the House District 64 vote count holds once …
The Vernon Brothers, Hood Baby and the Barnacles, Arkansauce and Fruition
Ardenland holds its annual BankPlus International Gumbo Festival on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Smith Park. This year, proceeds benefit the Harold T. and Hal White Memorial Scholarship. At the event, …
Thursday, November 7
Black Democrat Wins in Redrawn District After Racial Gerrymander Case
Even as Republicans swept statewide offices in Mississippi on Tuesday night, Joseph Thomas, an African American Democrat in a district that stretches across six counties, narrowly ousted a Republican incumbent. …
OPINION: Cowards Never Win—Mississippi Democrats Lose from Lack of Courage
It is time to tell the plain, unvarnished truth about Mississippi politics. We have wasted too much time being dishonest with ourselves and others. We have coddled one another, whined …
Mississippi Museum of Art Develops The Gallery Garden
If you have not strolled through downtown Jackson lately, then you may be missing out on the steady transformation of historic area. The streets beam with pride as the lights …
Kylin Hill
The first Saturday in November saw the season hanging in the balance for Mississippi State University. MSU entered its game against the University of Arkansas on a four-game losing streak …
MSU Veterans Day, USM University Forum and JSU/SBA Summit
As part of its annual Veterans Day celebration, Mississippi State University plans to host several events to honor the U.S. Armed Forces during the week of Veterans Day. MSU's Veterans …
Wednesday, November 6
Democrats Secure Victories in Hinds County Elections
As the Mississippi Republican Party swept up all state-wide offices yesterday's general election, Democrats won several seats in Hinds County.
Mississippi Democratic Party Needs to Overhaul Strategies, Outreach, Diversity
Prominent novelist Angie Thomas is planning to leave Mississippi due to the toxic politics here, on prominent display in last night’s election outcome. The wildly successful graduate of Belhaven College …
GOP Runs Mississippi Gamut, But Signs of Hope for Dems, Medicaid Expansion
With his Southern Baptist pastor standing beside him at the King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Democrat Jim Hood conceded defeat in the race for Mississippi governor, reiterating his religiously inspired …
Republican Lt. Gov. Reeves wins Mississippi governor's race
"I want to be the governor for all Mississippians and I'm going to work hard every day to do that," Reeves told The Associated Press after his victory.
Sal the Cat
The Eudora Welty House and Garden has a scavenger hunt for kids (and the young at heart) who visit the museum. While some of the items on the list are …
Tuesday, November 5
City Roundup: Water Bill Solution for Now, Zoo Still Closed, Robberies Down
As the City of Jackson continues to devise ways to fix its water-billing system, customers who currently do not receive bills will pay a monthly "minimum-service charge" of $63.27 for …
Election Day Hijinks, Obama Robocalls, Who's on Ballot, Election Watch Parties
Mississippi voters headed to the polls starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday to vote for top State and regional offices, including the election for governor. Polls will remain open until 7 …
Charlyne and Chris Brown
Charlyne and Chris Brown own and operate All 4 Children Consignment, a bi-annual consignment sale. The next sale will be from March 26-28, 2020, and the Browns have already begun …
Monday, November 4
US Tells UN it is Pulling Out of Paris Climate Deal
The United States has told the United Nations it has begun the process of pulling out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement.
Pence Rallies for Mississippi GOP Governor Candidate
Vice President Mike Pence campaigned Monday in Mississippi for the Republican nominee for governor, who's in a tight race with the state's best-funded Democratic nominee in nearly a generation.
Analysis: Mississippi Getting Big Turnover in State Offices
No matter who wins this year's elections, Mississippi will have its biggest turnover of state government officials in a long time. At least five of the eight statewide offices will …
Faith Young
Faith Young, owner of Door 2 Door Recycling, opened her self-described mom and pop recycling company with her husband, Marquette Young, in 2013 to help fill a need in her …
Meet the Candidates
Meet the candidates for the 2020 Mississippi elections, both statewide and local.
Voter ID Stays Under Both Secretary of State Hopefuls, But One Wants Citizenship Check
Voting rights take center stage in tomorrow's election for secretary of state between Mississippi Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and former Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, the Democratic nominee.
Stewpot Food Pantry, MAC Arts Awards and William Winter Institute Donation
Stewpot Community Services will host a grand opening and dedication ceremony for its newly relocated and expanded food pantry, named in honor of former Stewpot Executive Director Rev. Frank Spencer, …
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, November 2
UPDATED: White Supremacists Caught at Emmett Till Memorial Making Propaganda Film
A small group of white supremacists gathered around the Emmett Till memorial in Tallahatchie County, Miss., on Saturday morning, carrying a Mississippi flag and a League of the South flag.
Friday, November 1
Azia's Picks 11-1-19
You know what really grinds my gears? Constantly hearing from fellow Jacksonians, "There is nothing to do in Jackson." As soon as those words leave condescending lips and meet my …
DOSSIER: GOP's Red-baiting Mailer Template, Campaign Lies, Bryant Miffed
Republicans are already sending out glossy mailers warming up the crowd in Mississippi and other southern states to the necessity of electing Trump apologists and enablers—that is pretty much what …
Nominees Share History of Slavery, Plantations, Seg Academies in Natchez Senate Race
Republican Melanie Sojourner told the Jackson Free Press on Oct. 24 that she did not know as a young girl that the school she attended had been organized as a …
OPINION: City of Jackson Leading on Goals to Reduce Carbon Emissions
The City of Jackson is working on a comprehensive action leading to the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality. Mayor Lumumba was one of the major supporters and a signatory of …
Q&A: Brittney Morris on 'Slay' and Celebrating Blackness
Brittney Morris, a Corvallis, Ore., native, visited Jackson on Sept. 24 as part of a book tour celebrating her first published book, "Slay," which released the same day.
Trump Stumping in Mississippi Ahead of Tough Governor's Race
President Donald Trump is traveling to Mississippi on Friday to try to shore up Republican support ahead of the state's toughest governor's race in nearly a generation, with two established …
US Judge Not Blocking Multistep Mississippi Election System
A federal judge ruled Friday that he will not immediately block Mississippi's unique, multistep process for electing a governor and other statewide officials.