Report Calls for Drug-Law ReformReducing Mississippi's incarceration rate, which is the second-highest in the United States, depends on reforming many aspects of the state's criminal justice system, a report released this month says.
Maura JohnsonThroughout her childhood, Maura Johnson met her family around the dinner table to not only share a meal together but to talk about specific historical facts. They always read the news and newly released biographies and spoke of the importance …
Navy to Name Ship After JacksonA future Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship will honor the city of Jackson, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Friday.
Parade Weekend ScheduleBawdy, loud, and down-right crazy. Zippity-Doo-Dah's annual parade might leave you breathless, but don't worry. The JFP's gotcha covered of when and where what's gonna happen.
JPS Hearing Reveals Edwards' Failure to CommunicateJackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards has consistently failed to communicate about major issues facing the district, JPS Board President Kisiah Nolan testified today. Nolan was the board's first witness in a hearing on Edwards' three-year contract, which the board …
Negative Perceptions an Obstacle for JacksonCommunicating positive messages about Jackson's progress and ending negative perceptions about crime is important to attract new residents to the city of Jackson, Jackson State University professor B. D'Andra Orey told a group of citizens this morning.
Tiara of the Day: Bluebird CrownThis year, the Sweet Potato Queens, in shiny new over-the-top outfits, sashay through Fondren in the first annual Zippity Doo Dah Parade. Boss Queen Jill Conner Browne says she has yet another first: a Larry Vrba bluebird crown.
Edwards Fights for JPS Job TodayJackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards makes his case today for an extension of his contract. The JPS Board of Trustees voted Dec. 7 not to renew Edwards' contract, which started in 2008. Under state law, superintendents can appeal initial …
$7.75M Housing Development Breaks GroundWorkers break ground this afternoon on a new $7.75 million affordable housing development near Northside Drive. The project, called Holly Hills, will use low-income housing tax credits to construct 60 units of rental housing. Holly Hills should be partially open …
Rosemary MaxeyRosemary Maxey likens her office to a museum of the Jackson Convention Center's history. A picture on her wall displays the 2006 groundbreaking, in which city leaders shoveled sand on an empty lot in downtown Jackson. She also has documents …
Insurance and Excise TaxesAvoiding buying car insurance will get a little harder with new legislation passed last week. The Mississippi House of Representatives and the Mississippi Senate agreed on a bill requiring motorists to own some form of vehicle insurance to qualify for …
The Home FrontIf Morgan Freeman is Clarksdale's most recognizable resident, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett may be its second. An attorney and developer, Luckett runs two of his high-profile business ventures with Freeman, the Ground Zero Blues Club and Madidi's Restaurant.
The JFP Interview With Dave DennisIn 1995, then-Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice announced his re-election campaign from the Gulfport home of Dave Dennis. Dennis had a lot in common with the governor. Both made their fortunes in the construction industry, and Dennis was an active Republican …
Redistricting Hits the CourtsGov. Haley Barbour's crusade for more Republican districts in the Mississippi House of Representatives is putting him at odds with the Mississippi NAACP, which wants the U.S. Department of Justice to approve a map with more black-majority districts.
Barbour's Press PassWatching Gov. Haley Barbour seize the national media spotlight feels a bit like seeing a bully from high school making it big. "I knew him when he was fat and mean!" one wants to say.
Erica Speedby J. Ashley Nolen March 23, 2011 The bold, red door to Erica Speed's Fondren home is a fair indication of what's inside: Local artwork and colorful fabric designs cover furniture while family pictures fill a variety of frames on …
Council Members Likely to Keep OfficesMississippi lawmakers have aligned with Jackson City Council members to see that council members keep their offices in City Hall.
What Happened to Gloomy Predictions?Economic reports show that most job growth in our country this year has come from small-and medium-size businesses. That trend will only accelerate, according to the recently released Small Business Index from the Center for Excellence in Service at the …
Fish and Funds Face CouncilFishing and financing are on the Jackson City Council agenda this week as the council considers reopening Livingston Park Lake for youth recreation and refunding a chunk of city debt.
Consignment and New EatsAfter last winter's tornadoes damaged Vacita Jones' consignment shop "I'm Back" in Pearl, she decided to open another shop in Fondren's Duling School.
Freedom Rider to Speak at MillsapsCivil Rights activist and original Freedom Rider Hank Thomas will speak about Rabbi Perry Nussbaum and the Freedom Riders March 25 at Millsaps College.
Roadside Food Service Needed, Says WhitwellWard 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell is chasing puppy mills and food trucks this week. Whitwell has submitted two ordinance changes for the March 22 council agenda: one discouraging roadside animal sales and one encouraging roving restaurant trucks.
Hinds Ends Interest-Rate SwapA multi-year financial transaction will provide Hinds County a final payment of $1.52 million next month. The transaction, an interest-rate swap on two bond issues, has saved the county money on its bond debt.
JFP Freelancer of the Month: Tom RamseyWhile Jacksonians may know him best for his culinary creations, writer and consulting-chef Tom Ramsey considers himself a storyteller above all else.
Community Events and Public Meetings<b>Free Tax Counseling and Filing.</b> IRS/AIM or AARP volunteers will do electronic filing. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free.
Highways to Honor Black Leaders, Military FiguresGov. Haley Barbour signed a bill last week to change the names of many of the state's highways. Mississippi Highway 552 will be named after longtime Alcorn State University educator Walter Washington. Another highway in Coldwater, Miss., will honor Martin …
‘Save Our Office,' Council SaysJackson City Council members want to keep their full-time City Hall offices. Today, they passed a resolution in support of a proposed law change.
New Outfits for Sweet Potato QueensThe Sweet Potato Queens will stuff themselves into new costumes for the Zippity Doo Dah Parade next week.
In 1995, then-Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice announced his re-election campaign from the Gulfport home of Dave Dennis. Dennis had a lot in common with the governor. Both made their fortunes in the construction industry, and Dennis was an active Republican …