Charlie Drape

6 days ago | clarionledger.com | Charlie Drape

Brett Kenyon, known as "Papa Mississippi" on social media, creates videos highlighting positive aspects of Mississippi. Kenyon's videos address misconceptions about the state and promote local pride. Kenyon aims to change negative perceptions of Mississippi and encourage both residents and visitors to appreciate the state.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Charlie Drape

The Jackson City Council approved salary increases for the mayor and council members, effective after the 2029 general election. The raises, initially proposed in April, were delayed due to a missed legal deadline requiring such votes 90 days before an election. The mayor's salary will increase from $120,000 to $170,000, while council members' salaries will rise from $25,000 to $40,000. The outgoing council president, Virgi Lindsay, championed the raises, citing no increase in salaries since 2001.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Charlie Drape

The Jackson City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the reversal of the decision to remove Medgar Evers' name from a USNS ship. This follows similar moves by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, like renaming the USNS Harvey Milk and targeting other ships named after historical figures. Evers' family, including his niece, Hinds County District 4 Supervisor Wanda Evers, are actively protesting the decision and seeking to speak with President Trump directly.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Charlie Drape

Kevin Parkinson, a former principal, is the incoming Ward 7 councilman for Jackson, Mississippi. Parkinson prioritizes restoring basic city services like trash pickup, road repair, and a functional 311 system. He aims to collaborate with Mayor-elect John Horhn and other council members. Parkinson plans to connect with residents and businesses through roundtables and a ward retreat. He came to Mississippi as a teacher with a two-year plan.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Charlie Drape

Need to report a pothole or a downed tree in your neighborhood? Now there's an app for that. Jackson launched a new mobile app, called "Jackson 311," designed to streamline how residents report non-emergency issues. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and city spokesperson Melissa Payne announced the rollout during a press conference Monday. The city’s 311 Action Line, created in 2011, has long served as the go-to outlet for residents to report complaints and service issues.