Tuesday, August 31
No Place to Keep Curfew Violators, Chief Says
Jackson Police Department Chief Rebecca Coleman warned Jackson City Council members yesterday that renewing the city's curfew for minors raises a series of issues, including where to house offenders.
Openings, Closings and Layoffs
As part of a strategic-planning process, Baptist Medical Center has slashed its expenses by nearly $18 million, including a net reduction of roughly 200 jobs. Over the past four months, …
Robin Dietrick
The last year has been a busy one for Robin Dietrick, who has gone from knowing little about Japan's influence on American artists and culture, to organizing and compiling a …
Monday, August 30
State Wasting Money on Well?
Mississippi Department of Transportation's decision to drill a $390,000 well in downtown Jackson to supply water for government buildings is a "duplication of services," city of Jackson spokesman Chris Mims …
Downtown Group Questions Liquor Store
A group of downtown residents are questioning if a proposed liquor store in the Old Capitol Green mixed-use district meets sustainable building requirements.
Community Events and Public Meetings
10 a.m., "Jump Start Revenue Growth Through International Trade" Webinar at mississippi.org/webinars. The event will provide valuable information to companies interested in international trade and will include a discussion on …
Delwyn Thornton
Calling Delwyn Thornton "handy" is like calling Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt "quick." The Brandon resident, co-owner of Soles & Heels boot and shoe repair shop in Brandon, is a fast …
Few Governors Present at Oil Spill Meeting
Only two governors were present at a Gulf oil spill panel during the Southern Governors' Association annual meeting yesterday with claims czar Kenneth Feinberg.
Friday, August 27
Crowded Agenda for Special Session
State lawmakers will work fast today in a special session of the Mississippi Legislature. The agenda includes tackling a major economic development project, a ban on synthetic marijuana and approval …
Highway 80 Redesign To Spur Development
Nina Holbrook, executive director of the Metrocenter Area Coalition, said at a public forum today that the Coalition's plans for the U.S. Highway 80 corridor includes a redesign of the …
David Hasselhoff
Former "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff may not have the same physique of his youthful years, but as the host of tonight's "The Gulf is Back" television special, his job is …
Blockbuster Declaring Bankruptcy in September
The Los Angeles Times broke the story yesterday that Blockbuster management is telling its movie studio partners that the heavily leveraged company is going to file for bankruptcy reorganization in …
Dancing, Books and Brunch
Tonight, go put on your dancing shoes and head to Fondren Corner (2906 N. State St.) for Salsa Mississippi's Latin Rooftop Dance Party at 8 p.m., $10. The weather looks …
Katrina Memorial Event Set For Sunday
Gov. Haley Barbour and first lady Marsha Barbour will host the state's Hurricane Katrina memorial event Sunday, Aug. 29 in Gulfport, on the storm's five-year anniversary.
Thursday, August 26
Barbour Gives Details on Bio-Fuels Plant
A Houston-based company manufacturing a crude-oil substitute from timber has picked Mississippi to locate its first three production facilities, Gov. Haley Barbour announced at a press conference this afternoon. Barbour …
Downtown Development Features ‘Green' Garage
An automated parking garage with robot valets is one of the features of a $27 million proposed parking structure and communal air-conditioning unit to accommodate the $1.3 billion Old Capitol …
JPD Touts Community Policing Program
The Jackson Police Department is hailing a northwest Jackson neighborhood-watch program as an exemplary model of community policing. Introducing the Woodhaven Homeowners Association Citizen Patrol at a command staff meeting …
Brittany Hickman
Brittany Hickman never thought she would be a lobbyist, but when she started speaking out on legislation to advance women's rights, she realized the process was much easier than she …
Wednesday, August 25
Soulful Sounds
Multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Brian McKnight kicks off the fall/winter series with a performance at the Mississippi State University Riley Center Aug. 28. "There is something special about playing …
] Music Wants To Be Free
A few weeks ago, a guy approached me in the mall and passed me his new album to listen to and give him feedback. As someone who loves hearing new …
Fritos and Football
Whether you prefer The Grove at Ole Miss, The Junction at Mississippi State, rolled into Tuscaloosa to cheer on the Tide or headed to Toomer's Corner in Auburn with a …
Lazy Dinner
Lazy Magnolia has been quenching the thirst of beer lovers all over the South since September 2003. As the state's only brewery, Lazy Magnolia's "Lazy Folks" have done an excellent …
Sexy Fitness
This was the moment I had been waiting for: my first session of i to Pole Fitness. I was excited and intrigued by what I would see and learn.
Edwards' Book Sales OK Under State Law
The controversy surrounding Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards, whose former Georgia school district spent $16,169 on copies of his book, isn't relevant under existing state law, Mississippi Ethics Commission …
JRA Seeking $61K Delinquent Rent
The Jackson Redevelopment Authority is looking to clear up a $61,253 bill lingering from Watkins and Young PLLC for office space in the renovated Union Station.
City Balances Budget by Refinancing Debt
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced a 2011 fiscal-year budget containing no layoffs, but promising significantly more long-term debt. The $313.6 million budget, which begins in October, is a $10.6 million …
Thanks, Jackson, for Setting Example
Soon, the Jackson City Council Planning Committee is bringing a proposed ordinance before full council to restrict city police from inquiring about citizenship status during interdictions.
[Stiggers] What About the Milk?
Dear Diary: I have a serious concern about how I am serving my community. I am ashamed about how I've enabled my financially challenged customers to consume processed foods from …
Listen Up, Hospitals
Mary Jo went to the hospital recently and received a bill for more than $15,000. She was uninsured and unable to pay more than about $20 per week. It would …
[Hammond] It's a Dry Hate
At the end of July, I traveled to Arizona to join with other members of the Unitarian Universalist faith to protest the enactment of SB 1070, the infamous anti-immigration law, …
Development
JRA May Help Fund Capitol Green
The Jackson Redevelopment Authority voted today to work with a developer to form a funding strategy for an automated parking garage and communal air-conditioning unit for the proposed $1.3 billion …
Cover
JFP 2010 College Football Preview
A college football coach once said that if your team was any good, a coach was going to have to go pick up a player from the local jail every …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Doctor S sez: Slowly but surely, football is taking over the world. Finally.
Bryan's Bold Predicitons
I was on a mission. Locked in a one-window room with no air-conditioning, just a laptop and a notepad, I began to burn up the Internet with my searches, watching …
Key Games
It happens nearly every year for teams in college football. There's one game coaches and fans point back to as the key game of the past year.
[Barstool Bros.] Gridiron Gaffs
Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes the unique challenge that men such as myself face every year—how to talk football when you don't religiously watch the …
Jackson Legislators Push Barbour on Water Bonds
Also see: Jackson Singled Out for Bond ‘Lobbying'
Selective Memory
I did not find out until college that my country interned Japanese Americans in concentration camps after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. Even then, I did not know the …
Do You Know What it Means ...?
That Super Bowl journey with the New Orleans Saints last year was such a roller-coaster ride that I'll admit I've been slow to get back into the football-watching rhythm so …
Council Moves to Reject Profiling
An Aug. 19 Jackson City Council Planning Committee hearing on a new anti-discrimination ordinance created a stark contrast to many anti-immigrant rallies around the country.
City Purchases 311 Software
The Jackson City Council yesterday approved the purchase of two software packages that will allow citizens to make and track complaints and requests related to city services online. The two …
Lucky 13
The Jason Turner Band is practically a Jackson institution after performing for 13 years. Now, the band is preparing for the release of its new CD, appropriately called "13 Years." …
Tripp Segars
Even from an early age, Tripp Segars knew the direction his life would take. When he was 4, he went on a preschool field trip to the "Mr. Knozit Show," …
Hood To Push ‘Spice' Bill
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is asking Gov. Haley Barbour to include a bill banning synthetic marijuana during Friday's special legislative session.
Tuesday, August 24
Towing Companies Protest City Agreement
Three tow truck companies' refusal to remove a city-owned vehicle yesterday is the first casualty in a protest over the Jackson City Council's recently enacted wrecker-rotation policy, which caps the …
[Balko] The Government's License To Steal
In the February issue of "Reason," I wrote a feature story on civil asset forfeiture, the process by which law enforcement groups can seize property, usually in drug cases, sometimes …
John Read
As the publisher and editor of Stay Tooned!, a magazine for cartoonists, John Read has turned his passion for cartoon art into a career.
New South Jackson Grocery Store Opening
The city of Jackson is set to dedicate $50,000 to transforming a former Kroger on Raymond Road into a Vowell's Marketplace. The new grocery store, a franchise of the Mississippi-based …
Mississippi Improves in Child Disaster Response
Mississippi now meets national standards to assist children during unprecedented disasters.
In a
Monday, August 23
Tow Companies Refusing City Business
Three local wrecker-service companies are refusing to tow city owned large commercial vehicles after the city lowered towing fees at an Aug. 10 City Council meeting. Trey Ward, owner of …
City to Vote on Renaming Ordinance; Lynch Street Grant
The Jackson City Council will likely adopt a new ordinance tomorrow that will change requirements for residents to rename city streets and municipal buildings for the third time this year.
Legislature to Tackle Development Project
The Mississippi Legislature will convene Friday for a special session to approve incentives aimed at luring a $500 million economic development project to the state. Gov. Haley Barbour announced the …
‘Daily Beast' Tests (& Passes) Gulf Seafood
The online news outlet Daily Beast (known for its pithy re-writes of top stories and occasional forays into investigation) has done something a bit different over the weekend -- the …
JFP Elephants of the Day: Rosie and Juno
Rosie and Juno, two African elephants that have lived at the Jackson Zoo for more than two decades, will soon find new homes at the Nashville Zoo at the end …
Community Events and Public Meetings
4 p.m., Jackson City Council Work Session at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its work session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.
Feinberg Visits Coast
Washington, D.C., attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who starts his job of overseeing the BP claims process today, is hosting three meetings on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this morning regarding payments for …
Mmmm Turkey
I absolutely believe a person can be bullied by food. Picture it, Jackson, Mississippi. A hot muggy August afternoon in the JFP office and a can of "Mexican Layered Dip" …
Getting It Together
I haven't been as consistent with my Road to Wellness goals as I should have been. Actually, I forget about them quite often. I totally forgot about finding a new …
Sunday, August 22
Me and My Cardio
I like three things about a workout on the elliptical:
I've developed a strong appreciation for the elliptical machine -- I'd never really used one successfully until this Road to Wellness challenge, and now -- unless they're all taken when …
Friday, August 20
City in Crossfire of Sewer Service Contract
The city of Jackson is caught in the middle of two conflicting court orders regarding its controversial sewer services contract. The orders come after an Aug. 12 appeal the city …
Browne Announces Fondren Parade Details
After announcing her decision to split from Mal's St. Paddy's Parade earlier this year, author and Boss Queen Jill Conner Browne said this morning that Fondren is the ideal location …
This Weekend: Music, Sweet Music
Tonight, Jackson Free Press editor-in-chief Donna Ladd performs during the Mississippi Opera's "Dance with the Stars fundraiser" (the event is sold out but you can still donate to the Mississippi …
David Ringer
As a child, if David Ringer wasn't able to identity a bird, he would rush to the many books his mother had about birds and flip through them. As far …
Barbour Reverses on $98M for Schools
After soundly criticizing the federal Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act earlier this month, Gov. Haley Barbour has apparently reversed his decision, telling lawmakers and school officials yesterday that he …
Thursday, August 19
Courts Conflict on City Water Contract
Read Judge Yerger's order (PDF)
State Street Repairs; New Farish Hotel Announced
Two development projects announced today will add to Jackson's renaissance. Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced a $586,000 street paving project on State Street between Woodrow Wilson and Seneca avenues, …
Edwards Denies Influence on Book Purchases
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards spent nearly an hour at a press conference yesterday sharing the story that inspired him to write a book, but skirted around specific questions …
Linda St. Martin
Linda St. Martin got Gov. Haley Barbour's attention Tuesday when she stood up at the inaugural Gulf of Mexico Commission meeting. She soundly criticized the governor for failing to include …
JPD Preparing for Football Season
Read this week's crime report (PDF)
Water Sewer Hikes Likely
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. proposed a budget that that will likely contain water and sewer rate increases. The mayor called the rate hike "modest" and said city residents would …
[Dennis] Not a Guns-and-Gold Republican
Intervention is never easy. It generally implies that the subject of the intervention has an addiction that they themselves have not yet fully perceived to be a problem.
Wednesday, August 18
Wait: I've Heard This Before
Recently, someone sent me a link to a site set up about the old white-supremacist Citizen's Council (citizenscouncil.com)--a supposedly upstanding racist group that famed newspaper editor Hodding Carter Jr. called …
The Art of Engagement
After a day at the pool, Brad Alexander told his girlfriend Ashley Pittman that they had to go pick up a frame from One Blu Wall gallery for his mother. …
Green Couch, No Covers
In an old brick warehouse in downtown Hattiesburg, Paul Burch strums roots music on his guitar. Warm light bounces off hardwood floors and his comfy brown jacket as the song …
[Herman's Picks] Vol 8, No. 49
If you haven't checked out Poet's II, yet, you should.
A Colorful Shower
The bridal shower is a day where a bride has the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with her female friends and family. If you are hosting the event, it …
On a Budget, On the Go
When you're on a budget, taking your lunch to work or school is a great way to save money and eat nutritiously. You can control portions and bring healthy options, …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Doctor S sez: ESPN's talking heads spent all day Monday talking about Dustin Johnson grounding his club at the PGA Championship. That sounds vaguely dirty.
Hot Mamma!
For most moms, it's inevitable. Little Johnny and Janna are born, and any sense of style they had goes out the window. They become consumed with all things baby—food, formula, …
Jackson Singled Out for Bond ‘Lobbying'
The Mississippi Legislature singled out Jackson as the only municipality that needed to submit an application to and lobby the state Bond Commission in order to receive a loan that …
A System that Works
Judge Houston Patton isn't used to competition. Since first winning election as Hinds County Court judge in 1989, Patton has had no opponents for the District 2 seat. But this …
City Fights Wastewater Order
The City of Jackson has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to stay an Aug. 12 court order requiring it to transfer its wastewater treatment contract to a new provider.
Council Guarded on Care Homes
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes was clearly guarded about imposing new regulation for personal-care homes at the Monday Jackson City Council Planning Committee meeting.
State Officials: Respect Jackson
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discovered last month that State Treasurer Tate Reeves wants details of every aspect of a $6 million state loan. Without that information, Reeves said that …
[Stiggers] This Funky Society
Mr. Announcement: "In the ghetto criminal justice system, the people are represented by members of the Ghetto Science Community: police officer and part-time security guard at the Funky Ghetto Mall, …
[Kamikaze] We Are Jackson
It appears my latest JFP blog post stirred up some emotions. It's no secret that crime and the perception of crime are push-button issues for many of us.
Business
What's Stopping Solar?
Will Hegman looks over a warehouse filled with what could potentially be the future of American energy.
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Cover
Choctaw Sun Warriors Look to Australia
The Mississippi Band of Choctaws kicked serious sun-lovin' butt this past month after taking home the overall championship in the 15th Hunt-Winston Solar Car Challenge for high-school teams.
Mayor Addresses City's Budget
verbatim statement
President Bluntson, members of the City Council, employees, citizens of Jackson, and friends; thank you all for being here today as we present the FY 2010-2011 Executive Budget for the …
Bloody Good Time
The fictional world of Sookie Stackhouse is a chaotic, bizarre, and dangerous place filled with vampires, werewolves and fairies. Sookie, the protagonist in the Southern Vampire Series and the Emmy …
Edwards To Address Book Controversy
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards is holding a press conference this afternoon to address controversial book purchases at his former school district. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported that several …
City Eyes Open-Government Technology
Jackson doesn't have a reputation for being a particularly tech-savvy place, but this fall, city government will begin changing that image. City hall is poised to adopt two new technologies …
Theresa Kennedy
"I want to create my life, not just to let it happen," she says. "That's a lot of the reason that I am as involved as I am."
Hood: BP Lags on Claims
BP has not paid 63 percent of claims Mississippians filed for damages from the April 20 Deepwater Horizon disaster, said Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood in a statement yesterday.
Tuesday, August 17
Lesbian Teen Sues School District over Yearbook Photo
The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Mississippi filed a lawsuit against Wesson Attendance Center in Copiah County today demanding compensation for damages and attorneys' fees after the …
Mississippi Attorney Files BP Racketeering Suit
Read the complaint
Restaurant Openings, Sustainable Planning
Chip Matthews, owner of the nightclub Fire, wants to bring spice to downtown every day of the week. Matthews opened Fuego, a Mexican restaurant, in the former sports bar adjoining …
Malvina Hoffman
American sculptor Malvina Hoffman's work and writings live in the Mississippi Museum of Art's archive, but tonight the public has the opportunity to see and learn about her life during …
[Balko] Cops Don't Check Civil Rights at State House Door
The debate over whether citizens should be permitted to record on-duty police officers intensified this summer. High-profile incidents in Maryland, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, and elsewhere spurred coverage of the issue …
A Small Victory Along the Road!
After my last blog and a poor cholesterol report from the doc, the results of my 2nd round of blood work came in letter form to my home address. "Dear …
Monday, August 16
Council Planners Mull Zoning for Care Homes
The Jackson City Council Planning Committee is researching the possibility of imposing new zoning requirements on any new businesses that conform to the state's definition of a "personal care home."
Hinds Signs Old Capitol Green Support Agreement
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors approved a tentative agreement today with the City of Jackson and New York City-based developers Full Spectrum Inc. establishing financial support for infrastructure related …
Carl Gibson
Carl Gibson has only been in Jackson for nine months, but he has already become a fixture of the city's music and arts scenes. The Kentucky native drums and performs …
Week's Events
Monday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., You Have the Mic at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). The open political forum for discussing Jackson's current issues is hosted by Othor Cain …
MDOT's Hall: Higher Gas Tax Needed
Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, a Republican, called for new sources of revenue to finance the state's highways and highway maintenance in an interview with the Better Mississippi Report. The …
McKinnon: GOP Blundering on Immigration
Interesting piece from GOP strategist Mark McKinnon, who takes the GOP to task for suggesting it makes sense to challenge the 14th amendment. Aside from the other arguments discussed here …
Friday, August 13
Moving JPS to Metrocenter a ‘Game Changer'
Jackson developer David Watkins said this morning that other cost savings justify the estimated $1 million annually it would cost Jackson Public Schools to relocate its administrative offices into the …
State Waits for Education Jobs
House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, claims Gov. Haley Barbour reacted before knowing all the details when he criticized a federal bill that will provide the state with $97 million …
Melissa Dearman
Baker Elementary School is getting kids excited to read. The south Jackson elementary school recently won "School of the Year" honors from America Reads Mississippi, a literacy program that brings …
Dog Days of Delight
If you can sneak out of work a little early this afternoon, head over to PrissyKatz Boutique (Swinging Bridge Market, 24 Holiday Rambler Lane, Suite 305 Byram) to have author …
Miller: Too Soon to Declare Gulf Victory
Louie Miller, the state director of the Sierra Club, disagrees with Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Director Bill Walker's assessment that it's time stop Gulf municipalities' clean-up work connected with …
Thursday, August 12
House Panel Considers Animal-Cruelty Law
Also see: Give Me Shelter: Protecting Animals, Prosecuting Abusers
Barbour Contradicts on Coal Plant
Speaking at a biofuels conference this morning, Gov. Haley Barbour re-affirmed his support for construction of a $2.88 billion experimental coal plant in Kemper County while criticizing a federal energy …
Wiseman Predicts Less Republican Unity in 2011
The state's Republican unity may breakdown in 2011, as Gov. Haley Barbour's term comes to an end, predicts Dr. Marty Wiseman the director of the John C. Stennis Institute of …
Paul Tauchar
Jackson metro business owner Paul Tauchar considers social networking the secret of his success--but instead of only using Facebook or Twitter, he prefers actual human contact.
Wednesday, August 11
Ex-Animal Control Officer Pleads Guilty
Former Canton animal control officer Alonzo Esco pleaded guilty today to one count of animal cruelty and one count of illegal dumping in connection with an animal-cruelty case that drew …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Doctor S sez: This week is golf's last major of the year. Then we can go back to ignoring it. Until the Viking Classic, that is.
‘I'm Not Crazy'
Keep up the good work," they'll say. Or, "your folks must be proud." They say this when I show up to interview them or to photograph them. Before even seeing …
Levee Board Hopeful on Lake 255
Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District are hopeful that Mississippi's congressional delegation will strong-arm top officials at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers into reconsidering …
Uniting Medicine and Humanities
John Montgomery and Kendra Schneider spent five weeks this summer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center wearing official hospital name badges. They talked to patients, observed tests and consulted …
Loosening the Beer Bottleneck
Kevin Slark is a beer connoisseur. He can tell the difference between a Belgian Abbey-style Leffe and a German Helle Weissebier. He is also, if not a criminal, someone who …
How to Be the Best
Every Mississippian flinches when we hear yet another statistic or superlative that shows how bad we seem to have it: We're the fattest, poorest, most racist, worst educated or such, …
[Stiggers] School Daze
Big Roscoe: "School days. People go to school in a daze. Good old you has to go back to school for change-your-career days. Reading, writing and arithmetic taught to a …
Message For Our Time
Only the family of God can solve the problem of education in Mississippi. The Bible says that "You should train up a child in the way he should go, and …
[Brantley] My Mississipi [sic] Identity
I arrived in Metz, France, in fall 2007 equipped with new degrees in English literature and French, and enough clothes to survive the reportedly bitter winter. In the middle of …
Cover
Jackson's Spokes Are Turning
Jackson's bike-friendly status could get a boost, with bike advocate organizations, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the city working together to develop multi-use bike …
It's a College Town
Everyone remembers freshman days filled with new faces and being constantly lost. As much as you wanted to call your mom, your pride just wouldn't let you after an entire …
15 under $10
Kate Brantley, Holly Perkins, and Alex Dildy
Are you tired of breaking the bank for lunch when you can't make it home? We've listed a few favorite restaurants around town where you can eat for under $10 …
Doing It for Less
Sometimes living on a college budget in Jackson, with its many great restaurants and bars, can be frustrating. But you can enjoy great food and drink t without breaking the …
Checkin' it Twice
Going to college is a big transition for everyone, and even with your preparation, once you're there, you'll find you've forgotten something from home. This semester, check off all your …
My Perfect Night
When you're just entering the over-21 club scene, Jackson's nightlife can be a little overwhelming. But here is a foolproof Saturday night game plan that will show you a little …
Fun For 21 and Under
Finding fun in and around Jackson can be hard when you are under 21. Here's a list of places to go and things to do that you might not have …
Your Rx Kit
Nothing is worse than being sick, but being sick your first time away from home can be particularly rough. Grab a container with a lid and fill it with these …
Southernisms 101
When JFP managing editor Ronni Mott moved to the south from Washington, D.C., she quickly noticed some of the rules and sounds of the South. Social niceties such as asking …
A Bit of Discord
Belly dancers dancing. An upright base playing. Computer sound effects clanging. A saxophone honking. What do these things have in common? You might experience all of them at once as …
Living Green in Jackson
As manager of Rainbow Green Services in Fondren, Katherine West knows a thing or two about living green. Green Services offers a variety of ways to help you live more …
The Young & the Faithful
As diverse as Jackson is, you can also find a plethora of levels of spirituality. Here are a few of some of the well-known.
Healthy Addiction
I recently volunteered through Operation Shoestring at Brown Elementary School. After a teacher confused me with someone who was supposed to give a talk on alcohol and drugs, she took …
Planting Seeds
The kids squealed and jumped up and down with delight and fear, oblivious to the wet Mississippi heat. The shy kids poked the writhing mass of squirming red wigglers with …
City Lowers Towing Fees
Members of local wrecker-service companies claim that the City Council's Tuesday decision to lower towing fees in Jackson will hurt their business.
Urban Oasis
I never knew that 305 acres of state park with trails and a lake are right in the middle of Jackson. I knew where LeFleur's Bluff was, but I just …
Kenneth Johnson
"I like having everything at my fingertips," Kenneth Johnson says about Jackson.As the director of leasing for the redevelopment of the Jackson Square Outlet Mall, the 26-year-old is dedicated to …
Mississippi Eligible for Education Funds From Feds
Mississippi is eligible for additional education and Medicaid funds after the U.S. House passed a $26 billion state aid bill yesterday.
Tuesday, August 10
City Anti-Immigration Profiling Ordinance Stalls
Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba's proposed anti-immigration profiling ordinance stalled this morning, after Jackson City Council president Frank Bluntson placed the ordinance back into the planning committee for further debate …
City to Consider Commuter Tax
Read the 2008 Census Report on commuter data.
Millsaps Honored, New Businesses Open
The Princeton Review has picked Millsaps College in for its annual guide "The Best 373 Colleges." The list focuses on schools' academic quality and singles out Millsaps for its encouragement …
[Balko] Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse
"Ignorance of the law is no excuse." That's the standard line motorists hear when they say they weren't aware of the speed limit, or gun owners hear when they say …
Samuel Bryant
Samuel Bryant may have left Mississippi for 52 years, but he is hoping his experiences as a community organizer and artist in Portland, Ore., will help his goal of facilitating …
Monday, August 9
Why I Still Drink Coffee
On pain of death (or, rather, pain of dirty looks from Ronni), I'm taking stock of my five wellness goals. I'm falling short on some: my afternoon coffee intake has …
What I Learned From Being Carless
I successfully, but barely, made it a month without having a car in one of the hottest months of the year. Initially, I thought to myself " I don't need …
My newly paved road
I started the journey with high hopes, forgetting one little thing... I have ZERO will power! I haven't been eating the best food these past few weeks. This week I'm …
Built for Comfort
For the last issue of BOOM magazine, one of our photographers sent a photo to a professional retoucher to um, retouch. For those of you who don't know, that's a …
Congressional Delegation Blesses Lake 255
Mississippi's two U.S. senators and Jackson metro members of Congree sent an Aug. 5 letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, urging the Corps to include a small lake …
Allison Goldman
The story of Judy Frieze Wright, a Jewish Freedom Rider who was arrested in Jackson in 1961, inspired Allison Goldman to educate others about the role of Jews during the …
Community Events and Public Meetings
4 p.m, Jackson City Work Session at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its work session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.
Doing Good: Catholic Charities Host Homes
Two years ago, after seeing the need to provide safe places for homeless and runaway youth, Catholic Charities in Jackson began "Host Homes," a program that provides displaced youth with …
JPD Mourns Officer's Death
The Jackson Police Department is mourning the death of officer Glen Agee who suspect LeTwan Smith allegedly shot Friday night.
Friday, August 6
Court Ends Melton Business Battle
The Mississippi Supreme Court closed another distant chapter in the litigious mayoral career of Frank Melton this week, when it affirmed a lower court's decision to dismiss a temporary restraining …
Magnus Eklund
In the early 90s, Magnus Eklund began taking yoga to ease his back pain, but the peace of mind he experienced inspired him to share the practice with others.
Education Advocates Promote Racial Dialogue
At a community forum this morning, Jackson Parents for Public Schools Executive Director Susan Womack said that the community must address race issues to over come challenges facing the majority-black …
Hunting, Salutations and an EP Release Party
This afternoon, sporting types--and those hoping to discover the hunter within--should head to the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza at the Mississippi Trademart (1200 Mississippi St.). The three-day fundraiser for the Mississippi …
Thursday, August 5
Reeves Defends State Bond Allocations
A Jackson legislator said the city got a raw deal out of the State Bond Commission's recent decision to not allocate $6 million in interest-free bonds to repair the city's …
Barbour Repeats Health-Care Scares
Federal health-care reform will burden Mississippi with higher Medicaid costs, Gov. Haley Barbour told business leaders at a summit yesterday. Barbour claimed that the legislation would cost the state $230 …
Melody Moody
Melody Moody's passion to make Mississippi more bike friendly is contagious. As the new executive director of Bike Walk Mississippi, the 29-year-old has big plans for Jackson and the state …
Day after A-Rod's 600th home run, ESPN writers busted for laptops
This morning, in a major sting operation executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement officials arrested several high-profile writers at ESPN.com for their involvement in a massive distribution …
Mississippi Receives Additional Broadband Funds
Read a list of broadband project descriptions
Wednesday, August 4
Searching for the Neshoba Metaphor
I didn't know specifics about it before I went. Much of what I knew, I pieced together here and there from hearing conversations about it.
[Herman's Picks] Vol 8, No. 47
The good-time weekend vibes kick off with the fusion/progressive jazz rock of Amalgamation at Underground 119 this Thursday night, 9 p.m. Free. JFP 2010 Best Of Jackson winner for best …
Better Than Sliced Bread
Summertime is about the only time my husband offers to cook. I don't know what it is about warm weather that brings out his inner hunter/provider, but when he asks …
Tofu If You Do
My first experience with tofu was not altogether pleasant. I decided to tackle tofu with no previous research. I opened the package and set the formed block on the counter. …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Doctor S sez: Ole Miss has strict standards on its football players' off-the-field behavior—unless you're a starting quarterback.
Back-to-school Shopping Guide
Man, did this summer go by fast! It's hard to believe it's time for kids to go back to school already. Check this week's JFP Issuu for a few things …
Doing School
I was never a stellar student. It's not that I'm not bright; I always tested well, 98th and 99th percentile on standardized tests in everything but math. Most of my …
State Officials Target ‘Illegals'
Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant accused immigrants' advocacy agencies of committing felonies at a public forum Monday in Madison.
Cover
Class Field Trip
Let's be honest: One of the best things about going back to school, if you're fortunate, is the new wardrobe that starts off the year. The frilly dresses and trendy …
Change Where It Matters
In an age when television airwaves and opinion pages burst with outraged faces and voices on both sides of the political spectrum, one group of Mississippi youth is conducting public …
Childhood Classics That Changed Us
When I think back to books of my youth, "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary stands out. I could relate to the main character, Leigh Botts, because at times I …
Fact-Checking the Speeches
The political speeches at the Neshoba County Fair are a time when politicians and candidates get on the stump to tout their achievements, take a few jabs at their opponents …
Stop the Immigrant Bashing
A disturbing meeting took place at the Madison County Cultural Center Monday night. It was a tea-party-organized forum to call for the state of Mississippi to adopt an anti-"illegals" law …
[Stiggers] Weary Minds and Souls
Judy McBride: "Before I close my monthly Ghetto Group Psychological Therapy and Venting Session, I want to say that I'm very happy to see those individuals who returned from last …
[Kamikaze] Regular Folks and Common Sense
Recently, President Barack Obama appeared on an episode of ABC's "The View." I don't consider myself a fan of the show. Although it doesn't necessarily speak to my demographic, no …
[Owens-Wilson] How To Come Back From the Dead
The name of the game is change. People try to do it every new year, Obama opened the nation's eyes with its promise, and now, as an incoming college freshman, …
[Rutland] How to Know If You're Alive
Some people need it spelled out for them, you know?
From France to Utica
Cornfields and pecan trees rushed by as I drove down Highway 18 to tour the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in Utica. After making a couple of left turns …
The Best Medicine
Charles Jackson, CEO of New Orleans-based comedy booking agency Jack's Entertainment Group, says stand-up comedy is "the hardest craft in the entertainment business because you have no back-up when you …
‘We Were Brothers'
In the opening paragraphs of Matthew Aaron Goodman's debut novel "Hold Love Strong" (Simon and Schuster, 2010, $24.99), Abraham, the novel's protagonist, tells the story of his birth. His mother, …
State Slow to Spend STEPS Hiring Funds
Philadelphia, Miss., business owner William Hegman says the Workforce Investment Network of Mississippi is not properly monitoring its spending of $52 million in federal job placement money.
Dionne Woody
Dionne Woody's office is filled with red: Red coffee mugs, red delicious apples inscribed with "No. 1 Teacher," and red elephants, symbols for Woody's college sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, splay …
Improving the System
Trent Walker has worked most angles of Hinds County's judicial system. The candidate for county court judge has served as a special appointee to Hinds County Circuit Court, an assistant …
Obesity Rates Continue To Rise
Nine states, including Mississippi, now have an obesity rate of 30 percent or more, according to a Centers For Disease Control report released yesterday.
Tuesday, August 3
Tea Party Says AG Soft on ‘Illegals'
At an immigration forum in Madison last night, state Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, attacked Attorney General Jim Hood for what she considers his unwillingness to enforce new state legislation that …
Business Training, Health Care and Fine Art
Current and aspiring business owners have a number of training opportunities in the next week. On Thursday, Aug. 5, the Small Business Development Center at Jackson State University hosts a …
Alex Thomas
Alex Thomas is proud of Mississippi's musical heritage. As the Mississippi Development Authority's music program development manager, he gets to celebrate the state's history by developing the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Favre Retires, Saints Prospects for Winning First Game of Year Improve
Looks like this is just now coming across the wires, with AP reporting Favre's apparent retirement:
Tonight is National Night Out
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. will join the community for tonight's National Night Out, an annual event designed to heighten drug- and crime-prevention awareness and strengthen communities.
Monday, August 2
Lawmakers to Mirror Arizona Immigration Law
See also: Immigration: Myth v. Reality
Slow Progress on Hinds Emergency Sirens
Read the county's siren report
Lorenda Cheeks
Lorenda Cheeks' work to improve educational opportunities for Jackson Public Schools students is receiving national attention.
Community Events and Public Meetings
6 p.m., We Are Africa 2010 Road Tour at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). African Ancestry will do a special seminar on tracing your roots with a DNA test. …
Reagan's Budget Chief Takes GOP To the Woodshed
What are the four "deformations" of the modern day GOP that helped send the economy in the crapper? David Stockman, head of OMB under Reagan, is unhappy with the debt …
Gulf Crews Prepare to Permanently Seal Well
BP Engineers are preparing to perform a "static kill" operation to permanently seal the blown-out Deepwater Horizon well, The Sun Herald reported today.
