Sunday, January 31
Sundance 2010 Award Ceremonies
I sat in the front row, up close and personal, for the closing night award ceremonies. I reveled in the space created by the amazing force of Sundance volunteers. Only …
Friday, January 29
Sundance: Best in Short Filmmaking
Short films invite limitless opportunities for creative exploration, and these films offer some of the best entertainment at the Sundance Film Festival. In this fiercely competitive category, a winning film …
PSC Asked to Remove Attorney in Kemper County Coal Plant Case
The Mississippi Chapter of the Sierra Club filed a motion Friday (PDF, 70k) to remove a Mississippi Public Service Commission attorney connected with the second-phase hearing on the workability of …
Jackson State President: HBCUs' Future At Risk
Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. predicted hard times for Mississippi's historically black universities if the schools don't work together. "When you confront the kind of problems that we're …
Budget Woes Overshadow City's Needs at Low-Turnout Confab
State budget woes cast a pall over the Jackson Convention Center yesterday, when city leaders solicited the support of state lawmakers over lunch. Hosted by the city's state legislative delegation …
House Bill Restricts Sales of Meth Ingredient
Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, used the memory of his brother, who died from a meth overdose, to beg the Mississippi House of Representatives to pass a bill that will require …
It's the Weekend
The time has finally come for the best party of the year featuring great local food, music and people. The JPF's 2010 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday at 8 …
Amy Czajkowski
Amy Czajkowski's experiences as a facilitator in peacebuilding goes beyond countries devastated by war. As the program director of Coming To the Table, Czajkowski, 34, is bringing her skills to …
Monday: School District Merger Meeting
Monday, Feb. 1, the Commission on Education Structure will hold its second meeting to discuss how best to achieve school district consolidation in Mississippi. The meeting is scheduled for Room …
Where's YOUR Confidence?
A Response to Luke Parrish's Blog on Understanding Self-Worth, Confidence, and "Believing in Yourself"
Thursday, January 28
Money and Marriage
The biggest fight in the Mississippi Legislature still centered on money in week 3 of the 2010 session. The House refused to consider a Senate bill giving Gov. Haley Barbour …
Fewer Profs, High Tuition
If current state budget cuts stand, Mississippi's eight public universities will have to shed 1,000 jobs and raise tuition over the next two years.
New Farish Businesses Open by September
The first block of Jackson's Farish Street Entertainment District will be ready for new occupants by September of this year, Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin announced Tuesday. Franklin, a local musician and …
Politics Not as Usual
As my second pro-Jackson piece was published this week in the JFP, more of my "friends" called me out for not staying true to who I am. Huh? I believe …
Charter Schools Advance In Mississippi Senate
The Senate Education Committee just approved a bill that would allow privately operated charter schools to open in Mississippi starting in 2011. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Michael Watson, …
Dribble Drive Motion
Starting this Thursday, Ole Miss begins a 12-game run that will determine its seeding in the SEC Tournament. After playing Auburn and Arkansas, a highly anticipated matchup against John Calipari's …
[Kamikaze] Here's to the Big Dogs
The water crisis of last week is behind us, but the effects may remain for years to come. It proved to be a pivotal moment in this city's Renaissance. We …
[Stiggers] Do the Hustle
Brotha Hustle: "At this time of the year, the only thing on poor people's mind is 'Tax Refund.' So, they grab their W2 statements and run to one of those …
A ‘Local' Business Plan
The annual Best of Jackson reader's choice awards began in the very first issue of the Jackson Free Press.
[Moore] A Love Story
We first met when I was only 3 years young. I had no idea of her deep yearning to simply be loved. Nor did I know the love I would …
Obama's Jobs Focus Meets Resistance
President Barack Obama pushed for more job creation during his State of the Union address last night. Facing the loss of two governor's races and the Massachusetts Senate seat formally …
JPD Battles Church Burglaries
Major crimes in Jackson dropped a whopping 9 percent last week, but Jackson Police officers are concerned about a rash of burglaries at churches across the city. Since mid-December, the …
Israel Martinez
Israel Martinez, 24, wants to make a difference in his community. Martinez, owner of Oasis Spanish Learning Center in Ridgeland, believes that a Latin American Chamber of Commerce will help …
[Slate] The Best In Sports in 7 Days
Men's college basketball, Arkansas at Mississippi State (8 p.m., Starkville, ESPN or ESPN2, 105.9) and Ole Miss at Auburn (8 p.m., Auburn, Ala., ESPNU, 97.3 FM): What idiot came up …
Mississippi Unemployment Tops Double Digits
The average unemployment rate for the Magnolia state was 10.3 percent in December, slightly higher than the national average of 9.7 percent. For Mississippi, that percentage translates into 133,700 individuals …
Sundance: There Is Always A Mississippi Connection!
You know how this goes. Mark talks to our friend Diana Shows about going to Sundance and Diana mentions that her niece Elizabeth Mims has a short film in the …
Sundance January 27 - Liftoff
An uber early flight, a last minute gate switcheroo, and a quick transfer between the second and third plane commenced my journey to Sundance 2010. A few years ago, back …
Wednesday, January 27
Super Bowl Update No. 1: Saints Plan To Pound Peyton
Saints defenders aim to bring the pain against the Colts.
Politics
Transcript of President Obama's State of the Union Address
This is the text released to media just before the speech began. Verbatim:
2010
<b>The Royal Treatment<b/>
What better way to honor our local businesses, nonprofits and personalities than with a huge Best of Jackson awards issue every January?
2010: Beyond Jackson
<b>Best Casino for Gaming and Best Casino for Restaurants</b>
The chiming of slot machines welcomed me with their happy mantra: "Win money. Win money." No, I wasn't in Las Vegas, but at the Ameri star Casino Hotel in Vicksburg. …
2010; Community
<b>Best Local Visionary</b>
Visionaries are dreamers, but when a dreamer actually makes his dreams reality, watch out. We are beyond lucky to have that kind of a leader in our midst: developer David …
2010: Urban Living
<b>Best Locally Owned Business</b>
Jeff Good and his business partner, Dan Blumenthal, know the secret to success in the restaurant business, and it's not rocket science: Provide top-notch service and delicious quality food every …
Best of Jackson 2010: Food & Drink
<b>Best Restaurant and Best Place to Impress a Date:</b>
If this were a question on the SAT, it might read: "Andre Previn is to the orchestra pit as Derek Emerson is to the (a) kitchen, (b) dining room, (c) …
2010; Nightlife
6111 Ridgewood Road, 601-978-3502
Best Beer Selection (draft), Best Beer Selection (bottled) and Best College Hangout:
JSU Advocates React to ‘Jacobs State' Merger
Ivory Phillips, former dean of Jackson State University's College of Education, said he suspected Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr.'s proposal to merge three majority-black state universities into Jacobs …
Dim Prospects for House Plan to Restore Cuts
The Mississippi House of Representatives approved a plan yesterday to restore recent state budget cuts, but the proposal is unlikely to gain much traction in the state Senate or the …
Richard Stowe
Richard Stowe, 43, might have his own office but is rarely found there-he'd rather be working with his hands: constructing buildings, restoring old cars, painting landscapes and creating monotype prints.
A Federal Grant to Save Education?
In a year when Mississippi's K-12 educational system faces potentially crippling budget cuts, a federal grant program promising up to $175 million has offered a bit of hope to state …
Filmmaker Behind ACORN Scandal Arrested
The FBI in New Orleans has arrested James O'Keefe, 25, the amateur filmmaker whose film is the basis of the scandal that decimated ACORN last year. O'Keefe and three others …
[Ladd] The Prosperity of Living
Here in Jackson something really special is happening. People are joining hands to face down the naysayers and forge a new future for our city. We're putting our pennies together …
Tuesday, January 26
JFP Knows How to Party
On the shelf in my closet, between my Nine West velvet, lace-up wedges and my favorite pin-up style, Mary Jane stilletos, is an empty space. This is where an undiscovered …
A Few Jackson Warm and Fuzzies
As the celebratory edition of the Best of Jackson sits on the press as I type, the anticipation of its distribution is at its climax. I must admit this will …
House May Tap $100 Million of Reserve Fund
The Mississippi House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a plan to use $100 million in reserve funds this year to shore up agency budgets that were slashed …
Matt Casteel
Matt Casteel may claim Mississippi as home, but it's his travel experiences to countries like China and Mexico that motivate him to feed those in need.
Monday, January 25
Horse Trailer: Heavenly Phenomenon - Live @ Sneaky Beans
Musicians are a bit like objects in space. Give them a particular orbit with which to hang around, and eventually they bounce off of each other. Sometimes, these cosmic particles …
Board Approves University Tuition Hikes
The state College Board approved tuition increases for Mississippi's eight public universities at a meeting this morning. The increases, which will take place over two years, are necessary to offset …
Immigrant Group Wants Racial-Profiling Ordinance
Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance legal counsel Patricia Ice will appear before the Jackson City Council Tuesday at 6 p.m., to call for an anti-racial and immigrant-profiling ordinance.
Larry McAdoo
Teaching adolescents to make good choices is what Larry McAdoo says he does best. McAdoo, 58, has been working since 2004 with Redemption Outreach Ministries International, Inc. a non-profit organization …
Public Meetings and Community Events
The World Through Lou's Lens at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). An exhibit showcasing 80 years of Lou Shornick's photography along with pieces donated by various local …
Stokes to Propose Pay Raises
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes will propose $2-per-hour pay raises for employees of the city's Public Works Department reports WAPT. Stokes is aiming the raises at those who have worked …
Sunday, January 24
Hell Freezes Over: Saints Going To Super Bowl
The New Orleans Saints defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 31-28 in overtime, to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in team history. They will play the Indianapolis Colts …
Open Thread: Saints or Favre in the NFC Championships?
Over here at the Jackson Free Press, it's Saints all the way! Tell us your thoughts; we won't hold them against you. Maybe.
Friday, January 22
This is why I'm still here at 8 p.m. Friday night
And I'm not the only one. Ronni is here, Ward is here; Lacey and Adam just left. We are in the middle of our huge annual issue to celebrate all …
Superintendent Responds to Education Cuts
(verbatim statement) State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Burnham regarding the additional cuts to the K-12 education budget by Governor Haley Barbour:
Convention Center a Boon for Jackson
Nearly a year after opening, the Jackson Convention Complex has brought in more than $21 million and stimulated the city's economy by providing jobs and tax revenue, according to a …
Barbour Vows More Cuts, Private Prisons
Unhappy that the Mississippi House of Representatives turned back his move for more budget power, Gov. Haley Barbour today promised to slash most of the state budgets more than 8 …
Weekend Happenings
Tonight head on out to the Trunk Show at Dream Beads at 5 p.m. Then you can catch some blues with King Edward at Underground 119 at 9 p.m. If …
Rep. Adrienne Wooten
Rep. Adrienne Wooten, D-Jackson, is a woman of convictions, and she has no problem letting those convictions loose on the House floor. Wooten, 35, prevented the passage of a House …
Jackson Water Update
Parts of the city of Jackson served by its well-water system continue to be subject to a boil-water notice, according to a release issued this morning. Pressure has now risen …
Thursday, January 21
Reservoir District Bill Back Door to Flood Control?
Control of the Ross Barnett Reservoir is at stake in a bill proposed this week by Sen. Lee Yancey, R-Brandon, that is raising questions over what it really aims to …
Bounds Predicts Job Losses, Tuition Hikes
State higher education commissioner Hank Bounds said today that Mississippi's public university system will likely shed 1,000 jobs over the next two years due to budget cuts. Speaking today to …
Compromise Sex-Ed Bill Moves Ahead
School districts would have to choose between implementing an abstinence-only or an abstinence-plus sex education curriculum by June 2011 under a bill the House Education Committee passed Wednesday.
Phil Reed
Phil Reed, 60, has spent the last 27 years helping people, and in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the Haiti last week, he is spearheading local …
Former Melton Bodyguards to Pay $20K Restitution
by Ward Schaefer January 21, 2010 Michael Recio and Marcus Wright, the former police bodyguards for the late Mayor Frank Melton, must pay $10,000 each in restitution for their roles …
Eric Stringfellow
As a journalism professor, Eric Stringfellow, 49, is never far away from a newspaper. As he works on his computer, a stack of papers accompanies him.
Wednesday, January 20
[Stauffer] Facts, Damn Facts and Opinions
The Jackson Free Press publisher explains why the newspaper does not support Two Lakes or the 1996 Levee Plan. Instead, we need to put politics aside and seek a basin-wide …
Bowl of Red
When the weatherman started talking about snow in Jackson, my wife got busy gathering up blankets and throws. Nine-year-old Zak sat by the window keeping a keen eye on the …
[Pass the Mic] Plus the Kitchen Sink
If I didn't know better, I would swear there is a secret highway that leads directly from Jackson to Portland, Ore. In the last couple of years, several Jacksonians have …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 8, no. 19
The 20-year freeze has thawed, and it's time to warm up with good drinks and live music. Nothing eases the stir-crazy-winter blues like a live juke session. Whether you're looking …
Where's the Money
The state Legislature is still rumbling over money issues and executive power this week. The Senate passed Senate Bill 2495 last Wednesday, a bill that would grant Gov. Haley Barbour …
Flaggs Backs Down on Mergers
Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, has changed his tune somewhat regarding Gov. Haley Barbour's budget recommendation for merging Mississippi's historically black colleges and universities.
Sundance Bound
Every year I gripe about the cold that chills my entire being when I'm in Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival. Despite the snow drifts and the messy …
[Letter to the Editor] Cedar Point Dumping, Revisited
I took offense to a statement in your Most Intriguing Jacksonians 2009 article from your Dec. 31, 2009, issue. You stated that John McGowan relished taking on "environmentalists in lawsuits …
[Stiggers] It ‘BE' That Way
Big Willie 'Shakespeare' McBride: "Welcome to Hair Did University's Language Arts and Across Cultures Series, a subsidiary of the James Brown Say it Loud Ebonics Speech Academy.
Cover
All About Water
The capital city is all abuzz about water, and so are we. This issue, Ward Schaefer writes about the broken water mains in "Singing the Broken-Pipe Blues": why they broke, …
Cover
The Lakes Plan That Won't Recede
Although both the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the local Levee Board have rejected the Two Lakes development/flood-control plan, its supporters are vowing not to give up.
Cover
Singing the Broken Pipe Blues
When the water in their sinks and showers slowed to a drip last week, many Jacksonians found their thoughts turning subterranean. Following five days of freezing temperatures, water mains across …
Scaring the Scared
One way politicians get their constituents to vote against their best interests is to play into already existing fears. It's a time-honored, if not somewhat dishonest way of keeping people …
Levee De-certification Not a Corps Decision
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Kavanaugh Breazeale said yesterday that the Corps will not make the decision to either certify or de-certify local levees that protect the city of …
[Hutchinson] Where Was the World When Haiti Really Needed It?
The heartbreaking and pathetic scene that I and a group of American visitors witnessed at the small beach town in Northern Haiti still haunts me. We had no sooner arrived …
Barbour Disavows House Effort to Limit His Power
Gov. Haley Barbour is speaking out against a bill the Mississippi House of Representatives passed yesterday, which exempts budgets of certain state agencies from reduction when state revenues fall below …
Eric Stringfellow
As a journalism professor, Eric Stringfellow, 49, is never far away from a newspaper. As he works on his computer, a stack of papers accompanies him.
Single-Minded Purpose
In March 1944, Hannah Senesh, a young Jew from Budapest who had immigrated to Palestine five years earlier, parachuted into Yugoslavia in an effort to make contact with Hungarian Jews, …
Ballet Competition Names Mitchell
The USA International Ballet Competition has named Arthur Mitchell as the honorary chairman of the 2010 Jackson competition scheduled for June 12 through June 27, 2010. Mitchell is the founding …
Tuesday, January 19
Deuce Announces His Retirement
After joining the Saints briefly in a "ceremonial" role for last Saturday's playoff game, Deuce McAllister has announced that he's retiring from football.
Undisclosed Funders Pay for Consolidation Study
Gov. Haley Barbour's Commission on Education Structure will use funds from an undisclosed private source to pay for a study of school consolidation. At its first meeting yesterday, the Commission …
Bad News and Hard Cuts Embody State of State
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour's 2010 State of the State address on Monday fell short on good news. The state is facing a revenue shortfall of more than $350 million, and …
Thelman Boyd
Public Works Director Thelman Boyd has been in the infrastructure business a long, long time. Boyd came on as interim Public Works director and then official Public Works director under …
20th Century Boy - A Skin-Deep Appreciation of Glam Rock
You would never know it to look at me, but I love glam rock so much it hurts. Aesthetically, I'm pretty devoid of pigments, opting to wear black 9 times …
[Balko] That Other War
Drug War deaths show that the Verndun mentality continues to thrive in America's effort to protect its citizens from themselves. Law enforcement officials shrug off the deaths of innocents and …
Pickering in Court Today
Former U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering will appear in Madison Municipal Court this afternoon at 1 p.m., along with youth soccer coach Christopher Hester. Pickering and Hester filed simple assault complaints …
Immigration Reform for Dummies
If passed in its present form, Mississippi SB 2032--charitably titled the "Immigration Reform Act of 2010"--would: Force undocumented immigrants to remain in Mississippi for up to 10 years against their …
Monday, January 18
Franks Responds to Barbour's State of the State
[verbatim] Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Franks today released the following response to Gov. Barbour¹s State of the State address:
Donate Shoes and Help Haiti
Read the press release below.
(http://www.giveshoes.org) and Shoe Carnival have joined forces to provide shoes
Barbour Delivers State of the State Address
(verbatim statement) Mr. Speaker, Governor Bryant, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests and fellow Mississippians:
Protesters: HBCU Merger Cannot Happen
Alumni, students, and advocates for historically black colleges and universities marched to the state Capitol from the Mississippi State Fairgrounds today to recognize the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King …
Ex-Hinds Official Defends Radio Purchase
Larry Fisher, former emergency operations director for Hinds County, defended the city of Clinton's purchase of 19 emergency radios today, challenging the claim by Board of Supervisors President Robert Graham …
Public Meetings and Community Events
Hinds Community College Extended Registration, at all campuses. The Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center on Sunset Drive and the Nursing/Allied Health Center on Chadwick Drive will have registration through Wednesday, Jan. 20. …
State of the State Tonight
Gov. Haley Barbour will deliver the twice-delayed Mississippi State-of-the-State speech tonight at 6 p.m. The speech, postponed because of water issues in Jackson, will air live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting …
Owen Brooks
Few people can honestly say that they have helped to affect a culture like Owen Brooks has. Brooks, 81, born in New York but raised in Boston, participated in the …
Sunday, January 17
Is it OK to still love Favre this week without fear of dismemberment?
In short, he was my favorite player EV-AR.
Beyond the years when I actually possessed some amount of athletic ability, I've not been that much of a sporto. Unless your sport is going to a sports bar. But …
Open Thread: It's New Orleans Saints v. Minnesota Vikings
With the weekend behind us, the championship picture is clear in both the AFC and NFC.
In the NFC, the second-seed Minnesota Vikings -- having heartily knocked the Dallas Cowboys out of their collective saddles to end the Boys' late-season win streak -- are headed to …
BREAKING: Boilwater Notice Lifted for Most of Jackson
[Verbatim from city] BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED FOR SURFACE WATER SYSTEM
Mayor Johnson announced during a press conference today that the Health Department reported that water samples taken from the city's surface water system were all clear. The boil water notice …
Saturday, January 16
New Year - New You..er, New Me!
G'mornin...technically, I suppose mid-morning or noon. But whatev.
Tons o' folks tracked my crazy progress and boot camp from back in the summer. I tweeted. I FB'd. I even updated MySpace(aww, don't despair little buddy...people still go to …
Friday, January 15
The Sound of History Dying
Goodman County - Self Titled - A Review and Farewell
Southern cities have their own brand of soggy desperation. Particularly the small ones. There is a hunger for something more than the immediate surroundings provide, and those with an inclination …
Taylor Hildebrand - Naked and beautiful
A review of Taylor's recent solo performance at Hal & Mal's By Chris Nolen
Barbour Expands State of Emergency to 10 Counties
[verbatim statement] Governor Haley Barbour today expanded the State of Emergency include Carroll, Claiborne, Hinds, Lauderdale, Panola, Quitman, Tippah, Tunica, Warren and Wayne counties. The recent winter weather system has …
Commissioner Says PSC ‘Stonewalled'
UPDATED January 15, 2010
The Mississippi Public Service Commission certified an annual audit of state power suppliers for the Legislature, but with reservations. Commissioners Leonard Bentz and Lynn Posey voted to approve the audita …
Hinds Supervisors Feud Over Radios
Tempers flared at a Hinds County Board of Supervisors work session yesterday, as supervisors debated the activation of 19 radios purchased by the city of Clinton for emergency personnel. The …
Sports
Saints: Deuce. Is. Back.
Maybe it won't matter. It may be tough for him to be a factor as a player, particularly with so little practice time with the team this late in the …
Grady Griffin
Grady Griffin has his work cut out for him. As director of education and training for the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, Griffin, 39, is the man in charge of …
Weekend Events
The water's back on and there's no freezing in the forecast. It's time to get out of the house and enjoy the weekend! Be sure to patronize the local Jackson …
Currier Named Top Health Officer
The state Board of Health named Dr. Mary Currier as Mississippi's state health officer on Wednesday. Currier has been fulfilling the role for the Department of Health since her predecessor, …
Who's Open for Business (or Closed) in Jackson?
This is an open thread for postings about who is open for business and who is closed in Jackson. Feel free to give us updates as things change. Good luck …
Thursday, January 14
Mayor: Most Residents Have Water
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. reported at a late-afternoon press conference that the city's water supply is now up to a sufficient level to supply every resident with water.
MEMA Reports 12-Hour Shifts; Tankers of Water from Coast
The following is a list of actions being made by state and voluntary agencies:
[Verbatim statement] PEARL –The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency continues to help cities and counties with the ongoing water emergency. The State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl is under partial activation, …
Projacks: THIS should make you mad!
Received this as via email today. Forwarded to me by some other outraged Jacksonians. Seems our Metro "friends" *sarcasm off* are using our crisis as a a means to drum …
Stringer Says Toyota is ‘New Beef Plant'
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose, compared the state's potential loss in the delayed Toyota plant, near Tupelo, to the failed Mississippi Beef Processors LLC plant, today.
‘Encouraging News' on Water, But More Breaks Likely
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said today that the city has made significant headway in returning water service to the city, but he warned that more breaks will appear as …
Senate Grants Barbour More Budget Power
The Mississippi Senate passed a bill yesterday that would give Gov. Haley Barbour greater leeway in cutting state agencies to balance the state's budget. The bill, Senate Bill 2495, would …
Dylan Montgomery
Today, Terry High School junior Dylan Montgomery's biggest wish will come true, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation of Mississippi and the Hinds County School district.
How to Help Haiti; List of Supplies Needed; Where to Donate
Please support the people of Haiti through your generous medical supply donations. It is with great sadness and responsibility that we reach out to you. As you may well know …
Two Lakes Letter About JFP ... in the Northside Sun
John McGowan's company is definitely obsessed with the JFP's comprehensive coverage of their conceptso much so that they sent a letter to the Northside Sun about it that appeared today. …
Local Restaurant Openings - New Updates
The Wizard of Oz will take place tonight and tomorrow at Thalia Mara Hall. For those of you wondering where to have lunch today (or dinner tonight before the show), …
Here's Why I Adore Jeff Good
Jeff's e-mail, verbatim:
The water problem this week has created inconveniences, both minor and major for many residents and businesses, but this e-mail from Jeff Good this morning put it all in perspective …
Barbour Again Reschedules Speech
Gov. Haley Barbour has rescheduled the annual state-of-the-state speech, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 12, for Monday, Jan. 18. The governor postponed the speech last Monday for tonight due to …
Wednesday, January 13
200,000 Jacksonians Without Water; MEMA Opens Emergency Center
Water Crisis Hotline: 601.960.1111
What businesses are open, closed? Post yours.
Cover
The Hitched Issue
Getting married in 2010? Or, are you just a wedding groupie? Either way, enjoy the JFP's annual Hitched issue: featuring three weddings and lots of fun tips. Oh, and some …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Men's college basketball, Arkansas at Mississippi State (6 p.m., Starkville, ESPN, 105.9 FM): The Dogs face the Hogs in MSU's SEC home opener.
Why Chess Still Matters
Chess has an unusual place in the American sports imagination. It's a reliable sports cliché spouted by almost every commentator: Don't you know that every game of baseball, basketball, and …
Demetria Robinson and Christopher Thomas
"Someday, Demetria, you and Chris will be married." Virginia Williams spoke these prophetic words to her granddaughter, Demetria Robinson, in the fall of 2004. Demetria, however, snickered at the comment …
Katie Shelt and Mason Stewart
Katie Shelt knew she was going to marry Mason Stewart after he told her he identified with Faramir, a charcter from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogyamong her …
For the Love of Tea
I am a lifelong tea lover. My love affair with tea started when I was a child with sweet sun tea, and as an adult I love the way a …
Something Green
If you're serious about reducing your carbon footprint, your wedding is one of the best ways you can practice environment friendly and sustainable living while making a statement to family …
Old, Borrowed, New and Blue ...
The traditional saying is:
In honor of this Hitched issue, we polled some folks to get their suggestions for the modern-day bride on something old, borrowed, new and blue.
Water Crisis Forces Closures, Cooperation
A water emergency gripped Jackson this week, as more than 100 water-main breaks left many parts of Jackson with low or nonexistent water pressure. The crisis forced the closure of …
[McLaughlin] A Woman's Role
Over the weekend, I ended up at the last place I would have thought I'd spend a Sunday afternoon: the Premier Bridal Show at Jackson Convention Center. I filled in …
Wouldn't It Be Nice?
Winter was at its nastiest since 1989 this past week in Jackson, according to Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. The freezing cold attacked water pipes, causing more than 100 water …
[Stiggers] Bombs for the Poor
Inspector "Beat Down" Lipscomb: "Welcome to the Ghetto Science Team Counter Terrorism conference. Terrorism has become a reality around the world.
[Kamikaze] Crap In a Pretty Box
They are all exactly the same.
[Public Eye] Sunshine in the 2010 Forecast?
Although we're still mired in winter, the new year has brought a couple rays of sunshine: some promising developments in government transparency.
Entergy Misses Audit Deadline
Mississippi Public Service Commissioners predicted last week that they may have difficulty approving an audit of Entergy's fuel purchases prices.
Rachel Hicks
Rachel Hicks will not be ignored. The Belhaven resident is co-founder and executive director of Mississippi First, a fledgling non-profit organization focused on education policy that will move the state …
Build a Cozy Nest
In their new book, "The Comfortable Home: How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less" (Clarkson Potter, 2009, $35), co-authors Bob Williams and Mitchell Gold, business partners …
Bills That Ain't About Money
All eyes at the state Legislature are on how politicians will handle the state's nearly $400 million revenue deficit, but other bills outside of money issues are creeping their way …
[Rob In Stereo] Music Worth Hearing
Band reunions are invariably letdowns. They are greeted with massive amounts of hype, only to result in tepid records. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones is flying counter to this.
To Thine Own Self Be TrueTranscending Your ‘Types'
Let me guess. You're the shy, silent typea wallflower standing at the edge of the party, happier to observe than participate. You're a worrier, too, aren't you?
Tea Time
It may be surprising to learn that one of the more widely consumed beverages on the planetsecond only to watercame about by accident. According to legend, as Chinese Emperor Shen …
Jackson Water Crisis: Day 3
Gov. Haley Barbour extended the state of emergency for Jackson in the wake of more than 100 water-main breaks in the city, spilling roughly 22 million gallons of water. Parts …
The Groom's Turn
The Groom's Turn
Recently my friend Tonnell Holloway announced he was getting married to his long-time companion in May. When we discussed his groomsmen plans for his wedding, he said that other than …
Anna Kline and Walter Biggins
A love of art and culture brought book editor Walter Biggins and singer-songwriter Anna Kline together. In 2008 Anna was working as the coordinator for the Crossroads Film Festival when …
Honeymoons, Mississippi Style
After the blissful chaos of a big wedding, why travel far and away for your honeymoon? Consider exploring the state of Mississippi and staying in a cozy bed and breakfast.
Vows for the Modern (Wo)Man
"To have and to hold for richer, for poorer to love and to cherish "
Tuesday, January 12
Council Mulling Budget Consultant
The Jackson City Council is looking into the idea of hiring a year-round budget inspector to act as a liaison between the city council and the administrative branch.
Businesses, Hospitals, Schools Feel Pinch in Water Crisis
Due to more than 100 water-main breaks, parts of Jackson continued to suffer from low or nonexistent water pressure today, forcing area businesses to close or otherwise adapt.
[Balko] ‘Sugar Daddy' Shakedown
In May the FBI arrested cardiologist Roger Weiner at a Mississippi gas station for violating the Mann Act, a century-old law prohibiting the transport of women across state lines for …
Beth Smith
Beth Smith will puncture holes in any preconceived notion you might have about women who serve in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Pretty, petite, bursting with energy, a non-stop smile …
Water Emergency Closings
Numerous schools and businesses will close early or remain closed throughout the day due to water main breaks around the city of Jackson. Call ahead to find out whether your …
Monday, January 11
Water Emergency in Jackson
Gov. Haley Barbour declared a state of emergency for the city of Jackson today due to water main breaks that have disrupted water service across the city. Speaking at a …
The Game Has Changed
Good evening, frisky amigos.
You think life is a freeze in Jackson? Trudge 2 hours north to Oxford. It's so cold here- the students can't even open their mouths to sing, "The South Will …
Board Asking for Federal Money for Levees
The Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board approved discussions with Mississippi's U.S. delegation, including Sen. Thad Cochran and Rep. Bennie Thompson over how to draw down a …
Gloria Williamson
A former Democratic state senator from Philadelphia, Miss., Gloria Williamson has devoted countless hours over the last 10 years to improving the status of women in Mississippi.
Public Meetings and Community Events
Hinds Community College Registration, at all campuses. Extended hours: 8:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 11, but students can still register …
Legislature Slows Its Roll
The Mississippi Legislature got off to a productive start last week, with the passage of an economic incentive package and an extension of workforce training funds, two measures that Gov. …
Barbour to Deliver State of the State
Gov. Haley Barbour will deliver the annual Mississippi State-of-the-State speech tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. from the state capitol. The speech will be broadcast live by Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
Friday, January 8
A Step Toward Bike Safety
For the past 15 years, Mississippi has averaged about six cyclist deaths per year, which makes it difficult to understand why last session, the state Senate did not receive enough …
City Issues Boil Water Notice
[Verbatim from the City of Jackson] The City of Jackson Water/Sewer Utilities Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory until further notice for all customers on the City's well …
State Workers Forced to Furlough?
Mississippi Sen. Alice Harden, D-Jackson, said she will submit a bill this legislative session forcing all state employees not directly connected to essential services, like hospital care, to accept a …
Bounds: Universities Will Have To Cut Programs
State Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds told legislators Tuesday that funding cuts will force Mississippi's eight public universities to eliminate programs and consider raising tuition. Speaking to the House Universities …
Weekend Happenings
For intrepid souls, this weekend's big thing is the third annual Mississippi Blues Marathon, kicking off at 7 a.m. Saturday at Capitol and State streets. Come out and show your …
Commission Denies Allstate 65 Percent Hike
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney sent a letter yesterday denying a request from Allstate Property and Insurance Co. to more than double rates for 51,000 residents state-wide, reports the Associated …
Thursday, January 7
Net-Metering Advocates Push for Support
Advocates for net metering pressed legislators this morning to submit and pass laws during this legislative session making the consumer-based electricity policy a reality in Mississippi.
Jackson Sees Sharp Drop in Major Crimes
Major crimes in Jackson decreased 18.1 percent last week, according to statistics (PDF) released at a Jackson Police Department command staff meeting this morning. Officers reported a 14.2 percent decrease …
JFP Giraffe of the Day: Ruby
Dec. 8, 2009, was a banner day for the Jackson Zoo and for its resident reticulated giraffes, Diamond and Casper. On that Tuesday, Diamond gave birth to her seventh calf, …
Our Haley Barbour: The 'Anti-Obama'?
Newsweek has a story this week asking if Haley Barbour will be the next president. The story starts:
Jackson Prepped for Frigid Temps
The Jackson area will see temperatures drop below freezing by around 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service, and won't see anything above 32 degrees until Sunday. With …
Wednesday, January 6
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Women's college basketball, Vanderbilt at Mississippi State (8 p.m., Starkville, CSS): The Lady Bulldogs (10-4) play their SEC home opener.
NCAA Hell
Ethical standards in college athletics are plummeting. The BCS is a cartel. NBA age requirements are leading to corruption in college basketball. How much longer will fans tune in to …
[Mott] Not One More Victim
The bad economy and shrinking budget is not an excuse for failing to add teeth to laws protecting women.
James C. Thompson
James C. Thompson is the co-founder of the Jackson political consulting firm Blue Dot Group, which he says was named because the group's political affiliations make them "a little blue …
The Billion-Dollar Levee Question
Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen came out last week as an avid opponent of a levee expansion, saying it is too expensive. His choice, Two Lakes, is also expensive, …
Running the Blues
The third annual Mississippi Blues Marathon will start and end at the intersection of Capitol and State streets in downtown Jackson this Saturday, Jan. 9. Event organizer John Sewell said …
City Attorney: More Accountability, Less Drama
Jackson City Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen officially adopted his job in October, although in truth he had been filling the role in some capacity for more than five years. Teeuwissen, 43, …
Mental Health Ripe for Cuts?
Reform and belt-tightening will collide when state lawmakers consider mental-health services in the 2010 legislative session.
Tell Whole Story on Levees and Lakes
Now that the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District has officially agreed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' levees-only plan for flood control, expect the Two Lakes …
[Stiggers] A Mass Choir In Denial
Boneqweesha Jones: "It's time for the 'Qweesha Live Television Magazine Movie Preview for 2010'! My movie pick for the new decade of the new millennium is 'The Bottom Line is …
[Collier] Resolute Resolutions
A new decade has started, and I'm still trying to figure what that means for me. You're supposed to be excited about the start of a new year, but I …
Capitol
Mississippi Legislature Faces a Dire Task
Mississippi legislators skulked back into the state capitol Jan. 5, keeping their body movements at a minimum and their heads low in case somebody noticed them and asked them questions …
A Fun World
More than 130 brightly colored puppets and Jim Henson's original sketches for the television show "Sesame Street" and the film "The Dark Crystal" line the new exhibit "Jim Henson's Fantastic …
Ice Cream Sandwiches for Grover
"Sesame Street" used to have a segment in which über-friendly voices sang a little song about a group of objects.
Mississippi Madness
After four years of effort, local musician and public school teacher Mary Ann Henry, better known by her stage name, Emma Wynters, released "Mississippi Madness." Wynters and a hodgepodge of …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 8, No. 17
After the holiday hustle and bustle, many of us find ourselves buckling down and paying off a little holiday debt. For your pleasure, many low or no-cost musical options can …
Devil's Dream
At first glance, a novel on the life and times of Nathan Bedford Forrest may seem like a polarizing tale, but in "Devil's Dream" (Pantheon Books, 2009, $26) Madison Smartt …
Hood Offers Census Cautions and Tips
Attorney General Jim Hood is cautioning Mississippians to take care when revealing information in the upcoming 2010 census. Although he urges everyone to cooperate with census takersthe census determines levels …
Tuesday, January 5
Barbour/Palin Ticket Could Carry 2012 GOP Primary
Mississippi State University political science professor Marty Wiseman predicted that a Sarah Palin/Haley Barbour ticket could easily win the Republican presidential primary in 2012, if the two came together long …
[Balko] The Criminalization of Protest
Police and politicians ignore the First Amendment when we need it the most.
Scalia Defends Gay, Abortion, Gun Rulings at First Baptist
The United States should not look to other countries when interpreting its own Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said yesterday in a speech at First Baptist Church of …
‘Chopper Bob' Rall
"Chopper Bob" Rall, Mississippi's only helicopter traffic reporter, and the "Skycopter" have been staples in the Jackson skies since 1997. Rall was 12 when he moved to Jackson in 1954 …
German Manufacturer Coming to Tunica
At a press conference yesterday, Gov. Haley Barbour announced that German company, Wilh. Schulz GMBH, has selected Tunica, Miss., just south of Memphis, for a new pipe manufacturing facility. The …
Monday, January 4
Money to Dominate Legislative Session
Money is on the mind of every legislator entering the state Capitol tomorrow for the start of this year's Mississippi legislative session. Officials predict a shortfall of about $360 million …
Supervisors Push Forward on Byram-Clinton Corridor
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors today approved taking another early step forward in the Byram-Clinton corridor road-construction project. Supervisors voted unanimously to advertise for engineering consulting services on the …
Public Meetings and Community Events
Hinds County Community College Registration, at all campuses; extended hours: 8:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Go to http://www.hindscc.edu or call 1-800-HindsCC.
Sen. David Baria
A Mississippi lawmaker and attorney, Sen. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, arrived to the Senate after beating back conservative Democrat Scottie Cuevas in the Democratic primary in 2007. Since his …
DeLaughter Begins Prison Term
Bobby DeLaughter, former Hinds County prosecutor, rocketed to national fame in 1994 when, 31 years after the crime, he put Byron De La Beckwith behind bars for the 1963 murder …
