Jackson Free Press

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them:

1. Before his death, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba’s administration was developing a human-rights commission. Close advisers to the mayor, including his son, Chokwe A. Lumumba, who is running for mayor, say the commission remains in the works.
2. John Sledge, a south Jackson resident, led a group of community members to reinvigorate neighborhood-watch groups that led to a steep drop in crime.
3. Recent flooding has highlighted the urgency to address Jackson's longstanding problems with flooding, as well as its aging sewer system that led to a roughly $400 million EPA consent decree.
4. On Nov. 6, Jackson attorney, developer and Jackson Chamber of Commerce board member David Pharr will host TEDx Jackson, the first TED conference in Mississippi.
5. Groups such as the Ashburn, Va.-based Radiance Foundation have used ads to cast abortion as akin to genocide of African American children. Others are crying foul play.
6. At the Mississippi College School of Law, Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber and attorney Chokwe A. Lumumba went head to head, addressing city issues and inquiring about each other's suitability to serve the Jackson people.
7. Fondren After 5 is experiencing an influx of energy and excitement these days, as organizers reinvigorate the monthly event.
8. Gwendolyn Magee, who died in 2011, drew international acclaim for her striking quilts, which elevated an African and African American folk tradition to fine art.
9. On Saturday, April 19, the racial-harmony-focused Jackson 2000 celebrated its 25th anniversary and honored Michael Raff and, posthumously, the late mayor Chokwe Lumumba.
10. Take a look at where the Jackson mayoral runoff candidates stand on some of the most important issues here.

Remember: Check the JFP Events planner for everything to do in the Jackson metro area. You can also add your own events (or send them to [email protected])! See JFPEvents.com

Read staff and reader blog posts at jfp.ms/weblogs (yes, you can register on the site and start your own blog!)