Monday, June 30
Health Care
Hobby Lobby Ruling a 'Minefield'?
Despite being fairly narrow in scope, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down this morning in favor of a nationwide retailer that wants to make it more difficult for employees …
Education
Report: Better Health and Child Care Could Mean More Mississippi College Graduates
Women attending Mississippi's community colleges struggle to graduate on time, often because they are beset by a lack of child care options and insufficient financial aid, according to a recent …
Person of the Day
Kallie Hargrove
Raymond native Kallie Hargrove is one of three candidates Congressman Bennie Thompson selected to serve as a summer intern in his Washington, D.C., office.
Justices: Can't Make Employers Cover Contraception
The Supreme Court says corporations can hold religious objections that allow them to opt out of the new health law requirement that they cover contraceptives for women.
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
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.
Saturday, June 28
Miss. Universities Seek $76.3M Budget Increase
The College Board voted Friday to seek an additional $76.3 million in state funding for Mississippi's eight public universities when the Legislature gathers next year to write the 2016 budget.
Friday, June 27
State
Mayfield, McDaniel Supporter and Attorney, Dies
A tea party official charged with conspiring to take photos of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's wife inside a nursing home apparently committed suicide Friday, police said, days after Cochran won …
National
Court Ruling Comes as Obama's Use of Power Tested
Before a unanimous Supreme Court weighed in, the White House had brushed off claims that President Barack Obama was exceeding his executive authority as just so much grousing from frustrated …
LGBT
Eddie Outlaw
Eddie Outlaw is an active advocate for the LGBT community, especially in Mississippi.
US Seeks Resumption of Cyber Talks With China
The United States next month will urge China to resume discussions on cybersecurity that were suspended abruptly after the U.S. charged five Chinese military officers with hacking into U.S. companies …
More Countries Adding Graphic Warnings to Smokes
Indonesia became the newest country to mandate graphic photo warnings on cigarette packs on Tuesday, joining more than 40 other nations or territories that have adopted similar regulations in recent …
Iraq's Top Cleric Calls for Deal on PM by Tuesday
Iraq's top Shiite cleric stepped up press on deeply divided political blocs Friday, calling on them to agree on the next prime minister before the newly elected parliament convenes next …
McDaniel Camp Seeks Voting Problems in Miss. Race
Tea party-backed challenger Chris McDaniel still isn't conceding to six-term Sen. Thad Cochran in the Mississippi Republican primary runoff, but some groups that spent millions supporting McDaniel are walking away.
Thursday, June 26
City & County
One Eastover Center Promises to Be Jackson's 'City Center'
Holder Properties broke ground yesterday on what will be One Eastover Center, a five-story, 120,000-square-feet office building located in the District at Eastover along Eastover Drive and I-55 Frontage Road.
Education
Education Funding Focus of MML Panel
State education leaders said at a Mississippi Municipal League school funding forum that when the state doesn't fully fund schools, the bill winds up being the problem of local governments.
Ukraine Calls on Russia to Support Peace Plan
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday called on Russia to support his peace plan "with deeds, not words" as a weeklong cease-fire between government troops and pro-Russian rebels is set …
Iraqi Parliament to Meet in Step to Form New Govt
Iraq's vice president called on parliament to convene on Tuesday, taking the first step toward forming a new government to present a united front against a rapidly advancing Sunni insurgency …
High Court Limits President's Appointments Power
The Supreme Court on Thursday limited the president's power to fill high-level vacancies with temporary appointments, ruling in favor of Senate Republicans in their partisan clash with President Barack Obama.
Mississippi Senate Race: 2 Parties Have to Regroup
Fresh off Sen. Thad Cochran's comeback to defeat tea party challenger Chris McDaniel in Mississippi's bitter Republican Senate runoff, the general election matchup between the six-term incumbent and Democratic former …
Wednesday, June 25
Bryan's Rant
NFL Minor League?
The NFL recently announced that they are looking into starting a minor development league, but a failure of the NFL is the inability to make one work after two failed …
The Slate
USA soccer has done a good job so far of getting the country invested in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This week, we have to wonder if Germany will do …
Music
Say Anything Wanders with ‘Hebrews’
The ever-changing, ever-acerbic rock act Say Anything subverts expectation on a regular basis.
Film
A Tale of Four Seasons
With a screenplay by the original Broadway playwrights Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and the directorial grandeur of Clint Eastwood, "Jersey Boys" is thoroughly entertaining, yet much darker than the …
Food
A Treat for Warm Weather
Spring rolls are a popular appetizer that almost all of us have experienced in some form. Many regional cuisines feature the dish, though most notably Eastern and Southeastern Asian cuisine.
Business
Stalled Capitol Street Headache for Businesses
A plan to beautify and two-way a portion of Capitol Street downtown is a little more than half finished, but its completion may be threatened if the project does not …
Business
Local Spirit: Jackson Businesses Struggle, Survive and Thrive
Unlike national and corporate chains, local businesses often do not have the same funds and resources. A relationship with the City of Jackson could be what keeps the lights on …
Business
Thank You, Jackson
Witnessing the Mississippi business community coming together to speak out against discrimination of any kind through the lens of being a business owner in the LGBTQ community makes it all …
Yarber: Insist on Transparency in City Hall
Bottom line: We will report the stories that the city would rather us not, regardless (ask the late Frank Melton, the master of trying to hide stuff).
In the Summer of 1964 ...
Have a historic moment to share? Send less than 200 words to [email protected] with daytime phone number.
Business
Local Biz Is Standing By
What if I told you there is something you can do that would put more money in your community? Something that would help your neighbors, your friends, your spouses in …
City & County
The Sales Tax’s Ripple Effects
A legislative change to Jackson's 1-percent sales-tax law would prevent a retail price increase on beer and light wine, the trade association that lobbied for the legal change said.
City & County
Sweet, Hendrix: Who Will Rep South Jackson?
While everyone was consumed with the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, Ward 6 voters are deciding who will represent them on the Jackson City Council on Tuesday, July 1.
Justice
Jackson Rallies to Save Junaid Hafeez
One of only a handful of NESA scholars, Hafeez came to Mississippi in 2009 to continue his studies at Jackson State University.
Jacksonian
Soul Winters
Stacey "Soul" Winters says her life changed when she first unlocked the doors of what was to be Soul Wired Cafe in 2010.
Publisher's Note
Think National, Shop Local
Local businesses help us build and keep wealth in our community.
Music
The Victories of Chris Knight
Americana-country singer Chris Knight comes from a family of storytellers and what he calls "colorful people" from his home in rural Kentucky.
Girl About Town
Support Local Arts
Sometimes, when you've built something up for a while, it doesn't live up to what you expect. However, when it comes to Jackson's artist community, it always delivers the goods.
Cochran Win in Miss. a Blow to Tea Party Movement
The Washington establishment delivered a punch to the gut of the tea party movement Tuesday as Mississippi Republican Sen. Thad Cochran, a mainstream conservative with more than 40 years congressional …
Russia Annuls Sanction for Use of Force in Ukraine
On Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand, the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday canceled a resolution allowing the use of military in Ukraine, a move intended to show …
Ukraine to Sign EU Deal that Sparked Revolution
On Friday, Ukraine will sign a sweeping economic and trade agreement with the European Union, a 1,200-page telephone book of a document crammed with rules on everything from turkeys to …
KFC: No Proof Worker Asked Scarred Child to Leave
Fried chicken chain KFC says two different investigations have not found any evidence that an employee asked a 3-year-old girl and her family to leave because injuries she suffered in …
Tuesday, June 24
AP: Incumbent Thad Cochran Will Face Travis Childers in Election
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Six-term Sen. Thad Cochran has defeated challenger Chris McDaniel in Mississippi's Republican primary runoff.
LiveBlog: Associated Press Calls the Race for Incumbent Senator Thad Cochran
With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Cochran led with 51 percent to McDaniel's 49 percent in a test of whether the congressional veteran could win over voters with his seniority …
Lawsuit to Stop Crossover Voting in GOP Runoff Dismissed By Judge
LAUREL, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a supporter of Republican Senate candidate Chris McDaniel aimed at preventing crossover voting in Tuesday's GOP runoff.
One Editor Convicted, One Cleared in UK Scandal
It was a simple trick—punching in passcodes to listen to messages left on other people's phones. For years the illegal technique, known as phone hacking, helped Britain's News of the …
Extremists Abduct 91 More People in Nigeria
Extremists have abducted 91 more people, including toddlers as young as 3, in weekend attacks on villages in Nigeria, witnesses said Tuesday, providing fresh evidence of the military's failure to …
Ukraine's President Warns He Could End Cease-Fire
Ukraine's president warned Tuesday that he may terminate weeklong cease-fire early after rebels downed a military helicopter, while Russia urged the Kiev leadership to extend the truce and launch talks …
Bishop to Restore Defrocked Pastor's Credentials
A United Methodist bishop says she will abide by the decision of a church appeals panel to restore the credentials of a pastor who had been defrocked for performing his …
Civil Rights
HRC Targets LGBT African Americans in 'Freedom Summer' Conference
The fight for freedom of both African Americans and LGBT people, and those who are both, is the focus of the Human Rights Campaign's Freedom Summer Conference this week.
Biz Roundup
La Finestra Pizzeria, The Courtyard and Carnegie Training
Not even a year after opening Italian restaurant La Finestra in the Plaza Building downtown, local chef Tom Ramsey is already preparing to bring another new restaurant to Jackson, this …
Person of the Day
Thomas Roots
Interior designer and stylist Thomas Roots—who has collaborated with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Johnnie Cochran and Shemar Moore—is bringing a new venture to Jackson that promises to give clients …
U.S. Special Forces Face Complex Challenge in Iraq
U.S. teams of special forces going into Iraq after a three-year gap will face an aggressive insurgency, a splintering military and a precarious political situation as they help Iraqi security …
UN: At Least 1,075 Killed in Iraq in June
At least 1,075 people, the vast majority of them civilians, have been killed in Iraq during June as a Sunni insurgency overtakes key areas of the country, the United Nations …
Putin Withdraws Request to Use Force in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin asked parliament Tuesday to cancel a resolution sanctioning the use of military force in Ukraine, a move his Ukrainian counterpart heralded as a "practical step" toward …
OSC Closes Investigation at Jackson VA
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel says investigations are closed into whistleblower disclosure about radiology and patient care practices at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, …
Monday, June 23
Crime
Animal Rights Group Alleges Mistreatment in Miss.
An animal rights group said Monday that it is filing complaints in courts in Forrest and Pontotoc counties against two livestock auctions sites where it alleges cows, sheep and other …
Person of the Day
Edward Villella
The ballet world knows dancer and choreographer Edward Villella, who served as the chairman of the international jury for the 2014 USA International Ballet Competition, as a legend and a …
Events
Community Events and Meetings
The Mississippi Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary Conference runs from June 25-29 at Jackson Convention Complex and Tougaloo College.
Israeli Leader Threatens More Attacks in Syria
Israel's prime minister on Monday warned the warring parties in Syria against any attempt to heat up tensions with Israel, hours after the Israeli air force carried out a string …
Justices Limit Existing EPA Global Warming Rules
The Supreme Court on Monday placed limits on the sole Obama administration program already in place to deal with power plant and factory emissions of gases blamed for global warming.
EU Ministers: Sanctions if Russia Won't Cooperate
Several European foreign ministers on Monday threatened to impose further sanctions against Russia if it fails to cooperate with Ukraine's proposed peace plan and doesn't stop the flow of arms …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
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.
Saturday, June 21
Education Leaders Back Common Core
Mississippi education leaders remain supportive of the Common Core academic standards.
Friday, June 20
Congress Probes How IRS Emails Could Go Missing
The Internal Revenue Service commissioner said Friday the agency will not share with Congress additional details about its lost emails related to the ongoing tea party investigation until its own …
VA: 80 Percent of Senior Executives Got Bonuses
Nearly 80 percent of senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs got performance bonuses last year despite widespread treatment delays and preventable deaths at VA hospitals and clinics, a …
Ukraine's Leader Orders 1-Week Govt Cease-Fire
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered his forces to cease fire Friday and halt military operations for a week against pro-Russia separatists in the country's east—the first step in a peace …
City & County
West Jackson Project Could Sacrifice Koinonia House
A $17 million development being planned along the Robert Smith Parkway in west Jackson would bring a mix of new apartments and retail spaces, but would come at the cost …
Environment
Judge Blocks Miss. Offshore Drilling Rules
A Hinds County judge says the state must write a better economic impact statement on proposed offshore natural gas and oil exploration in parts of the Mississippi Sound before it …
Person of the Day
Greg Hanks
As an avid fan of comics and pop culture, Greg Hanks wanted to create an event to highlight southern pop culture, and he saw Jackson as the perfect location for …
UN: Number of World's Displaced Over 50 Million
For the first time since the World War II era, the number of people forced from their homes worldwide has surged past 50 million, the United Nations refugee agency said …
Top Shiite Cleric Calls for New Government in Iraq
The spiritual leader of Iraq's Shiite majority called for a new, "effective" government Friday, increasing pressure on the country's prime minister as an offensive by Sunni militants rages on.
Obama Moves to Ensure Sick Leave for Gay Couples
The Obama administration will work to ensure that gay and lesbian Americans are eligible to take leave from their jobs to care for a same-sex spouse, regardless of whether they …
College Board Delays Decision on Budget Request
College Board members are delaying a decision on how large a budget increase to seek from Mississippi lawmakers.
Thursday, June 19
City & County
Belated Yarber Inaugural Ball Set
Two months after electing Tony Yarber as their newest mayor, the citizens of Jackson will have an opportunity to celebrate the moment.
Business
Biofuel Maker KiOR Begins Layoffs in Mississippi
Biofuel maker KiOR is laying off employees as it idles its Mississippi refinery, intensifying questions about the future of the cash-strapped company.
Person of the Day
Trey McIntyre
Trey McIntyre founded the Trey McIntyre Project in 2005 as a part-time touring dance company that only performed in the summer.
Palestinians, Israeli Troops Clash in Teens Search
Israeli soldiers clashed with Palestinians during an arrest raid early Thursday in the most violent confrontation so far in the weeklong search for three missing Israeli teens believed to have …
Militants Fly Their Black Flags Over Iraq Refinery
Sunni militants hung their black banners on watchtowers at Iraq's largest oil refinery, a witness said Thursday, suggesting an ever-increasing stranglehold on the vital facility by insurgents who have seized …
NATO: Russians Resume Buildup Near Ukraine
Russia has resumed a military buildup near Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Thursday, calling it "a very regrettable step backward."
Mississippians to be Paid from SunTrust Settlement
Attorney General Jim Hood says Mississippi consumers will be eligible for payments under a settlement between 48 states, the federal government and SunTrust.
Wednesday, June 18
Bryan's Rant
SEC’s ‘Dead Weight'
A couple of weeks ago, Orlando Sentinel sports writer Mike Bianchi wrote that the SEC should replace dead weight like Mississippi State and Ole Miss with teams such as South …
The Slate
The World Cup takes over The Slate this week since the NBA and NHL both finished their seasons. If you haven't been watching you are missing some great games.
Events
Crafty Canton
Chip Matthews, owner of Mama Mia's Pizza on the Square, says several businesses are looking to relocate to Canton, and he plans to give them a taste of local culture …
Film
The Fault in Our Stars: A Modern Romance for Old Souls
Indianapolis, Ind., native John Green rewrites the script for the stereotypical young adult romance in his latest work, "The Fault in Our Stars." The movie adaptation of the 2012 novel …
Art
The Path to Freedom
"Icons of Freedom" at the Mississippi Museum of Art highlights the arduous trek to the polls and the strenuous battle for equality during Freedom Summer in 1964.
Food
Sombra's Young Talent
Though a mere 25 years old, Chef John Michael Smith of Sombra Mexican Kitchen in Ridgeland is a seasoned veteran of restaurants.
Civil Rights
Return to Mount Zion
David Goodman was a teenager in New York City when his brother Andrew and two young civil rights workers disappeared in this small town in Neshoba County.
Civil Rights
Violent Summer: When Klansmen and Tyranny Stalked Mississippi: ‘I’ll Shoot You In Two”
There were no Klan robes in sight the night the violent Wolf Pack was born in southwest Mississippi.
White Privilege Is Real
Many white people are insulted and dismissive when described as having white privilege, while most black people find it to be as clear and real as iced tea on a …
Legislature’s Sales-Tax Change Unconscionable
Quietly, lawmakers extended the list of items that are off limits to 1-percent tax collectors. Now, city officials say that the $15 million they were hoping to collect could be …
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Perfect'
Women at the maximum-security prison in Wetumka, Ala., faced constant abuse for over a decade, according to a report from the Department of Justice that called the prison a "toxic, …
It’s A Mean Old World
Mr. Solomon Davidson: "Little Scooby, It's a mean old world. One day, you will realize that most folk will not care how they will treat you. Just do the best …
Civil Rights
From 1964 to 2014: Creating a Space for Activism
The Freedom Summer Youth Congress conference will run from June 23-29 on the Tougaloo College campus and will include seminars on voting, campaigning, education, immigration, violence and rights.
City & County
Feds Probing Hinds Jail
The DOJ announced June 2 that the agency would open a "pattern or practice investigation" of both the Raymond Detention Center and the Jackson Detention Center downtown.
City & County
State Changes to 1% Tax Vex City
Jackson's 1-percent sales tax went into effect March 1, and now the City of Jackson is scrambling to reverse legislation that quietly amended the rules of the tax back in …
State
Report: Meridian Prison Still a ‘Cesspool’
New information about a troubled private prison raises questions about a Jackson company that has a contract to provide medical care and the possible role of a local judge.
Jacksonian
Daphne R. Chamberlain
Even though she was born a generation after the murder that galvanized the Civil Rights Movement in 1955, Daphne R. Chamberlain considers herself a member of the Emmett Till Generation.
Editor's Note
The Beautiful and the Damned
The courageous young activists of Freedom Summer 1964 bestowed on us the ultimate gift: They freed us from our past. It's up to us now to build a very different …
Music
Jackson Hip-Hop Passes the Torch
In a music landscape where hip-hop purists don't often have a place to go, Stephen Brown, aka 5th Child, has found a way to give fans what they want.
Health Care
Honor in Nursing
University of Mississippi Medical Center presented Peggy "Denise" Adams with the 2014 Excellence in Nursing award May 7 at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union.
Iraq Fights Militants as Foreigners Feared Seized
Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said it had regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border Wednesday, trying to blunt a …
Abbas Defends Security Cooperation with Israel
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday defended his security cooperation with Israel against widespread criticism, telling senior Arab and Muslim officials his forces are helping in the search for three …
CIA Facing Gaps in Iraq as it Hunts for Militants
The CIA and other spy agencies are scrambling to close intelligence gaps as they seek ways to support possible military or covert action against the leaders of the al-Qaida-inspired militant …
Tuesday, June 17
Jackson Co. Wants FEMA Reimbursement
U.S. Sens Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, and Rep. Steven Palazzo are asking the government to reimburse Jackson County for nearly $1 million spent on disaster recovery projects undertaken after …
Signs of Reprisal Killings Emerge in Iraq
Signs emerged Tuesday of a reprisal sectarian slaughter of Sunnis in Iraq, as police said pro-government Shiite militiamen killed nearly four dozen detainees after insurgents tried to storm the jail …
Israel Leader Seeks World Pressure on Palestinians
Israel's prime minister on Tuesday urged the international community to demand the Western-backed Palestinian president break off ties with the militant Hamas group over the abduction of three Israeli teens, …
Benghazi Suspect in U.S. Custody for 2012 Attack
A Libyan militant suspected in the deadly Sept. 11, 2012, attack on Americans in Benghazi has been captured and will be tried in the U.S., the first apprehension of an …
Biz Roundup
UMMC Shelves Landmark Center, Opens Sickle Cell Clinic
The saga to fill the long-dormant Landmark Center in downtown Jackson took several dramatic turns this week as one potential buyer dropped its bid and another suitor entered the picture.
Politics
DA: Employee Let Tea Party Members into Courthouse
An investigation shows a county employee let three tea party members into the Hinds County Courthouse after everyone went home election night, according to District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.
Person of the Day
Kayla Paul-Lindsey
Kayla Paul-Lindsey is a gospel recording artist, president of the Leadership Greater Jackson Alumni Association and the operator of her own CPA firm in Jackson.
U.S. Forces Move into Iraq with Security Mission
Nearly 300 armed American forces are being positioned in and around Iraq to help secure U.S. assets as President Barack Obama nears a decision on an array of options for …
3 Inmates Set to Die; Previous Execution Botched
There have been no U.S. executions in the seven weeks since an Oklahoma inmate died of a heart attack following a botched lethal injection. That soon could change, with three …
Huge US-Iran Gap on Nukes as Target Date Nears
Any thaw in relations between Iran and the United States under the pressure of Iraq's turmoil is unlikely to hasten progress in difficult negotiations seeking limits on Tehran's nuclear program.
Obama to Create World's Largest Ocean Preserve
President Barack Obama is looking to create the largest marine preserve in the world by protecting a massive stretch of the Pacific Ocean from drilling, fishing and other actions that …
Monday, June 16
SCOTUS Doesn't Meddle in 'Right to Lie'
Political speech laws have come into question after today’s Supreme Court decision on Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus, which dealt with an Ohio law prohibiting false speech in campaign …
GM Recalls 3.4M More Cars for Ignition Problems
General Motors says it needs to change or replace the keys for about 3.4 million cars because they could cause the ignition switch to move out of position if they're …
Israel Cracks Down on Hamas Amid Search for Teens
Israel warned Monday it would exact a heavy price from Hamas, as a massive search for three missing Jewish seminary students turned into the widest crackdown on the Islamic militant …
Obama to Sign Order Extending Gays' Protections
After years of pressure from gay rights groups, President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual …
City & County
Tea Party Election 'Shenanigans' Worry Hinds Supes
Supervisors in Hinds County say they're eager to get to the bottom of the Election Day scandal that cast a pall over the June 3 Republican primary for the U.S. …
Business
Credit Reporting Giant Harms Miss. Consumers
Mississippi has sued credit reporting giant Experian, alleging sweeping errors in the company's data and routine violations of consumer protection laws.
Person of the Day
Myrlie Evers-Williams
The widow of assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers, Myrlie Evers-Williams, stands on her own as a civil-rights activist, while continuing her late husband's legacy.
Kerry: U.S. Open to Talks With Iran Over Iraq
The Obama administration is willing to talk with Iran over deteriorating security conditions in Iraq and is not ruling out potential U.S.-Iranian military cooperation in stemming the advance of Sunni …
Sunni Militants Capture Iraqi City Near Syria
Sunni militants captured a strategic city along the highway to Syria on Monday, moving closer to their goal of linking areas under their control on both sides of the border.
48 Kenyans Dead: Witness: Gunmen Killed Christians
Dozens of extremists attacked a Kenyan coastal town for hours, killing those who weren't Muslim and those who didn't know the Somali language, officials and witnesses said Monday. At least …
Russia Cuts Gas Supply to Ukraine as Tensions Soar
Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine on Monday after negotiators failed to reach a deal on Ukraine's unpaid gas bills and future gas prices amid deep tensions between the two …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
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.
Saturday, June 14
Tea Party Questions Haley Barbour's Role in Cochran Campaign
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Haley Barbour almost certainly isn't running for office again in Mississippi, but the former governor, one-time Republican National Committee chief and influential Washington lobbyist is playing …
Ballet Competition Opens Saturday in Jackson
Young dancers from six continents were rehearsing at sites across Mississippi's capital city Friday, running through performances that they've been preparing for months or even years to display at the …
Friday, June 13
City & County
Ward 6 Candidates Reveal Plans for City Council Seat
The Swan Lake Homeowners Association sponsored a forum for the nine candidates running in the Ward 6 City Council election, which took place at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Person of the Day
Lyman McAnally, Jr.
Lyman Corbitt "Mac" McAnally, Jr., 56, has written or strummed his guitar in numerous songs that you probably know and sing along to, even if you've never heard of him.
Bergdahl Back in U.S. After Years as Taliban Captive
Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl returned to the United States early Friday after his release from five years in captivity in Afghanistan in a controversial prisoner swap with the Taliban.
GM Recalling Camaros for Ignition Switch Problem
Ignition switches once again are causing problems for General Motors.
U.S.: Iraqi Insurgency Threatens American Interests
The U.S. is contemplating military action in Iraq to quell the fast-moving insurgency because it has spent years investing in Iraq's future, Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday.
Thailand's Junta Lifts Curfew Throughout Country
Thailand's military government has fully lifted a curfew it imposed nationwide after seizing power last month, saying there is no threat of violence.
Protests Aim at Mississippi's New York Picnic
Oxford chef John Currence and others will host a Big Gay Mississippi Welcome Table dinner Friday in New York. Another group plans a moment of silence before the Saturday picnic …
Thursday, June 12
Obama: U.S. Will Send Fresh Help to Beleaguered Iraq
Less than three years after pulling American forces out of Iraq, President Barack Obama is weighing a range of short-term military options, including airstrikes, to quell an al-Qaida inspired insurgency …
Bergdahl Scheduled to Arrive in Texas on Friday
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been recovering in Germany after five years as a Taliban captive, is returning to the United States on Friday, but he will not receive the …
Ruby Dee's Legacy of Activism, Acting Mourned
For Ruby Dee, acting and activism were not contradictory things. They were inseparable and they were intertwined.
Politics
Despite Talk, No Way to Prove Voter ID's Effects
The use of voter ID for the first time in Mississippi has largely been characterized as inconsequential.
Person of the Day
Shelby Osborne
Next season, Campbellsville University in Kentucky will take on Shelby Osborne, who will be college football's first female cornerback.
As 34th Birthday Nears, CNN Struggles to Keep Viewers
When CNN first signed on, it was greeted by a chorus of skeptics. Not just doubt about Ted Turner's vow that his all-news network would be there long enough to …
Lawmakers Push to Approve Unified Veterans' Bill
After two overwhelming votes in two days, members of Congress say they are confident they can agree on a bill to improve veterans' health care and send it to the …
Sports
Will Brazil's Cup Spotlight Burn Too Bright?
Nearly half the world's population, well over 3 billion spectators, is expected to watch soccer's premier event and get a glimpse of the country that in two years will host …
Iraq Sunni Militant Group Vows to March on Baghdad
The al-Qaida-inspired group that captured two key Sunni-dominated cities in Iraq this week vowed on Thursday to march on to Baghdad, raising fears about the Shiite-led government's ability to slow …
Economic Growth Slows in Mississippi in 2013
New figures show that Mississippi's economy grew in 2013 but slowed markedly from the year before.
Wednesday, June 11
Oregon High School Shooter Was Heavily Armed
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) — A 15-year-old boy accused of killing a fellow freshman in a high school locker room was heavily armed with an assault rifle, nine magazines of ammunition, …
Tyrone Hendrix
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
City & County
Sylvester McDonald
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
City & County
Tim Rush
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
Wayne Lewis
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
Politics
Dennis Sweet IV
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
Politics
Robert Amos
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
Bryan's Rant
My Hardest Job
Being a writer has nothing on being a stay-at-home dad. I didn't know what being tired at the end of day was like until I started staying home with my …
The Slate
It's finally here; the 2014 World Cup begins this week in Brazil as 32 countries battle for soccer's top prize and a place in soccer immortality.
Music
New York Rappers Worth Googling
Several rappers' music is currently bubbling from the New York underground. I've been able to see some of them during my visit, but I still hope to run into others.
Music
Happy Times with “Days of Abandon”
New York noise-pop band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart creates an easily listenable experience, one with a much more jovial experience than one might expect from an album …
Film
Cruise to the ‘Edge’ of Your Seat
After a somewhat odd movie trailer, I was skeptical and hesitant to invest time in "Edge of Tomorrow." To my surprise, the film turned out to be nothing short of …
Art
Women: A Catalyst for Change
In an exhibit titled "Women: Agents of Change in the American Civil Rights Movement," Jackson State University offers a glimpse into the documentary photography of Dr. Doris A. Derby.
Style
A Lifelong Reader
As a little girl, I loved the library. My mother read to me from birth, and we frequented the Meridian Public Library so much that it almost felt like a …
Cover
Dudes We Dig
Jackson Free Press' 2014 Dudes We Dig consist of men who help their communities, including a veteran who is an veterans' advocate, a conservative baker who is fighting against the …
The Difference a Father Makes
To my fellow fathers, understand that our children need us, want us and expect for us to be there. They know the difference that a father makes.
Put Sideshows Aside in GOP Primary Runoff
Once again, public officials in Mississippi have thrust our state into the national spotlight. And once again, it's not for anything positive.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Liberties'
Conservatives like McDaniel and Paul can never seem to articulate how their supposed pro-constitutional views support, for instance, their opposition to abortion rights, a liberty that courts have repeatedly protected …
Icing on the Cake
You can be a pop, a dad, even a father in other places, but in Mississippi we say Daddy.
Politics
Cochran, McDaniel: Is One Better for Jackson?
That puts Jackson in a precarious position—do Democratic-leaning voters in Jackson support Cochran in his bid to retain his seat or focus on sending the Democratic nominee, former U.S. Rep. …
City & County
Eight Vie for Ward 6 Seat
When Mayor Tony Yarber was elected back in April, his previous position as south Jackson's Ward 6 councilman became available and several people came forward to take on the challenges …
Jacksonian
Charles Evers
Charles Evers, 91, is a World War II Army veteran who fought abroad and at home for equality. He was also one of the most influential civil-rights spokespeople and activists …
Editor's Note
Love, Anyway
No, not all men abuse or hurt, but collectively we have condoned a society that excuses it too often when they do.
Music
Black Joe Lewis: Going Back to His Roots
There's a new old sound on "Electric Slave," the latest album from Black Joe Lewis.
Food
Dreams of Craft Cocktails
At BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar’s recent cocktail workshop, bar manager Chris Robertson put a new spin on a classic gin and tonic.
Insurers Propose Changes to Obama Health Law
Insurers want to change President Barack Obama's health care law to provide financial assistance for people buying bare-bones coverage. That would entice the healthy and the young, the industry says, …
Ukraine Rejects Putin's Offer of Gas Discounts
Russia offered Wednesday to restore the discounted prices it granted Ukraine under the ousted pro-Russian president, but Ukraine demanded an even better deal and called for arbitration to settle the …
Senate Republicans Block Student Loan Bill
Senate Republicans have blocked an election-year attempt by Democrats to let people refinance their student loan debt at lower rates.
Water Projects Bill Includes Mississippi Projects
President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a bill that includes authorization for $693.3 million for the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties.
Tuesday, June 10
House Votes to Ensure Speedier Care for U.S. Vets
United and eager to respond to a national uproar, the House overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday to make it easier for patients enduring long waits for care at Veterans Affairs facilities …
Senator: Bergdahl Deal Sealed Day Before Swap
The Obama administration only finalized the exchange of the last remaining U.S. prisoner of war in Afghanistan for five Taliban detainees at Guantanamo a day before the swap, a top …
Report: Social Security Judges Rubber-Stamp Claims
Amid complaints about lengthy waits for Social Security disability benefits, congressional investigators say nearly 200 administrative judges have been rubber-stamping claims, approving billions of dollars in lifetime payments from the …
Biz Roundup
Que Sera for Sale, Biz Education and Oxi Fresh Expansion
Que Sera Sera owner Boo Noble has decided to take a break from the restaurant business and is putting the long-standing restaurant up for sale.
State
Family: U.S. Rep. Nunnelee's Brain Surgery Went Well
A Republican congressman from north Mississippi is recovering from brain surgery.
Person of the Day
Peter Heller
As a writer, Peter Heller seems as complex as his character. He's a frequent contributor to National Geographic, Outside and Men's Journal magazines, as well as Bloomberg Businessweek.
Up to $400M Could Spur Oil Drilling in La., Miss.
A private equity firm will invest up to $400 million to support efforts by Houston-based Halcón Resources Corp to drill for oil on the 314,000 acres that Halcón has leased …
Monday, June 9
Healthy Seniors Tested in Bid to Block Alzheimer's
In one of the most ambitious attempts yet to thwart Alzheimer's disease, a major study got underway Monday to see if an experimental drug can protect healthy seniors whose brains …
Obama Moves to Extend Student Loan Payment Relief
Aiming to alleviate the burden of student loan debt, President Barack Obama expanded a program Monday that lets borrowers pay no more than 10 percent of their income every month, …
Police Probe Ties Between Vegas shooters, Bundy
Investigators are looking into whether the husband and wife who shot and killed two Las Vegas police officers over the weekend had been at Cliven Bundy's Nevada ranch during a …
Audit: More Than 57,000 Await First VA Appointment
More than 57,000 U.S. military veterans have been waiting 90 days or more for their first VA medical appointments, and an additional 64,000 appear to have fallen through the cracks, …
Politics
Poll: GOP Excitement Still High, McDaniel Leads
Enthusiasm among an older and overwhelmingly white electorate has not waned in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate, a Democratic polling firm finds.
Environment
Summer Flounder Stirs North-South Climate Change Battle
Northern and southern states are in conflict over the summer flounder, the population of which has been migrating north as climate change warms the Atlantic Ocean.
Person of the Day
Fannie Lou Hamer
Through her years as an activist, Fannie Lou Hamer worked tirelessly for voting rights, prosperity and health in African American communities, and to desegregate schools.
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
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.
Saturday, June 7
Gregory to Keynote Freedom Summer Banquet
Former NAACP leader and civil rights pioneer Julian Bond will join actor and activist Danny Glover and activist and comedian Dick Gregory at a banquet in Jackson to close out …
Friday, June 6
Politics
Analysis: Apathetic Dems Could Decide GOP Primary
The conventional wisdom in the Mississippi primary for U.S. Senate is that state Sen. Chris McDaniel has the momentum going into the runoff against incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran.
Crime
New K-9 Unit Targets Contraband at 4 Miss. Prisons
Management & Training Corporation, which operates four prisons in Mississippi, will use dogs to combat contraband entering its facilities.
Texas GOP Advances 'Reparative Therapy' for Gays
The Texas Republican Party would endorse psychological treatment that seeks to turn gay people straight under a new platform partly aimed at rebuking laws in California and New Jersey that …
VA Head Says 18 Vets Left Off Wait List Have Died
In a new revelation in the growing VA scandal, the organization's acting head says that an additional 18 veterans whose names were kept off an official electronic Veterans Affairs appointment …
Pentagon Has Protocol for Returned Captives
Once released from captivity, a soldier like Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl enters a series of debriefings and counseling sessions, all carefully orchestrated by the U.S. military, to ease the soldier back …
World Honors D-Day's Fallen, 70 Years On
On Friday, a sun-splattered Normandy celebrated peace, with silent salutes, tears and international friendship marking 70 years since the D-Day invasion helped change the course of World War II and …
$700K Award in Jackson Chase Case Upheld
The Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld a $700,000 damage award related to an accident during a Jackson police chase in 2001 in which two women were injured and a third …
Thursday, June 5
McDaniel, Cochran Readying for Round 2 in Epic Primary 'Fight'
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republicans huddled Thursday over the slow-motion showdown of the Mississippi Senate runoff, with allies of Sen. Thad Cochran aiming to sharpen his message and supporters of …
3 People Shot at Seattle Pacific University, Suspect in Custody
SEATTLE (AP) — Three people were shot Thursday afternoon on the campus of Seattle Pacific University and a suspect was in custody, police said.
LGBT
Politics Jeopardizes Magnolia LGBT Support
A resolution recognizing the dignity and worth of all people in Magnolia, Miss., including people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), could become a casualty of small-town politics.
City & County
Tea Party Leader, 2 Others, Trapped in Courthouse
A tea party officer and two others representing the challenger in a Senate primary became trapped in a courthouse in the middle of the night, hours after officials had gone …
Person of the Day
Racehorse of the Day: California Chrome
On June 7, California Chrome has a chance to end the current Triple Crown drought at the 146th Belmont Stakes.
Senate Moves Toward Vote on VA Health Care
The Senate is moving forward on a compromise bill to help veterans avoid long waits to see a doctor and make it easier to fire administrators who falsify records to …
GM: Incompetence, Negligence Led to Delayed Recall
General Motors says a pattern of incompetence and neglect, not a larger conspiracy or cover-up, is to blame for a long-delayed recall of defective ignition switches.
Witnesses: Boko Haram Militants Slaughter Hundreds
Boko Haram militants dressed as soldiers slaughtered at least 200 civilians in three villages in northeastern Nigeria and the military failed to intervene even though it was warned that an …
Obama Encourages Russia to Open Talks with Ukraine
President Barack Obama on Thursday encouraged Russia to open talks with the new government coming into power in Ukraine or face continuing costs imposed by the world's leading economies if …
Runoff in Mississippi for GOP Senate Nomination
Forced into a Mississippi runoff, challenger Chris McDaniel and veteran Sen. Thad Cochran plunged into a three-week campaign Wednesday to pick a Republican candidate for the fall and settle the …
Wednesday, June 4
The Slate
Last week, Canada's Stanley Cup drought continued. The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
Bryan's Rant
Changes for the NBA?
The 2014 NBA Playoffs has all the makings of another classic like last year, when the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. One big difference is …
Music
Jj Thames: Quarters to Kudos and the Blues in Between
Jj Thames has literally and metaphorically come a long way in the last few years. From busking in New York City subway tunnels in 2008 to having the No. 1 …
Art
Tom Thomsen's Heart for the Arts
Tom Thomsen's artistic career is long and varied. The Nebraska native—and former farm boy—began playing piano at age 4.
Style
Hope for Harper Grace
Harper Grace Durval, now 2, has a rare form of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome. Her daily grand mal seizures include unconsciousness, severe muscle contractions, and loss of bladder and bowel control. …
McDaniel-Cochran Race Headed to June 24 Runoff
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Six-term incumbent Thad Cochran and challenger Chris McDaniel are headed to a June 24 runoff in the Republican Senate primary in Mississippi.
Hitched
Setting the Stage for Love
Weddings are, by their nature, theatrical events. In fact, theater has its roots in the performance of ritual activities.
Cover
The Mississippi Brewery Trail
The Mississippi Brewery Trail is a new way to explore our state’s burgeoning beer culture. The trail, established in 2013, currently covers eight breweries.
Cover
The 3rd Annual Beer Taste-Off with Raise Your Pints
For the third year straight, we invited the folks over at Raise Your Pints to come to the Jackson Free Press offices and share their insights on great craft beer.
Cover
The Vegetarian's Brew
Being a vegetarian or vegan means you have to get accustomed to all kinds of awkward situations. It doesn't have to be complicated, though.
Josh Trank to Direct Spin-Off 'Star Wars' Film
NEW YORK (AP) — Josh Trank will direct one of the planned stand-alone "Star Wars" films.
Cover
Tastes of Summer
When putting together suggestions of food and beer pairings, I decided to go with seasonal beers, specifically those best for warm weather.
Cover
A Canon, If You Please
RJ La Canon, brewed by Les Brasseurs RJ in Montreal, Canada, is a German Doppelboch (double boch) that is heavy on the malt and light on bitters with a heavenly …
Business
A Bust for Barbour’s Corporate Welfare
Chiquita, known as the United Fruit Company before that name became synonymous with political bullying and corruption in Latin America, announced recently that it was moving its operation at the …
Under Tougher Policing, Know Your Rights
The Jackson Police Department and office of Mayor Tony Yarber are making no bones about the fact that the city's posture toward fighting crime will be increased police visibility, more …
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Havoc'
Pollutants that coal-fired power plants emit include: hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, benzene, formaldehyde, lead, arsenic and mercury, radium and uranium. Health researchers have determined that these toxic chemicals can exacerbate …
Business
If You’re Buying Ice Cream, We’re Sellin’
Mister Ice Creamy Man: "Mrs. Ice Creamy Lady and I attended a very productive Ghetto Science Team Small Business and Mobile Vendor's Association Meeting today. The main purpose of the …
Personhood
Miss. a Unique Legal Test for Abortion Regs
The fate of abortion clinics in four southern states falls in the hands of federal appeals courts that are currently hearing cases and deciding on the constitutionality of laws that …
Civil Rights
Moses: Jim Crow Still With Us in Education
Dr. Robert Moses Jr., an architect of the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project in 1964, connected the Jim Crow policies of the past with the underfunded education of today during his …
Hagel Says Rush to Judgement Against Bergdahl is 'Unfair'
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday it is unfair to the family of released captive Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to leap to conclusions about his behavior in …
City & County
Stop-and-Frisk Comes to Jackson?
Mayor Tony Yarber, who formerly represented south Jackson on the city council, said recently that he was "sickened" and "disgusted" by the spate of homicides that has Jackson reeling and …
Business
Aligning Business and Public Schools
Now that Anthony Johnson has unloaded the moving truck and started unpacking from his relocation from Nashville to Jackson, he's ready for his next logistical challenge—as executive director of Alignment …
Jacksonian
Brandon Blacklidge
Blacklidge, 29, calls craft beer his "labor of love," working for a printing company by day and serving as Lucky Town Brewing Co.'s researcher and developer by night.
Publisher's Note
On Beer, Progress and Summer
Every time we choose a local business, we’re making a choice to help enrich our local area.
Theater
Five Nuns Walk into a Bar ...
From Sally Field as the "Flying Nun" to Whoopi Goldberg in the "Sister Act" franchise, nuns hold a special place in our collective hearts. Black Rose Theatre will tap into …
Music
Revivalists in the City of Sound
With the birthplace of jazz and blues as proving ground, a band can come up fast. If it's anything like The Revivalists, it'll get its chops down in NOLA, then …
Mississippi GOP Candidates Likely Headed for Run-Off
WASHINGTON (AP) — Locked in a squeaker of a race, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran and tea party-backed challenger Chris McDaniel pointed toward a possible June 24 runoff after battling to …
Mourning, Tight Security on Tiananmen Anniversary
On Wednesday, scores of police and paramilitary troops patrolled Tiananmen Square in Beijing's heart, stopping vehicles and demanding identification from passers-by to block public commemoration of the killing of hundreds, …
Obama Casts Ukraine Crisis as March Toward Liberty
President Barack Obama held up 25 years of Polish democracy as a beacon for neighboring Ukraine in a public celebration Wednesday, warning Russia that the free world is united against …
For the G-7, Putin is the Man Not Coming to Dinner
He's been disinvited and the meeting location abruptly switched out of his country. But Russian President Vladimir Putin will be the topic of conversation anyway when President Obama and the …
Justice Department to Investigate Hinds Jails
The Justice Department will investigate whether prisoners at two Hinds County jails are protected from violence committed by other inmates and staff.
Tuesday, June 3
Auto Sales Hit 9-Year High in May 2014
DETROIT (AP) — Brisk demand for SUVs and pickup trucks — and five sunny weekends — pushed U.S. auto sales to a nine-year high in May.
Politics
McDaniel v. Cochran Tonight's Main Event
Six-term Republican Sen. Thad Cochran and tea party-backed challenger Chris McDaniel collided in Mississippi on Tuesday in a ferocious battle between insurgents and the establishment in a party divided along …
U.S. Disrupts Hacking Schemes That Stole Millions
A band of hackers implanted viruses on hundreds of thousands of computers around the world, secretly seized customer bank information and stole more than $100 million from businesses and consumers, …
Primaries in 8 States for Senate, House, Governor
Questions about campaign decorum in Mississippi and an Iowa candidate's vow to "make 'em squeal" in Washington are at the center of two Senate Republican primaries on Tuesday, as voters …
Obama's Emissions Plan Could Boost Climate Talks
President Barack Obama's move to limit U.S. carbon emissions may prompt an important shift by China in its climate policies, where officials are increasingly worried about the costs of pollution …
City & County
Jackson Passes Pro-LGBT Resolution
Mississippi's largest city and state capital finally passed a resolution affirming equality for all citizens, including the LGBT community.
Biz Roundup
H&M Opens, State Colleges Offer New Opportunities
Swedish retailer H&M will open its first Mississippi location at noon Thursday, June 5, at Northpark Mall.
Person of the Day
Sital Sanjanwala
This week, Jackson native Sital Sanjanwala, who now works for Fondren-based political consulting firm Chism Strategies, received Campaign & Elections magazine's Rising Star award for her work to help defeat …
Obama: Congress Consulted on Bergdahl Exchange
President Barack Obama on Tuesday defended his decision to release five Afghan detainees from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for an American soldier's freedom, saying his administration had consulted with Congress …
Security Tight on Eve of Tiananmen Anniversary
Beijing put additional police on the streets and detained government critics Tuesday as part of a security crackdown on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the crushing of pro-democracy …
Obama: U.S. to Boost Military Presence in Europe
The United States is preparing to boost its military presence in Europe and at a cost of up to $1 billion, President Barack Obama said Tuesday, as tensions in the …
1st Mississippi Charter School Closer to Opening
The Charter School Authorizer Board voted Monday to accept the application of RePublic Charter Schools, which wants to open Reimagine Prep in Jackson, serving fifth grade through eighth grade.
Monday, June 2
Crime
Natchez Prison Riot Fallout Mounts
Three more men have been indicted for their alleged participation in a May 2012 riot at a federal prison in Adams County.
Media
Analysis: Municipal Courts May be Less Transparent
Watching a state or federal court hearing or getting court records is usually a simple procedure in Mississippi. Just show up at the courtroom at the appointed time or ask …
Person of the Day
Dr. Robert P. Moses
Civil rights activist Dr. Robert P. Moses played a vital role in the creation of the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, which brought northern college students to the South to help …
City & County
10 Local Stories of the Week
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.
City & County
Jackson 'Equality' Resolution on Agenda Tuesday
Jackson is expected to become the eighth Mississippi city to pass an equality resolution that includes LGBT residents.
Sunday, June 1
Unsavory Twists in Mississippi's GOP Primary Grabbing Headlines Among Eight Races This Tuesday
WASHINGTON (AP) — Strange, unsavory twists in Mississippi's Senate Republican race are grabbing the most attention of Tuesday's primary elections in eight states.
