Stories for September 2013 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Stories for September 2013

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Monday, September 30

Tease photo Politics

David Archie Sues for New Election

David Archie, the third-place finisher in last week's Democratic primary for Hinds County's District 2 seat, wants a new election and is suing his own party to get it.

Tease photo Business

The Impact and Echoes of the Wal-Mart Discrimination Case

When the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 5-4 decision in Wal-Mart v. Dukes in June 2011, no one needed a Richter scale to know it was a Big One.

Person of the Day

Evelyn Lowery

Civil rights and women's empowerment activist Evelyn Lowery, wife of the Rev. Joseph Lowery, died in her Georgia home Thursday, Sept. 26.

World

Chemical Weapons Inspectors Outline Syria Plan

Inspectors who will oversee Syria's destruction of its chemical weapons said Sunday their first priority is to help the country scrap its ability to manufacture such arms by a Nov. …

National

Obama to Meet with Netanyahu, Iran Likely Topic

President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting at a time that the three-decade estrangement between the United States and Iran may be nearing an end.

Health Care

Federal Gov't Edges to Shutdown Over Health Care

The Senate has the next move on budget legislation that has fueled a bitter dispute over President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

National

Federal Gulf Oil Spill Trial Resumes

Billions of dollars are at stake as the federal trial resumes over the 2010 disaster.

Economy

Mississippi's Nature Tourism Back on the Table

It's been several post-Hurricane Katrina years since the groups involved in ecotourism gathered to inventory natural resources and talk about how to spread the word to birdwatchers, kayakers, hunters, hikers …

Sunday, September 29

Tease photo 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, September 28

National

House GOP Puts Forth New Demands to Delay Obamacare; Senate Dems Reject Them Outright

Locked in a deepening struggle with President Barack Obama, House Republicans demanded a one-year delay in major parts of the nation's new health care law and permanent repeal of a …

Politics

2 Mississippi Senators Vote Against Gov't Funding

Both of Mississippi's U.S. senators voted Friday against legislation to fund the federal government through mid-November.

Events

Bryant Leads Cancer Awareness Event on Motorcycles

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and his wife, Deborah, are taking part in a Jackson-to-Gulfport motorcycle ride Saturday to help bring attention to breast cancer research.

Friday, September 27

Tease photo Business

Metrocenter Listed for $6.5 Million

Real estate broker The Overby Company is listing Metrocenter Mall, once a commercial powerhouse, for sale at $6.5 million.

Tease photo Environment

Climate Scientists Get Swift-Boated

The word early from scientists gathered in Stockholm is clear: The planet is changing, and humans are the cause.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Carey Wright

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Mississippi Board of Education named Dr. Carey Wright—founder and CEO of Wright Approach Consulting in Maryland—as the new state superintendent of education.

Tease photo Events

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, the 4 the Record Swap is from noon-5 p.m. at Hal & Mal's.

World

Iran, UN Agency Nuclear Probe Talks Positive

Iranian and U.N. officials are upbeat at the end of talks on resuming a U.N. probe to determine whether Tehran worked on atomic arms, in a sign that Iran's new …

World

Syrian Arsenal Inspections to Begin by Tuesday

The inspectors responsible for tracking down Syria's chemical arms stockpile and verifying its destruction plan to start in Syria by Tuesday.

Health Care

Senate Set to OK Budget Bill, but Fight Not Over

A potential government shutdown hurtling ever closer, the Democratic-led Senate moved Friday toward approving legislation keeping federal agencies from locking their doors on Tuesday. But disputes with the Republican-run House …

State

Miss. Sues to Try to Block Flood Insurance Hike

The Mississippi Department of Insurance filed a lawsuit Thursday against the federal government to try to block rates from increasing Oct. 1 in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Politics

Miss. Gov Says Christianity Shapes His World View

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant told a group of students Thursday that Christianity shapes his world view and he's not apologetic about opposing abortion or putting Nativity scenes on public property.

Thursday, September 26

Tease photo Business

Zoo Mulls Situation, Accreditation Appeal Pending

Even if the Jackson Zoo retains its accreditation, questions will remain about its long-term viability if it remains in West Jackson.

Tease photo Health Care

Average Obamacare Premiums Will Be Lower Than Projected

Just days before new online health insurance markets are set to open, the Obama administration Wednesday released a look at average premiums, saying rates in most states are lower than …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Saints Defense

The New Orleans Saints are 3-0 after the first three weeks of this season, which is a complete turnaround of last year's 0-3 start. The turnaround may be due in …

Health Care

House GOP Considers Options on Possible Shutdown

Pressure is building on fractious House Republicans over legislation to prevent a partial government shutdown, as the Democratic-led Senate is expected to strip a tea party-backed plan to defund Obamacare …

World

Russia Offers to Guard Syria Arms Destruction

Russia offered on Thursday to provide troops to guard facilities where Syria's chemical weapons would be destroyed, as U.N. inspectors prepared to continue their probe on the use of such …

World

Somalis Fear Youths Leaving U.S. for Terror Group

Leaders of the nation's largest Somali community say some of their young men are still being enticed to join the terror group that has claimed responsibility for the deadly mall …

Health Care

$252K Grant Kicks off MUW Health Initiative

Mississippi University for Women and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi have launched a health initiative targeting lifestyle choices related to diet, physical activity and stress management.

Environment

Study: BP Spill Damaged Sea-Floor Life for Miles

The vast 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill damaged the tiny animals that live on the sea floor for about 57 square miles around the blown-out BP oil well, with …

Wednesday, September 25

Tease photo Bryan's Rant

Time to End College Athletics

The following will not be a popular opinion—but I have never cared if my opinions were popular.

Sports

The Slate

Several NFL teams' seasons might be over before October. In fact, some might be done before week four.

Tease photo Music

Voo Davis: Pushing the Blues

Although it had been about a decade since Brian "Voo" Davis played guitar, it seemed to be the best thing to help fill the void when his first wife passed …

Tease photo Music

Black Violin Bows Outside the Box

When school and orchestra rehearsals were over, Wilner "Wil B." Baptiste and Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester would put away their sheet music and listen to Tupac, reggae or whatever was …

Tease photo Girl About Town

Of Beer and Building Community

The owners of Lucky Town Brewery explained how they want to be part of the regrowth of midtown at a community meeting at CS’s.

Tease photo Art

A Photographic Nature

No matter the category of photographers you fit into—young or old, professional photographer or scrappy amateur, male or female, black, blue, pink or whatever—the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science's "Back …

Tease photo Art

subSIPPI: Capturing the Zeitgeist

For the last year, three 20-somethings have traveled the state seeking to peel back the layers of Mississippi cultures.

Tease photo Hitched

Wedding Day, the Kid-Friendly Way

Incorporating kids into a wedding day can be a touching gesture, but it isn’t for everyone.

Tease photo Books

Start Early, Start Right

In Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) it says, "Start children off on the way they should go and, even when they are old, they will not turn from it." Even if you …

Tease photo Food

Hunter-Gatherer

People are going back to their "hunter-gatherer" roots and attempting to emulate caveman eating habits. This growing lifestyle trend is called the paleo—short for paleolithic—diet.

Tease photo Food

Living Raw

Dr. Leo Huddleston, doctor of naturopathy and chiropractic medicine, has been a "living-food enthusiast" for over 20 years. He is also a certified personal trainer.

Tease photo Food

Sticky and Messy and Worth It

Pizza recipes are pretty basic all around, but you can substitute different ingredients. For instance, I use honey instead of sugar.

Tease photo Cover

Robert St. John: The Unlikely Chef

To say Robert St. John is modest about what led to his success is to put it lightly. The Hattiesburg, Miss., native insists he "sort of fell backward" into the …

Tease photo

You Can’t Eat That

Sometimes it seems like every diet on the planet makes you feel like you can’t have fun.

Editorial

Cutting SNAP Cuts Lifelines

A few days ago, Mississippi's Republican congressional delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of cutting the federal food-stamp program, aka the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or …

Tease photo

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Repeal'

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's signature legislation, more than 30 times.

Tease photo

Be Aware, Remain Safe

"It looks like this world we live in has revealed itself in the forms of turmoil, hatred and insanity."

Justice

A Bullying Dilemma

Rayar Johnson, the mother of four daughters in Wayne County, says her girls have been victims of racial bullying for going on close to a decade.

Tease photo City & County

Jackson: ‘Elephant’ in State Budget Room

When a fire broke out at the Hinds County Armory, located on state property, the Jackson Fire Department put it out. Nevertheless, Jackson is unlikely to benefit from state budget …

Tease photo City & County

Coming Soon: 1-Percent Sales Tax Increase?

Faced with steep spending increases to meet the challenges of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's consent decree and Jackson's crumbling roads, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba says he is moving ahead with …

Tease photo City & County

Preserving and Updating the Eastland Courthouse

Looking at the view from a corner office on the fourth floor of the James O. Eastland Federal Building, it's easy to see why someone would want to live in …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Lauren Davis

While Lauren Davis, 41, had been grilling and smoking meat with his family since he was a child, he had no formal culinary training when he opened his food truck, …

Tease photo Editor's Note

Stop the Food Fight

Hunger, and its corollary, poverty, are not intractable problems, despite their historical prevalence.

Tease photo Art

Girls Just Wanna Make Art

The Mississippi Arts Commission’s latest show juxtaposes several women artists’ approaches to femininity.

Health Care

Premiums Unveiled for Health Overhaul Plans

With new health insurance markets launching next week, the Obama administration is unveiling premiums and plan choices for 36 states where the federal government is taking the lead to cover …

Health Care

Despite Cruz, Senate Heads Toward Obamacare Vote

The Democratic-controlled Senate is on a path toward defeating tea party attempts to dismantle President Barack Obama's health care law, despite an overnight talkathon on the chamber's floor led by …

World

Terrorists Claim 137 Killed in Kenya Mall Attack

The terrorist group behind the takeover of a Nairobi mall claimed Wednesday that the Kenyan government assault team carried out "a demolition" of the building, burying 137 hostages in rubble. …

Education

4 Miss. Schools Earn Blue Ribbon Status

Four Mississippi schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

State

Miss. Sentencing, Prison Policies Up for Debate

Mississippi judges and prosecutors are telling lawmakers they're tired of the uncertainty about how long people will stay in prison after sentencing.

Tuesday, September 24

World

Fear of Humanitarian Disaster in Syria

Syrian opposition groups and international relief organizations are warning of the risk of mass starvation across the country, especially in the besieged Damascus suburbs where a gas attack killed hundreds …

World

Kenyan President: Terrorists Defeated

The terrorists who took control of a Nairobi mall and held off Kenyan security forces for four days have been defeated after killing at least 67 civilians and government troops, …

National

Officials: Obama, Rouhani Will Not Meet at U.N.

Senior U.S. officials say President Barack Obama and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani will not meet while both leaders are at the United Nations.

National

Senate May Shorten Stopgap Spending Bill

The Senate's No. 2 Democrat says the chamber may come out in favor of a smaller patch for bankrolling the government than the one envisioned in a temporary spending bill …

National

Obama Opens Door to Direct Diplomacy with Iran

President Barack Obama opened the door to direct nuclear talks with Iran's moderate new government on Tuesday, declaring diplomacy worth pursuing though skepticism persisted about Tehran's willingness to back up …

Tease photo City & County

Fortification Street Funding: Round Two

Jackson's Department of Public Works may have found a way to break the impasse with the city council that has slowed construction on the Fortification Street renovation project for almost …

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Pushlocal, Yokohama and DOR Services

Jackson Free Press and Dollars & Sense Consulting will hold their first "Pushlocal Breakfast and Learn" at Sal and Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint this Thursday, Sept. …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Martin G. Reynolds

Martin G. Reynolds understands the impact that media has on society, and he dedicates much of his life and career into molding honest, audacious stories and educational projects for the …

World

U.N. Chief Urges Leaders to Stop Fueling Syria War

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged world leaders on Tuesday to stop fueling the bloodshed in Syria with weapons and get both sides to the negotiating table to end the "biggest challenge …

National

Report: Shooter Lied About Previous Arrest, Debts

The Washington Navy Yard shooter lied about a previous arrest and failed to disclose thousands of dollars in debts when he applied for a security clearance in the Navy.

Economy

Miss. Lawmakers Face Long Budget Writing Process

Now that budget hearings are over, Mississippi lawmakers face a long process of deciding how to spend tax dollars for fiscal 2015, which begins July 1.

Monday, September 23

Tease photo Economy

Mississippi Poverty Comes Into Focus

More than three years after Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, and a week before a key provision of the health law takes effect, Mississippi federal lawmakers continue vows to …

Tease photo National

Obama Administration Helped Kill Transparency Push on Military Aid

The U.S. spent roughly $25 billion last year on what's loosely known as security assistance, a term that can cover everything from training Afghan security forces to sending Egypt F-16 …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Charlie Sewell

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area declared 12-year-old Charlie Sewell the winner of a T-shirt design contest the organization holds through local churches.

National

Obama Says Fight for Gun Laws 'Ought to Obsess Us'

President Barack Obama on Sunday memorialized the victims of the Washington Navy Yard shooting by urging Americans not to give up on a transformation in gun laws that he argued …

National

Obama Opens U.N. Talks with Diplomatic Opportunities

President Barack Obama opens meetings at the United Nations with diplomatic opportunities on three vexing issues: Iran's disputed nuclear program, Syria's chemical weapons use, and elusive peace between Israel and …

Sunday, September 22

Tease photo 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, September 21

Education

2 Miss. Colleges Share $4.95M Job Training Grants

The U.S. Labor Department has awarded $4.95 million in grants to develop job training programs at two community colleges in Mississippi.

Health Care

Jackson VA Director Responds to Allegations

A government report alleges inadequate patient care, chronic staff shortages, missed diagnoses and nurse practitioners without licenses at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson.

Friday, September 20

Tease photo Candidate

The JFP Endorses: McQuirter, Baker and Woods

Tuesday, Sept. 24's special primary elections are generating an unusually high level of interest as far as county board of supervisors races go.

Tease photo Media

Media Digs In, Drills Down on Climate Coverage

"Deniers" see news media in lockstep with a conspiracy of scientists, bureaucrats, hippies and ne'er-do-wells to steal the world's energy markets and force us all to change our ways.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Donna Yowell

Donna Yowell, executive director of the Mississippi Urban Forest Council, has dedicated her career to helping people and communities understand the importance of trees.

Tease photo Events

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, Rock Legends is from 2-3:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall.

National

Obama Takes on Coal with First-Ever Carbon Limits

Linking global warming to public health, disease and extreme weather, the Obama administration pressed ahead Friday with tough requirements to limit carbon pollution from new power plants, despite protests from …

World

Syria Sends OPCW Chemical Weapons Inventory

Syria has sent the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons an "initial declaration" outlining its weapons program, the organization said Friday.

National

13 Wounded in Late-Night Attack on Chicago Park

A 3-year-old boy who was among 13 people wounded in a late-night attack on a southwest Chicago park was alert when he arrived at the hospital and was apparently doing …

Health Care

Republicans at Odds as 'Obamacare' Showdown Nears

Congressional Republicans struggled to tamp down a family feud Thursday as they approached a politically charged showdown with the White House that combines the threat of a government shutdown, a …

Thursday, September 19

Tease photo Economy

Low-wage Jobs Fuel State Economic Growth

Right now, Mississippi's economy is doing better than the U.S. on average—but probably not for long.

Tease photo Health Care

White House Pushes Back Against Fraud Fears Of Obamacare Opponents

The White House on Wednesday unveiled several steps to protect consumers from fraud in the new online health insurance marketplaces, a move that comes after 17 states hostile to the …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Millsaps Majors

Every college football team in the state—except two—has at least one loss already this season.

Oil Spill

Halliburton Pleads Guilty to Destroying Evidence

A federal judge accepted a misdemeanor plea agreement from Halliburton Energy Services for destroying evidence after BP's 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

National

Investigators Review Erratic Behavior of DC Gunman

Investigators have been focusing on the erratic behavior of a former Navy reservist who law enforcement officials say was grappling with paranoia and had reported hearing voices and being followed …

National

Number of Missing in Colorado Floods Drops

The number of people unaccounted for from Colorado's devastating flooding has fallen dramatically as rescuers reach stranded victims, and electricity and phone services are restored to ravaged areas, allowing residents …

Health Care

House to Vote on Stopgap Funding Bill, 'Obamacare'

The GOP-controlled House is cruising toward a vote to gut President Barack Obama's health care plan as part of a temporary funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown on …

Education

School Officials Call to Fully Fund School Budget

Education officials are making their legally-mandated push to support the state's school funding formula, but it's not clear they'll be any more successful in 2015 than in other recent years.

Wednesday, September 18

State

Parched Hinds County Issues Burn Ban

Authorities in Hinds County have issued a burn ban as rainfall remains sparse and grass fires increase.

Sports

JFP Top 25: Week 3

Alabama is, without question, the No. 1 team in the country after surviving Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M in a 49-42 shootout. The only thing that might be standing in …

Sports

The Slate

Let's play a game: I'll give you the records for a starting NFL quarterback and a quarterback looking for a job. Can you name them?

Tease photo Bryan's Rant

Be Careful What You Ask For

From time to time, nearly all human beings are guilty of overreaction—overcorrection might be a better way of stating it—when we face a problem or an issue. Especially when a …

Tease photo Music

Bigger Than a Brand

If I say, "I'm an avid news reader," you might expect that I have substantial opinions on the country's economic state, political problems, or other significant yet dreary information from …

Tease photo Film

A Lingering Mood

Michelle Pfieffer (pictured) co-stars with Robert De Niro in “The Family.”

Tease photo Art

A Colorful Society

A grouping of three paintings hangs on one wall of the Marie Hull Gallery at Hinds Community College's Raymond campus. The focal center, Mississippi artist Sherry Ferguson's beautifully and boldly …

Tease photo Cover

What Our City Needs

Anyone who has lived in Jackson for a while, and gotten involved even marginally in the community, knows that there is no shortage of ideas on how to improve our …

Tease photo Cover

Vision 2022: A Regional Vision

The greater metropolitan area of Jackson is a collection of loosely aligned, often-at-odds cities, towns and communities worthy of a university-sanctioned study on diversity and race politics.

Tease photo Feature

Green Space

If you want to see how differently various people approach the idea of planning for Jackson's future, listen to a discussion of parks and green space.

Tease photo Feature

Big Ideas: Getting Jacksonians into City Parks

Mayor Chokwe Lumumba's Parks and Rec Transition Team compiled the following suggestions to get more residents into Jackson Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) facilities throughout the city.

Tease photo Feature

Revisited: Town Creek

Many see Jackson's multiple creeks as nothing more than drainage ditches. They are undevelopable space offering only the threat of flooding, bank caving and snakes. Other cities, however, are increasingly …

Feature

Defined: People's Assemblies

Mayor Chokwe Lumumba has helped bring a grass-roots approach to idea generation and decision-making to Jackson, both in the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, which he co-founded, and later as a …

Feature

New Idea: More Than Sports

When Jed Oppenheim of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Mississippi Youth Justice Project ended up as a "quasi-member" of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba's Parks and Rec transition team, he decided to …

Tease photo Feature

Bright Idea: Conserve Energy, Create Jobs

You want to reduce your energy bills, improve your in-home air quality, increase the value of your home and help create jobs in the local community? Then invest in energy-efficiency …

Tease photo Art

Filling the Emptiness

When family or friends say Jackson is a bad place, I always want to take them on a trip to the city I've grown to know over the last six …

Tease photo Feature

Your JXN Idea

Highlighting good ideas is one GOOD Idea that I see Jackson benefiting from!

Feature

Best Practice: Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum

"Established in 1973 as the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC), a component of the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce, the MMBC Continuum now serves as a minority business-development organization and …

Tease photo Feature

What the Heck Is An IBA?

Sure, we have business organizations such as chambers of commerce, but they are not primarily and exclusively serving interests of small, locally owned businesses.

Tease photo Feature

Radical Idea: Vacancy Tax

So, just how do we unlock the empty buildings that are "warehoused" downtown by landlords, often absentee, who let their spaces rot waiting for the huge rent check of the …

Tease photo Feature

Build a Bicycle- and Pedestrian-Friendly Jackson

The key to change is finding simple, affordable tools that are easily accessible for people of all ages, races, socio-economic levels and abilities.

Tease photo Feature

Everyone Needs a Roof

You've heard it before: For many Americans, homelessness is just a couple of paychecks away.

Tease photo Feature

Jackson Planning Map

Jackson is a unique city with great potential. What makes this city great are her people, their passions and their visions.

Tease photo City & County

Disrupting the Status Quo

A baker's dozen of good ideas: That's what I came up with when asked to contribute a pithy set of good ideas to this issue.

City & County

Lumumba: Telling Unpopular Truths

One of the difficulties every politician will face, sooner or later, is the choice between telling the people the truth or couching issues in terms of easy-to-digest pabulum and paternalistic …

Tease photo Candidate

Gibson: Unique Perspective

Alberta Ross Gibson is confident she can sell investors and developers on doing business in Hinds County.

Tease photo Candidate

McQuirter: Planting the Seeds

Darrel McQuirter, a Hinds County department head who took a leave of absence to run for the District 2 supervisor's seat, is putting his job on the line because he …

Tease photo

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'No Idea'

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has been pushing for a voter ID law in Mississippi for years. Instead of taking responsibility for the law's passage, he put the onus for …

Tease photo State

Mississippi’s Gumbo

Mississippi has always had a diverse group of people. Think of an ethnic group and, in all likelihood, its people reside here. Though their numbers may be smaller, all of …

Tease photo City & County

Having the Truancy Discussion

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Cedrick Gray is supportive of an ordinance that would levy penalties against parents of truant students.

Tease photo City & County

Council Passes $502.5 Million Budget

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba is aware that his controversial budget, which the city council passed Sept. 12 with a 5-2 vote, would ruffle some feathers. But he's OK with that. …

Tease photo Jacksonian

Mukesh Kumar

The first time this reporter met Mukesh Kumar, he led me through the winding halls of Jackson State University's Urban and Regional Planning Department to his office.

Tease photo Editor's Note

The Devil Is In the Questions

I really don’t get hating people because they ask vital questions.

Tease photo Music

Lion Around ‘A Quiet Town’

Zach Lovett and Spencer Thomas of Dandy & the Lions always dress to impress and are all around dapper, humble fellows.

World

Syria Gives Russia Chemical Weapons Evidence

Syria has turned over materials to Russia which aim to show that a chemical weapons attack last month was carried out by rebels, a top Russian diplomat visiting Damascus and …

Business

Judge Urged to Approve BP Claims Czar's Budget

The court-appointed administrator of BP's settlement with Gulf Coast residents and businesses following its 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has asked a federal judge to reject the …

Education

5 Finalists Set for State Superintendent's Post

The state Board of Education has cut the field of possible state superintendents to five.

Development

USM Holds Groundbreaking for New Residence Halls

The University of Southern Mississippi has officially started construction on Century Park South, which will provide 954 beds for freshmen and other scholarship students.

Tuesday, September 17

Tease photo City & County

Lumumba, Chamber Break Sales-Tax Impasse

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba says he has found a way around the sales-tax commission issue, which has kept the city leaders from putting a 1-percent sales tax to a vote …

World

Russia Opposes Use of Force in Resolution on Syria

Russia insisted Tuesday that a U.N. Security Council resolution governing Syria's handling of its chemical weapons not allow the use of force, but it suggested that could change if Damascus …

World

Brazil Looks to Break from US-Centric Internet

Brazil plans to divorce itself from the U.S.-centric Internet over Washington's widespread online spying, a move that many experts fear will be a potentially dangerous first step toward fracturing a …

National

White House Criticizes Lawmakers Opposing Gun Bill

President Barack Obama's spokesman on Tuesday criticized lawmakers who have stood in the way of expanded background checks for gun purchases and said the White House will continue to push …

World

Acapulco Tourists Stranded; Mexico Death Toll 38

Emergency flights began arriving in Acapulco Tuesday to evacuate some of the tens of thousands of tourists stranded in the resort city by flooding and landslides that shut down the …

Economy

Poverty Stuck at 15 percent, Record 46.5 Million

The nation's poverty rate remained stuck at 15 percent last year despite America's slowly reviving economy, a discouraging lack of improvement for the record 46.5 million poor and an unwelcome …

Tease photo Politics

Reeves Flexes at Budget Hearings

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann plans to have the state's voter-identification law in place by spring or summer of 2014.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Mad Genius, Hospitals, Museums and Women of Vision

Mississippi is set to choose a general contractor for the Mississippi Museum of History and the accompanying Mississippi Civil Rights Museum by Sept. 26.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Jerry and Helen Young

Pastor Jerry Young laughs heartily about his upcoming appearance at Friday's Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation Annual "Evening with the Sickle Cell Stars Gala," where he and his wife of 39 …

Justice

Judge Orders New Trial in Killings After Katrina

A federal judge has ordered a new trial for five former New Orleans police officers convicted of civil rights violations stemming from deadly shootings on a bridge in the aftermath …

National

Colorado Evacuees Return to Find More Heartbreak

The rains finally stopped, allowing many Colorado flood evacuees to return home to toppled houses and upended vehicles with the realization that rebuilding their lives will take months. Search crews, …

Justice

Congress Looks to Relax Mandatory Prison Terms

Every weekend, Cindy Martinson treks from her home in Mason City, Iowa, about 160 miles roundtrip to Waseca, Minn. She visits the federal prison there, where her daughter Mandy Martinson, …

National

Gunman Navy Yard Rampage Had Mental Problems

The former Navy reservist who slaughtered 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard had been hearing voices and was being treated for mental problems in the weeks before the shooting …

State

Miss. Officials Say Unspent Katrina Money Targeted

Mississippi officials said millions of dollars in federal aid still unspent years after Hurricane Katrina doesn't spell trouble with the recovery effort, disputing a watchdog report that found among things …

Monday, September 16

Economy

Miss. Agencies Submitting FY15 Budget Requests

Leaders of Mississippi government agencies are facing scrutiny as they request money for fiscal 2015, which begins July 1.

Tease photo Development

Stokes: Hinds Should Cash in from 'One Lake'

Despite still being years away from any dirt moving on the so-called One Lake project that aims to mitigate flooding and provide business opportunities along its shore, one member of …

Tease photo Education

Public Universities Ramp Up Aid for the Wealthy, Leaving the Poor Behind

Many public universities, faced with their own financial shortfalls, are increasingly leaving low-income students behind.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Dr. Herman Taylor

The American Heart Association recently named Dr. Herman Taylor, Professor of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, vice president of its Greater Southeast Affiliate Board of …

World

UN: 'Convincing Evidence' of Syria Chemical Attack

U.N. inspectors said Monday there is "clear and convincing evidence" that chemical weapons were used on a relatively large scale in an attack last month in Syria that killed hundreds …

Politics

Analysis: Barbour Could Still Shape Miss. Policies

Once a governor, always a governor in Mississippi. The title never fades, even when the time in office expires.

National

Police Responding to Reported Shooter at Navy Yard

Several people were injured in a shooting Monday morning at a building at the Washington Navy Yard, the U.S. Navy said, and authorities searched for an active shooter.

Sunday, September 15

Tease photo 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, September 14

Education

Takeovers Set for 2 of 3 Miss. School Districts

The Mississippi state Board of Education is seeking to take over the Claiborne County and Leflore County school districts, but will grant the Yazoo City system a reprieve.

Business

Judge Urged to Accept Halliburton's Guilty Plea

Halliburton Energy Services and Justice Department prosecutors have urged a federal judge to approve a plea deal that calls for the Houston-based company to pay a $200,000 fine for destroying …

Justice

Judge Delays BP Rig Supervisors' Trial Until June

A federal judge has agreed to postpone the manslaughter trial of two BP supervisors who worked on the drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Health Care

Health Officials Report Drop in Infant Mortality

State health officials say Mississippi's infant mortality rate is declining.

Friday, September 13

National

Investigators: 36,000 Game Disability System

Social Security made $1.3 billion in potentially improper disability payments to people who had jobs when they were supposed to be unable to work, congressional investigators said in a report …

World

President's Brother Key to Syria Regime Survival

He is rarely photographed or even quoted in Syria's media. Wrapped in that blanket of secrecy, President Bashar Assad's younger brother has been vital to the family's survival in power.

Crime

UK Police: Cyber Crooks Could Have Stolen Millions

A daring attempt to graft a rogue piece of hardware onto a computer at a London branch of Spanish bank Santander could have drained millions of pounds (dollars) from its …

Tease photo City & County

Jackson's Budget Gets Green Light

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba convinced the Jackson City Council to pass his proposed $502.5 million budget after holding two town-hall meetings and two public hearings.

Tease photo Environment

What We're Seeing Now: Air Pollution and Climate Change

Scientists at Princeton, Stanford, Peking and Columbia universities as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conclude that climate change will worsen air pollution, making it a more potent …

Tease photo Person of the Day

M. Trost Friedler

Sobriety and running a center to assist others to deal with addiction issues came back-to-back for M. Trost Friedler, whose substance abuse issues first brought him to Jackson in the …

Tease photo Events

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, "Bravo I: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto" is at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall.

World

Rights Group: Syrian Regime Behind Mass Killings

An international human rights group on Friday accused Syrian government forces and pro-regime militias of carrying out summary executions earlier this year that left at least 248 people dead in …

Crime

4 Men Given Death Sentences in India Gang Rape

An Indian court Friday sentenced to death four men for the gang rape and murder of a young New Delhi woman, ordering them to the gallows for a brutal attack …

National

Kerry: Syria Peace Prospects Ride on Weapons Talks

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday the prospects for resuming the Syrian peace process are riding on the outcome of U.S.-Russian talks …

Business

Women Outrun Men in Regaining Jobs Since Recession

The slowly recovering U.S. job market has helped women rebound faster than men: They've now regained all the jobs they lost to the Great Recession. Men are still 2.1 million …

Education

How Mississippi School Districts Rated in 2013

Here's how the 151 Mississippi public school districts in 2013 were rated under the state's A-to-F grading system for their 2013 performance, along with how they were rated in 2012.

Thursday, September 12

National

Colorado Flooding Cuts Off Mountain Towns, Kills 3

Heavy rains sent walls of water crashing down mountainsides Thursday in Colorado, cutting off remote towns, forcing the state's largest university to close and leaving at least three people dead …

Tease photo City & County

Jacksonians Speak Out at Town Hall Meeting

Last night, the city of Jackson and Mayor Chokwe Lumumba hosted a second town-hall meeting to address the proposed water-and-sewer rate increases, this time in the heart of Ward 3 …

Tease photo Health Care

Consumers With Serious Medical Problems Need To Carefully Assess Total Plan Costs

One of the health care overhaul's most far-reaching provisions prohibits health plans from refusing to cover people who are sick or charging them higher premiums. Still, for people with serious …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Millsaps Majors

Millsaps and Mississippi College have been meeting on the gridiron since 1920, and the Majors and Choctaws have met annually since 2000, when they renewed their close rivalry.

Health Care

Health Overhaul Confuses Medicare Beneficiaries

Dear seniors, your Medicare benefits aren't changing under the Affordable Care Act. That's the message federal health officials are trying to get out to elderly consumers confused by overlapping enrollment …

National

AP Sources: CIA Delivering Light Weapons to Syria

The CIA has been delivering light machine guns and other small arms to Syrian rebels for several weeks, following President Barack Obama's decision to arm the rebels.

National

Kerry Set to Test Russia on Syria Weapons

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his team open two days of meetings with their Russian counterparts on Thursday, hoping to emerge with the outlines of a plan for …

World

Syrian Rebels Blast Russian Offer on Chemical Arms

Syria's top rebel commander called Thursday for regime officials to be put on trial for carrying out an alleged chemical attack near Damascus that killed hundreds last month, blasting a …

Economy

Release of Report on Port Spending Friday

A legislative committee will release a report this week on its analysis of spending at the State Port at Gulfport.

Wednesday, September 11

World

AP Analysis: Russia Re-Emerges as Mideast Player

With a few days' worth of surprise diplomacy, Vladimir Putin has revived memories of an era many thought was long gone, when Washington and Moscow jostled for influence while others …

Sports

The Slate

Isn't it great to have real referees, instead of replacement refs? Oh wait—you mean the real refs blew a call in the first game of year that might have cost …

Sports

JFP Top 25: Week 2

Only two weeks in, and we see a shakeup in the top five and top 10 of the JFP College Football Top 25 Poll. Both happen to involve SEC teams, …

Tease photo Bryan's Rant

Optimistic but Cautious

In sports, you see a lot of overreaction the Monday after Sunday's NFL games. Fan bases can swing wildly throughout the season, depending on their favorite team's performance from week …

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A Sworn Oath

The Lincoln exhibit at Hinds Community College’s Raymond campus will have traveled to more than 40 states by 2015.

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Spirit of Dante

As the title character, Vin Diesel endures hell in “Riddick.”

Tease photo Music

Lisa Marie Grows Up

Lisa Marie Presley really doesn't need an introduction. Most people know she's the only daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. She's also been releasing music of her own since 2002.

Tease photo Art

Handmade and Live on Stage

The Canton Gin Market, located in the Old Cotton Gin across the street from the train depot in Canton, is a mecca for local artisans and musicians.

Tease photo City & County

Greek Goodness

Mississippi Greek Weekend is a chance for Greek organizations to band together to raise money and awareness about sickle cell anemia.

Tease photo Art

Blooming Book Club

Jackson writer Eudora Welty inspired the name of the Cereus Readers book club, pronounced "serious." She and her friends would come together to watch the annual night-blooming of the cereus …

Tease photo Art

Irish Dancing in the Capital

The Mostly Monthly Ceili series is a Sunday night event that brings the art of the Irish jig to Jackson.

Tease photo Art

Sound Exchange

The vinyl nirvana for Jackson's music nerds is returning, in the ninth 4 The Record! vinyl convention and swap, Sept. 28, at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888).

Tease photo Art

Zombies and Filmmaking

Prepare Now for the Zombie Apocalypse! On Oct. 26, as part of the fourth annual Mississippi International Film Festival, zombies and their attendant goons will overrun the Russell C. Davis …

Tease photo Art

Half-Life

This summer, a couple of Walker's Drive-In employees painted a mural on the iconic eatery's patio wall in Fondren. It replaced a pockmarked and aging piece The Projectors, a trio …

Tease photo

What Matters

Nearing 90 years of life, she sat on the edge of her chair staring into my daughter's eyes as if there was some clue as to who she was.

Editorial

Time to Show Up

Next week, the Mississippi Legislature takes up hearings on the fiscal year 2015 budget.

Tease photo

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Killing'

Same old, same old conservative response—reduce the size of government regardless of what the issue is.

Tease photo

The Money is Right

Rudy McBride: "Greetings to potential, new and existing customers of the Let Me Hold Five Dollars National Bank. Last week, I had an interesting conversation with Harris 'Stotle' Jenkins, resident …

Tease photo Candidate

Williams: Hustle and Fight

Ted Williams says the key to unlocking Utica's economic-development potential just might start with a lunchtime eatery.

Tease photo Candidate

Jones: Looking for Bargains

Leon Jones, a 48-year-old former Jackson police officer and day-care center owner, knows the importance of having an advocate on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.

Tease photo City & County

What $6.5 Million Will Buy

Budget talks heated Sept. 5 as Mayor Chokwe Lumumba began distributing some of the funds from his $503 million budget, starting with re-allocating $6.5 million from the public schools. The …

JFP

Question o' the Week: Fill in this phrase: 'Art is ______'

Fill in this phrase: 'Art is ______'

Tease photo City & County

Enforcing Truancy Laws

Jackson Councilman Tony Yarber, Ward 6, doesn't split hairs on state truancy laws at Jackson Public Schools: He doesn't believe they are being enforced.

Tease photo Environment

Gators: A Conservation Love Story

By now, the stories of Mississippi's three record-breaking alligators have traveled around the world.

Tease photo Jacksonian

Christy Henderson

As the founder and executive director of the Mississippi Ridability Therapeutic Riding Center, Christy Henderson lives to enrich the lives of special-needs individuals through horseback riding.

Tease photo Editor's Note

Finding Sheroes

Think about the women you see in films and TV shows, on magazine covers and runways. They are pornified, photoshopped, plastic.

Tease photo Music

Blender IV: Hip-Hop Gives Back

Throughout last year, Jackson hip-hop artist James Crow, or Herbert Brown as his friends know him, struggled through an incredible hardship—one that no amount of talent, dedication or hard work …

National

Obama Conditionally Backs Offer on Syria

President Barack Obama conditionally endorsed a Russian offer for international inspectors to seize and destroy deadly chemical weapons in Syria as efforts to avert retaliatory U.S. missile strikes shift from …

National

9/11 Anniversary to Be Marked With Tributes

Sept. 11 victims' loved ones will gather at ground zero to commemorate the attacks' anniversary with the reading of names, moments of silence and serene music that have become tradition.

National

The NSA machine: Too Big for Anyone to Understand

The National Security Agency set it in motion in 2006 and the vast network of supercomputers, switches and wiretaps began gathering Americans' phone and Internet records by the millions, looking …

World

AP Interview: Syria Renouncing Arms Shows Strength

Syria's acceptance of a proposal to relinquish its chemical weapons stockpile should not be interpreted as a concession or sign of weakness, a senior government official said Wednesday. Damascus' agreement, …

Economy

Top 1 Percent in U.S. Took Biggest Share Since 1928

The income gap between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America last year reached the widest point since the Roaring Twenties.

Tuesday, September 10

Justice

Indian Court Convicts 4 in Fatal Gang Rape Case

An Indian court convicted four men Tuesday in the deadly gang rape of a young woman on a moving New Delhi bus, a brutal crime that galvanized public anger over …

National

Obama Talks Syria Diplomacy, Fallback Airstrikes

Pushing military might and raising hopes it won't be needed, President Barack Obama threw his support Tuesday behind a plan for U.N. Security Council talks aimed at securing Syria's chemical …

National

Kerry: Syria Should Do More Than Declare Weapons

Secretary of State John Kerry says Syria must do more than just declare its chemical weapons stockpiles and sign the international treaty that bans them if it wants a Russian-led …

National

Apple Introduces 2 New iPhone Models

Apple's latest iPhones will come in a bevy of colors and two distinct designs, a cheaper one made of plastic and another that aims to be "the gold standard of …

Tease photo Development

Did La. Parish 'Jump the Gun' on One Lake 'No' Vote?

Dallas Quinn, spokesman for the Pearl River Vision Foundation, said St. Tammany Parish, La., officials failed to get input from his group before passing a resolution against the flood-control plan …

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Job Fair, Choctaw Books and Great Harvest

Paul Rankin, owner of Great Harvest Bread Co., closed his Ridgeland location Aug. 31 to focus his efforts on his recently renovated Jackson store at 5006 Parkway Drive.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Wilma Mosley Clopton

"For a person who has been everywhere, now I have a focus," Wilma Mosley Clopton says.

World

Syria Accepts Weapons Plan, Strike Momentum Eases

Momentum to avoid Western missile strikes on Syria intensified Tuesday, as President Bashar Assad's government accepted a plan to turn over its chemical weapons stockpile and France pitched a U.N. …

Health Care

FDA: Roche Drug Works in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a positive review of a breast cancer drug from Roche that could soon become the first pharmaceutical option for treating the earliest stages …

National

Feds Plan to Release Details of Secret Spy Court

The Obama administration is releasing hundreds of previously classified documents detailing activities of the country's long-secret spy court that authorizes domestic surveillance programs.

National

Talking Diplomacy in Syria, Obama Goes to Congress

President Barack Obama angled to end the impasse over Syria on Tuesday by pressing his case for U.S. airstrikes against Bashar Assad's regime as he held out hope of a …

Business

Gov. Bryant on Trade Mission to Brazil

Gov. Phil Bryant and a group of Mississippi business leaders are in Brazil this week to meet with local trade organizations and officials.

Monday, September 9

Tease photo State

A New Director at Henley-Young?

Hinds County's juvenile detention center is getting a new director. Brenda Frelix is taking over as executive director of the Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center, replacing Dale Knight.

Tease photo National

To Dodge Law, High-Cost Lender Offers Cash for Free

Alarmed by the explosion of high-cost lending in the state, cities across Texas have passed ordinances to prevent the cycle of debt that short-term, high-cost loans can create. But some …

Tease photo Person of the Day

Robert St. John

Hattiesburg restaurateur Robert St. John has teamed up with Dan Blumenthal and Jeff Good—owners of Jackson's BRAVO! Italian Restaurant, Broad Street Baking Company and Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza …

Health Care

Groups Race to Hire, Train 'Obamacare' Guides

With the program known as "Obamacare" only weeks away from its key launch date, hectic preparations are in motion in communities across the country to deal with one of its …

National

Kerry Reasserts Syria Charge Despite Assad Denial

Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that Syrian President Bashar Assad could resolve the crisis surrounding his purported use of chemical weapons by turning "every single bit" of his …

World

Assad: 'Expect Everything' in Response to Attack

Syrian President Bashar Assad is warning the U.S. of repercussions if it launches a military strike against him. "You should expect everything," Assad said in an interview, while denying that …

National

Report: U.S. Spied on Brazil's Petrobras, Google

Documents leaked by Edward Snowden indicate the National Security Agency spied on Brazil's state-run oil company, the private computer networks of Google and a company that facilitates most of the …

Sunday, September 8

Development

Analysis: Road Effort Needs Business Support

Efforts to raise money to repair and build highways just don't have the broad push that lifted a major highway program to passage in the Legislature a generation ago.

Tease photo 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, September 7

Education

JSU, Holmes Sign Pact to Help Students

Jackson State University and Holmes Community College have signed a partnership to increase educational opportunities and degree completion for students.

Friday, September 6

Tease photo City & County

Council Backs Mayor's Plan on Taxes

Mayor Chokwe Lumumba received approval from Jackson's City Council to reallocate 5.56 mills of tax money to bail out the zoo, among other things.

Tease photo National

Energy Savings Simply in the Power of Observation

The Hawthorne effect can be a decisive factor in any study trying to assess energy awareness and electricity consumption, scientists at Carnegie Mellon University reported on Monday.

Tease photo Person of the Day

CJ Rhodes

Ever since CJ Rhodes swept into Jackson just a few short years ago, he has been a big, important part of the community.

Tease photo Events

It's the Weekend!

On Sunday, the All 4 Children Consignment Jackson Fall/Winter Sale is from 8 a.m.-noon at Mississippi Trade Mart.

World

Labs Seeking Sarin Chemical Signature: 99-125-81

Three simple numbers will prove whether sarin was used to gas Syrians last month: 99-125-81.

Business

World Leaders Push Big Companies to Pay More Taxes

Leaders of the world's 20 largest economies have committed to crack down on cross-border companies that use tax havens.

National

Report: Ohio Kidnapper Called Mother of 1 Victim

Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro said he called the mother of one of his captives and told the woman her daughter was alive and had become his wife, according to interrogation …

National

Obama Encouraged by G20 Syria Talks, Plans Speech

President Barack Obama said Friday he's encouraged by talks with foreign leaders over how to respond to chemical weapons use in Syria and plans to make his case to the …

Health Care

Miss. to Set Up Business Health Insurance Market

Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says he's going ahead with plans for a small business health insurance exchange.

Thursday, September 5

Tease photo Health Care

Tea Party Express Rolls into Jackson

Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer led a press conference at the downtown Marriott Wednesday, calling out legislators who have not sufficiently opposed the Affordable Care Act.

Tease photo Health Care

FAQ: How Will The Individual Mandate Work?

The federal health law's individual mandate, one of the key building blocks of the insurance overhaul, remains controversial as the October start date approaches for enrolling in new online marketplaces.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Mississippi Braves

The formula was simple for the Mississippi Braves Sept. 2, the final day of play in the 2013 Southern League Season: All the team had to do was win against …

LGBT

Feds Won't Enforce Same-Sex Veterans Law

The Obama administration said Wednesday it will stop enforcing a law that blocks benefits to partners of military veterans in same-sex marriages.

LGBT

Gay Rights Groups Seek Anti-Bias Victory in Texas

Gay rights advocates and religious conservatives were expected Thursday to pack a City Council meeting for a vote on nondiscrimination protections that are already in place elsewhere in Texas but …

Health Care

Studies Take Early Look at Health Law's Premiums

Coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law won't be cheap, but cost-conscious consumers hunting for lower premiums will have plenty of options, according to two independent private studies.

National

Divided Vote Foreshadows Obama Challenge on Syria

A Senate panel's deep divide over giving President Barack Obama the authority to use U.S. military force against Syria underscores the commander in chief's challenge in persuading skeptical lawmakers and …

National

Obama Heads Into the Lion's Den in Russia

President Barack Obama is heading into the lion's den of Russia, confronting Syria's key patron as well as foreign leaders skeptical of his call for an international military strike against …

Development

Business Groups Cool to Raising Taxes for Roads

Business groups still aren't ready to raise Mississippi's taxes to repair and build highways and bridges.

Wednesday, September 4

Tease photo Bryan's Rant

Beware the FCS

This year in college football might provide an interesting theme to watch for.

Sports

The Slate

College football's opening night has already shown us potentially the Game of the Year: Ole Miss versus Vanderbilt.

Tease photo Music

A Critique on Critics

I almost hate to enact the typical 10th-grade speech-class introduction, but I think we can all glean something important from defining the term "critic."

Tease photo Film

Excesses of the Car Chase

A slick car outperforms Selena Gomez and Ethan Hawke in the regrettable “Getaway.”

Tease photo Business

Follow the Jug

The owners and managers of Fondren Public worked a long time to make the bar a hotspot for a unique blend of young professionals and Fondren locals, and it paid …

Tease photo Wellness

Leap of Faith

It is usually our challenges in life that lead to our biggest accomplishments. Danielle Wells, 27, is a testament to this fact.

Tease photo Good

Raising Kids Au Naturale

I believe in fresh air and sunshine and puddles and dirt smudged on play clothes or all over bare skin. So often as a parent, it is all too easy …

Business

An Honest Attitude

Debra Griffin has an honest attitude when it comes to past business failures.

Tease photo Business

Fearful and Fun

Mike Upton's business came from a love for cars and a desire to better his community. Upton, who has never worked on cars for a living—and promises that no one …

Tease photo Business

Hitting the Lottery

In 2004, Rosemary Emmanuel hit the lottery. The U.S. Department of State's diversity visa program, which selects recipients on a lottery system, selected Emmanuel and her family from Kaduna State …

Tease photo Business

A Passion for Serving

Tara Blumenthal began practicing yoga for exercise. Weight training wasn't working for her, and she was "tripping off the treadmill," trying to get a cardio workout.

Tease photo Business

Corner Store: Where Are You?

On a recent trip to the William F. Winter Archives and History Building, a couple of enterprising reporters dug up some old pictures and articles about Capitol Street.

Tease photo Business

‘All About the Food’

‘To want to open a restaurant can be a strange and terrible affliction.’

Editorial

Wagging the Dog on Guns

This week, the Mississippi Supreme Court unanimously overturned Hinds County Judge Winston Kidd's injunction against House Bill 2. That came as no surprise. Despite good intentions, the attempt to stop …

Tease photo Politics

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Never Seen'

Attorney Gipson could use a refresher course on the law, it seems.

Tease photo

The Other Dr. King

As I commemorated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, I thought about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we rarely hear about. We have allowed people to define …

Tease photo City & County

Jackson Ordinance Seeks to Curb State Gun Law

City Council President Charles Tillman has introduced a gun ordinance that would ban handguns from most public places.

College

Many SEC Teams Paying Big Bucks for Easy Games This Week

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — This week Southeastern Conference teams are taking a break from those stressful fall Saturdays, a sort of mini-vacation for a few hundred grand.

Tease photo Candidate

McCoy: Tearing Down 'Walls'

At age 47, youth pastor and insurance agent Gus McCoy is one of the youngest candidates vying for the Hinds County District 2 supervisor's seat.

College

JFP Top 25 College Football Poll week 1

Bryan Flynn's weekly poll of the 25 teams in college football.

JFP

Question o' the Week: What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Tease photo City & County

One Step Forward ...

The city of Jackson is re-issuing a request for proposals for a long-awaited downtown convention-center hotel, just two months after unveiling an agreement with a developer to build one.

Tease photo City & County

Ripe for a Green Revolution

In the two decades since he arrived from California, Luke Lundemo has witnessed, and been part of, a vast improvement in the capital city's recycling ethic.

Tease photo Jacksonian

Elisa Acey

When setting up her shop, Elisa Acey kept the dying business of old-school barbershops in mind.

Tease photo Editor's Note

Jackson Market Hall, Anyone?

In Jackson, enthusiasm for a downtown arena resulted in an initial phase of feasibility studies and an attempt at fundraising spearheaded by Downtown Jackson Partners.

Tease photo Theater

Morbid Curiosity

New Stage Theatre kicks off its 48th season with an intriguing story of mystery, magic and murder. But it's also a play full of dark humor and fun for the …

Business

Gulfport Shipyard Will Shut Down by May 2014

Huntington Ingalls Industries says it will close its Gulfport, Miss., shipyard by May 2014.

World

AP Interview: Putin Warns West on Syria Action

President Vladimir Putin warned the West against taking one-sided action in Syria but also said Russia "doesn't exclude" supporting a U.N. resolution on punitive military strikes if it is proved …

National

Obama Reassures Europeans Over U.S. Surveillance

President Barack Obama is reassuring Europeans that the U.S. is not snooping through their emails or eavesdropping on their telephone calls.

National

Cleveland Mayor: Keep Focus On 3 Women, Not Captor

Cleveland's mayor says the prison suicide of the man who held three women captive for a decade doesn't change the city's focus on the victims' recovery and well-being.

National

Obama: Congress, World Credibility On Line

President Barack Obama said Wednesday the credibility of the international community and Congress is on the line in the debate over how to respond to the alleged use of chemical …

Justice

Sentencing Thursday Related to Prison Riot

An inmate convicted of participating in a deadly prison riot in Mississippi is scheduled for sentencing Thursday.

Tuesday, September 3

World

Syria is Said to be Hiding Weapons, Moving Troops

As the Obama administration tries to prod Congress into backing armed action against Syria, the regime in Damascus is hiding military hardware and shifting troops out of bases into civilian …

World

France Waits on U.S. Vote Over Syria Strikes

France will not carry out punitive missile strikes against Syria on its own and is awaiting a decision from the U.S. Congress on possible military action against Bashar Assad's regime, …

World

Ban: Any Syria Strike Must Get Security Council OK

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday warned that any "punitive" action taken against Syria for an alleged chemical weapons attack last month would be illegal without Security Council approval or …

World

Egypt's Sinai Emerges as New Theater for Jihad

An Egyptian doctor once close to Osama bin Laden is bringing together multiple al-Qaida-inspired militant groups in Egypt's Sinai to fight the country's military, as the lawless peninsula emerges as …

National

Obama Gains Boehner's Support for Syria Strike

President Barack Obama won critical support from House Speaker John Boehner for a punitive strike against Syria on Tuesday and dispatched senior Cabinet officials to persuade Congress that Bashar Assad's …

Tease photo Business

Ex-Chevron Lobbyist Joins PSC

Steve Renfroe, a former lobbyist for Chevron Corporation, will take over as one of Mississippi's top public-utilities regulators.

Tease photo Biz Roundup

Hair Studio, eCities and Nissan Grants

Google recently named Ridgeland the 2013 eCity for Mississippi.

Tease photo Person of the Day

Everett Neasman

Professor Everett Neasman looks outside the window of his office at Jackson State University and sees Shakespeare.

Business

Nokia Stock Surges on Microsoft Takeover

Microsoft Corp. is buying Nokia Corp.'s line-up of smartphones and a portfolio of patents and services in an attempt to strengthen its fight with Apple Inc. and Google Inc. to …

National

Obama Seeks Support for Syria Strike at G-20

Facing roadblocks at home and abroad, President Barack Obama this week plans to urge reluctant world leaders to back an American-led strike against Syria even though the prospects for military …

Crime

Who's a Victim of Human Sex Trafficking?

Increasingly, experts in the field are applying the label human trafficking to homegrown prostitution.

Monday, September 2

World

Obama's Decision to Seek Congressional Approval In Syria Surprised His Foreign Policy Team

Obama's abrupt decision to seek congressional approval before striking Syria also overshadowed what had been a surprising level of consensus among the second-term team members about how to respond to …

National

Obama Seeks Syria Support from Former Foe McCain

President Barack Obama is inviting former foe Sen. John McCain to the White House, hoping one of Congress' most intractable foreign policy hawks will help sell the idea of a …

World

A Look at Syria Developments Around the World

Here's a look at key Syria developments around the world Monday amid heightened tensions over potential military action.

Sunday, September 1

Tease photo 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.