Jackson Free Press

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.

Youngest Miss. Lawmaker Sworn in on 22nd Birthday

Democrat Jeramey Anderson of Moss Point has been sworn in as the youngest member of the Mississippi Legislature.

Purge Sends Chilling Message to N. Korea's Elite

By purging his own uncle, Kim has delivered a more chilling message: No one is beyond reach, not even family.

Hagel Warns Pakistan Leaders Over Border Protests

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Pakistani leaders Monday that if they don't resolve protests stalling some military shipments across the border with Afghanistan, it could be difficult to maintain political …

Angry Mobs Attack in C. African Republic Capital

The latest round of violence in the Central African Republic began Thursday, when armed Christian fighters who oppose Seleka attacked the capital and were later repelled by the ex-rebels. At …

Community Meetings & Events

A toy drive for pediatric patients at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital will be held Friday, Dec. 13, at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Dr. Srinivasan Vijayakumar

The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Cancer Institute has a new director, Dr. Srinivasan Vijayakumar, but you can just call him Dr. Vijay.

HUD Finally Stirs on Housing Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has accused Dallas, one of the nation's largest cities, of violating civil rights law through housing practices that discriminated against black, Latino …

JPS Bus Drivers Hint at Unionizing

This morning, Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber had to make a quick stop before attending a meeting of striking Jackson Public School bus drivers: He had to drop his kids …

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Miss. Trying to Educate People About Voter ID Law

Mississippi's top elections official is launching a publicity blitz to bring attention to the state's voter identification law that's scheduled to be used for the first time in June.

Hood: Google Still Not Effectively Fighting Crime

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is again asking Google to do more to prevent people from using the search engine to find illegal drugs and pirated videos, music and games.

World Leaders, South Africans Honor Mandela

U.S. President Barack Obama exhorted the world Tuesday to embrace Nelson Mandela's universal message of peace and justice, electrifying tens of thousands of rain-lashed spectators in a South African stadium.

'Sound of Music' Actress Eleanor Parker Dies at 91

Eleanor Parker, who was nominated for Academy Awards three times for her portrayals of strong-willed women and played a scheming baroness in "The Sound of Music," has died at 91.

Local Leaders Planning for Climate Effects

When it comes to climate change, local officials have a message for Washington: Lead or get out of the way.

Marek Dlouhy

Marek Dlouhy and his wife, Shelagh, opened DCZ Designs: "Nature's Jewelry" eight years ago.

Saltine, MDA Take Flight; Southwest Grounds Them

Former Parlor Market Chef de Cuisine Jesse Houston is preparing to make his return to the Jackson restaurant scene, this time as the owner and operator of his own establishment.

Voter ID First Tested in GOP Primary

Despite opposition from Democratic-leaning groups who say laws requiring voter ID could keep minorities, young people and college students away from polls, Mississippi's voter ID law will first be tested …

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Bach: Russia to Set Up Protest Zones in Sochi

IOC President Thomas Bach said Russia will set up public protest zones in Sochi during the Winter Olympics, a move unlikely to defuse criticism of the country's human rights record …

Bipartisan Negotiators Seek Modest Budget Pact

Republican and Democratic negotiators reached out for a budget agreement Tuesday to reduce automatic spending cuts aimed at programs ranging from parks to the Pentagon, risking a backlash from liberals …

Obama Shakes Hands with Cuba's Raul Castro

resident Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro Tuesday at a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, a simple gesture that, while promptly downplayed by the White House, created …