Stories for August 2013

BP Expands Challenge to Gulf Spill Settlement

On Friday, BP's lawyers argued in a court filing that Barbier's more recent interpretation of settlement terms has allowed businesses to receive hundreds of millions of dollars for inflated or fictitious claims.

2013 Games of the Week

If money and time was no object, here are the games I would go see each week of the season.

Ordinance Would Ban Guns In Public Places

Jackson's civic leaders have watched the gun debate unfold since Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 2 into law, effectively making the "open carry" of guns legal.

New Study Suggests 'Universal Fetal Exposure' to BPA

All samples of umbilical cord blood obtained from pregnant women in California had detectable levels of bisphenol A, suggesting "universal fetal exposure," according to newly published research.

Vanessa Dean

Vanessa Dean, a fourth-grade teacher at Casey Elementary School, is one of five educators who will receive a 2013 Outstanding Educator Award.

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, Ice Treat Enrichment Day is from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Jackson Zoo.

Follow the Jug: Fondren Public Opening Sept. 2

If you see the hashtag #followthejug floating around social media, it means something sure to make beer lovers salivate is coming.

U.S. Finds Itself with Only 1 Syria Partner: France

The United States found itself Friday with France as its only major partner in a potential strike against Syria, after a stunning rejection of military force in Parliament forced Britain, America's staunchest ally, to pull out of any operation.

Court Withdraws Ruling in BP Insurance Dispute

A federal appeals court reversed course Thursday on its earlier ruling favoring BP in a multimillion-dollar insurance dispute, handing at least a temporary setback to the energy giant as it seeks to defray some of the enormous costs associated with the huge 2010 Gulf oil spill.

Miss. High Court Upholds Open-Carry Gun Law

The Mississippi Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously upheld the state's open carry-gun law, allowing it to take effect after a circuit judge's order had kept it on hold about two months.

Jackson Rally Calls for Militant Pursuit of Equality

Jackson's Day of Dignity coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, but the Day of Dignity was less about commemorating the historical march and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, than reminding attendees that obstacles to justice and equality in Mississippi are formidable.

Survey: Big Business May Shift Retirees, Part-Timers to Insurance Exchanges

Corporate America is taking a hard look at moving retirees and part-time workers into health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act, suggests a survey by the National Business Group on Health.

Jackson State Football

College football finally kicks off tonight. After a long wait, we can watch games with something at stake for the winners and losers.

Obama Inspires Many in 50th-Year King Remembrance

For many among the tens of thousands of Americans who thronged to the National Mall to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, President Barack Obama's challenge to seize the cause of racial equality from the "glorious patriots" of the tumultuous 1960s struck a deep generational chord.

Obama Offers New Gun Control Steps

The Obama administration announced new steps Thursday on gun control, curbing the import of military surplus weapons and proposing to close a little-known loophole that lets felons and others circumvent background checks by registering guns to corporations.

Fast-Food Protests Under Way

Fast-food protests are under way in cities including New York, Chicago and Detroit, with organizers expecting the biggest national walkouts yet in a demand for higher wages.

Soldier Sentenced to Death for Fort Hood Shooting

A military jury on Wednesday sentenced Maj. Nidal Hasan to death for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, handing the Army psychiatrist the ultimate punishment after a trial in which he seemed to be courting martyrdom by making almost no effort to defend himself.

Gig: Cake Queen

The best thing about what I do is the fact that I own it. I'm not working for anyone else, I do what I want to do and I'm allowed to be this creative.

The Soundtrack to My Life

Sometimes I wish that I was wired like everyone else. I've never been content to simply turn on the radio and be entertained. I've certainly never been one to like something just because it's popular.

Art All Night

The Old Masters to Monet exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) includes 50 paintings. As it concludes Sept. 8, the museum will end with a bang, staying open for the final 50 hours (more or less) of the exhibit during 50 Paintings in 50 Hours.

Beers and ‘Bots

“The World’s End” completes Edgar Wright’s trilogy of comedies.

The Art of Immigration

Immigration problems have affected artist Ingrid Cruz and her family. Her stepfather was unable to attend his father's funeral in Aguilares, El Salvador, because he was undocumented. After he got a Green Card in 2001, he was able to return to El Salvador when his mother died. Cruz and her family became U.S. citizens in 2011.

Sixth (Social) Sense

You may not know this, dear readers, but I have a sixth sense. I can sit down at a bar and almost immediately pick out someone who just moved to town or is visiting on business.

Cocktails with an Herbal Twist

Growing herbs in Mississippi's hot, humid climate can be difficult, but it's a fragrantly rewarding side of gardening and well worth the effort.

Rika in Rome

I never fully understood the context of the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" until I went there myself.

Conerly Hopefuls 2013

Each year since I began writing the college football preview, I have compiled a short list of the preseason players to watch for the Conerly Trophy, which the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame awards to the best football player in the state at a four-year college each year.

New Bids Sought for Convention Center Hotel

Two months after the city of Jackson unveiled an agreement with a developer to build a long-awaited downtown convention center hotel, those plans are temporarily on hold.

The Slate

Congratulations to former Southern Miss and Oakland Raider punter Ray Guy on being named as one of two senior committee candidates for the Pro Hall of Fame. Guy joins other candidate Claude Humphrey.

Memorable Football Moments

I got as giddy as a little kid on Christmas day when I saw the JFP question of the week. If you missed it, the question was: What is the most memorable football moment in your lifetime?

2013 JFP Preseason Top 25

This year's poll begins as it has the last two years, with the Alabama Crimson Tide on top. Alabama is looking for its third-straight title and its fourth title in five years.

Rule Changes in 2013

The NCAA approved three rule changes that could cost your college football team a win this season.

JFP 2013 College Football Preview: On the Grid: Bryan Flynn’s Sophisticated Wild-Ass Guesses

This year, Mississippi teams are either building on success or rebuilding. Three of Mississippi's big four universities are hoping to build on last season's success, and one university hopes the memories of a doomed 2012-13 campaign fade away quickly with a new coaching regime.

Pigskin POVs

As we enter another football season, it's time to reflect on the best and worst I've ever seen—in more years than I can count—of going to games and getting paid to write about what I observed.

50 Years Later, the Fight Goes On

One of the often-forgotten aspects of the 1963 March on Washington is its name. The full, original name of that Aug. 28, 1963, gathering was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Survive'

No schools should have to make the choices that Cochran and other superintendents in Mississippi are making due to the state's continual funding shortfall for public schools.

If I Just Got a Job

"Recently, I discovered an alarming trend in the cost of obtaining a college or post-secondary education. All I know is that folk from places like the Ghetto Science Community cannot afford to pay $17,900 at public institutions, $15,200 at private for-profit institutions or $39,500 at private not-for-profit institutions."

Woods: Sacred Trust

District 4 Hinds County supervisor candidate Alvin Woods believes supervisors should treat their constituents' money as a sacred trust.

Brown: Aligning With Right

Former Jackson Councilman Bo Brown wants to be a unifier on the often-divided Hinds County Board of Supervisors as District 2's representative.

City Council Mulls Budget Proposal

In presenting his first budget to the city, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba banked on Jacksonians to understand that money doesn't grow on trees.

Question o' the Week: What is the most memorable football moment in your lifetime?

What is the most memorable football moment in your lifetime?

Ripple Effects of ‘One Lake’

Fifty years ago, completion of the Ross Barnett Reservoir changed the ecology of the Pearl River. Conservationists fear that a flood-control plan now underway would alter it again.

The National Balance League

The NFL’s success is its philosophy, which is inherently communist.

Noland Smith

Known as "Super Gnat" due to his small stature (5-foot-7-inches and 154 pounds), Noland Smith proved he had the fight, drive and passion to play pro football.

The Guns Down the Road

In January 2014, TALON Ordnance is expected to open, bringing jobs to Mississippi. What does TALON do? They manufacture guns, among them assault rifles for "enthusiasts, law enforcement and the military."

‘MODOC’: Live Charm

MODOC's new album chooses authenticity and restraint over spectacle.

U.N. Envoy: Syria 'Substance' May Have Killed 1,000

Evidence suggests that some kind of "substance" was used in Syria that may have killed more than 1,000 people, but any military strike in response must first gain U.N. Security Council approval, special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi said Wednesday.

Calif. Fire Prompts Unhealthy Air Warnings in Nev.

The giant wildfire burning at the edge of Yosemite National Park has not only destroyed buildings and threatened water supplies, electricity and sequoias, it has also unleashed a smoky haze that has worsened air quality more than 100 miles away in Nevada.

Obama Embodies King's Dream and His Struggle

President Barack Obama will lead the civil rights pioneers of today and two of his presidential predecessors Wednesday in a celebrative but solemn commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech of yesteryear, saluting his fight for equal opportunity.

Miss. to Appeal Injunction in Abortion Clinic Case

Mississippi will ask a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling that has temporarily blocked authorities from closing the state's only abortion clinic.

Mississippi Weighs a Nuclear Option

Building a facility to reprocess spent nuclear-fuel rods to make new nuclear energy could take as much as two decades, but the ball started rolling Monday with a hearing at the state Capitol.

UMMC Expands, New Outlet Tenants and Twin Peaks

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is considering the purchase of the vacant Landmark Center at East Capitol Street to accommodate additional support staff.

Lester Hailey

Lester Hailey is usually busy at work, providing the services that helped earn Beemon Drugs the honor of becoming the 2013 Most Valuable Pharmacy.

Crews Report Progress Against Yosemite Fire

Crews were finally gaining ground on a massive wildfire burning near Yosemite National Park and no water or power disruptions were expected from ash raining on the main reservoir that supplies San Francisco, officials said late Monday.

Midwest Heat Wave Prompts Early School Dismissals

An unusual, late-summer heat wave has enveloped much of the Midwest, putting schools and sports events on hold.

The Down and Dirty About Nerve Agents Like Sarin

Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that a large-scale chemical weapons attack occurred in Syria. There are still many questions about chemical weapons, some of which can be answered easily and some of which can't.

Hagel: U.S. Military Stands Ready to Strike Syria

The U.S. military stands ready to strike Syria at once if President Barack Obama gives the order, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Tuesday as the United States prepared to formally declare that chemical weapons had been used in the Syrian civil war.

Miss. Officers Learn to Fight Human Trafficking

Mississippi law officers are learning how to more thoroughly investigate cases of human trafficking.

NAACP Keeping Up Pressure in Trayvon Martin Case

NAACP President Ben Jealous says he plans to turn over petitions with more than 1.7 million signatures calling on the Department of Justice to pursue charges against George Zimmerman for violating Trayvon Martin's civil rights.

Fort Hood Jury Hears from Injured Soldier, Widow

Survivors of the attack and relatives of those killed testified Monday during the sentencing phase of Maj. Nidal Hasan's trial.

Kerry: Chemical Arms Use in Syria an 'Obscenity'

Secretary of State John Kerry declared Monday that there was "undeniable" evidence of a large-scale chemical weapons attack in Syria, toughening the Obama administration's criticism of Bashar Assad's regime and outlining a justification for possible U.S. military action.

Egyptian Islamist Groups Seek Truce with Army

Two former militant groups in Egypt offered to call off street protests if the government agrees to ease its pressure on Islamists.

Lucky Town Brewery Expanding

The boys at Lucky Town Brewing Co. are expanding, and they want to put their first industrial-sized brewery right in the heart of midtown Jackson.

F.A.Q. on U.S. Aid to Egypt: Where Does the Money Go, and How Is It Spent?

Questions about the United States' aid to Egypt have intensified in the wake of last month's military coup. More than 1,000 Egyptians have been killed in the last week, most apparently supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. A few members of Congress have called for cutting off aid to Egypt, which the White House says is under review.

L.C. Dorsey

L.C. Dorsey, an inductee to the Southern Rural Black Women's Initiatives' Black Women's Hall of Fame, died Wednesday, Aug. 21. She was 74.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Museum After Hours: Blues and Brews is Thursday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

Civil Rights and Immigration History Connected

The push for comprehensive immigration reform was heard from the speakers' podium on Saturday, when tens of thousands marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and down the National Mall.

Convicted Fort Hood Gunman Begins Sentencing Phase

The Fort Hood shooter, an Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people in the November 2009 attack, faces the death penalty as the sentencing phase of his trial begins Monday.

Palestinians Call off Round of Talks After Clash

Palestinian negotiators called off a planned round of peace talks Monday after Israeli soldiers killed three protesters during clashes following an arrest raid in the West Bank, officials said.

Crews Battle Huge Wildfire Raging in Yosemite Area

Hundreds of firefighters were digging trenches, clearing brush and starting back blazes to keep a wildfire raging north of Yosemite National Park out of several mountain hamlets.

Analysis: Miss. Party Leaders Strategizing for '15

The chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party says he has one big goal for the 2015 state elections: Regaining control of the Legislature, thereby limiting Republican Philip Gunn to a single term as speaker of the House.

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.

Miss. House Speaker Sets Listening Tour in October

Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn says he'll travel the state this fall to gather ideas for the 2014 legislative session.

James Brown Bio Pic Expected to be Filmed in Miss.

Mississippi officials say Gov. Phil Bryant and director Tate Taylor will announce a movie project Monday in Jackson.

Jury: Life in Prison for Afghanistan Massacre

The U.S. soldier who massacred 16 Afghan civilians last year in one of the worst atrocities of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars was sentenced Friday to life in prison with no chance of parole.

Soldier Guilty of Murder for Fort Hood Shootings

Army Maj. Nidal Hasan was convicted Friday for the deadly 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, a shocking assault against American troops at home by one of their own who said he opened fire on fellow soldiers to protect Muslim insurgents abroad.

Aspire Helps Single Parents Finish College

Barbara Pitts Riley, of Arkansas-based nonprofit Aspire, says her organization is making college degrees a reality for single-parent heads of households.

Early Birds—and Butterflies—Miss the worm

The steady advance in the arrival of spring each year may mean that some butterfly species that develop early will simply be unable to adapt any further.

Blonda Mack

Blonda Marie Chess Mack, former chairwoman of the Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee and president-elect of the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women, died Aug. 11 from an aneurysm. She was 62.

It's the Weekend!

On Sunday, the Mississippi Craft Show is from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mississippi Trade Mart.

Jury in Fort Hood Rampage to Resume Deliberations

A military jury will begin its second day of deliberations Friday in the case of a 2009 mass shooting at this sprawling military post—even though the Army psychiatrist accused of gunning down 13 people and wounding more than 30 others has admitted responsibility and mounted no defense during his trial.

Young Indian Journalist Gang Raped in Mumbai

A 22-year-old photojournalist was gang raped while her male colleague was tied up and beaten in an isolated, overgrown corner of India's business hub of Mumbai.

Fierce Clashes in Suburbs of Syrian Capital

Syrian troops and opposition fighters clashed Friday during fierce battles in suburbs of the Syrian capital where the opposition claims a chemical weapons attack this week killed more than 130 people, activists said.

Egypt Security Deploys as Morsi Supporters Rally

Hundreds of supporters of Mohammed Morsi took to the streets Friday, holding scattered rallies across the city in a test of whether the ousted Egyptian president's allies can keep up the pressure on the government despite the arrest of much of their senior leadership.

U.S. Unemployment Aid Applications Rise to 336,000

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week after reaching the lowest level in 5 ½ years.

Supervisor Hopefuls Dish on Hinds

Eleven candidates for two open seats on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors gathered Wednesday night to lay out their plans for getting the most bang from the 56 million that roughly account for the county's annual budget.

States Use Out-of-the-Box Approaches to Raise Awareness of Health Exchanges

Catchy jingles? Splashy videos? Multi-million-dollar public education campaigns? For the 16 states and the District of Columbia that have opted to run their own online health insurance marketplaces, these are among the tools being used to make sure residents know the exchanges will be open for business Oct. 1.

High School Football

Starting tonight, central Mississippi will be filled with the sounds, smells and cheers of high-school football as Madison Central kicks off against Brandon at 7 p.m. to begin the 2013 season.

For Leak, Bradley Manning Gets Stiffest Punishment

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning stood at attention in his crisp dress uniform Wednesday and learned the price he will pay for spilling an unprecedented trove of government secrets: up to 35 years in prison, the stiffest punishment ever handed out in the U.S. for leaking to the media.

Jury in Fort Hood Rampage Trial Set to Deliberate

Army Maj. Nidal Hasan is sending only a single piece of evidence to the jury room when deliberations likely start Thursday about whether he is guilty of the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood.

Bradley Manning Says he Wants to Live as a Woman

Bradley Manning plans to live as a woman named Chelsea and wants to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible, the soldier said Thursday, a day after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for sending classified material to WikiLeaks.

Supporters of Egypt's Mubarak Await his Release

A medically equipped helicopter landed Thursday at an Egypt prison Thursday to transport Hosni Mubarak from prison to his new home under house arrest.

Voices Opposing Immigration Law Muted this August

Opposition to overhauling immigration laws appears notably muted, almost tame.

Report: Unsafe Welding Led to Fatal Gulf Accident

A consultant's report for a Texas-based company says a deadly 2012 explosion on its Gulf of Mexico oil platform off the Louisiana coast happened when workers for a subcontractor used unsafe welding practices.

Becoming an Insider

Do you remember the moment you felt like a true Jacksonian?

A Piece of History: The Mississippi River Basin Model

The Mississippi River Basin model covers some 200 acres near Clinton off of McRaven Road and is a scale replica of the Mississippi River basin.

Hidden Spots for Kids

Lots of parents are familiar with the usual ways to entertain their tykes, but when they get bored with the same old, same old, try something a little different. Here are a few fun—and less crowded—outdoor places to take your kids.

A Jackson Glossary

Over the years, our readers have contributed to a growing body of Jackson slang, nicknames and inside jokes, proving once again that the JFP readership is the smartest, savviest, funniest group in town. Here are some of the best and most interesting.

Downtown Family Secrets

When I moved downtown in December 2007, the first core group of residents joked that living in Tombigbee Lofts and Plaza Building was akin to a dorm for 30-year-olds—a dysfunctional family of sorts.

Smoking in Jackson? Not in Public Places

The city of Jackson enacted its first non-smoking ordinance in 2008, banning smoking from most public places. It clarified some confusing language two years later.

Jxn’s Drinking Laws

The occasional drink is always appreciated. However, the driving under-the-influence and alcohol-vending laws in Mississippi are strict and not to be taken lightly.

My Daily Karaoke

When it comes to karaoke, DJ Matt Collette knows best. Here's his advice on what to do and not to do to keep the DJ and audience happy.

The Record Store Guide

The vinyl record never went away; last year, vinyl outsold CDs.

Mosaic Masterpieces

One way to decide if an activity is worth your time is if it challenges you in unexpected ways and leaves you wanting more.

Jackson Sports: Sweetness and More

My assignment: Tell you what a prospective sports fan needs to know about Jackson. My response: Gladly.

What the Hell is a Hill Run?

If you have driven up or down Old Canton Road between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, you have probably encountered an ever-increasing group of people running to the top of the hill, doing some type of plyometric exercise and running back down to do it all over again.

Get Biking

One of the best ways to meet people in the Jackson area is by getting involved with the biking community. Here are several bike-related opportunities available around town.

Who Loves JX?

Through the T-shirt design company Studio Chane and local clothing store Swell-O-Phonic, Ron Chane has provided Jackson with snarky tees for two and a half decades now.

Jackson Thrifting

If you feel like digging for that jewel in the rough or just want to browse, these thrifty places have tons of selection for clothes.

Pure Bliss

SpaBeca not only caters to the individual, but to wedding parties, couples and mother-daughter duos. It also offers special packages, coupons, gift certificates and deals.

Bar Hopping

These days, women are hitting the bar before they even go out—but not to drink.

Best Local Lunch

From November until the end of January every year, Jackson residents and businesses campaign, vote and then wait for the results of the annual Best of Jackson competition. The contest is so popular that we’re now doing mini-polls throughout the year from Best Redhead to Best Local Lunch places, which we announce below. Keep an eye on bestofjackson.com and the print edition for a new ballot in November, as well as fun monthly polls. To the best!

On Social Media: Unique Dishes

What is your favorite unique dish at a Jackson restaurant? We’re looking for specific things you can’t find anywhere else—such as the seaside cakes at High Noon Café.

Farmers Markets and Produce

Brenda's sells Smith County home-grown produce such as peas, okra and squash. It's open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays until November.

Pure Instinct

There is something so visceral, so primal and yet so perfect about eating ribs.

Embracing the Veg

Contrary to popular belief, eating a non-meat diet isn't hard.

Goodbye to the BCS

College football fans only have to wait one more year for the playoff they have screamed for to arrive. This will be the final year of the much-maligned Bowl Championship Series.

The Slate

Sitting here wondering if the Oakland Raiders are as bad as they looked Friday night, or if the New Orleans Saints are going to be as good as they looked? Week one against Atlanta should provide an answer.

Tallhart Offers Something Different

As the first full-length and second studio record from Florida's Tallhart since it signed to Equal Vision Records, "We Are the Same" comes with substantial concerns.

Water Liars’ ‘Different, Bigger Sound’

Water Liars is not wasting any time. The Water Valley-based group, made up of Justin Kinkel-Schuster on guitar and vocals, and Andrew Bryant on drums and vocals, has only been around since 2011 but has been highly prolific in that short time.

Workingman’s Hero

Eugene Allen, a White House butler for more than 30 years, inspired Lee Daniels’ “The Butler.” Forest Whitaker stars.

Harmony and Soul

Chelsi and J. Michael's relationship began when the attorney logged into his eHarmony account—ready to cancel his subscription—only to find he had "like 100 page views" from some "questionable" young lady.

Much to Love

Jackson is much, much more than the sum of its issues.

Jacksonians Should Explore Jackson, Too

Jackson is at times a divided city, segregated along hard racial, economic and educational lines. Just consider the conversation that often takes place when the subject of the Jackson Zoo comes up in casual conversation.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'The Fix'

Certainly there's always a potential for corruption in any election, but where's Stokes' evidence of a nefarious plot to tamper with the outcome of the election?

Nothing New in 41

Mississippi does need more education around reproductive health. Most of us fighting "personhood round one" found that many people didn't have a good grasp on how reproduction and birth control work.

Crowds Funding Local Entreprenuers

Jackson personal trainer Keith Richardson has a dream to own and manage a shoe store, and he's found a creative way to get it done. Now, he needs the community's help.

God-Given Economic Development

Mississippi is making a concerted push to capture some of the enormous money in the health-care industry. That push, however, doesn't include what experts deem two of the most vital aspects of creating a health-care economy: healthy, well-educated citizens.

Lap’s Rocky Road

James "Lap" Baker, who recently retired from the Hinds County Public Works Department, wants to put infrastructure improvements back on track as the county's District 4 supervisor.

Archie: Balancing Act

After coming up a bit short in the last countywide election, David Archie is hoping the people of District 2 give him a supervisor's job in the upcoming special election.

Flood Control Concerns

We don't know what the lake footprint looks like at this point or how much of LeFleur's Bluff State Park will be condemned if a lake is built.

Examining Energy

While the case against Kemper has been made pretty effectively in the Sun and BPF with facts and logic, it is the satire and parody of Mississippi residents being played as dumb yokels by SO that may turn the tide—the knock punch after the softening up.

Question o' the Week: What is your favorite little-known thing about Jackson?

What is your favorite little-known thing about Jackson?

MDA Ponies Up $1 Million for ‘One Lake’

Two years ago, after John McGowan's flood-control plan known as "Two Lakes" went down in flames, the longtime oil magnate and sometimes developer retooled his dream for a waterfront development that would hopefully protect Jackson from floods and provide an economic boon for the city.

Lumumba Proposes Sweeping Rate Hikes

Mayor Chokwe Lumumba has spent much of his first 50 days in office in preparation for the afternoon of Aug. 19 at City Hall, where he presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2013 to the Jackson City Council.

Kim Hunt

A split second is about the time it takes to snap a photo,. It's the same amount of time it took for Kim Hunt's life to change completely.

A Battle Worth Fighting

“A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements.” — Orison Swett Marden

Rock ‘n’ Roll Art

Kirk West’s photos of musicians, including Bob Marley, the Bee Gees, and Muddy Waters and Bruce Springsteen, capture electric energy.

No Defense from Suspect in 2009 Fort Hood Shooting

The soldier on trial for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood rested his case without calling any witnesses on Wednesday.

Facebook Aims to Get More People Online

Facebook wants to get more of the world's more than 7 billion people—all of them, actually—online through a partnership with some of the world's largest mobile technology companies.

Egypt Court Orders Release of Mubarak

An Egyptian court ordered Wednesday the release of ousted President Hosni Mubarak, but it is not yet clear if the ailing ex-leader will walk free after over two years in detention, officials said.

Manning Faces Sentencing for WikiLeaks Disclosures

More than three years after his arrest in Iraq, Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is set to learn the price he'll pay for leaking an unprecedented volume of classified information to a once-obscure, anti-secrecy website.

Groups Spar Over Use of Money in Power Plant Fight

A free-market advocacy group that opposes Mississippi Power's $4.7 billion coal-fired power plant under construction in Kemper County now finds itself on the defensive, accused of using public funds in the fight against the plant.

Official: Ga. School Suspect Had Assault Rifle

A sheriff's official says a gunman carrying an assault rifle fired shots into the air outside an Atlanta-area elementary school and was taken into custody a short time later.

Doctor Details Boston Marathon Suspect's Injuries

Newly released court documents describe the extent of injuries to the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, including multiple gunshot wounds to his face and a skull fracture.

Prosecutors Rest in Fort Hood Shooting Trial

Military prosecutors rested their case Tuesday against the Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people during the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood.

White House Cabinet-Level Meeting Set on Egypt Aid

The White House will hold a Cabinet-level meeting to discuss cutting some of America's $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt.

City Saving Bundles On Overtime

City officials believed switching to electronic monitoring of city employees' work hours would pay off, and now they have proof.

Conkrete, Arts and Trails

Dr. Mark Malone and historian Scott Barretta are working with MAC's Folk and Traditional Arts Program to develop lesson plans that explore Mississippi's history via the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Melody Moody

Melody Moody works to expand access and improve safety for bike riders and pedestrians in Mississippi.

U.S. Military Judge Deliberating Manning's Sentence

A military judge began deliberating Army Pfc. Bradley Manning's sentence Tuesday for disclosing reams of classified information through WikiLeaks.

Israel Negotiator Predicts 'Dramatic Decisions'

Israel will make "dramatic decisions" to reach a final peace agreement that will end the conflict with the Palestinians, Israel's chief negotiator said Tuesday while warning that hawks inside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition are making her job more difficult.

Iran Foreign Ministry to Handle Nuclear Talks

An Iranian diplomatic official said Tuesday that the country's foreign minister will lead nuclear talks with world powers, taking over from the country's national security council.

FBI Works to Train Police on Mass Killing Response

Acting on a White House directive after last December's Connecticut school massacre, and partnering with a Texas-based training center, the FBI this year has been teaching best practices for responding to mass shootings.

Egypt Arrests Brotherhood's Spiritual Leader

Egypt's military-backed authorities on Tuesday arrested the supreme leader of the country's Muslim Brotherhood, dealing a serious blow to the Islamist group at a time when it is struggling to keep up its street protests against the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi in the face of a harsh government crackdown.

Universities Voice Support for Capital Money Plan

As they present their annual request for capital spending, leaders of Mississippi's eight public universities say they're pleased with the Legislature's pledge to borrow $100 million a year to cover the schools' needs.

Judge Bars Most Motive Evidence in Fort Hood Trial

A military judge blocked several key pieces of evidence Monday that prosecutors said would explain the mindset of the soldier accused in the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, including his belief that he had a "jihad duty" to carry out the attack.

Miss. Jobless Rate Falls as Labor Force Dips

Mississippi's unemployment rate fell by a half percentage point to 8.5 percent in July, hitting lowest level in more than four years, but only because the state's labor force shrank.

Snowden Reporter: Won't Be Silenced by Detention

An American journalist who has written stories based on documents leaked by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden said Monday he'll publish with more fervor after British authorities detained his partner.

Zoo Gets County Funds

Rumors have swirled for weeks that the Jackson Zoo, the largest zoological park in Mississippi, was eyeing new digs across town at LeFleur's Bluff Golf Course, located in a state park. Pictured: Kimberly Jacobs (of JSU's Gallery 1) holds a snake and greets guests arriving for the Jackson Zoo's event Zoo Brew.

Unfair Share: How Oil and Gas Drillers Avoid Paying Royalties

Manipulation of costs and other data by oil companies is keeping billions of dollars in royalties out of the hands of private and government landholders.

Mandy Scott

Mandy Scott, director of marketing and community relations for United Way of the Capital Area, is organizing United Way's fourth annual Day of Action for Saturday, Aug. 24.

Community Events and Public Meetings

The Mississippi Craft Show is Saturday, Aug. 24 at Mississippi Trade Mart.

Hagel Holds First Pentagon Talks with Chinese

In his first Pentagon meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel faces a familiar agenda marked with tensions over U.S. missile defenses, Chinese cyberattacks and other issues.

Israel Quietly Maintains Ties with Egyptian Army

Israel is quietly and carefully watching the turmoil in neighboring Egypt while maintaining close contacts with the Egyptian military amid concerns that the escalating crisis could weaken their common battle against Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula, officials said.

Egypt's Mubarak May be Released; 25 Police Killed

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is on retrial for the killings of hundreds of protesters during the 2011 uprising that led to his ouster, could be released from custody later this week, judicial officials said Monday.

Oscar Pistorius Indicted on Murder Charge

Oscar Pistorius was indicted Monday on a charge of murdering his girlfriend, and prosecutors said witnesses heard a woman screaming before the sound of fatal gunshots fired by the double-amputee Olympian in the early hours of Valentine's Day.

Analysis: Bryant Focusing on Prison Policy in 2014

Funding for education versus funding for prisons—it's a constant source of tension when Mississippi lawmakers write an annual budget.

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.

Sun Herald Adds Miss. Auditor to Records Lawsuit

The Sun Herald is asking a judge to add state Auditor Stacey Pickering and his office as defendants in a public records lawsuit the newspaper filed against the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

College Board Approves Budget for UMMC's Medical-School Building

The University of Mississippi Medical center plans to start construction on its new medical school building this fall.

Judge: Manning's Actions Were 'Heedless'

The enormous leak of classified information engineered by Army Pfc. Bradley Manning was "heedless" and "imminently dangerous to others," a military judge said Friday in a document explaining why she found him guilty of 20 counts, including six violations of the federal Espionage Act.

2014 Trial Set for Challenge of Miss. Abortion Law

A federal judge has set a jury trial next spring for a lawsuit filed by Mississippi's only abortion clinic.

Mississippi's Push for Health-Care Dollars

More than 700 people gathered at the Jackson Convention Center yesterday, eager to understand how health care can be a driver for creating jobs and boosting revenues in Mississippi.

Airborne Carbon, Silicon Increase Risk of Death in U.S. Cities

Certain ingredients of airborne particulates—especially carbon—apparently increase the risk of death in U.S. cities, according to a new nationwide study.

Jacqueline Dace

In July, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History selected Jackson resident Jacqueline Dace as the project manager of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, set to open in 2017.

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, the Mississippi Corvette Classic is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Jackson Convention Complex.

Report: NSA Spying Broke Privacy Rules Many Times

The National Security Agency has broken privacy rules or overstepped its legal authority thousands of times each year since Congress granted the agency broad new powers in 2008, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Meal Programs Expand Summer Nutrition for Kids

Four days a week this summer, lime green school buses loaded with games, books and computers rumbled through low-income neighborhoods south of Seattle. Their aim wasn't just to entertain kids—but to feed them.

Abortion Coverage for Congress Under Health Law?

An attempt to fix a problem with the new health care law has created a situation in which members of Congress and their staffers could gain access to abortion coverage, something that currently is denied to federal employees who get health insurance through the government's plan.

Skepticism as N. Korea Shows Home-Grown Smartphone

North Korea's announcement that it is mass producing a home-grown smartphone has been met with skepticism in the tech industry in South Korea and abroad.

At Least 17 Killed Across Country in Egypt Clashes

Security and health officials say at least 17 people have been killed across Egypt after tens of thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters took to the streets in defiance of a military-imposed state of emergency following bloodshed earlier this week.

Bryant: Miss. Needs to Pursue Health Care Jobs

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant says Mississippi needs to pursue health care businesses to promote economic growth.

Inmate Pleads Guilty in Deadly Miss. Prison Riot

An inmate suspected of participating in the fatal beating of a guard during a prison riot in Mississippi last year has pleaded guilty to rioting.

Hosemann Trashes SEC

Mississippi is once again locking horns with the federal government, but this time it's about neither guns nor affordable health-care insurance—it's about securities fraud.

Obamacare Presents Complex Choices For People With Disabilities

The Affordable Care Act has set new standards—called essential health benefits—outlining what health insurance companies must now cover.

GOP Pushes Rising Stars Amid Calls for Solutions

Republican officials are looking to promote a fresh group of diverse rising stars to help resolve their election woes, while frustrated party elders insist that all Republicans must offer more solutions for the nation's most pressing issues.

Typhoon Leaves 1 Dead, 5 Missing in Southern China

A typhoon left one person dead and five others missing as it churned through southern China before weakening into a tropical storm on Thursday, authorities said.

Death Toll from Egypt Violence Rises to 525

Egyptian authorities on Thursday significantly raised the death toll from clashes the previous day between police and supporters of the ousted Islamist president, saying more than 500 people died.

Reactions to Egyptian Crackdown on Pro-Morsi Camps

Official reaction Thursday to clashes between Egyptian security forces and supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, in which hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured.

Opponents of Finger Scanners Attack Rule-Making

Opponents of a plan to require parents to use a finger scanner to sign children in and out of federally subsidized child care say the state hasn't proceeded properly.

Businesses Seek Cure for Health Care Cost Surge

A survey of owners taken last month by the advocacy group National Small Business Association found that 20 percent have held off on implementing a growth strategy because of rising health care costs.

Manning Takes Stand, Apologizes for Hurting U.S.

Pfc. Bradley Manning took the stand Wednesday at his sentencing hearing in the WikiLeaks case and apologized for hurting his country, pleading with a military judge for a chance to go to college and become a productive citizen.

Gig: Class Clown

Name: Jeff Roebuck Age: 50 Job: Inky the Clown

Preseason Thoughts

The first week of the NFL preseason is in the books and, man, it is good to have football back—even if the games don't count and many of the names we see on the field won't be there in September.

The Slate

Think colleges and universities are getting rich off jersey sales of college athletes? Texas A&M made $59,690 in total jersey sales last school year—including those of Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.

The Chick’s Guide to Music Festivals

Being prepared is the first step to having a good time at music festivals.

Guitars and Hooks

There is something special about the sound of electric guitars, and New Orleans' The Breton Sound is not afraid of it.

Great and Small

The second Little Free Library in Jackson recently went up outside Fondren Muse.

Space to Contemplate

The Mississippi Library Commission is a catalyst for contemplation nestled in a wooded quadrant off the southern end of Ridgewood Road on Eastwood Drive in northeast Jackson.

Blues Pilgrimage, Revisited

The Mississippi Museum of Art is showing many of George Mitchell’s historic photos in a special exhibit.

Long Necks, Slow Cooked

Making meals in a slow cooker is a life saver for busy working cooks.

Magic Hair

Justin McPherson at William Wallace Salon works his magic on mere mortals’ hair, giving it new life.

Historical Revisionism: A Review of ‘Civilization V’

The “Civilization” series is still releasing engrossing strategy games after two decades.

Why Live Green

Some scientists are predicting that, due to our negative impact on the ecosystem, waterfront cities such as Boston and New York might disappear in the next century.

The Payday Playbook: How High-Cost Lenders Fight to Stay Legal

Outrage over payday loans, which trap millions of Americans in debt and are the best-known type of high-cost loans, has led to dozens of state laws aimed at stamping out abuses. But the industry has proved extremely resilient.

Slave to the Payday Lender

Although some states are tightening restrictions on quick-loan businesses, Mississippi's lawmakers have had a large hand in helping the industry expand.

I Do

If you've read anything I've written over the last three years, you know that I've done my level best to stay optimistic on the subject of marriage equality. It hasn't been easy, especially when keeping up with comments from the opposition.

Common Core Isn’t a Silver Bullet

Kids haven't met No Child Left Behind standards, so they are now subject to the tougher Common Core State Standards. What could possibly go wrong?

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Wrong'

The condition of many Mississippi roads is bad. Without funds to maintain them (which the state has not allocated), those conditions will continue to deteriorate into the realm of pathetic and unsafe.

Affordable and Convenient

Miss Doodle Mae: "Jojo has noticed a disturbing trend: Popular bookstores and coffee shops owned by big businesses have closed stores in urban areas where ethnic minorities live."

Common Core: Is Raising the Bar Enough?

Young Jackson Public Schools scholars returned to classrooms last week. And whether Aug. 8 marked the first time riding a big, yellow bus or the final year of locker assignments, the students will all share one thing this year with every other public-school student in Mississippi: Common Core State Standards.

Fact-checking Reeves at Neshoba

At this year's fair, Republicans touted the success of the party's legislative agenda, which included passing a charter-school bill, a third-grade reading program and more.

30-Month Sentence for former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

A federal judge has sentenced former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to 30 months in prison, following his guilty plea that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.

Council Approves Hardwick

On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved the nomination of attorney June Hardwick to serve as a judge in Jackson's municipal court.

Fortification Street Blues

Jackson City Councilman DeKeither Stamps is catching a lot of flack for voting to stop a change order that would have funneled additional funds into the pockets of Hemphill Construction, the company the city has hired to rebuild Fortification Street. He's also receiving some praise.

Paheadra Robinson

Even with her smooth, tenor-like voice, smart pinstriped suit, and soaring stature of at least 6 feet in heels, Paheadra Robinson is not as intimidating as some attorneys can be.

From Emmett to Trayvon

Crazies will always be there, and we will always have to deal with them. But when trigger-happy men shoot kids of color under cover of Stand Your Ground or Castle Doctrine laws, and mainstream whites rush forward to defend them, we have a more severe problem.

Old Sound, New Soul

The first Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival this weekend at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will feature more than 30 performances on five stages.

Bentz Defends Kemper as He Prepares to Leave PSC

Public Service Commissioner Leonard Bentz hasn't set a date to resign and become executive director of the South Mississippi Planning and Development District. But the Republican probably won't be a commissioner by the time the state's utility regulators meet again on Sept. 10.

Manning to Speak at His Sentencing Hearing

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning has heard the evidence. Now it's time for him to speak.

Israelis, Palestinians Set for Talks on Home Turf

Israelis and Palestinians were to hold their first formal peace talks on home turf in the Middle East in nearly five years Wednesday, hours after Israel released 26 long-held Palestinian prisoners who were given a boisterous homecoming by cheering crowds.

Cop Cams Ordered to Help Fix NYC Stop-and-Frisk

In the years of debate over New York City's stop-and-frisk tactic, the idea of putting tiny cameras on police officers to record their interaction with the public was never seriously considered.

Typhoon Lands in China After Hong Kong Shuts Down

Tens of thousands of people were evacuated as a powerful typhoon thundered into southern China on Wednesday after shutting down the bustling Asian financial center of Hong Kong and sinking a cargo ship.

High Emotions, Little Spectacle at Fort Hood Trial

Maj. Nidal Hasan hasn't made disruptive outbursts while on trial for the worst mass shooting ever on a U.S. military base.

Entergy to Raise Rates in Miss.

Entergy Corp. customers in Mississippi will pay $22.3 million more over the next nine months, as the company recoups more for expenses.

Study: Half Who Now Buy Health Plans Will Qualify for Tax Credits

About half the people who now buy their own health insurance would qualify for federal tax credits to offset rates under President Barack Obama's health care law.

Israel Frees 26 Palestinian Prisoners Before Talks

Israel released 26 Palestinian inmates, including many convicted in grisly killings, on the eve of long-stalled Mideast peace talks.

Health-care Economy Could Be Answer for Jackson

When folks talk about tourism in Mississippi, most of the conversation centers on casinos, golf, the blues, civil-rights freedom trails or family reunions. But the emerging trend of medical tourism may soon join that list.

Belhaven, Beacon and Yoga

The Chronicle of Higher Education has ranked Belhaven University as one of the top colleges to work for in the nation.

Women Build

Lakeshia White, the new owner of a house on Smith Robinson Street, has other women to thank for her new digs—specifically, the volunteering women of Women Build 2013, a collaboration of Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's.

California Teen is Home After Harrowing Rescue

A 16-year-old girl who was rescued during an FBI shootout with her captor in the Idaho wilderness is resting at home with family and friends to begin what her father says will be a slow recovery.

Air Pollution Takes Toll on China's Tourism

China, one of the most visited countries in the world, has seen sharply fewer tourists this year—with worsening air pollution partly to blame.

Tuition Isn't Only Bill College Students See

Despite all the grumbling about tuition increases and student loan costs, other college expenses also are going up.

Israel Rejects Appeal Against Prisoner Release

Israel is moving forward with a plan to build nearly 900 new settlement housing units in east Jerusalem, an official said Tuesday, in a move that angered Palestinians a day before the sides were to hold Mideast peace talks for the first time in nearly five years.

JSU Using $800K of Housing Fees to Rent Motel

Facing more demand than it has dormitory beds, Jackson State University will spend more than $800,000 to rent a motel to house students for the coming school year.

U.S. Judge Says NYPD Stop-Frisk Violates Rights

The New York Police Department deliberately violated the civil rights of tens of thousands of New Yorkers with its contentious stop-and-frisk policy, and an independent monitor is needed to oversee major changes.

Shipbuilder Again Accused of Human Trafficking

The case against a Mississippi shipbuilder continues to mount with a new round of lawsuits accusing the company of engaging in human trafficking.

The Surveillance Reforms Obama Supported Before He Was President

When the House of Representatives recently considered an amendment that would have dismantled the NSA's bulk phone records collection program, the White House swiftly condemned the measure.

Helen Barnes

Ten years ago, the Women's Fund of Mississippi named Helen Barnes one of its Women of Vision.

Typhoon Batters Philippines; 2 Dead, 44 Missing

A powerful typhoon battered the northern Philippines on Monday, toppling power lines and dumping heavy rain across cities and food-growing plains. The storm left at least two people dead and 44 missing.

GOP Moderates Push Back on Tea Party Spending Cuts

Midway between the 2012 and 2014 election campaigns, moderate Republican conservatives are beginning to foment a revolt of their own—a backlash to anti-spending tea party shrillness as budget cuts begin to significantly shrink defense and domestic programs.

Car Company's Big Plans Haven't Come to Fruition

It seemed like a win for everyone involved when a startup car company, backed by political heavyweights, wooed investors with plans to build a massive auto plant in the Mississippi Delta, hire thousands of people and pump out a brand new line of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Holder Proposes Changes in Criminal Justice System

With the U.S. facing massive overcrowding in its prisons, Attorney General Eric Holder is calling for major changes to the nation's criminal justice system that would scale back the use of harsh sentences for certain drug-related crimes.

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.

Tribute to Rodgers Planned in Meridian

The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation will sponsor a tribute to the country music singer/songwriter on Sept. 5 at the Temple Theatre in downtown Meridian.

White: Telling the Mississippi Story

Mississippi has a rich history, and we need to be the ones telling it. That's the message Mississippi Tourism Director Malcolm White delivered to the crowd Friday morning at Koinonia Coffee House.

Health Insurers Tune in to Twitter for Customer Service

The @aetnahelp Twitter feed is an example of how insurance companies are increasing their social media presence in an effort to amp up their customer service and capitalize on a platform that can serve to mediate, inform and advertise.

Bill Bynum

Bill Bynum, chief executive officer of Hope Enterprise Corporation, is one of four finalists for the sixth annual John P. McNulty Prize from the Aspen Institute.

It's the Weekend!

On Sunday, Bryan Adams performs at 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall.

Dogs Help Sniff Out Ovarian Cancer in Pa. Study

Researchers trying to develop a diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer are hoping dogs' keen sense of smell will lead them down the right path.

'D' Written on Those Killed in Fort Hood Shooting

Sgt. 1st Class Maria Guerra testified Thursday during the trial of Maj. Nidal Hasan.

Nagasaki Marks 68th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

Nagasaki's mayor criticized Japan's government on Friday for failing to back an international nuclear disarmament effort as the country marked the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of his city.

U.S., Russia Diplomatic and Defense Chiefs to Meet

The crisis in Syria, arms control and missile defense headline what are expected to be chilly talks between top U.S. and Russian foreign and defense chiefs.

U.S. Orders Diplomats Out of Lahore, Pakistan

The U.S. has warned Americans not to travel to Pakistan and evacuated most government personnel from the country's second largest city because of a threat to the consulate there.

Leader of Road Study Group Proposes $700M in Taxes

The leader of a Senate transportation study committee proposes the state should levy $700 million in new taxes to support road maintenance as well as some other non-transportation related projects.

Abortion Clinic Firestorm

A little after noon Wednesday, an ambulance arrived at the Jackson Women's Health Organization--Mississippi's last remaining abortion clinic.

Opinion: Yes, We Could Change. So Why Don't We?

That hoary fable has it wrong. Frogs have the sense to hop out of heating pots. We Americans don't. Degree by degree over decades, we've been scalded senseless. It is time to snap out of our stupor.

Football!

Sunday, Aug. 4, 10.1 million viewers tuned in to watch the Hall of Fame game between the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, a game in which most of the Cowboys stars didn't play, NBC reported.

Newtown Puts on Show With Help from Broadway

More than 100 children from the Newtown area are putting on a musical this weekend with the help of some Broadway professionals.

Same-Sex Spouses May Get Military Benefits

Same-sex spouses of military members could get health care, housing and other benefits by the end of August under a proposal being considered by the Pentagon.

Hundreds Flee, Homes Burn, 3 Hurt in Calif. Fire

A thousand firefighters are battling a wildfire burning out of control in Southern California's San Jacinto (hah-SIN'-toh) Mountains 90 miles east of Los Angeles.

Group: Israel Pressing on With Settlement Plans

An Israeli anti-settlement group says the country is pressing forward with plans to build more than 1,000 new apartments in West Bank settlements.

Police: 4 Dead, 4 Wounded in Dallas-Area Shootings

A suspect in the fatal shootings of four people in two Dallas-area homes was in custody Thursday as police tried to determine what prompted the attacks just minutes apart and whether an explosive was used.

BP Ordered to Pay Settlement Administrator $130M

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered BP to pay more than $130 million in fees to the court-supervised administrator of its multibillion-dollar settlement with Gulf Coast businesses and residents after the company's 2010 oil spill.

Pro Bowl Changes

Even as it continues to grow as a ratings giant and America's most-watched sporting league, the NFL still isn't afraid to tinker around with its product.

The Slate

NFL teams have to start wondering if Johnny Manziel will be worth the draft risk. At times, the Texas A&M quarterback seems as reckless off the field as he seems on it.

Soul in a Circuit

Electronic artist Active Child knows when and how to efficiently use synthesizers.

New Orleans in Jackson

Since forming in summer 2010, Southern Komfort Brass Band has exposed Jackson to live New Orleans-style brass-band music.

Acoustic Redneck Zydeco

Tommy Bryan Ledford is a stay-at-home dad and pre-school music teacher by day, and a seasoned, southern mash-up musician by night.

Returning Home

National and international touring and an approaching album release haven't made Dent May forget his roots.

Bringing Disco Back: Storyteller’s Ball

All the glitz and glamour of the '70s New York nightclub scene is coming to Jackson.

‘Lethal Weapon’ Wannabe

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg star in “2 Guns.

Match Made in Hog Heaven

What do you get when you combine competition-style barbecue and craft beers? Pig and Pint.

Yoga for Runners

This is part one in an instructional yoga series, each focused on yoga positions for different purposes.

House Where Women Were Held for a Decade is Demolished

With several swipes from the arm of an excavator and applause from spectators, a house where three women were held captive and raped for a decade was demolished Wednesday.

De-picky-fying Kids

Include the whole family in planning for healthy meals.

Iron Chief: The JFP Interview with Police Chief Lindsey Horton

The Jackson City Council confirmed 29-year police department veteran Lindsey Horton as the capital city’s new top cop on July 18, 2013.

Nudging Nissan

Young people are a key reason things are happening on the UAW-Nissan front. The call from workers and community supporters for a fair union election in Canton is getting louder.

DA Must Examine Lakeover Shooting

Without the baby face, sugary snacks and legal minor status, Quardious Thomas makes for a less sympathetic poster child for gun reform than Florida's Trayvon Martin.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Divine Responsibility'

Bryant doesn't have a direct link to God, and, while he wastes the state's time and resources fighting a battle that conservatives lost four decades ago, many Mississippians will suffer from fixable problems.

Leading and Loving

As an activist (and a real-life poor person), I am offended when I have to deal with classism within the liberal political and social-justice organizations I work with.

Green Approved as City CAO

The U.S. congressman who helped get Chokwe Lumumba elected now has a direct line to the Jackson mayor's office.

Kemper's Proxy War

Nonprofit groups for the controversial Kemper County power plant, now 80 percent complete, have stepped up public-relations efforts in recent weeks.

Feedback

Like many in America and around the world, my heart went out to Trayvon Martin's parents in their pursuit of justice in an area of the country where it proved to slip away.

Feedback

Rommel Benjamin wrote a great truth-telling column in “Race Still Matters” (Vol. 11, Issue 46).

Question o' the Week: What fall activity are you looking forward to the most as we leave summer behind?

What fall activity are you looking forward to the most as we leave summer behind?

Lumumba ‘Inviting’ On Budget

Jackson is about to go on a diet, and not of the South Beach variety.

Bryant's 'Crude' Plan

Gov. Phil Bryant, who last year announced a partnership with the Canadian government, believes Mississippi should follow Canada’s example and develop the state’s oil-sands resources.

Tristan Duplichain

Tristan Duplichain is growing her business, one photo at a time. The 20-year-old discovered her passion for photography at 14 and began her own business three years later.

Jackson's Story

Everyone has a story to tell. We just have to open ourselves up to hear it.

Closing Fannie, Freddie Could Boost Mortgage Rates

Homebuyers could feel the pinch if Congress follows through on plans to shut down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-controlled mortgage guarantee giants that were rescued by a $187 billion taxpayer bailout during the financial crisis.

Yemen Claims it Foiled al-Qaida Plot

A Yemeni government spokesman claims authorities have foiled a plot by al-Qaida militants aimed at taking control of two cities in the country, then storming strategic ports and bombing gas facilities.

Discovery Hammered for Shark Special

A Discovery network special that speculated about whether a giant prehistoric shark could still exist has drawn a passionate response from viewers and starkly raised the question about the worth of big ratings.

In Rebuke, Obama Cancels Moscow Summit with Putin

In a rare diplomatic rebuke, President Barack Obama on Wednesday canceled his Moscow summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Cleveland House in Kidnap, Rape Case is Demolished

Demolition began Wednesday morning on the Cleveland house where three women were held captive and raped over a decade.

BP Balks at Paying Claims Administrator

BP is balking at paying more than $130 million in fees to the court-supervised administrator of its multi-billion dollar settlement with Gulf Coast businesses and residents after the 2010 oil spill, claiming the settlement program has been plagued by poor productivity and excessive costs.

Police: Multiple Suspects in Virden Killings

Family members of Jason Murphy and A.J. Barber, and residents of the Virden Addition are still looking for answers about the boys' murders on July 21.

Beemon, Stewpot, Callan and Thompson

Jackson's Stewpot Community Services is once again fully operational after a budget crunch brought on by the theft of up to $120,000 in November.

Kelcy Mae

New Orleans-based Kelcy Mae is performing in Jackson in support of her latest release, "The Fire."

In Nervous Egypt, Killings Breed Sinister Theories

Egyptian authorities and the media say that nearly a dozen bodies have been discovered close to Cairo's two mass sit-ins for Morsi.

Obama Heads to Phoenix to Pitch Mortgage Reform

President Barack Obama is proposing to overhaul the nation's mortgage finance system, including shutting down government-backed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—a plan with bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.

3 Killed in Pa. Shooting Linked to Feud with Town

Police are searching the property of a man who authorities say blasted his way into a municipal meeting in northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains and fatally shot three people amid a dispute with the township.

Key Questions About Fort Hood Shooting Trial

Maj. Nidal Hasan will stand trial in a court-martial that starts Tuesday for the shooting rampage at Fort Hood that left 13 people dead and more than 30 people wounded at the Texas military base on Nov. 5, 2009.

U.S. Military Evacuates Embassy Personnel from Yemen

The U.S. military evacuated non-essential U.S. government personnel from Yemen on Tuesday due to the high risk of attack by al-Qaida that has triggered temporary shutdowns of 19 American diplomatic posts across the Middle East and Africa.

Bryant Names 3 to Charter School Board

Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed three members to the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, the board responsible for approving and overseeing public charter schools in Mississippi.

Donors Save Stewpot After Theft

Jackson non-profit Stewpot Community Services is once again fully operational after a budget crunch brought on by the theft of up to $120,000 in November.

Who Are We at War With? That's Classified

In a major national security speech this spring, President Obama said again and again that the U.S. is at war with "Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and their associated forces."

Myra Ramsey

Myra Ramsey, 68, started the Daylight Ministries Center for Women 13 years ago. Daylight Ministries is a program to provide temporary housing for women who are former prison inmates, homeless or recovering substance abusers.

Calif. Gov. Orders Inquiry, Averts SF Rail Strike

Hundreds of thousands of San Francisco Bay area commuters got at least a temporary reprieve from a massive transit strike when Gov. Jerry Brown ordered an inquiry into a labor contract dispute.

House GOP Plans Anti-Washington Push in August

House Republicans will take a carefully orchestrated, staunchly anti-Washington campaign to voters this month, blaming President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats for Americans' unhappiness with government.

US Official Visits Senior Egypt Islamist in Jail

A top U.S. diplomat met with a jailed senior leader of the Muslim Brotherhood early Monday as part of mediation efforts to end the standoff between Egypt's military-backed government and protesters supporting ousted President Mohammed Morsi, Egyptian officials said.

Will Fast-Food Protests Spur Higher Minimum Wage?

The restaurant industry argues that a $15 hourly wage could lead to businesses closings and fewer jobs.

State Dept: Posts in 19 Cities to Remain Closed

Amid online "chatter" about terror threats, U.S. diplomatic posts in 19 cities in the Muslim world will be closed at least through the end of this week, the State Department said.

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.

Miss. in 2014 to Remember Freedom Summer of 1964

Civil-rights activists in Mississippi are preparing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer in 2014.

Chief Horton Stresses Professionalism

Chief Lindsey Horton instructed his reports that being casual is a thing of the past.

Neighborhood Contributes to Heat-Related Deaths

Extreme hot weather is projected to occur more frequently and more intensely with a warming climate. The higher temperatures are dangerous for those who are vulnerable to heat stress but researchers need better ways to identify the geographical hot spots where vulnerable populations live.

Ricardo A. Brown

On July 1, Jackson State University named Ricardo A. Brown, a cardiovascular physiologist and biomedical research expert, dean of the College of Public Service.

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, the Naughty Neverland Burlesque Show is from 8-11:45 p.m. at Hal & Mal's.

Proposal Would Ban Private Schools from MHSAA

The private-public school debate has officially gone public.

Miss. Law Requires Cord Blood from Some Teen Moms

If a girl younger than 16 gives birth and won't name the father, a new Mississippi law—likely the first of its kind in the country—says authorities must collect umbilical cord blood and run DNA tests to prove paternity as a step toward prosecuting statutory rape cases.

Stories for August 2013

Saturday, August 31

Friday, August 30

Thursday, August 29

Wednesday, August 28

Tuesday, August 27

Monday, August 26

Sunday, August 25

Saturday, August 24

Friday, August 23

Thursday, August 22

Wednesday, August 21