Stories for November 2015

Finding the Lost Puppet Society

Jackson musician Eli Begitta is the sole member of Lost Puppet Society, an indie-electronica project that he admits started from being "the geeky computer kid with too much time on his hands."

Stewpot Moves Sims House Residents After Fire, Assesses Damage

After Stewpot Community Services' transitional home for women, the Sims House, on Capitol Street caught fire Sunday night, officials from the nonprofit organization are waiting to hear how much of the damage insurance will cover.

Analysis: New Mississippi Lawmakers Bring Broad Experience

Roughly 20 percent of Mississippi legislative seats will turn over to a different person when the four-year term begins in January, with new members bringing fresh perspectives.

AP: 2002 Restraining Order Filed Against Planned Parenthood Shooting Suspect

Robert Lewis Dear was arrested in May 2002 when the woman said he looked into her home and put her in fear for her life. Court records show the charge was dismissed less than two months later. Colleton County Court administrator Pamala White said Monday a copy of the restraining order was no longer available because the county destroys them after 10 years.

3 Officers Injured in Colo. Planned Parenthood Clinic Active Shooter Event

Police in Colorado Springs say three officers have been injured in a shooting near a Planned Parenthood clinic and the gunman has been contained.

Ole Miss to Demolish Site Where Faulkner Wrote 'As I Lay Dying'

Late one night at the University of Mississippi power plant, William Faulkner turned over a wheelbarrow, used it as a makeshift table and began writing the classic novel "As I Lay Dying" — but where in the building did he do it?

USM Rebounds After 3 Dreadful Seasons

Southern Mississippi has won more games over the past six weeks then it did in the previous three seasons combined.

Southern Miss Faces Louisiana Tech for Division Title

Southern Mississippi has won more games over the past six weeks then it did in the previous three seasons combined.

Chad Kelly

University of Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly has been better known for his blowups on the field and his troubles off the field.

Bills, Bills, Bills: Jackson Residents Confused by New Water Systems

Judging by the number of paint-stained overalls and tired faces in the Smith Robertson Museum auditorium, many people who attended Mayor Tony Yarber's recent town-hall meeting came directly from work to press the mayor and his administration on what the heck is going on with their water bills.

Being Thankful

Each Thanksgiving, we gather with family, or with friends who have become family. While food may be one of the reasons for this, Thanksgiving has a deeper meaning than just overeating.

The Slate

It's Egg Bowl week in our state. A player from Mississippi State or the University of Mississippi will have a chance to gain immortality in Bulldog-Rebel lore by making a big play on Saturday.

The JAG’s Edge

When Nashville, Tenn.-based band The JAG independently released its sophomore album, "Pondermental Wonderment in Hypocricity," on Oct. 23, the band created quite a stir among fans, many of whom were curious as to what exactly the album was about.

Books Beyond Bars

Under most circumstances, one would be correct in assuming that life-changing movements don't begin with a puppet show.

WWJD: Many ‘Christian’ Political Leaders Don’t Care

The strategy of exclusivity from political leaders like Gov. Phil Bryant can be described as discriminatory, unrealistic, asinine and very non-Christ-like.

City Must Increase Subcontracting Transparency

Under the City of Jackson's $91-million contract with Siemens for a water-system overhaul and sewer repairs, at least six firms hold subcontracts with Siemens.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Agree'

Isn't it interesting that Bryant chose to follow this law even though he disagrees with it, while he and other GOP leaders wantonly flout other state laws they don't like?

Refugees: What Would Jesus Do?

Where in the teachings of Jesus does it say that it's fine for Christians to turn their backs on people who have been mercilessly driven from their homes and have no food or shelter and ask it of us?

Here’s to the Ballet

It's been five years since the Oscar gauntlet of Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan," but I've nonetheless remained a bit fascinated with the world of ballet and dancers.

Melanie Vail Fuller

When she first started practicing yoga in 2004, Melanie Vail Fuller says she didn't see herself becoming a yoga instructor.

The Beginning Stäge

When Tom Ramsey chose not to renew the lease for his downtown restaurant, La Finestra, in October, he decided to take his next step in the culinary world.

JSU Students Stand Up to Sexual Violence

GIRL is a JSU Feminist Majority chapter that is taking to the streets on campus, demanding more safety and awareness about risk female students face.

Who is Farish Street’s Latest Would-Be Developer?

Leroy C. Smith represents a group of Denver, Colo.-based investors ready to pump $100 million into the Farish Street Entertainment District.

Provine: Academics, Behavior ‘Go Up Together’

Principal Laketia Marshall-Thomas believes that good behavior at Provine High School is about getting creative.

Roberta Kaplan: ‘Someone is Responsible’

On Nov. 6, several witnesses took the stand in a federal courtroom for the first hearing in four Mississippi same-sex couples' challenge to the state's adoption ban.

A Girl Strikes Back

I was astounded to read in a recent Associated Press story that Mississippi House of Representatives Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, refers to fellow legislators exclusively as "men."

New Albany Cop Suspended Pending UM-LSU Assault Investigation

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — A New Albany police officer is suspended with pay during an investigation about whether he punched a spectator at Saturday's Ole Miss-LSU football game.

After Getting the Short Straw, Tullos Appeals Loss to the Miss. House

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Even after two Mississippi legislative candidates drew straws to break a tied election, the state House of Representatives will have final say over who will serve the next four years.

JPS Superintendent Receives National Award

The National Alliance of Black School Educators has named Cedrick Gray of Jackson Public Schools its 2015 Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year.

Holidays at the Jackson Zoo and Starke Fitness Toy Drive

As a thanks to all its community supporters, the Jackson Zoo will offer free admission to all members of the public on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Trump Won't Rule Out Third-Party Run If He's Not 'Treated Fairly'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Donald Trump on Sunday refused to rule out an independent bid for president in 2016, and he dug in on creating a database to track Muslims in the U.S.

Democrat John Bel Edwards Wins Louisiana Governor's Race, Defeats Former Senator Vitter

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Democrat John Bel Edwards won the runoff election for Louisiana governor Saturday, defeating the once-heavy favorite, Republican David Vitter, and handing the Democrats their first statewide victory since 2008.

Democratic Incumbent Draws Green Straw; Wins House Seat

Rep. Blaine ‘Bo’ Eaton, D-Taylorsville, won a tiebreaker for his current House seat on Friday by drawing a box holding a green straw out of a bag. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Despite 'Hectic' Night, Jackson Crime Falling

Despite what top brass of the Jackson Police Department describe as a hectic night of arrests, statistics show a steady decrease in major crimes.

Katt Williams

Comedian Katt Williams kicked off his latest arena tour, "Conspiracy Theory," in October.

Mississippi Universities Plan Tuition Increases in 2016

In-state tuition at Mississippi's eight public universities is set to rise by 4.1 percent on average next fall, with the average price of tuition and fees crossing $7,000 for the first time.

Ole Miss LB Denzel Nkemdiche Has Been Hospitalized, Won't Play Saturday

Mississippi senior linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche has been hospitalized this week for an undisclosed reason in Oxford, Mississippi, and will not play on Saturday.

Man Gets 25 Years in DUI Killing of Belhaven Football Player

BRANDON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to drunken driving and killing a college football player who was riding a bicycle home from work last Christmas Eve.

JPD Trained On Transgender Community

The Jackson Police Department partnered with the U.S. Southern District of the Mississippi Attorney's Office to host a "Law Enforcement and the Transgender Community" training session on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Javancy Jones

Jackson State University has nominated stud defensive end Javancy Jones. He will try to become the first player from Jackson State to win the 2015 C Spire Conerly Trophy.

Miss. Black Caucus Opposed to 2016 Tax Cuts

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus said Wednesday that they will oppose any effort by Republicans to push tax cuts during the 2016 session.

Malcolm White Leaving State Tourism Office

Long-time Jackson restaurateur and businessman Malcolm White is no longer with the Mississippi Tourism Office.

Get a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu shot.

Give Thanks and Eat Local

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and feast, so why not give back to local restaurants by letting them cater your holiday?

Deck the Halls

We know, we know. It's not even Thanksgiving, yet. But it's never too early to start making decorations for your Christmas tree.

The Slate

The 2015 New Orleans Saints defense is starting to closely resemble their 2012 defense, which holds the NFL record for most yards surrendered in league history.

The Holy Trinity of Games

Thanksgiving is a time when we get together with family and friends, and give thanks for another year. In between the feasting, naps, leftover turkey, holiday shopping and more naps, there's plenty of great football.

Seek and Find Your Purpose

Regardless of what religion you've aligned yourself with or what terminology is used, ultimately, wholeness and completion is what we are aiming for, right?

Women Must Have Health, Reproductive Choices

Perhaps Roe v. Wade was ahead of its time, or late in coming. Regardless, abortion has been legal in the U.S. for decades and to reverse it would mean reversing women's rights.

From France, With Love and Pain

If we chose to live in fear and base our decisions on our own safety instead of the needs of others, the terrorists win.

The Push to Double the Minimum Wage

Cajania "CoCo" Brown, 24, says that she, her colleagues at Popeye's Lousiana Kitchen, and all other minimum-wage workers are worth more than what their bosses and the State of Mississippi say they deserve to be paid.

‘No Excuse’: Where the Sidewalks End

Three people have been killed in the past three years in wheelchair-related accidents in Jackson, and some 100 in the past decade, according to local news clippings included in a presentation Crawford gave to the ADA council earlier this year.

Garry Burnside’s Blues Lineage

In the blues world, you have families: your biological one and your blues one. Holly Springs-based musician Garry Burnside carries both with him at all times.

Vote, Shop and Give Thanks ... Locally

Vote with your dollars and your nomination to support local businesses this holiday season.

Pitts: The South is Overdue for Reckoning

Leonard Pitts Jr. will sign copies of Grant Park at Lemuria Books on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. He recently spoke to the Jackson Free Press about race, writing and reckoning.

Master and Apprentice: Sustaining A Tradition

A chef will battle a former trainee in a culinary showdown, and folk-art apprentices and masters' works will be on display side by side at the Mississippi Museum of Art's November Museum After Hours.

Andre Carter

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Andre Carter always had a fascination with comic books and superheroes, but he often found himself wondering why none of the heroes he read about ever looked like him or the people he knew.

Abortion Clinic to Offer Contraception, ‘Better Care’

Mississippi's only abortion clinic will become an official health provider for insurance companies within weeks.

Mississippi Athletics Receives $25 Million Donation

Mississippi's athletics department says it has received a $25 million donation from Dr. Gerald "Doc" Hollingsworth.

Gov. Bryant Denial of Syrian Refugees Could Be 'Discriminatory'

Gov. Phil Bryant joined several governors on Monday in pledging to refuse Syrian refugees should they be sent to Mississippi following the terrorist attacks in Paris that left 129 people dead and hundreds more wounded.

Yarber, Powell Face Water Billing Questions

After more careful review, city officials say that potential causes of exorbitant water bills go deeper and are more complicated than previously thought.

Cathead Distillery, Brick Street Pops and Brasfield & Gorrie

Madison-based Cathead Distillery, Mississippi's first legal distillery, is relocating to 422 S. Farish St. in downtown Jackson.

Ben Howland

Mississippi State beat Eastern Washington 106-88 on Friday night in Ben Howland's coaching debut with the Bulldogs.

House Speaker Calls for 'Pause' in Syrian Refugees

House Speaker Paul Ryan called Tuesday for a "pause" in Syrian refugees coming to the U.S. in the wake of the Paris attacks, and assembled a task force to bring legislation to a vote as soon as this week.

Missouri Would Likely Be Alone With 10 Percent Black Faculty

If the University of Missouri succeeds in meeting a student demand for a faculty that's 10 percent black in two years, it will likely be alone among its peers.

Russia: Plane Brought Down by Homemade Explosive Device

A homemade explosive device brought down a Russian passenger plane over Egypt last month, the head of Russia's FSB security service said Tuesday, telling President Vladimir Putin it's now clear the crash that killed 224 people was a "terrorist" act and offering a $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

MSU Associate Professor Invited to White House

A Mississippi State University faculty member has earned an invitation to the White House for a conference focused on better rural development.

Miss. Budgeters Reduce Revenue Estimate for Current Year

Budget writers say Mississippi government will have slightly less money to spend during the current fiscal year because of slow economic growth.

Hinds County OKs Landfill, Requests Byram-Clinton Funds

A rubbish dump near Clinton will nearly double in size after action from the Hinds County Board of Supervisors today.

Mary Jo McAnally

Mary Jo McAnally, a longtime community leader who served more than 15 years as the associate director of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, died at her home on Nov. 3.

GOP Speaker Gunn: Women Lawmakers Like to Be Called 'Girls'

Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn has been traveling the state telling voters the same thing months: if you want your man's voice to be heard at the Capitol, you'd better make sure he's a Republican.

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.

Newton Hospital to Close After Federal Payment Downgrade

Pioneer Community Hospital of Newton will close Dec. 1, becoming the fourth Mississippi hospital to close since 2013.

UPDATED: More Than 100 Dead in Paris Shootings

PARIS (AP) — A series of unprecedented attacks on popular night spots killed more than 100 people in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II, officials said. President Francois Hollande condemned it as a terrorist attack and pledged that France would stand firm against its foes.

Supreme Court To Hear Texas Abortion Case, No Separate Action on Mississippi Appeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court is taking on its first abortion case in eight years, a dispute over state regulation of abortion clinics.

Retired Judge Pickering to Lead Ben Carson Campaign in Miss.

A retired federal judge will be the Mississippi chairman of Republican Ben Carson's presidential campaign.

Jackson State Gets a J-School

Jackson State University will have a journalism school, officials announced yesterday evening.

Mike Middleton

Healing a campus riven by student protests over race relations and recent online terror threats isn't just a mandate for interim University of Missouri system president Mike Middleton.

Black Students Around US Address Everyday Racism

BOSTON (AP) — It's not always the slurs and the other out-and-out acts of racism. It's the casual, everyday slights and insensitivities.

UPDATED: 3rd Eye Music Festival Back on in Fondren After Negotiations

Two days before the inaugural 3rd Eye Music Festival was scheduled to take place in Fondren Park, the event is in flux following a City of Jackson decision against the multi-genre event.

Mychal Ammons

It hasn't been an easy road to basketball greatness for Mychal Ammons, as many may have guessed.

LiveBlog: TEDxJackson 2015

JFP is live-blogging TEDxJackson 2015. The theme this year is "lift off."

Community Work Center for Inmates is Closed in Alcorn County

The Mississippi Department of Corrections is temporarily closing its community work center in Alcorn County.

Miss. Power Agrees to Charge Less for Part of Kemper Plant

Mississippi Power Co. said Tuesday it will accept a smaller rate increase for part of the $6.4 billion Kemper County power plant it's building.

Dak Prescott’s Final MSU Days

Mississippi State University quarterback Dak Prescott has just four games left in his illustrious college-football career, as he prepares to take on the University of Alabama, the University of Arkansas, the University of Mississippi in the Egg Bowl and a currently unknown opponent in another bowl game.

The Slate

It's a big week in Starkville for Mississippi State fans. The No. 20 Bulldogs host Alabama, and basketball fans get a first look at Callaway High star Malik Newman on a college court.

Steve Deaton Three’s Grand ’70s Tour

Steve Deaton went back to his musical roots for his newest record—roots wrapped around loud car stereos and ZZ Top on an eight-track tape.

Not Just Milling Around

The Mill, a new incubator space for local artists and small businesses, grew out of one man's quest to find a parking spot in midtown.

Outside Influence on 42

Anti-Initiative 42 advocates formed KidsFirst and Improve Mississippi, which were all funded, at least in part, through outside organizations and dollars.

Turnout Numbers

On Nov. 3, media outlets reported steady turnout throughout the day in Hinds County, but in the end, the number of Hinds Countians who participated in the 2015 cycle was lower than the previous two cycles.

The Demise of Initiative 42

As soon as the Mississippi Legislature proposed an alternative measure to Initiative 42, a citizens' initiative to fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, its advocates cried foul, saying the alternate was only there to confuse voters.

Remain Calm and Focus

I want to share some thoughts and insights about the concept of assessment and why we should remain calm and focus as we anxiously await the Partnership for Assessment and Readiness for College and Careers to release the results of the most recent administration of statewide tests for students in grades three through 12.

State Should End Costly, Embarrassing Legal Challenges

Last week, the state—via the Democratic-led Mississippi attorney general's office—again stood on the wrong side of a federal judge in an individual-rights case.

Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Critical'

Even the University of Mississippi, which has often had to be dragged kicking and screaming into modern times, is on the right side of this issue.

Protect Our Queens and Princesses

More than 8,000 people have commented on the video of the South Carolina man speaking passionately about the incident at Spring Valley High School, where a young, black girl was tossed around like a rag doll by what I would label an overzealous law enforcement officer.

From Jackson to Paris to Fight Climate Change

Six members of Cooperation Jackson lent their voices and efforts to the global fight against climate change at the United Nation's annual climate conference.

The Mississippi Roots of Mizzou’s #ConcernedStudent1950

The roots of the student-led movement that spurred the resignations this week of University of Missouri's president and chancellor, Tim Wolfe and R. Bowen Loftin, respectively—can be traced back to Yalobusha County.

JPS Middle School Scores Shine

Two Jackson Public Schools middle schools outscored all other JPS middle and high schools on math assessments students took last year.

Patti Cake, Patti Cake

The banner for Patti Igoe-Bett's business, MsPattiCakes, features a Charles H. Spurgeon quote: "There is hardship in everything, except eating pancakes."

Yarber, Council Disagree on Logjams

In recent weeks, Mayor Tony Yarber and members of the Jackson City Council have clashed over a number of high-dollar contract negotiations, but the key players offer different perspectives on the root causes of the disagreements.

Karlos Lyons

Though hip-hop dance was initially just a hobby for Karlos Lyons, it has become a job and a lifestyle.

The Art of Play

As an avid consumer of pop, fashion, and celebrity culture, I know full well about the cult of youth and the pursuit of it.

Born into the Wrong Demographic

Failing to pass Initiative 42 punished Mississippi's children simply because they were born into the wrong demographic.

‘Not No, But Hell No’: Fighting for Same-Sex Adoption

Roberta Kaplan is challenging the provision in Mississippi adoption law that states, "Adoption by couples of the same gender is prohibited."

Report: Black Women in Delta Are Resilient But Still Suffering

Access to health care and services makes life for women in the Mississippi Delta difficult.

Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin

A lifelong Jackson resident, Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin is dedicating his TEDx Talk to community building and the importance of the city's hip-hop scene in building up Jackson.

TEDxJackson, Blues Marathon, Chamber Celebration and Hope Grant

TEDxJackson is hosting the second "Ideas Worth Spreading" event at the Jackson Convention Complex on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Moody's Cuts Mississippi Power Credit Rating After Elections

A bond rating agency downgraded Mississippi Power Co.'s debt to the lowest investment-grade level, saying the election of two new members of the state Public Service Commission "increases regulatory uncertainty."

Bennie Thompson Announces Support for Hillary Clinton

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi told The Associated Press he has known Clinton since the 1980s, when he was a Hinds County supervisor and she was an attorney in Arkansas. Her husband, Bill Clinton, was governor there before being elected president in 1992 and 1996.

Mississippi State Plans Memorial for Athlete and Father Killed in Wreck

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi State will host a memorial service on Thursday in honor of a father and son who both played for the Bulldogs and were killed in a car accident on Friday.

University of Missouri President Resigns

The president of the University of Missouri system resigned Monday with the football team and others on campus in open revolt over what they saw as his indifference to racial tensions at the school.

Northwest Rankin High School Complies with Humanist Group, Avoids Lawsuit

Northwest Rankin High School is out of legal trouble after several weeks of back-and-forth with the American Humanist Association.

Eric Riggs

Eric Riggs created The Detectives Comedy Dinner Theatre with lead actress Keni Bounds in 2009.

Southern Miss Self-Imposes Postseason Ban for 2nd Year

Southern Mississippi says it is self-imposing a postseason ban for the basketball program for a second straight season because of an ongoing NCAA investigation regarding former coach Donnie Tyndall's tenure.

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.

Mizzou Football Players Join Protest Over Campus Racism

Student protests over racial incidents on the University of Missouri campus escalated dramatically over the weekend when at least 30 black football players announced they will not participate in team activities until the school's president is removed.

Chief Lee Vance: Increase School Funding, Lower Crime

Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance wants more money—not necessarily just for more cops, gear, or squad cars, but for schools.

David Sollish

David Sollish, Belhaven University's associate professor of musical theater, is directing the university's production of "Shrek the Musical."

Waggoner Sentencing Delayed in Prison Contract Bribery Case

Sentencing has been indefinitely delayed for a Carthage man who pleaded guilty to bribing former Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps.

State Test Scores Show Progress Against Higher Standards

Mississippi middle- and high-school students are slowly adapting to more rigorous College and Career Ready standards according to state test results released on Thursday.

Mississippi Proficiency Levels Dip, as Expected, on New Test

State Superintendent Carey Wright said standards on Mississippi's old tests were too low.

Mississippi Supreme Court Says Same-Sex Divorce is Legal

The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled Lauren Czekala-Chatham's divorce legal in concurrence with the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

District by District: How Students Scored

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Education has released the share of students in each school district that met or exceeded grade-level expectations for new tests in algebra I and English II.

Party Switcher Moves GOP Closer to Supermajority in Legislature

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republicans are closer to having a three-fifths majority of 74 votes in the Mississippi House because a newly re-elected Democrat is switching parties.

School Advocates, Lawmakers to Clash Over MAEP Formula?

As the dust continues to settle on the failed education-funding Initiative 42, new battle lines appear to be forming over the formula Mississippi uses to fund public schools.

Anne MacMaster

Anne MacMaster, associate professor of English at Millsaps College, recently received the school's 2015 Humanities Teacher Award.

Mississippi State v Missouri To Take Place on National Stage

Led by prolific quarterback Dak Prescott, the Bulldogs could give Missouri (4-4, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) its biggest test of the season. Mississippi State is averaging 35.1 points and has topped 42 each week with victory margins of 28, 25 and 26 points.

Stories for November 2015

Monday, November 30

Friday, November 27

Thursday, November 26

Wednesday, November 25

Tuesday, November 24

Monday, November 23

Sunday, November 22

Saturday, November 21

Friday, November 20

Thursday, November 19

Wednesday, November 18

Tuesday, November 17

Monday, November 16

Saturday, November 14

Friday, November 13

Thursday, November 12

Wednesday, November 11

Tuesday, November 10

Monday, November 9

Sunday, November 8

Friday, November 6

Thursday, November 5