Hopes and Dreams
Last Friday was the first of the weekly Jackson Free Press summer intern workshops. With more than a dozen people stuffed into our classroom around the long stretch of tables, Editor-in-Chief Donna Ladd led a spirited discussion centered around the hopes and dreams of a talented group of young people.
Melissa Edwards
Melissa Edwards grew up surrounded by the influence of architecture through her two uncles who work in design. She did not know of any female architects who could serve as role models, however, but that didn't stop her from entering the field.
Portions of Gallatin Street Closed
A section of Gallatin Street between Hiawatha and Silas Brown streets is closed for repair work on a drainage line.
Ward 3 Hearing Begins
The hearing to contest the February Ward 3 runoff election began Monday at the Hinds County Courthouse. The judge and lawyers spent the afternoon picking jurors from a pool of nearly 300.
Nissan Workers Move to Unionize
The United Auto Workers and the Mississippi NAACP are supporting efforts by some workers at the Nissan automotive plant in Canton to form a labor union. A full-blown campaign is underway with workers planning to petition the National Labor Relations Board to set a date to put the question to a vote.
Kristen Dupard
Years of learning how to bring poems to life for an audience paid off for Kristen Dupard this spring, as she took home a national trophy for her poetry-recitation skills.
School Board Meeting Tonight
The JPS school board meets tonight at 5:30. Although there isn't anything on the schedule about selecting a sex-related education policy, there are only two scheduled board meetings before the deadline to pick either an abstinence-only or abstinence-plus policy to teach next year. It looks like the board will vote on the matter June 19.
Rep. John Lewis Rallies Dems
Sometimes, Democrats like to feast on red meat, too. At this year's Jefferson Jackson Hamer Dinner, held Friday at the Regency Hotel in Jackson, Georgia U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil-rights icon who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played the role of zookeeper.
Traffic Signal Boxes Become Artists' Canvases
Some of downtown Jackson's traffic signal boxes got a fresh coat of colorful paint recently thanks to a group of local artists.
Bryan Fedrick
Bryan Fedrick was not always fond of snakes. In fact, he was afraid of snakes until age 12 or 13. Now, however, the 34-year-old is a herpetologist who has been teaching snake safety since 2003.
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal is to start a rape crisis center. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, and donate art, money and gifts. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
City Leaders Prepare ‘Fresh Start'
A few dozen local leaders from a range of fields are working on a program to help keep people from returning to prison after leaving.
Hurricane Season is Here
Officials say Mississippi would be ready if a Category 3 hurricane was headed toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast and due to make landfall in 18 hours.
Eric Stringfellow
Eric Stringfellow has his work cut out for him. As a Jackson Public Schools public-affairs consultant, the district has given him the task of selling an unpopular rezoning plan that will close one school and require students at several other schools to transition to different locations next year.
It's the Weekend!
Today, Elizabeth Johnson and Susie Ranager's art exhibit opens at Brown's Fine Art (630 Fondren Place) and hangs through June 30. Free; call 601-982-4844. Civil-rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis speaks at the Jefferson-Jackson-Hamer Dinner at 7 p.m. at Regency Hotel (400 Greymont Ave.). Admission is $120, $60 for members and $1,000 for tables; call 601-969-2913. Submerged 5.0: The Burner Brothers Bayou Tour is at 9 p.m. at Club Friction at the Joint. Admission is $10 for ages 21 and up, $15 under 21; for information email [e-mail missing]. Big Earl from Pearl and Cool Papa Bell play at Martin's. Need more options? See our Best Bets.
It's Campaign Season (Again)
Yes, I know, it seems like it's always campaign season, which means that those flyers will soon be filling your mailboxes and emails will be filling your inboxes and ads will be filling your Facebooks (if they aren't already).
County-level Dems Switch to GOP
In light of President Barack Obama's affirmation of same-sex marriage earlier this month, seven former Democrats decided to go play for the other team.
Jackson Tourism Weathers a Tough Economy
Last year, an estimated 3 million people visited Jackson's tourist spots, events, festivals and conventions, spending more than $294 million.
Holly Smith
Holly Smith has fond memories of her father, who passed away two years ago from Alzheimer's disease. He was an electrician with a love of history and an outgoing, friendly man. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in his early 60s and passed away at age 68. Smith's aunt has also been diagnosed with the disease.
A Few Green Flecks Never Hurt Anyone
I guess you could say I'm a picky eater. I still don't eat my vegetables, and to this day I have a weird thing about eating tomatoes that are bigger than diced-size pieces. I also firmly believe that the slightest taste of olives promptly ruins everything.