Gov. Bryant Signs Biz Bills
Let's say a meteorite crashed to Earth and landed on the Jackson Free Press' offices, resulting in a broken pinky toe on my left foot. According to a new state law, it would be up to me to prove to my bosses that I wasn't high as a kite when said celestial projectile descended on Fondren.
Family Remembers a Fallen Hero
Benjamin Brown was a 22-year-old activist in 1967 when law enforcement officers shot him once in the back and again in the back of the head during a civil-rights demonstration near the campus of Jackson State.
Three Could Face June Execution
Mississippi death-penalty opponents expect that three men will lose key appeals today, and expect each to receive a June execution date.
Bev Perdue
Mississippians are crying foul after North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue, a Democrat, compared her state, which voted to ban same-sex marriage last week, to Mississippi.
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 at [e-mail missing]. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
Earle Banks to Run for State Supreme Court
Rep. Earle Banks announces candidacy for Mississippi Supreme Court
State Rep. Earle Banks, D-Jackson, just sent out a press release announcing his intention to run for Mississippi Supreme Court Justice in District 1, which Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. now represents. Here's the full release:
GOP Mad at Suggestion Mississippi is Anti-Gay
Some Mississippians are incensed at North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue for comparing her state's recent successful ballot initiative defining marriage as between a man and a woman to Mississippi -- whose Constitution also defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Help Lavaree Jones get life-saving surgery
Rickey Cole just sent out this call for help. Please do what you can. Verbatim:
We are having a Radio-Thon on WMPR-90.1 FM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. to raise money to help Lavaree Jones receive life saving heart surgery. As you may know, Lavaree is a pioneering Jackson business woman, Democratic political activist and community organizer. She has served the Jackson and Hinds County Community for over 30 years as a real estate professional, and active community citizen.
Farish in 2012?
Jacksonians have heard plans, proposals and promises about a reborn Farish Street for the better part of two decades. Less than four years after purchasing the project from Performa, Watkins Development LLC may deliver four pieces of the puzzle in 2012.
Leniece T. Davis
If black political and civic engagement was a hospital patient, doctors might say it was in critical but stable condition.
It's the Weekend!
Today, the Four Seasons of the Cedars Spring Art Show at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Road) closes. The event is free; call 601-366-5552. The Mississippi Mama Show featuring artwork kicks off at 5 p.m. at Brent's Diner and Soda Fountain (655 Duling Ave.); it continues May 12. The event is free and artwork is for sale; call 601-954-2147. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's Pepsi Pops is at 5:30 p.m. at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland). Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, $5 for children 4-18 and free for children under 4; call 601-960-1565. Relay for Life is at 6 p.m. at Historic Canton Square. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration fees vary; call 662-549-3729. Ahmad Rashad, Saddi Sundiata and others perform during Back to Basics at 9 p.m. at Suite 106. Need more options? See our Best Bets.
Mississippi Eyed for Voter Drive
An NAACP voter-registration campaign launched yesterday will target minorities, students and senior citizens in a dozen swing and southern states where voter identification laws have passed, including Mississippi.
Students Learn Fiscal Literacy
Students at Forest Hill High School got a leg up on some of their peers for a skill that seems to grow more important every day--understanding financial stability and how to achieve it.
Students Learn Financial Literacy
Students at Forest Hill High School got a leg up on some of their peers for a skill that seems to grow more important every day--understanding financial stability and how to achieve it.
Players of the Day: Best College Baseball Player Finalists
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring Mississippi's best college baseball player Monday, May 15 with a luncheon. Three finalists will be at the luncheon, but only one will walk away with the C Spire Wireless sponsored Ferriss Trophy, named after legendary player and coach Boo Ferriss. The long-time Delta State coach played college baseball at Mississippi State before playing professionally with the Boston Red Sox.
Stealing Ideas
It happens. Sometimes, a girl about town needs to get away. Also, sometimes she's dating a person who really, really wants to see Van Halen on tour. In my case, the two combined to result in a weekend road trip to St. Louis, Mo.
‘Get Lost While You Can Still Be Found'
On Circus of the Seed's somber, fan-favorite track, "Rain," vocalist and trumpeter Stephen Phillips sings, "I hope that you can swim so that you don't drown/My broken heart is going to flood this town/You better get lost while you can still be found."
Paul Thorn: Covering
With his 10th album release, "What The Hell is Goin' On?" Paul Thorn is doing things a little differently.
JFP Pick: The Starewells
Newly formed New Orleans-based band The Starewells is bringing their sound north to Mississippi to play with Rooster Blues at Old Tavern this Friday.
Just What I Needed
This Sunday, many of us will take time to honor our mothers. Mother's Day is the one day every year when we try to thank mom for everything she has done and continues to do for us.