Pedal the Trace
Come out and enjoy a scenic bike ride on the beautiful Natchez Trace at the Natchez Trace Century Ride Saturday, May 12. This event is perfect for the whole family; all ages and ability levels are welcome. Even if you can't participate, volunteer or cheer on your favorite cyclist.
Parenting Advice with a Side of Anxiety
"Parenting for Peace: Raising the Next Generation of Peacemakers" by Dr. Marcy Axness offers a fascinating look into new research ranging from brain chemistry to human growth and development.
‘Where I Am, You May Not Harm'
Joan Chittister's voice fairly resonates with passion. Her broad smile belies a fierce intelligence and a barely disguised rage at injustice of any sort, especially over systemic injustices of poverty and the state of the world's women and children.
Councilmen to Battle Mayor on Business
Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba and Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson have both put their name in the running to become the mayor of Jackson after next year's election. At the forefront of both early campaigns is a desire to change the city's business practices.
Free State of Jones
Jones County is a study in duality. It has two courthouses in two county seats: Ellisville and Laurel. During the Civil War, the county supposedly seceded from the state of Mississippi and the Confederacy, a contested historical legend. Howard Industries boosted economic development in the county but, in 2008, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested almost 600 undocumented immigrants who worked there. It was the largest ICE raid ever.
Wilco: Blossoming from Mississippi Roots
As other band members have come and gone, John Stirratt and Jeff Tweedy have been the constant core of Chicago-based alt-country/rock band Wilco since its creation in 1994.
Neesee Ray-Scott and Amanda Purvis
It's not particularly common for people to do what they love and be successful at it, but that's just what mother and daughter Neesee Ray-Scott and Amanda Purvis do. Both are hairstylists at Upscale Images Salon. The salon has been in the family for about 17 years.
City Reconsidering Contract with Johnson
Members of the Jackson City Council Rules Committee are rethinking hiring D.L. Johnson Consultants LLC for the city's redistricting and asking the city attorney's office to look into the company.
Boil Water Notice in West Jackson
The city has issued a boil water notice for about 150 people in west Jackson. Here is the announcement, verbatim:
Rev. Jesse Jackson an Honorary Hinds Deputy
There's a new sheriff in town. Well, technically there's a new Honorary Deputy Sheriff Chaplain in town -- and his name is the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. The Hinds County Sheriff's Department posted 30 photos on its Facebook page of the longtime civil rights leader's swearing in as an honorary county cop yesterday.
Mayoral Competition Begins
A divide between Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and some City Council members has become more apparent at recent meetings. This week, the division officially became a competition.
Biz Roundup: Farmers Market Boost
A new Mississippi law this year allows cities and counties to now donate money to local farmers markets.
Delbert Hosemann
Because of Mississippi's sordid history of trying to stop black people from voting, the U.S. Justice Department has to OK changes to voting laws in the state, including a recently adopted requirement that voters prove their identity before casting ballots on Election Day.
Bridge to Close
A bridge on Robinson Road Ext. will be closed for two days this week. From the city, verbatim:
Traffic Alert – Temporary Bridge Closure
Supervisors Stall Clinton-Byram Corridor
Hinds County has purchased all of the property needed for a proposed Byram-Clinton corridor and contractors have completed section 5, a 2-mile, 4-lane stretch from Terry Road to Davis Road in Byram.
Mississippi an ‘Arts State'
As far as literature and music are concerned, on a per-capita basis, Mississippi may be the most important state in the nation, said National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Pity the Callaway High School basketball team. Speaking at Callaway this morning, the Rev. Jesse Jackson asked members of the championship squad to stand as he asked a series of questions related to their commitment to the sport. Jackson, who heads the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH coalition, pressed the young athletes on how long and how often they practice, whether they're allowed to listen to music during practice, and if they're allowed to chat with their girlfriends during workouts.
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, donate art, money and gifts at [e-mail missing]. $5; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
One Night at Fenian's
On Wednesday, May 2, a friend asked me to go to Fenian's. I agreed and prior to leaving my house I asked who else would be there. She told me House members would probably be there as it might be the last night of session.
Make Lemonade
How many people knew that tomorrow is Lemonade Day in Jackson? Children around the capital city will have lemonade stands set up as a way to learn about business and entrepreneurship. (Temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees tomorrow, so hopefully the demand for lemonade will be high.)