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UMMC Continues to Expand, Create Jobs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is increasing its research capabilities and expansion, UMMC Vice Chancellor Dr. James Keeton said at a community forum this morning.

Josh Evans

Josh Evans just got a kick start for his film project, "Young Bros," a short film about a couple of 10-year-old boys pulling pranks during the summer in Jackson.

Happy Easter and Earth Day!

Today, celebrate the planet and Good Friday. If you're lucky enough to have the day off, grab the kids and head to the Jackson Zoo for the annual Party for the Planet. The fun started at 10 a.m., but it should be a great day. Admission is $8, $5 children 2-12, $7.20 seniors, members and babies free; call 601-352-2580. Later, stop by Farish Street Park for the free Farish Flourish starting at 5 p.m. and includes poetry, music and healthy food in honor of Earth Day. Call 601-291-7381. In the mood for some indoor entertainment? The Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) is screening indie films "Another Harvest Moon" and "Peep World" tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. $7 per film. Begin your search for the best in Jackson events on the JFP Best Bets page.

Faith Leaders Call for Death Penalty Moratorium

About 20 Mississippi faith leaders gathered in the rotunda of the state capitol yesterday to appeal for a moratorium on executions in the state. The press conference came one day after the state Supreme Court announced May execution dates for two men on death row in the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.

Grammy Museum Planned for Delta

The Grammy Museum, located in Los Angeles, Calif., will open another location in Cleveland, Miss., Bob Santelli, the museum's executive director, said today. Speaking at the Mississippi Economic Council's annual meeting today in Jackson, Santelli said that like the original location in Los Angeles, the Cleveland museum's mission will be primarily educational.

Are white men in trouble? Newsweek explores their plight.

There's a fascinating feature in Newsweek right now about the effect the recession is having on middle-class, formerly well-off white men. Here's just a chunk; what are your thoughts?

Johnson Counters High Crime Rate Claim

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. worked quickly this morning to tamp down the perception of the capital city as a "hotspot" for crime.

State Has Highest Rate of Unbanked

Limited use of traditional banks threatens the ability of Mississippi's working class to improve its economic situation, a report released yesterday says. The report, issued by the Mississippi Economic Policy Center and the Foundation for the Mid South, finds that Mississippi has the highest percentage of "unbanked" households in the country.

Michael Brown

The past nine months have been eventful for 20-year-old Michael Brown as he has traveled through the state providing emergency assistance to residents and building homes for families in need. The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps member is assisting families in Clinton who lost their homes during the April 15 tornadoes.

City Announces Drop in Crime

<i>verbatim statement from city:</i>

Preliminary information released during this morning's weekly Police COMSTAT meeting detailed that overall crime in Jackson has decreased 6.7 percent. Total property crime has dropped by 3percent and violent crime has decreased 27.3 percent year-to-date as compared to this same time last year.

Barbour Requests Federal Funds for Storm Recovery

Gov. Haley Barbour asked President Barack Obama yesterday to declare Greene, Hinds and Kemper counties as major disaster areas so that residents can have access to federal assistance programs.

Music that Matters

Micah Smith is doing something many want to do. He has shut up, and he has written. He is following his dream. This self-taught guitarist-singer-songwriter is becoming what many adults dream about—a star. He moves people—not in the sense of furniture— but in the realm of telling stories that matter through his writing and music.

On the Water

David Moore is a hard guy to miss. Driving up in his red SUV, the two kayaks on top draw your eyes automatically. Even more striking is Moore himself, who, at 48, is built like a 20-year-old. Moore is a New Jersey transplant who is discovering Mississippi's kayaking and canoeing world.

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Doctor S sez: Is it time to start paying attention to the NBA playoffs, yet? No. What about the NHL playoffs? Hell, no.

Begin Today

"If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed." —Chinese Proverb.

Carboholics Anonymous

It's hard to admit, but it's true. I love carbs, and I am nearly powerless against them. I need a support group. Carbs are my kryptonite.

The Schwindickermans

First there were Bennifer and Tomkat, and then came Brangelina. And now Jackson has the Schwindickermans, also known as Darren Schwindaman, 27, and Melia Dicker, 30. The playfulness of combining their last names is indicative of the type of couple they are.

Easter Shopping Guide

Springtime is the time for new beginnings, and fashion is one of them. But not only that, this is a time for gift-giving (be it for yourself or someone else). Take a look around Jackson and find your inspiration for style.

An Earth Day Toast

Gone are the days when eco-friendly meant hemp necklaces, rope sandals and patchouli oil. These days, an eco-chick is sexy and cool, flirty and fun all while being conscientious of the environment. From cosmetics to clothing, handbags to housewares, more and more of today's fashions go beyond fads and acknowledge labor practices and carbon footprints.

Hands-On Action

It's a rather poorly kept secret that one reason I'm out and about so much is that I don't cook and, well, a girl's gotta eat. While I am an avid fan of culinary arts, the extent of my fandom is appreciation. As a practitioner, I fail miserably. Case in point: I met a neighbor who needed to borrow some flour with a perplexed look and this response: "Why on earth would I have flour?"