A Look at the 2011 New Orleans Saints Draft
The NFL Draft is going to take place with or without a new labor agreement. In a little over a week the Carolina Panthers will be on the clock with the first pick of the draft.
State Executions Illegal, Attorneys Say
Two Jackson attorneys are asking the state to delay multiple executions to get itself legal on the use of a new euthanasia drug.
Eco-Clothing Store to Open; New Jobs
For years, Jackson resident Gary Morgan eyed the corner of Duling Avenue and North State Street where the consignment shop The Orange Peel was located. After years of searching for the perfect place to have his own eco-clothing store, he jumped at the opportunity to lease the space when it came available last month after the consignment store moved to Mitchell Avenue.
Marcus Burger
Marcus Burger knows his way around the three primordial elements of rock, paper and scissors. Burger, who is the Hinds County deputy director for Young Leaders in Philanthropy, is organizing a tournament of the game to raise money for YLP's signature program, Imagination Library, an early childhood literacy initiative.
City Continues Storm Clean Up
The City of Jackson is continuing to clean up debris after tornadoes hit the city April 15.
Residents should place storm debris at their curbs by Wednesday, when additional city crews will pick up the debris.
City of Jackson Releases Preliminary Storm Damage Map
According to a map published by the City of Jackson, last Friday's tornados tore a path across north Jackson, touching down and causing significant damage in at least five large areas.
Edwards Resumes Arguing to Keep Job
A laudatory report that Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards has repeatedly cited as evidence of his good work dates back to 2009 and comes from an organization for which he serves as a board member. Edwards, who is currently mired in a hearing on his three-year contract with JPS, has used the report from the Council of the Great City Schools to makes the case for a contract extension.
Mobile Food Ordinance in Dispute
Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell is trying to orchestrate a deal between downtown food suppliers and advocates of a new city ordinance that will allow restaurants to bring food to the downtown lunch crowd or Fondren on the back of a truck or van.
Beneta Burt
Beneta Burt knows it can be a challenge to change people's behaviors when it comes to healthy living. As project director for the Mississippi Roadmap to Health Equity, Burt promotes systemic, incremental solutions and programs to help fight obesity in the state.
Community Events and Meetings
Sports League Registrations, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts registration for the upcoming season. Interested individuals can register between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Call 601-960-0471.
JPS High School Graduation Schedule
If you plan to attend one of the graduations for a friend or family member, here is a schedule that I got from the Jackson Public Schools newsletter.
City Begins Clean Up
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. urged residents to drive with caution and stay clear of debris resulting from tornadoes during a press conference today at the Hinds County Emergency Operations Center in Jackson.
Free Speech Showdown at Soldier's Funeral
Hundreds of motorcycle-riding veterans will assemble tomorrow to shield mourners of a slain Brandon Marine from an extremist anti-gay hate group that protests military funerals. Alan "Dragonslayer" Smith, a regional ride captain for the Mississippi chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders, said he expects more than 200 riders to show up Saturday for the funeral of Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers, who died serving in Afghanistan earlier this month.
City Responds to Storm
Verbatim statement: City of Jackson announces that emergency crews have been assessing storm damage. Preliminary reports indicate that portions of west and northwest Jackson have experienced storm damage including down power lines, fallen trees, roof damage, and scattered property damage.
McMillin Talks Jail, Firings
Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said today that he rightfully fired nine county-jail employees.
Millsaps Hosts Latin American Studies Symposium
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War, Millsaps College hosts "Abraham Lincoln and Benito Juarez," during its second annual Latin American Studies Symposium today.
Fannie Lou Hamer
Last Sunday, my partner, Todd Stauffer, and I set off on another of our weekend road trips that take us wherever we end up. This time, we landed in Ruleville, northwest of Greenwood, at the grave of Fannie Lou Hamer and her husband, "Pap" Hamer.
Weekend Events
This weekend is packed with live entertainment and fun events, so plan your time wisely. After the storms clear this evening, head to the Mississippi Museum of Art at 7 p.m. for Operation Shoestring's annual Spring Fling fundraiser. The event raises money for Operation Shoestring's after school programs and features food and drink as well as live music by The Chill. Admission is $20. For some late-night fun, attend Mr. Kid & The Brothers Fox CD release party with Spacewolf and Mark Roemer at Hal & Mals. For more live entertainment options, check out the JFP Music Listings.
Barry Bonds vs. Kobe Bryant: One Story Matters A Lot More
Two sports stories dominated the landscape yesterday.
One was the non-conclusion/conclusion of the Barry Bonds steroids trial. The other was the non-apology/apology by Kobe Bryant for a homophobic slur.