If You Like Piña Coladas . . .
I have had a can of frozen piña colada mix hanging out in my freezer for months. I'm tired of looking at it. I need to do something with it. I know, I know, the obvious choice would be to get some rum and little paper umbrellas and make drinks. But it's the holidays. I'm in the mood for hot chocolate, spiced rum cider or mulled wine, not a cold, fruity drink.
All God's Children
One image won't leave my head since I finished my part of the cover story I wrote this issue with freelance writer Valerie Wells (starts here): A deputy with his foot against a door as a desperate mother tries to get through to be with her 13-year-old son during a police interrogation that will elicit a murder confession that may or may not have any truth to it.
PSC Examining Charitable Contributions
Mississippi Public Service Commissioners Brandon Presley and Lynn Posey say they want to limit ratepayers funding charitable donations given by utility companies.
Creating Synergy
As Wes Holsapple II walks through the soon-to-be filled offices on the second floor of the Regions Plaza building on Thanksgiving eve, his mind is far from turkey and stuffing. As the executive director of the Venture Incubator, he is focused on creating a hub to help small business owners flourish.
You Get What You Pay For
The confluence of two events brought home hard truths about the values that some Mississippians seem to hold dear: The first was Gov. Haley Barbour's budget recommendations for fiscal year 2012. The second was our cover story this week about children being tried as adults and, subsequently, incarcerated in sub-standard facilities, or thrown in with hardened criminals in adult prisons.
[Stiggers] Year-End Financial Dilemma
Rudy McBride: "Now that Thanksgiving and Black Friday have passed, how do you feel today? You've spent your hard-earned money on a few days of happiness. The leftover food is gone. Money in your checking account is low, and you need to earn more money from a temporary, second job to help pay those nagging pre-holiday bills."
[Adkins] Save Fondren's Main Street
A few weeks ago I went to Perfect Fit Alterations and enjoyed visiting while trying on pants to be hemmed. Then I walked next door to Jackson Shoe Repair where I took two pairs of shoes to get some TLC. Next, I walked to Wells Cleaners where I picked up a pile of dry cleaning and left another for next week.
Rush to Judgment: Trying Kids As Adults
Tyler Wayne Edmonds took his last seventh-grade exam at Fifth Street Junior High School in West Point on a Thursday and was confident he had done well. So far, 2003 had turned out to be a pretty good year for the 13-year-old skinny honors student with short hair and big eyes.
Meyers Named JSU President
Jackson State University is set to have its first female president. The Board of Trustees for Mississippi's universities voted this afternoon to finalize its appointment of Dr. Carolyn Meyers as JSU president.
Muddy Dreams
Most people who grew up in Mississippi probably recall making mud pies as a child. For the creative pie, you dug up wet, red Mississippi clay and squished it though your fingers, patting and patting, to make that perfect shape. There was nothing more satisfying than making something so nice out of something so messy.
Hello and Goodbye
Just about everyone in Jackson (maybe even statewide) knows Josh Hailey's name. From local rappers to news-making politicians and those Millsaps "Are you one?" billboards, Josh has captured Jackson life on film. When he's not stealing snapshots, you might catch him prancing around in that gold lame bodysuit of his. He's a permanent fixture in the capital city. Until he's not.
In Search of Place
When Jamie Weems was touring Europe last year, unexpected detours became some of the most memorable experiences from his trip. Those moments inspired him and his band, Strange Pilgrims, to produce a body of music.
Homeland Soul
Each instrument's note, with its distinct tone, stacks one on top of another and builds a sound so bountiful and lush, they swaddle the listener's ear. The horns blast, starting and stopping at the exact same moment, as if a machine is playing them, not humans. The boom-clack of the drums helps band members keep time.
A Mostly Nice List of Offbeat Holiday Films
The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is past, and Christmas is coming up faster than a speeding sleigh. When you need a moment away from the maddening traffic and endless lines, try popping one of these movies in your DVD player for a breather. It's a mixed bag of Yuletide mayhem, some slightly more obvious than others, but all guaranteed to take your mind off shopping and wrapping and socializing.
Scott Sisters' Clemency Momentum Growing
Support for imprisoned sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott is growing as an anticipated deadline for their clemency petition nears. The sisters, who are in the 17th year of their double life sentences for armed robbery, have a petition for clemency or pardon pending before Gov. Haley Barbour.
Payday Lenders Big Donors to Lawmakers
The Mississippi Center for Justice says short-term lenders donate heavily to legislative banking committee chairmen in hopes of extending an exemption allowing them to charge up to $21.95 for every $100 loaned.
Advocacy Groups Address JPS Disability Violations
Verbatim Statement from the Mississippi Youth Justice Project:
Last week, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) issued a major decision that declared the Jackson Public School District (JPS) in violation of major components of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that ensures all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. The MDE decision was issued in response to a complaint filed on behalf of students with disabilities by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS) and the Southern Disability Law Center (SDLC). According to the decision, JPS's failure to resolve the IDEA violations could adversely affect its accreditation status.
Meyers Visits Jackson State
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, who will likely be the next president of Jackson State University, visits the campus today to meet with various groups. Following the meetings, the state college board will vote on Meyers' appointment.
Wanda Collier Wilson
Nestled in her austerely decorated downtown office, Jackson Convention and Visitor's Bureau CEO and President Wanda Collier Wilson is no stranger to hard work. Not one to put up a big fuss about the numerous awards and plaques hanging on her walls and sitting on shelves, she speaks with a calm and powerful voice that catches the attention of those around her.
City to Open Emergency Homeless Shelters
Verbatim Statement:
The City of Jackson is working with the Stewpot Community Opportunity Center to provide emergency shelter for individuals in need tonight. The Opportunity Center will open for emergency shelter once the Gateway Rescue Mission Center and Billy Brumsfield Shelter are full.