Heath Patterson
Heath Patterson is ready for Halloween. This year, he's making an appearance as Richie Tenenbaum of "The Royal Tenenbaums" with the perfect accessory: the quintessential brown beard.
Judge Rules in Favor of Personhood Amendment
Read the ruling (PDF)
An initiative asking voters to decide if the state Constitution should define when life begins can be placed on the 2011 ballot, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Malcolm Harrison ruled today.
Ayers Endowment to Ask Legislature for Funding
The Ayers Endowment Committee may ask the state Legislature to supplement a diminishing endowment used to fund three historically black universities.
Obesity, Restaurant News
Leading lawmakers, medical researchers and health-care professionals will convene on Jackson Nov. 9 through Nov. 11 for the Global Obesity Summit 2010. Sponsored by the the University of the Mississippi Medical Center and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the event is part of an effort by UMMC to develop a international-caliber research center dedicated to studying and treating obesity, the Center for Obesity, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research.
[Balko] America's Most Successful Stop Snitchin' Campaign
Last month when U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson awarded Baron Bowling $830,000 for the beating he suffered at the hands of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 2003, she went out of her way to acknowledge another victim in the sordid affair: Kansas City Police Det. Max Seifert.
Dr. Kim Hoover
A University of Mississippi School of Nursing search committee affirmed the leadership abilities of Dr. Kim Hoover this month by choosing her to serve as dean.
Mississippi State's Cowbells May Stop Ringing
The Southeastern Conference has warned Mississippi State University officials that ringing cowbells during football games will likely bring fines because it breaks the league's noise-making policy, The Washington Post reported today.
Baby Steps
So when we first talked about doing this wellness blog, I was super excited! But I quickly fell off the wagon. And instead of getting up and trying again, I just gave up. But recently I've accomplished some baby steps that I am very proud of. And although right now they don't seem very monumental, if I keep at it, I will see positive change.
Justice Groups Join Appeal in Death Penalty Lawsuit
A challenge to Mississippi's system for representing those convicted of capital crimes has picked up some high-profile supporters. The Magnolia Bar Association and Mississippi Center for Justice filed a friend-of-the-court brief today supporting a suit filed on behalf of 15 death-row prisoners, earlier this year.
Teen Pregnancy Highest in the South; Mississippi
Compared to the rest of the nation, the South shows some of the highest teen pregnancy rates, an Oct. 22 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study finds.
Jara Miller
As the vice president of family services for the Metropolitan YMCA's of Mississippi, Jara Miller has witnessed the toll the economic downturn has taken on families.
Community Events and Public Meetings
5:30 p.m., Venture Incubator Open House and Seminar at Regions Plaza (210 E. Capitol St.). The seminar for business owners and entrepreneurs provides information on how the Venture Incubator can help grow small businesses. A tour of the Venture Incubator offices is held after the seminar. Please RSVP. Call 601-906-4868.
Our Families Can't Afford to Stay Home on Election Day
If you're like me, this election doesn't feel anything like 2008. The excitement and hope of that historic election have been replaced by worry and disappointment. The 2008 campaigns at least occasionally addressed our country's serious problems.
Wiseman: Increase Taxes for Economic Recovery
Mississippi must address its budget problems at both ends of the state's cash flow by raising taxes and cutting spending, Stennis Institute of Government Executive Director Marty Wiseman said today at the Mississippi Economic Policy Center's annual conference.
Mississippi Lacks Data on Minority Contracts
Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, said the state has no means of determining adequate minority participation in public contracts.
Garrison Starr
Folk rock/ indie artist and Hernando native Garrison Starr demonstrates her Southern roots through songs that tell rich stories of love and overcoming adversity.
It's The Weekend: Hit the Streets
It's perfect weather for a street festival, and Jackson doesn't disappoint. Already in progress when you read this, Jacktoberfest has taken over Congress Street between Amite and Capitol streets with "bands, brats and beer all day long." Admission is free, which is even better. The festivities go until 11 p.m. Also today, the Yoga of Power workshop begins at Butterfly Yoga with guest instructor Christina Sell and continues through Sunday. Classes for all levels including teachers; prices vary. Call 601-594-2313. Where to start your search for things to do in Jacktown? the JFP Best Bets page, of course!
Obama Speaks Out Against Bullying
President Barack Obama took a stand against bullying in a video message released last night.
The message is in response to the recent suicides of young adults who were bullied for being gay. The video appears on the
Fundamentals Not Suspensions is What the NFL Needs For Player Safety
This week the NFL made a midweek decision to start suspending players for helmet to helmet contact. This comes after a weekend of play saw several players leave the field due to hits.
PEER: Move ‘Expeditiously' on Flood Control
The Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review released an Oct. 12 report (PDF) urging The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District to "expeditiously" make a final decision on effective flood control for the Pearl River.