Walking for Pierce
Pierce lay motionless in her arms, with his little Mohawk hair, dark brown and full. "I got to see his face," says Leah Helms, 33, about what she remembers most vividly in the final moments of her son's life. "I'm glad that we got to have that moment. ... (My husband, BJ, and I) were both just speechless ... how pretty to see his nose and mouth and face."
Maggie Middleton
"When I was 5, I told my mom that I wanted to be three things: I wanted to be a lawyer, a cheerleader and an actress, and they're kind of all the same thing," Maggie Middleton says, laughing at her youthful comparisons.
Public Safety Head: Anti-Immigration Bill Too Costly
The state may not have the finances or manpower to cover new mandates that would result from a proposed Mississippi bill to copy a controversial Arizona law imposing immigration enforcement duties upon local and state law enforcement, Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Steve Simpson told legislators today.
Bizz News: Grants, Collaboration, New Salon
Mississippi has received almost $5 million for assessing broadband coverage and planning to increase high-speed Internet access across the state. The grant, from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will help fund the creation of the Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition, a public-private partnership.
Sue Else
In an effort to end domestic violence, Sue Else is working to put the issue in the national spotlight.
[Balko] How to Record the Cops
This summer the issue of recording on-duty police officers has received a great deal of media attention.
Supreme Court Settles Jackson Water Contract
Last week, the Mississippi Supreme Court put to end to a two-year battle over the Jackson water contract when it ruled that a new company, United Water, has the right to operate Jackson's water system.
Legislature to Hold Hearings on Anti-Immigration Bill
Read more on immigration myths and realities
Community Events and Public Meetings
6 p.m., Young Leaders in Philanthropy Advisory Council Meeting at United Way (843 N. President St.). Council members and the YLP Executive Board meet monthly to strategically discuss upcoming YLP activities and other community engagement initiatives. E-mail [e-mail missing].
George Berry
George Berry loves woodcarving so much he will do anything to help educate future Mississippi craftspeople--even if that means shedding his clothes.
Schools Waiting on $17M Reimbursements
State Medicaid officials are optimistic that a long-delayed program to help school districts with some of their administrative costs could begin reimbursing schools soon. Speaking at a budget hearing last week, representatives for the state Division of Medicaid last week said that federal approval for the reimbursement program is imminent.
Jackson Launches Fall Garden
On Friday, Sept. 24, students at Walton Elementary School began planting a fall garden on Tougaloo Street behind their school. The garden is part of the city's urban garden program, which Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced earlier this year.
Madison Plans For Residents-Only Festival
Officials from Franklin, Tenn., a city Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler cited last week as a model for keeping outsiders from attending a Madison festival, claim their city has never followed such a practice.
Fresh Air and Fun This Weekend
Today, start things off by dusting off your 10-speed and going to Rainbow Whole Foods (2807 Old Canton Road) at 6 p.m., to meet with bikers who will gather for the Autumn Community Bike Ride. The ride ends with refreshments at Sal & Mookie's (565 Taylor St.). Later, head to Fondren Corner (2906 N. State St.) and do the cha-cha at Salsa Mississippi's Latin Rooftop Dance Party at 8 p.m. Beer, water and sodas is available to quench your thirst. Admission is $10. If you're not into sweating, there are several plays tonight at 7:30 p.m. such as "Red, White and Tuna" at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.), "Bridge to Terabithia" at Actor's Playhouse (121 Paul Truit Lane, Pearl) and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Black Rose Community Theatre (103 Black St.). Visit the JFP Events Calendar Stage and Screen listings for more details and admission prices.
Jerel Levanway
For the past couple days, Jerel Levanway has been sharing his hometown with Hollywood. As assistant location manager for "The Help" in Jackson, Levanway has coordinated filming locations for the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's novel. He negotiates with businesses to sign location agreements and generally serves as an intermediary between the production, city officials and local businesses.
New Health Care Provisions Go Into Effect
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Study: 16,000 Auto Deaths Caused By Cell Phones, Texting
If one definition of "wellness" is "avoiding death," then this story should give some readers pause. Reuter's reports the results of a study at the University of North Texas that determined there were 16,000 automobile fatalities resulting from cell phone use between 2001 and 2006.
JPD Adding Officers By End of Year
Read this week's crime report
Racism, sexism… "hairism"?
A Vicksburg High School student was told by the principal that he could not be a homecoming escort unless he cut off his dreadlocks. From WAPT:
State Overestimating Health-Care Costs?
The Mississippi Department of Medicaid's high estimates of what the federal health-care legislation will cost the state are overstated, Mississippi Health Advocacy Program Director Roy Mitchell said today.