[Hutchinson] Michael Jackson: A Threat?
Pop king Michael Jackson has been dead for one year. But the controversy that surrounded his life didn't end with his death. On June 25, the eve of the first anniversary of his death, Latoya Jackson loudly declared that her brother was murdered. Why? Because he had grown too rich and powerful, and posed a threat.
Is Mississippi Rushing Executions?
The state of Mississippi is set to execute Joseph Daniel Burns on July 21, making Burns the third inmate executed this year. Attorney General Jim Hood asked the Mississippi Supreme Court June 21 to set an execution date for Burns, the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court turned down Burns' request for a hearing. Burns follows Gerald James Holland and Paul Woodward, whom the state executed May 19 and 20, respectively. Holland and Woodward were the first two executions in the state since 2008, and Burns' execution will make 2010 the busiest year for Mississippi's death chamber since 1961.
Auditorium Closes; Relaunching as Events Space
The Auditorium, a Fondren restaurant and music venue, has closed temporarily as its owners develop a plan to re-open as an events space. The restaurant, located in the Duling School, closed July 4. Developer Mike Peters, who owns the Duling School property, told the Jackson Free Press today that the restaurant is "revamping."
Bill Payne
After more than 14 years of waking up early mornings and going to his small office that sits in the back of Church's Chicken at the intersection of the Medgar Evers Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Bill Payne remains passionate about his franchise. He greets each employee with a smile every day, displaying his appreciation for his or her hard work.
Scorching Beauty
Blues melodies are gritty and rich with life's sorrows, just like the soil of the Delta; they haunt the listener long afterward. So does "Delta Blues," edited by Carolyn Haines (Tyrus Books, 2010, $17.95). An anthology of Delta storytelling featuring work from 20 authors, the volume captures the violent beauty of the Delta region.
New Deadline for Seale's Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court set an August 9 deadline last week for the U.S. Department of Justice to respond to the appeal of former Ku Klux Klansmen James Ford Seale, WLBT reported yesterday.
Shoegasmic Sale
Tell them FLY! blog sent you!
Right now, at this very moment, there's a summer shoe sale going on at the Shoe Bar at Pieces. The entire stock ... read it again: The entire stock of summer shoes and wedges is 50 percent off until there's not a single pair left. I don't know what size shoe you wear, but the Sam Edelman Quintessa may still be there in your size.
Hinds Seeking Fed Money for Byram-Clinton Corridor
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors took another small step forward today on its long-delayed Byram-Clinton corridor road-building project. The board voted unanimously to earmark $2 million for the project out of the $14 million remaining from a 2007 bond issue.
[Balko] Confirmation Theater
My task this week is to write a column on how criminal-justice issues are likely to play out at the Elena Kagan confirmation hearings, and how her expected confirmation will tilt the balance between the rights of the accused and the government's power to police.
New Fondren Boutiques; Millsaps a ‘Best Buy'
After spending the past 12 years in retail, Andrea Galloway-Thomas saw the growing Fondren business community as an opportunity to start her own business.
Adam Malone
Adam Malone, 8, wants all children to have access to playgrounds. With the help of his parents, Drew, and Angela, Adam is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible playground at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.
Navy Blimp Used for Oil Spill Clean Up
A U.S. Navy blimp is aiding oil spill clean-up efforts in the Gulf of Mexico this morning, the Sun Herald reported today.
Donate art and gifts to Chick Ball by July 14 to be in shopping guide!
Artists, business owners and individuals: Please donate a piece of artwork, or a gift or gift certificate from your shop, by Wednesday, July 14, to be included in the 2010 Chick Issue shopping guide, which publishes July 21--three days before the 6th Annual JFP Chick Ball at Hal & Mal's. The amazing Chick Ball silent auction each year raises the bulk of the money to help fight domestic abuse. Please do what you can.
6th Annual 2010 JFP Chick Ball is July 24
The Jackson Free Press created the JFP Chick Ball in 2004 for two reasons: to raise education about and money to fight domestic abuse in Mississippi; and to showcase women musicians and artists to a diverse audience. The JFP Chick Ball is designed to be affordable so that anyone 18 or older can contribute to this very vital fundraiser. The cover charge is only $5, but we offer many fun ways to raise more money once guests are inside the event (from a game alley to a huge silent auction).
2010 JFP Chick Ball Sponsors Announced
Diva ($2,500 and up)
And, no, it's not too late for you to get your name on this elite list -- for as little as $50! Call ShaWanda Jacome at 601.362.6121 ext. 16; make all checks payable to the Center for Violence Prevention:
Full Smoking Ban Takes Effect
An expanded version of the city's ban on smoking in restaurants and bars took effect July 1, but compliance with the ban is still spotty.
Leslie Coleman
A former student recently stopped by Principal Leslie Coleman's office at Casey Elementary School. He had just one thing he wanted to say: "Thank you."
Community Events and Public Meetings
Tuesday, July 6
Small Business Leadership Conference July 6-7, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. Conference hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6 and 5-9 p.m. July 7. John Jr. Gospel Ministries and Leaders of Tomorrow are the hosts. Call 769-251-9461.
Times Such As These
In a non-descript back-lot studio near the downtown fairgrounds, long-time collaborators Taylor Hildebrand and producer Byron Knight, of Sneaky B Records, have forged a beautifully melancholy treasure has that may confirm your faith in the Jackson music scene. In fact, the two have managed to create as pristine a snapshot for this period of local music as you will likely find. It is a bittersweet capsule to a bittersweet time.
Gulf States Request Mental Health Funds From BP
Mississippi Alabama, Louisiana and Florida officials are asking BP to provide funds for mental health services for residents who have been affected by the oil spill, the Associated Press reported July, 2.