Deep South Tinseltown
When young filmmakers think of places to start their future careers, cities like New York or Los Angeles usually top their lists. But a 36,000-square-foot film studio in Canton—slated to open this spring—could make Mississippi a more desirable location for film and television production.
A Jew For Palestine
Seated in a well-appointed living room, a pretty young woman tells a tragic story in an eerily steady voice. Anna Baltzer is speaking in the 2008 DVD "Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos," a recording of her presentation about daily life for West Bank Palestinians.
Judge Orders End to Segregation Practices
Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Tom Lee put an immediate stop to Walthall County School District's alleged "clustering" policy, which has allowed hundreds of white students to transfer out of majority-black elementary schools, reports The Christian Science Monitor. The judge gave the district 30 days to formally change the policy.
Barbour Joins Health Care Suit
Despite Attorney General Jim Hood's advice, Gov. Haley Barbour announced today that he will join a multi-state lawsuit against national health-care legislation President Barack Obama signed last month.
Barbour Criticized for Slavery Insensitivity
Gov. Haley Barbour earned the ire of many when he downplayed a controversy over state proclamations of Confederate History Month--which omitted any mention of slavery--in comments last weekend.
Mason Could Leave Hard Feelings
Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. is scheduled to interview for the president's post at the Southern University System in Louisiana today, and his potential departure could mean new leadership for JSU.
[Balko] The Police Blackout
Last November along the roadside of Richmond Highway, a major thoroughfare in Fairfax County, Va., a police officer shot and killed David Masters, an unarmed motorist, as he sat in the driver's seat of his car. Masters, who was bipolar, was wanted for allegedly stealing some flowers from a planter. He received a ticket the day before for running a red light and then evading the police officer, though in a slow and not particularly dangerous manner.
Chef Larry Love
Chef and Jackson native Larry Love wants to provide people with knowledge on how a raw-food diet can extend their life span through his 30-year culinary expertise and experience. Love is hosting a raw-food tasting event this month to promote Liquid Light Cafe, a Web site where clients can order live-food delivery services, event catering and obtain recipes.
Hood: ‘Haste Makes Waste'
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is not taking action to join a multi-state lawsuit against recently passed federal health-care reform legislation. In a letter sent to Gov. Haley Barbour on Friday and released to the press, Hood advised the governor that because the issues raised can only be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court "there is no hurry to join the suit," and that it would be cheaper for Mississippi to wait. "In law and in life, the old maxim 'haste makes waste' still applies."
State Again Tries to Take Over Levee Board
A member of the Two Lakes of Mississippi Foundation rattled the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board at its meeting this morning with another attempt by state officials to usurp the authority of the local Levee Board. Board attorney Trudy Allen told the board that Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has listed the Levee Board, which to date has operated independently of the state, as a state agency in Mississippi's 2010 Blue Book of state agencies.
Jackson Business Round Up
The success of last month's "Downtown After Dusk" event in the courtyard of Underground 119 has secured a new tradition in Jackson. Julie Skipper, one of the organizers, said today that the event will not conflict with "Fondren After Five" in the future. The next "Downtown After Dusk" will take place May 13 starting at 5 p.m. in front of the new Congress Street Bar and Grill on the corner of Congress and Amite Streets. The event is sponsored by Downtown Jackson Partners, the Jackson Convention and Visitor's Bureau, YP Alliance, Jackson Downtown Neighborhood Association, Underground 119, Entergy and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. "The event is a way to get people to support business owners downtown and get people to stay downtown after work," Skipper said. "We were overwhelmed in a good way, it was a great, diverse crowd. ... We were expecting 300 people, and 600 showed up."
Corinne Fox
As Jackson's director of planning and development, Corinne Fox has her eyes focused on the future. As a result of her forward thinking, The American Institute of Certified Planners granted fellowship to Fox last week for her achievements in mentoring, research and community service. Fox is one of 425 city planners who the organization has given fellowship to since 1999.
Community Events and Public Meetings
7 p.m., No Fuss Lawn Care at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Felder Rushing will cover selecting the right kind of grass, mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and designing with a smaller lawn in mind through the use of ground covers and mulches. $40; call 601-974-1130.
Barbour: Slavery Omission ‘Doesn't Matter for Diddly'
Speaking Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," Gov. Haley Barbour defended fellow Republican Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's recent proclamation of Confederate History Month that did not reference slavery. While McDonnell has been backpedalling in Virginia, repeatedly apologizing and calling it a "major omission," according to The Washington Post, Barbour called the incident "just a nit."
Sense of Community Revealed
In my humble opinion, The Jackson Free Press has set itself apart in this city, state and nation as a publication that is hard-hitting, to the point and never shows only part of an issue. The staff has created awareness of the creative juices in this city and awakened dead stories, and people, which became award-winning journalism.
City Defends Officer Dismissal
The Jackson Civil Service Commission will decide if the city had the right to dismiss former Jackson Police Officer Kevin Nash after allegations that he used excessive force against a civilian and violated his employment agreement.
Africa Book Cafe Brings Culture, Music to Fondren
Tawanna and Rico Chapman are bringing their love of African culture to Fondren, with the opening of their new business, Africa Book Cafe, on Mitchell Avenue. The shop, which sells books, clothing, fragrances and refreshments, will celebrate its grand opening April 16.
It's the Weekend
If you're feeling dramatic this weekend, head over to the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center tonight to see the Ballet Magnificat! Spring Concert Series. Tickets can be purchased online for $10-$30. If ballet isn't quite your thing, take a drive down Interstate 20 to Clinton and see the play "The Watch They Keep," at 7 p.m. at the Old Clinton Junior High School Auditorium for $12. For more entertainment options, visit the JFP Best Bets page.
Sean Byers
As the new general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn, better known as the King Edward Hotel, Sean Byers knows he is at the center of Jackson's renaissance and wants to help it flourish.
Justice Stevens Announces Retirement
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has said he will retire after the current court session, which ends this summer, reports The Washington Post. Stevens is 11 days shy of his 90th birthday.