News

Making of a Mayor

On the morning of the Democratic primary race on May 7, Jackson's political insiders in the mood for prognosticating might have positioned Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba as a long shot.

One of Jackson's hottest watering holes is giving patrons a chance to take in some fresh air with the addition of an outdoor bar area. Underground 119 Chef and General Manager Tom Ramsey reported Monday that the first weekend of the outdoor bar and lounging area was a huge success.

Hinds Board Lean; Court Funds Fat

Hinds County will soon be down to three members on its Board of Supervisors. With the death of District 2 Supervisor Doug Anderson earlier this year and the departure of District 4 Supervisor Phil Fisher, the new Clinton mayor--and given another supervisor's penchant for tardiness--the five-member board could lack the necessary quorum to call a meeting to order.

Johnson’s 11th-hour Nomination

Education was back in the spotlight at Monday afternoon's special meeting of the Jackson City Council. Although the agenda did not feature any items pertaining to the soon-to-be-vacant Ward 7 seat on the Jackson Public Schools board, the subject of Dr. George Schimmel's replacement came up.

Sex Trafficking: A Local Problem

Trading lives for money, sex, work or drugs—those are just a few of the ways people get used. The money can be huge—for those in control of other lives.

The Odd Journey of Mills for Schools

Millage rates—property taxes—might sound about as far from "sexy" as any story can be. But the well-being of Jackson Public Schools depends largely on the city allocating enough money to meet the schools' needs.

Lisa Palmer

Like a fine wine or a vintage roadster, some things just get better as they mature. At the age of 53, Lisa Palmer has a youthful vitality and modest confidence about her.

High on Thai, Backyard Burger Renovations, Fischer Galleries and SBA Hangouts

Mellow Mushroom (275 Dogwood Blvd, Flowood; 601-992-7499) is running a "High on Thai" promotion through July 14.

Johnson Nominates Harkins for School Board

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. is required by law to replace Ward 7's outgoing Jackson Public Schools Board member George Schimmel by the end of the month, that much is certain. Whether or not that will happen is a different matter.

Ron Chane

Ron Chane doesn't usually go by his first name. That's how the Fondren T-shirt designer and owner of Swell-O-Phonic got the name for his "Chane" T-shirt line.

County Courts Get Funding Boost

Three Hinds County departments received a funding bump this morning. At its regular meeting, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors agreed to provide $95,000 this year to the offices of Hinds County Attorney Sherri Flowers, District Attorney Robert Smith and County Court Judge William Skinner.

Federal Rule Allows Higher Out-Of-Pocket Spending For One Year

Starting next year, the Affordable Care Act sets maximum limits on how much consumers can be required to pay out-of-pocket annually for their medical care. But some people with high drug costs may find the limits don't protect them yet.

Newton H. James

Those who knew him best say that Newton H. James was a brave man at a time when such bravery came at the risk of life and livelihood in Mississippi. James, former mayor of McComb, died Thursday, June 13, at age 96.

Community Events and Public Meetings

The Summer Solstice Pajama Party is June 21 at 5:30 p.m at the Mississippi Children's Museum.

Miss.'s New Gun Law: Good, Bad and Ugly

When a new law goes into effect on July 1, it's going to feel like the Wild West in Mississippi. Not only because the law permits individuals to carry guns and other weapons in plain view and without a permit but also because the law is so vague that the courts will likely be barraged with lawsuits over its nuances.

Housing Crisis: Widespread Discrimination; Little Taste for Enforcement

The results of Tuesday's U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development national study on the persistence of housing discrimination are unlikely to shock: Racial and ethnic minorities continue to find themselves locked out of many housing opportunities.

Brendan O'Toole

Brendan O'Toole isn't using lavish fundraisers to raise $2 million to support veterans. Instead, he's using his stamina, endurance and, mostly, his feet on a 3,600-mile, coast-to-coast run.

It's the Weekend!

On Saturday, DJ Young Venom, DJ KoolLaid, Spacewolf, Slimm Pusha and 5th Child perform at 9 p.m. at Hal & Mal's.

Evers Gala Tops Off Jackson Events

Fifty years after the assassination of Medgar Evers, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and civil-rights leader Jesse Jackson came together to celebrate Evers' life.

Fish on Prozac: Anxious, Anti-Social, Aggressive

When fish swim in waters tainted with antidepressant drugs, they become anxious, anti-social and sometimes even homicidal.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State University sports fans have gotten bad news, but also some excellent news this past week. First, the bad news: On Friday, June 7, the NCCA hit the MSU football team with penalties for recruiting violations.

To the Drawing Board

Jerrod Partridge is a vibrant artist with a studio in the artsy Fondren neighborhood. He attended the New York Academy of Art where he received his Masters in Fine Art in 2004. In 2012, the Mississippi Arts Commission presented him with the Visual Arts Fellowship of Excellence.

Guys We Love

Every year at this time, people reflect on their dads, their granddads, their uncles—all the men in their lives. We at the JFP want to shine a spotlight on a few men who make Jackson a little cleaner, brighter, compassionate, smarter or a little more delicious. Some of them are dads, some aren’t. But they all inspire, teach and share their talents with our community, raising Jackson up to achieve its potential.

Ellington

Making of a Mayor

Above Ground 119