News

Education Advocates Host Training

The Mississippi Youth Justice Project will host "How to Advocate at the School Board" Saturday, Jan. 8, to help parents and students become more involved in their school districts.

Voter ID, Abortion, Eminent Domain, Oh My

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann will deliver three voter-referendum initiatives to the state Legislature this morning that could require voters to bring photo identification to polls, restrict the state's use of eminent domain and amend state law to define when life begins.

Solar Panel Plant To Open; New Downtown Cafe

A California solar panel company plans to build a new production facility in Hattiesburg, Gov. Haley Barbour announced today. The company, Stion, produces high-efficiency thin-film solar panels at its headquarters in San Diego. Barbour called on the Mississippi Legislature, which convenes today, to pass a $75 million loan, along with other tax and workforce-training incentives, to facilitate the project.

Amy Evans Streeter

As an oral historian for Southern Foodways Alliance, Amy Evans Streeter travels to pig lots in Cajun country, La., and oyster skiffs in Apalachicola, Fla., where she documents the culinary traditions of southerners.

Hinds Judges Sworn In Today

Three Hinds County judges officially took office today during a swearing-in ceremony at the Hinds County Courthouse.

Legislature Returns; How to Track Bills

As state legislators return to the Capitol tomorrow for the 2011 Legislative session, lawmakers will spend the next 90 days approving diminished funding for state agencies and debating a host of bills.

Mississippi Art Funds Under Knife

State funding for the arts will likely drop next year, but grants to artists will remain largely the same, said Mississippi Arts Commission Executive Director Malcolm White today.

Community Events and Public Meetings

6 p.m., Jackson State of the Arts 2011 at North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Ave.). The open forum is for all greater Jackson arts scene participants: teachers, musicians, grant-organization members, gallery owners, etc. Free; call 601-497-7454.

No Deaths from Mississippi Tornadoes

A total of six tornadoes hit Mississippi on New Year's Eve damaging homes and businesses, the National Weather Service reports.

Denise Halbach

Fondren Theater Workshop's upcoming production "Unshelved," has personal ties for director Denise Halbach who lost her mother to Alzheimer's disease a few years ago.

Julep Chef Dies in Car Accident

Julep Chef Martin Evans Bryant died Wednesday evening after his car hit a pole on Woodrow Wilson Avenue. According to the Jackson Police Department, Bryant was at Wendy's on Woodrow Wilson Avenue when a manager informed a police officer dining inside that Bryant was causing a disturbance at the drive-through window. By the time the officer got to the window, Bryant, 31, had driven away in his Honda Accord and shortly afterward, lost control of his car, JPD said.

Job Growth to Aid Economy in 2011?

The economy was not Mississippi's strong point this year, although the state is expecting to see job creation in the future. Several industries and businesses Gov. Haley Barbour touted as a successful this year require a healthy dose of government or public aid to open in Mississippi.

The Year In News

This year will be over in a few hours. Here's a look back on some of the big news events of 2010 in Jackson and Mississippi.

John Noblin

As the director of the fourth annual Mississippi Blues Marathon, John Noblin is busy making last-minute arrangements for the two-day event, which includes a fitness expo and outdoor concert. The Jackson native is a longtime marathon runner who got his start organizing races in 1993 with the Tour LeFleur, a professional cycling race in Jackson. Five years ago, he collaborated with local business leaders to bring the Blues Marathon to Jackson, forming a sponsorship with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. Noblin, 45, lives in Jackson with his wife, Jill, and two daughters Keavy, 16, and Clayton, 13. He discussed this year's race with the JFP:

It's the Weekend: Happy New Year!

If you're brave enough to venture out in tonight's stormy weather, there are several metro area New Year's Eve celebrations to choose from. Check out the JFP's round up of area events here.

DeLaughter Moved to Halfway House

Former Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Bobby DeLaughter is out of prison and in a transitional facility finishing his 18-month prison term for lying to federal authorities. Since January 2010, authorities have held DeLaughter at federal prison in McCreary, Ky.

Jerrod Partridge

For Jerrod Partridge, figure drawing is more about perspective than the actual act of putting graphite to paper.

Kidney Not Sole Condition for Sister's Release

UPDATED: This story has been updated to reflect information from the NAACP's press conference this morning.

AMR to Offer Free New Year's Eve Rides

American Medical Response and the Safe Kids Mississippi Campaign are teaming up on New Year's Eve to offer free rides to people in need of a designated driver.

JATRAN Cuts: A Long Time Coming?

Kin Palmer staggered out of Jackson City Hall the evening of Dec. 20 visibly angry and frustrated as he joined other JATRAN riders to load the city buses that had transported them to a public hearing regarding cuts to the city's bus system. He balled up his fist as he predicted what would happen when city residents could not get to work anymore.

Entergy Seeks $51 Million for Failed Reactor

Entergy Mississippi Inc. is requesting $51 million in reimbursements over a stalled nuclear-reactor project at its Grand Gulf nuclear-power plant.

Barbour Suspends Scott Sisters' Sentences

cover story on the Scott sisters

City to Metrocenter?; JATRAN Saved, For Now

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told the Jackson City Council last night that he wants to move some city facilities into the currently under-used Metrocenter Mall located on Highway 80.

New Year's Eve Events

Looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? Look no further. Whether it's a gala, a dance party or an intimate dinner you seek, the metro area has got you covered.

Hayne Reviewing Hinds Autopsy

Steven Hayne may have built a name--and notoriety--for himself with prosecution-friendly autopsy testimony, but it was a defense request that may bring him into a Jackson murder case as an independent expert.

Alisa Ross

At first glance, Alisa Ross appears to be a shy 17-year-old senior at Callaway High School. But catch her on the basketball court, and she lights up with a fire in her eyes and a million-dollar smile after making a shot.

AG Offers Identity-Theft Prevention Tips

verbatim statement:

Attorney General Jim Hood advises Mississippians to add some extra safety resolutions to their New Year's List for 2011.

Changes Likely Before JATRAN Vote

Read the proposed JATRAN changes (PDF)

JFP Freelancer of the Month: Bryan Flynn

A layoff became an opportunity for Bryan Flynn to do what he loves. Two years ago, Flynn, 33, lost his job as a grocery manager for Walmart. With his wife's encouragement, Flynn started playtowinthegame.com, a website for his musings and analysis of professional and college sports. Since August, Flynn has been a regular freelance contributor to the Jackson Free Press.

Bodega Opening; Unemployment Slightly Up

Residents of downtown Jackson will soon have an option for grocery shopping nearby. Bodega, a combination grocery store and deli, is set to open by Thursday of this week, co-owner Gwin Wyatt told the Jackson Free Press today.

Ellington