Edward DacusAlthough Edward Dacus has only had his new title of Mississippi Opera Chorus Master since Jan. 26, he has not wasted any time starting new opera projects. Dacus, who is currently preparing the all-men chorus spring show, "The Barber of …
It's The Weekend!With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, brave the weather and head to circa (2771 Old Canton Road) for Valentine's Date Night tonight at 5 p.m. for inspiration and gifts. The Jackson Free Press is the sponsor of the event which includes …
Bill Targets Barbour's Jet UseThe Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would limit the use of state-owned aircraft to official business only. The bill comes after concerns from lawmakers that Gov. Haley Barbour may have misused the state's aircraft, The Associated …
A Mixed Bag for Mississippi ChildrenBy many measures, children in Mississippi are worse off than kids in most other states, but Mississippi shows some bright spots. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual "Kids Count" report ranks Mississippi 50th overall for its children's educational, economic and …
Sweet Potato Queen's Fondren Parade SetStanding next to a pink port-a-potty decorated with a sequin-clad Sweet Potato Queen, author and boss queen Jill Conner Browne officially announced Fondren's Zippity Doo Dah Parade this morning.
Christy HendersonArtist Christy Henderson has been busy creating artwork and jewelry that explores the theme of love for Valentine's Day.
MEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Winter WeatherPEARL--The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wants residents to prepare for the possibility of winter weather Thursday and Friday. The National Weather Service predicts rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow are all possible as temperatures throughout much of the state hover …
BP Claims Process Compromised?Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood asked a federal judge last week to oversee Gulf Coast Claims Facility pay-outs to individuals the 2010 BP oil spill disaster injured.
Immigrants, Medicaid and AbortionThe House took up a controversial bill demanding that state and local law-enforcement officials request proof of residency status from civilians they suspect are undocumented immigrants. The version of Senate Bill 2179 that left the Senate two weeks ago also …
Caring for CriminalsInmate medical care is an unpopular business, at least in Hinds County. The Hinds County Board of Supervisors learned that lesson the hard way in January, when it found itself scrambling for a medical provider before its existing contract, with …
Timothy FizerThe front door of F. Jones Corner bursts open around 4 a.m. on a Friday, and Timothy Fizer emerges, holding a drunken man's arms behind his back as the man bucks and jerks under the 6-foot-tall, 330-pound bouncer's half-nelson. Instead …
Lawmakers Tackle Critter CrueltyFor proponents of a felony animal-cruelty law in Mississippi, state Rep. Greg Ward, D-Ripley, seems like the biggest obstacle to success. Last year, when a Senate-approved bill to make the malicious torture or killing of a dog or cat a …
Ward 1 on IceMississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Legal Project Director L. Patricia Ice waited until the last minute to enter the race for the vacant Ward 1 council seat. Ice barely managed to gather the 50-signature minimum on her petition to run against …
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention MonthThe Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence is honoring National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month by promoting healthy youth relationships to prevent teen dating violence.
War On The PoorIt was 7:30 in the morning, and the smallest beneficiaries of the Richard Brandon Head Start Center at 5920 N. State St. followed their young parents into the mass of little portable units. One hobbit-sized girl lifted her legs awkwardly …
Group Forms to Save Fondren StripAn online petition asking developer David Watkins to preserve a 1938 strip of Fondren businesses on North State Street has gained the support of 189 people. Watkins proposes to tear down the strip and replace it with the Whitney Place …
Fondren Business Shuffle, Nightclub ReopensThe Orange Peel is moving. Owner Kristin Tubb says the Fondren consignment shop will open in its new location, at 422 Mitchell Ave., on March 10. As Fondren's retail and restaurant community has grown, the demand for parking has put …
Peppy BiddyWhen actors auditioned for a role in New Stage Theatre's "39 Steps," director Peppy Biddy warned them that the play would be like running on a treadmill at its highest speed for two hours.
Hinds Cornered on Inmate Medical CareThe Hinds County Board of Supervisors voted today to approve a contract with Reddix Medical Group for medical care at the county jail. The board met this morning to approve a replacement for the county's existing contract with Reddix, which …
AG Hood Promotes Mentor ProgramMississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is looking for volunteers to mentor the children of incarcerated parents.
Marika CackettAs the new Jackson and Convention & Visitors Bureau manger of communications and public relations, Marika Cackett says she has found her dream job promoting the city she loves.
Community Events and Public Meetings<b>Free Tax Counseling and Filing</b>. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free.
Bill to Reinstate Ole Miss Mascot, Fight Song Likely to DieA House bill that proposes to reinstate former Ole Miss mascot Colonel Rebel and require the university to play the controversial "From Dixie With Love" fight song during football games will likely die in the House Universities and Colleges Committee.
Showdown Ahead on Immigration LawsuitsMississippi lawmakers are headed for a standoff on two provisions of a proposed Arizona-style immigration bill. The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2179 yesterday but stripped a controversial section that would that would allow citizens to sue local law …
Christopher PaigeChristopher Paige's determination to make his South Jackson barber shop, Custom Cuts & Styles, a thriving business that serves the community is perhaps what earned him the title of Rising Entrepreneur and Best Barber Shop in the 2011 Jackson Free …
Get Your Weekend StartedThe weather isn't the only thing that is heating up this weekend. If you are in the mood for a night of Alfred Hitchcock and humor, check out "The 39 Steps," at New Stage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are …
MIRA Speaks Out Against Anti-Immigration BillMississippi Immigrations Rights Alliance, the leading advocacy organization for the rights of undocumented workers in Mississippi, alleges SB 2179, titled The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, would require law enforcement to racially profile Latino citizens.
Convention Center Attendance Up in 2010Two years after opening its doors to great fanfare, the Jackson Convention Complex has brought in more than $49.7 million and spurred the city's economy by providing jobs, tax revenue, and thousands of visitors who spent money in the city, …
It was 7:30 in the morning, and the smallest beneficiaries of the Richard Brandon Head Start Center at 5920 N. State St. followed their young parents into the mass of little portable units. One hobbit-sized girl lifted her legs awkwardly …