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JPS' Accreditation Woes

Jackson Public Schools is facing a hearing to determine whether it will lose its accreditation over failure to comply with changes to its special-education program recommended by the state, but district officials seem optimistic about the outcome.

Movie Theater May Return to Jackson

Jackson may once again have a movie theater if Pix/Capri owner Logan Young and developer Jason Watkins finalize a deal for Watkins to purchase the historic theater.

Films Under the Stars

Deep within the well of nostalgia lie carefree memories of families and friends packed in wood-paneled station wagons heading for an entertaining evening at the drive-in movie theater.

America's ‘Treasure'

Kirk Cameron had an idea that led to a cinematic quest to discover what has made America's legacy for freedom, prosperity and global leadership. I didn't recognize Cameron's name at first, but it evoked shadowy memories of a teen idol plastered on the glossy covers of Tiger Beat and Teen Beat magazines.

Teaching The Truth

Next year, for the first time, Mississippi will require all social-studies teachers to teach the history of civil rights in the state. The requirement will come more than five years after state lawmakers initially approved the curriculum change.

Greg Grimes

Greg Grimes has already dealt with a stray-cat problem this morning. He's also looking at someone's water leak. As the city of Jackson's constituent services manager, he takes complaints from residents and solves their problems.

Better Late Than Never?

District Attorney-elect Robert Smith got a nice boost from the Supreme Court less than 24 hours into his successful run-off against former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson. Using $160,000 in grant money obtained by Gov. Haley Barbour, the Mississippi Supreme Court decided to appoint a second special judge to assist Hinds County in reducing its criminal docket, months after county residents—and the outgoing D.A.—began screaming for help.

Dianne Alford: Auctions, Babies, And Bread Pudding

After a busy lunch, traffic through Two Sisters Kitchen had slowed down by mid-afternoon last Friday when I met owner Dianne Alford. The restaurant, which has been a Jackson institution for almost 20 years, boasts Jackson's best fried chicken (as voted by Jackson Free Press readers repeatedly) and other trademark southern dishes.

Jury Selection Begins in Melton-Recio Trial

Melton archive/blog.

The thrice-delayed federal civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio kicked off Monday in the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson for the destruction of a private home in August 2006, a story first reported by the Jackson Free Press. The court summoned 100 potential jurors from the southern district in Mississippi. Questioning of the jurors started today and will continue for about three days. Opening statements are expected to happen late this week with the trial taking up to three weeks.

Council Doubts Mayor's Rosy Budget Talk

Several Jackson City Council members disagree with Mayor Frank Melton's recent assessment that the city budget is in wonderful financial shape. Melton said at a February press conference, and repeated in recent Jackson Free Press interviews, that the budget is in "the best fi nancial shape" it's ever been in, which prompted raised eyebrows after the city announced days later that it was calling for a 3-percent cutback in all departments. The mayor then blamed sliding sales revenue and demanded that all unfilled positions be frozen. He also asked department heads to cut back on overtime pay, travel and office supplies.

[Alert] Support Public Education Today

Here's what you can do right now to demand full funding of Adequate Education. An alert just in from Parents for Public Schools; the Jackson Free Press stands with PPS on this issue. Please pick up the telephone now. Keep reading to see who to call.

Reggie Collier: ‘The Ultimate Compliments'

On July 31, 2008, the University of Southern Mississippi announced its plan to retire Reggie Collier's #10 jersey. Collier, a former USFL Birmingham Stallion and NFL Dallas Cowboy, spoke with the Jackson Free Press at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Mason: No Plans for Public Input on Merger

As Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. shook hands at a forum last Friday at Koinonia Coffee House in Jackson, he sought to quell concerns about a possible HBCU merger idea he floated to legislators last month. He maintained that his proposal was merely "an idea that was leaked."

A Public Nuisance Again?

Tension between the city and one of its more popular nightclubs has returned after three Monday morning shootings near the club.

Weekend Events

Start your weekend off right with a little back-to-school shopping. The Mississippi Sales Tax Holiday started at 12:01 a.m. today and ends Saturday at midnight. Buy shoes and clothes that retail for less than $100, and you pay no sales tax. Head to the Department of Revenue website for complete information.

Shahid Buttar

As a college student in Chicago, Shahid Buttar sometimes would fish his next meal out of a trashcan. Often sleeping on the streets or couch surfing, Buttar found solace in the electronic rhythm of house music.

Eddie Fair Requests Pay Raises; Supes Deny

With budget concerns in mind, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors denied pay raises requested by county Tax Collector Eddie Fair in a meeting this morning, while approving the hiring of another county position.

State Wrongly Fired Whistleblower

Read Johnson's Ruling (PDF, 224 KB)

Dancing, Dining, Music and More

If you haven't been to the 2010 USA International Ballet Competition, the competition continues through June 27. Saturday features a brunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Jackson Marriott. Tickets are $10 pus tax and tip and an advanced reservation is required. Call 601-355-9853 to RSVP. The second round of the competition starts Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall, with performances Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, June 20, The Belhaven Center for Performing Arts presents the Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase at 2 p.m., featuring performances by 25 dancers who weren't selected for the semifinals of the competition, with special guest performance from artist Brooklyn Mack. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds from the event benefit the Dancers Responding to AIDS program. Call 601-973-9249 for ticket information.

The DREAM Act and the Wealth of Nations

Against all odds, 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, many with honors. They are among America's brightest, most driven and underprivileged. We have invested much in their K-12 education, and they have much to contribute to our society.

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