V16n18 - 2018 Legislative Preview

vol. 16 no.18

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Local Leaders Face Litigation Bragg, p 6

Fighting Like A Woman Ladd, p 4

Behind Indie Music Week Smith, p 22

Fractured Capitol?

2018 Legislative Preview

Education, Medicaid, Budget, Gangs Dreher, pp 14 - 17

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erfect Fit Nutrition owner Constance Hare Shelby wants to show people the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that they can find health and nutrition outside of fad diets.

“I (want) my business to help people find a fit for them,” she says.

The Raymond, Miss., native began her college career studying nursing at Mississippi State University. While taking prerequisites, Shelby took a nutrition class and fell in love with nutrition and health. She then decided to change her path to nutrition. She received her bachelor’s degree in the subject in 2009 and earned her master’s in food science and nutrition in 2011 from the University of Southern Mississippi.

During her time at USM, she also completed a dietetic internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

In August 2011, she began working as the health and wellness director for nonprofit The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. While there, Shelby decided to start her own business, Perfect Fit Nutrition. In August 2014, she started seeing clients part-time, and in April 2016, she left her full-time job to focus on her business.

“My mission is to relate to people and show them that they can achieve nutrition success regardless of how chaotic their lives might be,” she says.

contents

Shelby helps her clients with aspects such as meal planning, weight-loss programs and programs for those who just desire a healthier lifestyle.

Shelby designs plans tailored to each person’s lifestyle and helps make sure that they have the support they need to succeed. Shelby uses Facebook and her website to share recipes and nutrition tips, and has weight-loss support groups on Facebook.

One of Shelby’s programs is a Facebook group geared toward women called “Lean Queens Weight Loss Challenge.”

“The idea is to give a low-cost option for women who would like to lose weight and have the support of other women who share the same goal,” she says. “I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be the best that they can be.”

Shelby and her husband, Jess, live in Brandon with their 2-year-old daughter. In her spare time, Shelby likes to exercise. She has recently taken up barre and takes highintensity interval-training classes at Studio 31 in Clinton. She also likes to cook and find ways to make some recipes healthier.

She works part-time as a wellness coordinator for Vigilant Heath.

For more information about Perfect Fit Nutrition, visit perfectnutrition.com.

—Rebecca Hester

cover illustration by Zilpha Young

6 ............................ Talks 12 ................... editorial 13 ...................... opinion 14 ............ Cover Story 18 ........... food & Drink 20 ......................... 8 Days 21 ........................ Events 21 ....................... sports

8 Order in the Court

The Jackson City Council unanimously confirmed court judges late last year

22 JIM Week Turns 3

“I knew that first night of (Jackson Indie Music Week 2015) that we were providing something that people wanted, and that the city was going to show love.”

—Garrad Lee, “Three Years of Indie Music Week”

22 .......................... music 22 ........ music listings 23 ................... Arts / DIY 24 ...................... Puzzles 25 ......................... astro 25 ............... Classifieds

23 Across the Universe Turn your shoes into the Milky Way.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

4 ............ Editor’s Note

Amber Helsel; imani khayyam/file photo; courtesy june hardwick

January 3 - 9, 2018 | Vol. 16 No. 18

3

editor’s note

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

Fighting Like a Woman in 2018

I

call my two great-nieces the “yin-yang twins.” The two athletes, 15 and 16, are close, although one lives in Memphis and the other in Corinth. The Memphis girl goes to private school and, with her father’s Mexican descent, looks like a young Penelope Cruz. The other has grown up in public school in northeast Mississippi, the child of two excellent teachers, and looks more like a younger Taylor Swift. Like many teenage girls, they covet trips to Sephora and Ulta.

They whisper and giggle and take selfies.

They’re also brilliant. One plans to be a doctor and the other probably a lawyer.

At our family Christmas in rural Neshoba, they were dressed in contrasting black and white short skirts and thigh-high boots. I can’t judge. I used to rock my micro minis and bright lipstick all the time, too.

And it would’ve been a mistake to judge my seriousness just as it would be an error to under-estimate these teens’ minds.

As the revelry winds down, I usually end up with the two of them at the kitchen island discussing topics of their choosing.

Their dads had already talked to me briefly about the #metoo fall-out, with worry and hope in their eyes. They don’t want their daughters to face the same attacks and the same barriers. They want change, and fast.

At the island, the Mississippi niece quickly brought up religion and politics.

They are both young women of strong faith, and they are also independent thinkers. She is frustrated at people who want the government to enforce their personal beliefs and articulated what the First Amendment means—including the religion clauses that are co-dependent like a yin-yang symbol.

Listening, I was a bit jealous that I could not have been so eloquent when I was 16.

The athletes then marathoned into

the abortion-rights debate—with nuance usually missing in national politics. I explained to them what a political “wedge issue” is, and have a feeling both have used the phrase casually at least once since then.

They brought up homophobia, and one of them even shared her thesis that robotics are appropriate for medical diagnostics, but not in surgery, something I know nothing about. And she wasn’t the niece eying medical school. We discussed networking, and how they (predictably) wouldn’t mind leav-

I knew I hadn’t done enough. ing their states to attend college.

At one point, the teacher-father walked by. Hearing a snippet, he looked at me and said, “They are our future. It’s up to them to change it.” I nodded and replied, “Yes, it is. But it’s up to all of us, too.”

That night, the beautiful, confident brilliance of my nieces finally crystallized what I need to say about the devastating revelations of recent weeks—that it’s indeed up to all of us” to ensure that they do not graduate into the pre-#metoo world that many of us have endured. As I have cried and blinked in disbelief at the unmasked hubris of what “smart” men have whipped out on often-young victims, it has haunted me that I have not done enough to change this world for younger women. Like other women, the culture told me not to say too much, not to rattle the chains, not to rock

the proverbial male-steered boat, to stay in my “lane” of polite, lady-like compliance.

Like many women, I grew up in a world where our careers were already subject to the approval of the men who tend to run and fund stuff, and if I was too loud, too outspoken, too sassy, the powers-thatdecide would move along to a woman, or probably a man, who wasn’t. It’s just the way it’s been. And my various harassment experiences? They would believe him over me anyway. I wore short skirts, after all.

It honestly never occurred to me to out the publisher who flew me to California to interview for an editor’s job and then cajoled me to spend the night with him. I said no, and I didn’t get the job, as if I still wanted it. But I also didn’t report him.

For years, I avoided calling myself a “feminist” because it had such a negative stigma attached. I sighed at repeated sexism and often fled it, resigning from maledominated boards where I was shut down and belittled merely for stating an opinion.

Ironically, it took a male boyfriend to get me to stop calling grown women “girls” (no one should), and my now-partner Todd later helped me identify and accept that some men I’ve managed do not want a woman leading or instructing them. It is a strong hint that I’ve had to invite Todd into those meetings so I don’t get verbally attacked.

When #metoo blew up, I wasn’t surprised that many women had “misconduct” experiences tucked quietly under their beds, but the sheer pervasiveness (and creepy lock buttons) shocked me. Because women often haven’t spoken up due to what has happened to those who do, we didn’t know the strength of our numbers. I also told myself that younger women didn’t experience the same abuse we did with the old cavemen

who didn’t grasp the meaning of “consenting adults.” But it was devastating when I saw 20-somethings tweeting #metoo. I had not done enough, despite my reasons.

That means my nieces, and YMP students and young, hard-working staffers will face sexual misconduct when they’re younger and then character denigration when they’re older and in leadership roles if we don’t blow up this game, together and across generations. My new call-to-arms is to ensure they don’t have to run the same gauntlet for opportunities without disgusting strings attached. That means I now speak up any time I feel like it—for them.

This history of misogyny and punishment means years of opportunities withheld from women because we’re “mouthy” or “bossy” or non-compliant. Every industry would look different without structural sexism, and women’s (and thus families’) economic realities would be stronger.

That changes now. We must root out those who prey on unwilling women (and men) and remake all industries, top to bottom, ensuring that smart women are making at least half the decisions and advising our younger peers on what success looks like. Women must form “new girls’ networks,” as I call them, and help each other make up for the long-running conspiracy to make us quiet, subservient objects.

I am fully here to build a culture that doesn’t romanticize predator behavior that warps boys, and to fight for girls like my nieces to build loyalty to themselves, women mentors and role models. I will support men who treat us and each other with respect and dignity, rather than turn us against each other for nefarious reasons.

The era of just taking what you want, and shattering lives in the process, is over.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

contributors

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Arielle Dreher

Ko Bragg

Stephen Wilson

Rebecca Hester

Jessica Noxolo

Dustin Cardon

Stephen Wright

Meghan Garner

State Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her story ideas at arielle@jacksonfreepress. com. She wrote the cover story on the Legislature.

City Reporter Ko Bragg is a Philadelphia, Miss., transplant who recently completed her master’s in journalism. She loves traveling and has been to 25 countries to date. She wrote about lawsuits against city officials, and more.

Staff Photographer Stephen Wilson is always on the scene, bringing you views from the six. He took photos for the issue.

Events Editor Rebecca Hester recently moved to the Jackson area, and loves Alabama football, Boston Celtics basketball, the outdoors, music, dogs and volunteering as much as humanly possible. She wrote the Jacksonian story.

Freelance writer Jessica Noxolo is a Jackson-based musician and community activist.

She enjoys exploring parts of the city that are unknown to her, and most of all, meeting new people. She wrote about Jackson Indie Music Week.

Web Editor Dustin Cardon is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and wants to write them himself one day. He wrote about food-business news.

Sales and Marketing Consultant Stephen Wright is a Clinton native who lives life through the four F’s: faith, family, football and food. For your advertising needs, contact him at stephen@jacksonfree press.com.

Digital Marketing Strategist Meghan Garner avoids crowds and is most often spotted hiding behind a dry martini. She works to help local businesses thrive through JFP’s website building, content marketing, SEO and digital creative services.

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FOR PRE - K

5

“In no instance were we considering this to be a menu of options. We put forward a holistic set of recommendations ....”

— edBuild ceo rebecca sibilia on her group’s proposal to re-write the state’s education funding formula

@jxnfreepress

@jacksonfreepress

@jxnfreepress

Wednesday, December 27

Thursday, December 28 A survey of 1,800 business owners in Mississippi that Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann conducted shows that state businesses are ready to expand, but most cannot because they cannot find educated employees to help make it happen.

Friday, December 29 The U.S. Justice Department states that its proposed ban on transgender military recruits is on hold, but that it is not dropping its court fight to institute the ban on transgender enlistment.

Saturday, December 30 Police in Los Angeles arrest Tyler Raj Barriss, a man they suspect made a hoax emergency call that resulted in a SWAT police officer fatally shooting a man named Andrew Finch at the door of his own home in Kansas.

Sunday, December 31 Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill Sr. announces that he will not seek re-election to a third term in 2018 but will continue to serve in his judgeship through the end of his term that ends Dec. 31, 2018.

Local Officials Fight Charges, Settle Lawsuits

by Ko Bragg

T

he “Weinstein era” of exposing sexual misconduct has launched many powerful and high-profile men out of their career posts and into the spotlight for their raunchy and violating behaviors in the workplace by the end of 2017. But long before the #MeToo movement rocked the nation, Jackson and Hinds County’s highest-ranking officials faced allegations of sexual harassment and physical abuse with far less attention, and none of them was forced out of office, although a previous mayor was not re-elected and the police chief is now retiring, with no evidence that the allegations led to either.

Some, like outgoing Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance, are accused in multiple lawsuits of allowing inappropriate conduct on the job and in the community. Women brought forward or led on the following civil lawsuits and criminal charges against Vance, Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason, former Mayor Tony Yarber and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. Most are still unresolved legally.

Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason Belendia Jones filed a complaint against Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason on Feb. 21, 2017, alleging sex discrimination, a sexually hostile work environment, sexual harassment and intentional emotional harm. Jones served as a reserve

imani Khayyam / File Photo

Republican Roy Moore asks an Alabama judge to issue a restraining order to stop the state’s canvassing board from certifying Doug Jones’ victory in the Senate election, but Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill states that Moore’s action “is not going to delay certification” on Thursday.

jackson confirms three municipal judges p8

Some city officials including retiring Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith and Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason (pictured), have pending litigation against them.

deputy for the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and worked in the private sector. In a bizarre series of exchanges, Mason allegedly texted Jones questions posed as “Mrs. Wilson,” a fictional character, and often asks her to repeat what he refers to as Wilson’s “third question: “Mrs. Wilson wanted to know if I wanted to fuck you!”

In many texts including in the legal filing, Jones responds “no,” calling the advances “yucky,” or laughing them off.

Mason, Jones says, demoted her,

transferred her to another department and cut her pay over a period of time. Mason denies all of the allegations. A jury trial is set for July 2, 2018, in Gulfport, before District Judge William H. Barbour Jr. In another lawsuit, Cheryl Matory and Tomeca Barnes accuse Mason of a sexually hostile work environment, sex discrimination and race discrimination. Their joint complaint states that in 2015 Mason asked Matory to work for him in anticipation of his election to the sheriff’s office and

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Monday, January 1 California begins the first regulated sales of legalized recreational marijuana statewide since voters made it legal for adults 21 and older to grow, possess and use limited quantities of marijuana.

6

Tuesday, January 2 The Mississippi Legislature begins its 2018 session. ... Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appoints Anthony Moore as the interim chief of the Jackson Police Department following former Chief Lee Vance’s retirement. The mayor voices his distaste for perp walks.

Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

New Year, New City

Here’s some resolutions for the City of Jackson in 2018: 1. Reduce potholes like the Legislature wants to reduce the budget.

2. Hire a permanent chief of the police department and fire department.

3. No more perp walks or juvenile mugshots.

4. Don’t have “select” media lists. Not sunshine.

5. Get funding for Smith Park and lose the name.

6. Don’t charge for documents; let the sun shine!

— Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba on wanting to end media perp walks by the Jackson Police Department.

Former Mayor Tony Yarber

Former Mayor Tony Yarber had two sex-discrimination lawsuits brought against him while he was in office; one has been settled, but another is still alive. At a council meeting in August 2017, the Jackson City Council voted to resolve all claims in his former assistant Kimberly Bracey’s lawsuit.

In Oct. 2016 Yarber countersued for defamation and damages.

On Nov. 3, Bracey agreed to settle her claim, which she filed Aug. 29, 2016 against Yarber and the City of Jackson, alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, a sexually hostile workplace, and unlawful retaliation. Details of the settlement were not disclosed.

Bracey alleged that she, the city attorney Monica Joiner and other female staffers engaged in sexual relationships with Yarber.

When Bracey said she halted the relationship with Yarber to return to her husband, Yarber allegedly threatened to fire her if she didn’t continue. The lawsuit Stephanie L. Coleman, then equal opportunity business manager, brought against Yarber and the City on Feb. 2, 2017, is still alive, however.

She alleged sex discrimination, sexual harassment, a sexually hostile workplace, being unlawfully retaliated against for refusing to participate in illegal activities and refusing to make false public statements, is set for trial on June 18, 2018, in Judge Henry Wingate’s courtroom in Jackson. Yarber has denied all allegations.

— Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann after releasing his survey of more than 1,800 Mississippi businesses.

unit came two months after she reported allegations that an African American male JPD officer had sexually assaulted an African American female JPD employee in her home. Vance, who retired at the end of December 2017, denies all allegations. The trial is set for Sept. 4, 2018, at 9 a.m. in Jackson in front of Judge Daniel P. Jordan. imani Khayyam / File Photo

that Mason promised her that she would be his undersheriff if he won the election. He also promised Barnes she would be head supervisor of the Internal Affairs Division, she alleges.

Court documents allege that Mason began frequently texting Matory about Barnes in attempts to try to have sex with her. “Will she give me some?,” Mason allegedly asked Matory about Barnes in September 2015, texts in the legal documents show. “Matory told Mason that she was not going to arrange for him to have sex with Barnes. Mason became angry and began to distance himself from Matory and Barnes,” the complaint reads. It also says that, allegedly, Mason requested selfies from Barnes on numerous occasions after he got her number, and she became uncomfortable being left alone with Mason, even at work, that she asked Matory to accompany her during briefings.

In July 2016, Matory and Barnes were demoted and replaced with a white man and a black man, respectively. Barnes’ and Matory’s suit also brings sex and race discrimination charges against Barnes. The trial is set for Aug. 6, 2018, in Jackson before U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee.

Mason also denies these charges.

“It’s as clear as the nose on your face that Mississippi businesses, thousands of them, would expand today if they had the work force to do so.”

Hinds District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith goes back to trial in late January, this time on criminal felony charges due to allegations by an ex-girlfriend.

Former Police Chief Lee Vance

Wallace v. Vance

In an amended complaint from September 2017, Tina L. Wallace accuses Police Chief Lee Vance of “deprivation of her right to Equal Protection to be free from race and sex discrimination and retaliation.” On several occasions, Wallace allegedly brought issues to Vance’s attention, such as officers having alcohol on the premises, an officer attending nursing school and working at a hospital while on the clock, and even sexual images circulating throughout the department via text, which Vance allegedly laughed off at least once, she alleges in the documents.

Wallace states that Vance did not launch investigations or polygraph examinations for other allegations against officers and staff, but did against her to investigate statements she made against other officers.

She says she was demoted from deputy chief of patrol operations to the communications unit “in retaliation for reporting misconduct by African American male officers,” the complaint reads. Wallace was then demoted to Precinct Two in June 2017. She says her removal from the communications

Thompson v. Vance et al

In December, Melodee, Cordarius and Kenneth Thompson filed a complaint demanding a jury trial against Chief Vance and other JPD officers for “negligence, excessive force, and denial/delay of medical treatment” after a police-involved altercation on or about March 22, 2017. The complaint says that Melodee was at home with her son Cordarius who was waiting for a friend to come over. Officers allegedly followed the unnamed friend onto the property. Melodee says she went outside when she saw police in her yard, but that Officer Brandon Caston did not give her any information and instead instructed her to move back, “displaying an extremely hostile disposition,” the complaint says.

Caston allegedly arrested the friend and called for his partner, Officer Kourtney Kelly, to assist him. Kelly allegedly threw her elbow into Melodee’s chest, knocking her into her son Cordarius and causing a contusion to her chest area. “Officer Caston sprayed the mace at Cordarius, but sprayed Melodee in the eyes instead. Plaintiff Melodee fell to the ground and began to suffer a seizure,” court documents read.

It says that Melodee suffered a second seizure as her other son, Kenneth, arrived at the scene and was placed under arrest shortly after. It says officers “football tackled” Cordarius when he began to record officers’ actions, and he and his brother Kenneth were transported to Jackson Police Department. Melodee was eventually transported to Baptist Medical Center where she sustained her third seizure, before being taken to JPD, documents show.

The defendants must respond to summonses by the second week of January.

Hinds DA Robert Shuler Smith

With a new attorney and in front of a new judge, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith will go back to trial Jan. 29, 2018, this time for charges of two counts of domestic violence, and aggravated stalking and robbery. Smith is under indictment for an incident that allegedly took place on Aug. 13, 2015, in Rankin County. His new lawyer, Vicki Gilliam of Clinton, wants the case thrown out based on allegations that the attorney general’s office acted in bad faith. Should the trial go forward, she indicates that she will argue that Smith acted in self defense.

Local media reported that Rankin County Circuit Court Judge John Emfinger disclosed in late November that his daughter had interned in the attorney general’s office and that she sat in on a meeting between 2014 and 2016 involving Christopher Butler.

The State of Mississippi had indicted Smith for hindering the prosecution of Butler; his first trial ended in a mistrial, and then he was acquitted in his second trial.

The State had originally indicated that it would try Smith for hindering the prosecution of Donald “Darnell” Turner for felony charges, including beating, shooting at, strangling and dangling a girlfriend over a bridge, but ultimately did not pursue those charges against the district attorney for not trying Turner. The State pursued the Turner charges itself, however, convicting him and drawing a 45-year sentence last fall.

The Rankin County Circuit Clerk’s office confirmed that Judge William Chapman would handle Smith’s case moving forward with no foreseeable effect on the trial date.

WritecityreporterKoBraggatko@jackson freepress.com.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

“It makes them look like a barbarian, and it makes us look like we deal with barbaric circumstances in Jackson.”

7

TALK | city

Council OKs Municipal Judges, Debates Bonds

by Ko Bragg

courtesy june hardwick

J

une Hardwick, a Hinds County municipal judge under the first Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, returned to that post in late December after the Jackson City Council confirmed her and re-confirmed two other existing municipal judges, Henry C. Clay III and Ali Shamsiddeen.

Judge Gerald Mumford will leave the bench to become the Hinds County Attorney after winning that seat in November. Judges in municipal court have a range of duties from solemnizing marriages and overseeing traffic court to issuing warrants and setting bonds.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba presented June Hardwick’s nomination to the council on Dec. 19, and she drew unanimous approval. The attorney has also worked closely with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, which the mayor’s father helped start in Jackson.

Ward 4 Councilman De’Keither Stamps asked Hardwick what she would do differently this time around.

“I think that I would hold JPD maybe more accountable when they’re present in the courtroom with information that a judge needs,” Hardwick said of the police department.

Hardwick also wants municipal court to start using 21st-century technology, particularly for payments.

Clay has been on the municipalcourt bench for 23 years. As a result, the

The Jackson City Council confirmed three new Hinds County municipal judges in late 2017: June Hardwick (pictured), Henry C. Clay III and Ali Shamsiddeen.

council did not question Clay, instead complimenting and thanking him for his service before unanimously approving him.

“Mr. Clay is the kind of judge we need,” Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said. “... I remember when he first became a judge since it was majority white almost. He got there, and people respected his knowledge, and they respected how he worked with people.”

After the vote, the mayor said he

hoped that municipal judges would tighten bonds to ensure people who’ve already been issued a bond do not get a second one if they come before the court again because that violates the law.

Bonds came up again in the confirmation hearing for Ali Shamsiddeen at the special council meeting on Dec. 21.

Shamsiddeen did not mirror Lumumba’s request for tougher bonds, saying he wants to ensure they are assigned constitutionally and not punitively.

“I remember a time we as African Americans, if you got arrested for something, you could forget about seeing the light of day,” he said. “The Constitution says bonds are not supposed to be used as punishment. You cannot punish a person who has not been convicted of a crime. But, we see in municipalities where bonds are being levied against defendants unconstitutionally.”

Shamsiddeen used an example of a young person from a single-parent family breaking into a car or a house and whether or not it would be fair to give him a $200,000 bond without looking at his situation holistically. He believes “cookie-cutter situations” are unjust when it comes to bond and said he is willing to withstand pushback from people who think otherwise.

“I’m willing to take the flak as long as I can hold up the Constitution and say, ‘This is what the Constitution says,’” Shamsiddeen said.

Before being voted in unanimously, Shamsiddeen said he was very close the mayor’s late father under whom he worked when completing law school.

He hopes to emulate the late Lumumba’s people-first approach.

“He would defend the people more stringently even more than he’d defend himself,” Shamsiddeen said.

Email city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@ jacksonfreepress.com

Mayor Appoints New Interim Police Chief, Anthony Moore

8

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba appointed Anthony Moore as the interim chief of Jackson Police Department Tuesday. A 34-year veteran of JPD, Moore is also a criminal justice professor at Hinds Community College and Jackson State University. Moore also holds a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s in criminal justice.

“Not only is he familiar with our police department and how it runs and functions, he’s also familiar with the trends around the nation as he teaches criminal justice,” Lumumba said of Moore at a last-minute press conference at City Hall this afternoon that was announced less than 30 minutes before it took place.

Lumumba said he has talked with Moore about community policing and different methods to ensure safe citizens and improved relationships between officers and community. One of those could be eliminating perp walks, which media request to get photos and video of suspects.

“I told (Moore) that I didn’t think (perp walks were)

Courtesy Mayor’s Office

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

by Ko Bragg the right thing to do, and I didn’t and then lieutenant/watch commander think it was the right representation in 2013. He has served as acting prefor the City as well—especially as it cinct commander on various occasions pertains to juveniles,” the mayor said. since 2015. The new interim chief was

The mayor said he does not under the weather and could not attend agree with perp walks for anybody, the press conference, and until he is well regardless of age. “The only possible enough, Deputy James Davis will manbenefit that can be derived (from perp age day-to-day operations. walks) is to try to provide a perception Lumumba said the City will try find a permanent police chief quickly, and of that individual for the public for a that Moore will be considered for the later date of trial, right?” Lumumba permanent chief position once they see said. “Outside of that, it makes them Anthony Moore will serve as the how he takes on the interim role. look like a barbarian, and it makes us interim chief of JPD. look like we deal with barbaric cir“He’s a man of few words, he’s introspective and willing to learn,” Lumumba said. “And I say cumstances in Jackson.”

Moore is filling Vance’s vacancy following his retire- that knowing that he’s already learned so much, and has so ment after 30 years with JPD. Moore previously served on much to teach us. He continues to thirst for knowledge.” the patrol division and was promoted to sergeant in 2003 Comment at jfp.ms/city.

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TALK | state

Secretary of State: Mississippi Businesses Facing Educated Workforce Shortage

by Ko Bragg

M

started in the state. More than 70 percent of those surveyed said that they did not get any help from a local chamber of commerce, an economic-development entity, local government, or a community college or university when they began their endeavors.

“Most Mississippi businesses didn’t receive help from anybody,� Hosemann said.

Email city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@ jacksonfreepress.com

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Stephen Wilson

ississippi’s businesses are ready off—he has it set to the tune “Don’t said new hires must be at least somewhat to expand, but most cannot Worry Be Happy� by Bobby McFer- to very technically skilled to work for because they face a shortage rin. He jokingly said he set it before the them. About 55 percent of businesses of educated employees to help Legislature cut his budget. offer educational incentives, on-the-job make it happen, a new survey of training or tuition support.

1,800 business owners in the state Business owners identified shows. Secretary of State Del“community support� as the bert Hosemann conducted the second most important thing to nine-question survey on business them far above infrastructure, needs, employee qualifications tax incentives, consumer and and business barriers in Novemcompetitor information, transber, finding that about 75 percent portation, insurance, and other of them found it moderately to concerns. significantly difficult to assemble “You hear a lot of discussion an educated workforce. about this,� Hosemann said.

“It’s as clear as the nose “‘Oh, it must be tax incentives,’ on your face that Mississippi ‘Oh it had to be this,’ ‘It had to businesses, thousands of them, be that.’ No. It’s whether or not would expand today if they had your community wants you to the workforce to do so,� Hosebe there.� mann said.

Infrastructure ranked seventh

Nearly half the businesses out of the 14 options for what that responded to the survey business owners considered imsaid they would expand if they portant. Hosemann pointed out had an educated workforce. that infrastructure is expected

The survey of all types of to be a benchmark of the 2018 businesses from construction Mississippi legislative session. and plumbers to lawyers and State and local government inhealthcare businesses also found centives did not even make it that more than 50 percent of into the top 10 in this part of Mississippi’s limited-liability the survey, with 3 percent of the companies and corporations Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann vote. State tax structure was also hosted a press conference in his office on Dec. 27 to require employees to have at discuss the results of a business survey finding that on the bottom, barely amassing least a high-school diploma or state companies need a more educated workforce.

5 percent.

GED. That means that 50 per However, things may change in cent of Mississippi companies Mississippi, considering the new require a two-year, four-year or master’s Businesses estimated that half the tax incentives expected to come along degree—a national trend that has now time, they can only find qualified em- with the GOP’s tax overhaul, including come to Mississippi, Hosemann said. ployees in zero to three months, and it reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 He wants more state programs that in- takes between three months to a year or percent to 20 percent. Hosemann said tegrate junior-college coursework into longer to fill positions about 50 percent that this year 25,778 businesses formed high schools such as the ones in Gulfport of the time. in Mississippi, mainly small businesses, and Vicksburg that allow students to get “This particular one is troubling,� but he expects more soon. In 2016 there a high school and a community college Hosemann said of the hiring time. “That were 20,080 new business formations. diploma simultaneously. again is indicative is that we have to have “I anticipate with the federal tax

While praising these integrated technically skilled employees.� structure changing that we will have a programs, Hosemann’s cellphone went More than 70 percent of businesses boom in that, and we are prepared for that,� he said.

Hosemann is very proud of the work Most viral stories at jfp.ms: Most viral events at his office has done to become completely 1. “One Lake Project One Step Closer to jfpevents.com: digitized, it is “uniquely positioned� to Public Input� by Arielle Dreher 1. Fondren After 5, Jan. 4 2. “Council: Continue, Don’t Double Toursit Tax� take advantage of the federal tax change, 2. “Beauty &The Beast,� Dec. 7-21, Jan. 3-14

by Ko Bragg 3. Writing to Change Your World, Jan. 6 so long as he gets the educated workforce 3. “Jackson New Year’s Events Preview�

4. Jackson Indie Music Week, Jan. 7-14 necessary to help businesses along.

by Dustin Cardon 5. NOISE Creative Music Series, Jan. 7 4. “‘Winter Wonderland’ Ice Skating Coming to

The survey also shows that Mis Find more events at jfpevents.com.

Jackson Dec. 22� by Ko Bragg sissippi businesses see serious room for 5. “City Votes to End Water Treatment Lawsuit� improvement in helping businesses get 10 by Ko Bragg

The Best of Jackson Free Press in 2017

A short list of some of the JFP’s best stories—from hard-hitting news to fun features—in 2017. More and links at jfp. ms/jfp2017. “How Integration Failed in Jackson’s Public Schools from 1969 to 2017

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11

your turn Readers respond to “City Council Rejects Mayor’s Request to Double Tourist Tax in 2018” at jfp.ms/city David B. Red light cameras are deadon-arrival in the Legislature. The citizens of Mississippi are not going to put up with the nonsense of automatic traffic tickets from nonhuman machines. ghvz1 Jackson will continue to have trouble attracting visitors as long as its crime rate is so high.

David B.—ghvz1 If the police department would concentrate on the select group of criminals committing crimes over and over, then either solving their problems and getting them a job, or sending them away from Jackson and Mississippi to serve their sentence far away, we would soon have a much lower crime rate.

LB—David B Local law enforcement in Jackson and Hinds County actually does an outstanding job. The problem here is the judiciary. It’s shocking how often violent offenders commit crimes while out on bond for previous violent crimes. It makes no difference how good law enforcement is if local judges won’t protect the public from habitual offenders.

David B.—LB That’s why we needed the federal program to send criminals far away from Mississippi. Yes, I think we need to change out some judges who have been in too long.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Donna Ladd—David B. Well, David, that has its down sides, and they’re serious. We’ll report more on that soon. What is true is that the criminal-justice system is very shortsighted, and most of the proposals within it are put forth by people who want quick “wins,” or to get re-elected, without the foresight to look down the 12 road to see if we end up with more

dangerous communities as a result of their strategies, or if we end up spending more money for less results.

Serving sentences far away can really backfire, and it can grow worse gang connections here in Mississippi. It is certainly a good idea to focus on the very small group of people likely to commit the worst crimes, and progressively worse ones, but the police can actually do very little to stop them.

That’s a reality few people want to face. However, smart collaborations, which include the police in a relatively smaller role, can make a big difference. In Mississippi, though, we think very provincially and still believe the police can prevent violent crime. They really can’t in most instances and often actually make them more likely, even with good intentions. That’s just true.

Donna Ladd—LB That’s not always about the judges. It is also about the laws in place and their constitutional rights (and the lack of speedy trials, which can have a lot to do with prosecutors as well). Like it or not, someone accused of a crime is not guilty yet, and in most cases can’t be held without bond unless there’s a legal and solid reason to. This is a very little-understood part of the criminal-justice system that is often used to score cheap political points.

The actual way to stop the revolving door of crime, as some call it, is to actually engage in evidencebased crime prevention before they commit the first crime. But America, and Mississippi, is not all that good at planning ahead. Many are much better at finger-pointing.

David B.—Donna Ladd It just seems that having to sit out a block of time does not deter most criminals. And we have terrible crimes here, like the little boy who was kidnapped when his mother’s car was taken, then the little boy was killed. It just seems that getting people into far-off federal prisons and out of Mississippi would be helpful to the community.

Comment at jfp.ms.

Equity, Transparency in Ed Formula Re-Write

F

rom kindergarten to colleges and universities, education expenses make up more than half of the state’s proposed budget. Public education in the state is a priority on some level for most lawmakers, and they could re-write the education funding formula this legislative session with limited public input or exposure of their exact plan (so far) prior to the session’s end in 90 days.

Last year, EdBuild released a lengthy recommendation to revise Mississippi’s education-funding formula. The proposal will likely appear in legislation form this year, top Republicans say. But what did they leave out, and what did they add in? We won’t know until a bill drops.

In the meantime, education experts in the state like most of the EdBuild proposal, and say it is more equitable and transparent than the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. The bottom line, however, will likely be how much money goes into the new formula. EdBuild’s proposal suggests a higher base student cost. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee proposes to keep MAEP at the same funding levels as last year; therefore, more funding going into the formula seems unlikely.

However, EdBuild’s proposal offers a solution for increasing the base student cost. The proposal calls for the Legislature to remove the 27-percent rule, which requires all school districts in the state to only pitch in 27 percent of the funds for their districts, even if they can levy much more with the required amount of property taxes (a tax rate of 28 mills). In essence, the state sends extra funding to

53 school districts to the tune of $119 million. EdBuild’s recommendation is to use those funds to increase the base student cost in the formula to benefit all children in the state.

If lawmakers choose to make that switch, it will mean districts such as Madison, Pascagoula, Rankin, Biloxi, Oxford, Tupelo and yes, Jackson Public Schools, will have to forfeit their additional state funds. Currently, if the amount of the districts’ property taxes exceeds the 27 percent they owe to the state, they keep the extra money. Lawmakers could redirect those funds to raise the overall base student cost, potentially helping a significant portion of those school districts in the long run.

Ultimately, if the 27-percent rule stays, inequity will persist because some of the wealthiest (property-tax-wise) districts in the state will continue to be able to pocket additional ad valorem funds. That extra funding could help fund more at-risk students and English-language learners.

Equity is essential to make the state’s public schools successful, and lawmakers need to ensure it in the new funding formula. This includes transparency in the process, which so far has been virtually non-existent, as well as including large weights for students in poverty and eliminating the 27-percent rule. If Republican leaders want to replace MAEP with something better, they need to embrace EdBuild’s plan without cherrypicking; the alternative could make things worse. Either way, transparency will allow the public—and all lawmakers—to evaluate what is likely to change in the months to come.

Email letters and opinion to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to 125 South Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, as well as factchecked.

Duvalier Malone Giving Voice to Truth

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Amber Helsel State Reporter Arielle Dreher City Reporter Ko Bragg Freelance Reporter William Kelly III JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Music Editor Micah Smith Events Editor Rebecca Hester Features and Social Media Intern ShaCamree Gowdy Writers Brynn Corbello, Richard Coupe, Bryan Flynn, Mike McDonald, Greg Pigott, Julie Skipper, Abigail Walker Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Kristin Brenemen Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Staff Photographer Stephen Wilson ADVERTISING SALES Digital Marketing Specialist Meghan Garner Sales and Marketing Consultant Stephen Wright BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Richard Laswell Distribution Raymond Carmeans, Clint Dear, Ruby Parks,Tommy Smith Assistant to the CEO Inga-Lill Sjostrom ONLINE Web Editor Dustin Cardon Web Designer Montroe Headd CONTACT US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Fashion style@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s awardwinning, locally owned newsweekly, reaching over 35,000 readers per week via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area—and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www. jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please.

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I

spent the first half of my life in my home state of Mississippi, where I attended college, started a career and began my work as a public servant. During that time, religious views, status quo and the opinion of the public influenced my views.

It was not until Gov. Phil Bryant and lawmakers were trying to pass House Bill 1523 in 2016 that I realized that it was time for me to stand in my truth and speak out.

I will never forget that I was home in Mississippi receiving the Top 50 Under 40 Award from the Mississippi Business Journal when the governor and lawmakers placed this bill on the House floor. I received a message from a young man who said his mother looked up to me but hated him for being gay. I then realized it was vital for me to stand in my truth even more.

I released a letter to my fellow LGBT family in Mississippi. In it, I talked about my personal lack of support, speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community, and using my platform to support and help fight discrimination. This step in standing in my truth was very scary, and I thought I would lose everything I had worked so hard for over the course of my 30 years on this earth. As it happened, I lost speaking engagements across the South, and many distanced themselves from my company.

As a result, I began the journey of finding my voice within my own truth in 2017. I began taking a closer look at the community I grew up in and how it cultivated my views. After speaking my truth, I began to find strength and a sense of boldness to speak up and speak out like never before.

On this journey, I started to speak up louder on issues such as the Confederate flag, health care, racial reconciliation, poverty, education, economic development, Emmett Till, and helping educate citizens across the South on how crucial it is to speak up and hold their political leaders accountable.

The most powerful moment in 2017 was when I organized and planned the Emmett Till rally. This was the moment when my journey in finding my voice came full circle. I heard the news of Carolyn Bry-

ant Donham, the woman who claimed Emmett Till whistled at her and attacked her, admitted that she lied. I spent a few weeks after hearing this news trying to decide how could I use my voice and my platform to speak up and to speak out against this injustice. I started by researching the case, speaking with different activists and other organizations.

During my research, I found that so many were afraid to touch this issue; instead, they were OK with staying quiet.

At that moment I was quickly reminded of Congressman John Lewis’ words to me: “When you see injustice within your community, speak up, speak out—find a way to get in the way and make some noise for change.”

As a result, I planned and organized the Emmett Till rally, demanding justice and an apology for Carolyn Bryant Donham’s lie that led to Till’s murder. I learned the power of using your voice for change and ignoring the negative noise that comes with the territory of initiating change within your community.

I also found the depth of my voice and how important it is always to step up and make noise when you see injustices.

Today, I want to encourage all readers, no matter what area of society in which you have influence, to always use your voice to speak up and speak out. True change-makers don’t get discouraged with noise and distractions.

Instead, they ignore the noise because they understand that they must stay the course and speak up even when it seems like things are not changing.

I want to challenge you all to find your voice by standing in your authentic truth. Remember this: We must never stop speaking up against injustices within our community. What if civil-rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis would have stopped speaking up against injustices within America?

Would we have seen a Barack Obama?

Keep speaking truth to power.

Duvalier Malone, a Mississippi native, is a Washington, D.C.-based motivational speaker, political consultant and community activist. This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the Jackson Free Press.

Keep speaking truth to power.

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13

Honey, We Shrunk the General Fund

Medicaid, Education, Gang Debates Loom in 2018

by Arielle Dreher

I

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, made up of lawmakers, adopted a budget that cuts the State’s general fund by $66.1 million or 1.3 percent. The legislators’ plan includes small increases for the Department of Public Safety to fund 60 state troopers who will graduate from in 2018. Beyond that, a handful of agencies and programs, including the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, financial aid and Child Protection Services, will receive the same amount of funding as in 2017, if lawmakers adopt their lead-

ers’ budget recommendations.

“I also want to look for more ways to limit spending,” Reeves said. “For example last year, the Legislature put a hold on the purchase of new state vehicles. Previous efforts saved us about $20 million total. I would like to implement more efficiency measure likes this to save tax dollars.”

The majority of agencies can expect cuts, however.

The governor’s budget priorities are a bit outside the lawmakers’ suggestions.

Gov. Phil Bryant emphasized spending imani khayyam File Photo

n sunny September, leaders of Mississippi agencies went before lawmakers to make their annual requests for funding. Inside the crowded room on the first floor of the Woolfolk Building, the mood was awkward. State economist Darrin Webb reminded lawmakers of the state economy’s “lackluster” performance post-recession.

At one point, all of the public university presidents went before the group of senators and representatives tasked with crafting the state budget. A few university presidents sat with Commissioner Glenn Boyce, while the rest lined up along the wall behind them. Mississippi State President Mark Keenum told lawmakers that higher education is crucial for creating an educated work force in the state.

“I love this state, and I know you do, too. I don’t want to see Mississippi left behind,” Keenum told lawmakers.

A few months later, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee released a stringent budget that expresses the reality in Mississippi—something has got to give.

Even a cursory look at Mississippi’s finances show that few state agencies can expect the same amount of funding they have now. But this is by design.

The Republican supermajority plans to continue to shrink the size of government in 2018. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves has made these plans abundantly clear in past years, passing the state’s largest tax cut ever in 2016 and killing the transportation bond bill in 2017. He was not available for an interview prior to the legislative session but sent the Jackson Free Press a statement detailing his priorities.

“I will not operate state government like they do in Washington, D.C.; we will only spend the tax dollars that we are taking in,” Reeves said in the statement to 14 the Jackson Free Press.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves plans to continue to shrink state government in the upcoming legislative session by limiting spending and finding efficiencies.

on education, including a potential plan to fund community colleges.

“The Mississippi Works Scholars Program proposes to incentivize high school seniors and adults already in the workplace by offering free community college degrees, certificates and apprenticeships necessary to gain employment in these opportunity occupations,” Bryant’s budget recommendation says.

Democrats plan to introduce legislation (again) to stop the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act from taking effect. The tax cuts are already eating away at the State’s coffers this year. In fiscal-year 2019 (which begins in July 2018), the tax cut will divert more than $33 million away from the general fund.

By 2028, the full cut will cost Mississippi more than $416 million annually.

Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, said he will introduce a measure again to reduce the cuts. Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, said he plans to introduce similar legislation on the House side.

“We should at least postpone it until we are back on our feet fiscally,” Baria told the Jackson Free Press, saying the tax cut could have included triggers to not take effect until the Mississippi economy has grown 3 to 4 percent. It is not projected to grow at all in the near future, Webb told lawmakers this fall.

Rewriting MAEP

Top Republican leaders plan to change, scrap or re-write the Mississippi Adequate Education Program in 2018.

Last year, legislative leadership hired EdBuild, a New Jersey school funding nonprofit, to evaluate and suggest revisions to the State’s education funding formula, called MAEP for short. The EdBuild proposal suggests additional funding for certain student populations, called weights.

“If the Legislature follows those recislature every year,” Loome said at an introduced and there was never a vote is education-funding panel at Millsaps in because every single member of the Leg- ommendations … then I think we’ll end November. islature, whether they are Republican or up with a good funding formula that will

The EdBuild proposal recommends Democrat(ic), will have the same basic be more equitable than what we have a higher base student cost than the Legis- questions,” Blount said at Millsaps in No- right now,” he said at Millsaps in Novemlature currently funds but does not recom- vember. “What is this going to cost? How ber. “If we start making too many changes mend language for legislation.

The weights could still apply regardless of how much funding the Legislature chooses to appropriate to the funding formula.

“When there’s no base cost written in with no formula, you have no way to hold the Legislature accountable because there is no formula for the Legislature to yield a number that is full-funded, so we don’t know what full funding is,” Loome said in November.

Currently, MAEP provides a way for school districts and organizations like the Parents’ Campaign to see how underfunded each dis- Rebecca Sibilia, the director of education nonprofit EdBuild, answered questions from trict is year over year, leading lawmakers last year in a tense environment when Republicans attempted to rush a reto ballot initiatives like Initia- write of the funding formula in 2017. The formula re-write is set for 2018, instead. tive 42 in 2015, which would have forced the Legislature to fully fund the formula. Depending on is this going to affect my local school dis- to it, there’s a chance that we’re not going how lawmakers write the EdBuild pro- trict, the school districts I represent? Are to come out better off, so that’s something posal into legislation, “full funding” could they getting more money or less money? everyone needs to watch very closely.”

Reeves and legislative leaders have mean whatever the Legislature decides And what is this going to do to local prop- been vague about what changes they ineach year. erty taxes?”

Grant Callen, who lobbies for “school The EdBuild proposal is more eq- tend to make to the funding formula.

“Through a new funding formula choice” for Empower Mississippi, believes uitable than MAEP, in part, because the the current funding formula is broken nonprofit recommends that the Legisla- that prioritizes instruction over adminisand wants the Legislature to replace it. ture eliminate a part of the current for- tration and support for teacher training and programs that work, we can achieve He said the EdBuild proposal is more eq- mula called the “27 percent rule.” uitable and transparent than MAEP but The rule held districts responsible our goal to give every child a chance at was disappointed that the proposal did for 27 percent of funding, meaning the success,” Reeves said in the statement to not make specific-enough recommenda- State had to kick in 73 percent of fund- the Jackson Free Press. tions for local control. Callen emphasized ing for public schools. This provision rethe importance of parental involvement directs $119 million to 53 districts, and in Medicaid Fight Coming Legislation authorizing the State’s in student funding. essence, “biases districts that have a high

“The next step is to make sure par- property-tax base, thereby providing more Medicaid program is up for renewal in ents have control of how education dol- money than required by the formula,” the the 2018 legislative session. This means lawmakers could easily just reauthorize lars are spent on their students,” Callen EdBuild proposal says. said at Millsaps in November.

The 27-percent rule creates an “en- the program by simply expanding the

“No one is more invested in the out- vironment in which districts who could applicable date. More likely, they might come of our educational system than stu- arguably raise more money for schools amend how the Medicaid program works dents and parents, and if parents see that because of their wealth are instead receiv- between the state agency and the mantheir child is not being well-served in the ing more money from the state to offset aged-care companies that provide health setting they’re in, they must have the free- their costs than their less affluent peers,” insurance to Mississippians who could not otherwise afford it. dom to move that child to a better public the report says.

The Division of Medicaid, under school, a charter school, a private school In EdBuild’s data, 53 school districts and let the funds follow the child to make benefit from this rule, receiving thousands the governor’s direct purview, is in a state sure those funds are accomplishing what or millions more in funding depending of turnover. Longtime leader David Dziethe Legislature intended.” on the number of students in the district. lak resigned earlier this month, and Gov.

Both House Minority Whip Baria, Sanford Johnson, deputy director of Bryant replaced him with longtime aide and Sen. David Blount, say they had not Mississippi First, which lobbies for char- and counsel Drew Snyder. This changeseen the legislation for a new funding for- ter schools, said he supports EdBuild’s up comes on the heels of heated pre-sesmula as of press time. recommendations but warned against its sion Medicaid meetings and rumors of a

“I don’t vote on reports; I vote on effectiveness if lawmakers tinker with it bills. And the reason there was never a bill too much. more LEG PREVIEW , see page 16 15 January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Imani Khayyam File Photo

Students in poverty, students who need special education and those who are English-language learners would all receive more funding.

At the 2017 annual Hob Nob event, Reeves and Gunn applauded the proposed weights that include extra funding to help students in gifted programs and high schools that have college- and careerprep programs.

Gov. Bryant supports the educationfunding formula rewrite that House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, and Reeves plan to work on in 2018.

“I am again calling for an updated funding formula that is focused on student needs. In January, a group of experts retained by the Legislature released a lengthy report with a number of worthy recommendations, including needed changes to the weights applied to career and technical education,” Bryant wrote in his budget recommendations. “I look forward to an open and robust debate about the funding formula reforms during the 2018 legislative session. While this budget recommends level funding for MAEP for FY2019, adjustments may be needed to accommodate a new formula.”

The EdBuild proposal is not meant to be a list or a “menu” of suggestions, Director Rebecca Sibilia told the Jackson Free Press, but instead meant to be taken and enacted as a whole to be effective.

“The bottom line is our recommendations were written in order to ensure that Mississippi is thinking about a holistic way of not just funding schools but resourcing schools and putting the right kind of accountability and transparency in place to happen at the local level,” Sibilia said. She acknowledged that it is up to the Legislature to decide how to use the proposal.

She hopes lawmakers will not try to cherrypick the ideas, though. “In no instance were we considering this to be a menu of options. We put forward a holistic set of recommendations that were intended to work together,” Sibilia said.

Last session, few lawmakers saw a draft of the legislation containing funding formula changes, and ultimately, a bill never appeared. So far in the off-season, Republicans have kept their proposals behind closed doors, leaving Democrats in the dark about any proposals, but changes seem eminent.

Nancy Loome, with the Parents’ Campaign, believes a shortcoming of EdBuild’s proposal is the lack of a formula to calculate the base student cost, which MAEP includes.

“(That) means in the legislation, there will be nothing written in as a formula that will determine what that base cost is. It would leave it up to the Leg-

LEG PREVIEW, from page 15

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

ity determination to MDHS or reducing Medicaid coverage. Also, the poll strongly indicates that the public tolerance for political gamesmanship with our Medicaid program is low,” Roy Mitchell, executive director of the program, said.

“Mississippi legislators who fail to recognize that Mississippians trust and value our state Medicaid program, do so at their own political peril.”

Republicans constantly express frustration at the ballooning Medicaid budget, always asking the agency to cut costs.

The division will ask for another deficit appropriation in the new year.

Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, asked both managed-care companies in the state, United Healthcare and Magnolia, if the Division of Medicaid sanctioned them for violating state Medicaid laws.

The answer from leaders of both companies in December hearings was a resounding “no.” Currie expressed frustration on behalf of several medical providers in her district who serve Medicaid recipients but have to wait to get reimbursed or credentialed by the managedcare companies outside the 60-day window prescribed in state law—or never do.

She plans to introduce legislation to force the companies to comply with state law or not be compensated.

“I don’t want to be all fluffy because there’s nothing at all fluffy going on with managed care. We’ve got to do better, and obviously y’all have got another contract even though your costs have gone up,” Currie told the CEO of Magnolia Mississippi in December.

“We have got to put something in this ... bill that sanctions them when they don’t obey the law for credentialing and (when) they don’t pay the providers for their work,” Currie said.

Speaker Gunn said in a statement to the Jackson Free Press that the Medicaid budget “is a big concern.”

“It continues to grow, and this needs to be addressed,” he said.

Declaring War on ‘Gangs’

Sheriffs, investigators and prosecutors in the state plan to push their gang bill, which died in conference last year, once again in 2018. Tony Lawrence, the Jackson County district attorney on the Gulf Coast, said the legislation would address the state’s “gang problem.”

The legislation would widen the state’s existing gang law, expanding the definition of gangs and criminal gang activity, as well as adding an additional charge for criminal gang activity. Law-

rence told the Jackson Free Press that the legislation is intended to dissuade gangs from recruiting members and hurting or threatening former gang members who cooperate as state witnesses.

The state’s gang law already has enhanced penalties for crimes connected to gang activities, but the new legislation would make criminal gang activity a separate charge altogether, meaning more time behind bars for those convictions.

In 2015, Lawrence said he had two gang-related murders in his county, which motivated him, along with local law enforcement, to “declare war on gangs.”

Since then, the DA said he realized he needs changes in state law to prosecute gang activity. The State of Mississippi still has the burden of proof in cases, but if prosecutors can connect criminal activity to gangs using the new legislation, the sentences would be potentially longer.

“We’re trying to make sure that the law will fit those kind of actions, and hopefully gang members will realize that it’s not going to be tolerated anymore,” Lawrence told the Jackson Free Press.

Those convicted under the new

enough legislators to make it day-forday,” Lawrence said. “But we certainly believe it should be a crime of violence, which would mean you have to serve at least 50 percent of your crime before you could be eligible for any kind of program that will release you early.”

While the intent of the legislation is also to dissuade gangs from recruiting youth, Lawrence said the bill will not change or address any parts of youthcourt law, or pick out certain crimes where youth are eligible to be tried as adults.

Currently, if a minor commits one of several crimes listed in state law, he or she can be charged as an adult in circuit court. Ultimately, the legislation will enact harsher sentencing for men and women found to be in violation of state law and connected to a gang—which would be easier to prove under the new gang law.

Research shows that three strategies work for early intervention for youth atrisk for gang involvement.

“The first strategy is to intervene at the individual level with at-risk children, particularly disruptive children. The second strategy is family prevention, and the imani khayyam file photo

possible transfer of eligibility verification from Medicaid to the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

During Dzielak’s last meeting before he resigned, House Democrats expressed concerns to him about moving eligibility verification—the process of applying and being approved for medical coverage—to MDHS.

In House Medicaid meetings in December, Rep. Jay Hughes, D-Oxford, brought up MDHS’ involvement in lawsuits. In 2017, MDHS sent millions of dollars back to the federal government after not using all of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds allotted to the state. The U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating MDHS’ food-stamp program.

“Do you think that it helps patient outcomes or improves services to transfer eligibility of Medicaid to DHS?” Hughes asked Dzielak in December.

“What I can say is Medicaid has some of the best enrollment numbers. We get audited all the time, periodically, by CMS (Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services) and federal auditors,” Dzielak said. “… Part of that audit is looking at individuals who are on the program who shouldn’t be on the program. … We have some of the lowest number of errors in eligibility determination.”

“(So) we would be transferring something that’s working right to something that’s broken?” Hughes asked.

“Potentially,” Dzielak said.

Two days later, Dzielak turned in his resignation, which is rumored to be forced—not voluntary.

Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, who used to be the Medicaid chairman when the Democrats controlled the House, pointed out that Mississippi has the most beneficiaries per capita on Medicaid and also one of the lowest administrative costs to run the program in the country.

“I would just submit to the committee for your consideration right before Santa Claus comes to see you or if he does, that you search your heart very carefully before you make a harebrained mistake of tearing up one of the best eligibility systems in America,” Holland said.

The Mississippi Health Advocacy Program polled more than 600 Mississippians about the transfer in eligibility verification and found that 53 percent opposed the transfer to MDHS.

“The results of this poll make it clear that a vast majority of Mississippians do 16 not support moving Medicaid eligibil-

Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, (left) said he plans to introduce legislation again to stop the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act from taking effect, due to its detrimental impact on the state’s general fund.

criminal gang-activity charge would have to serve at least 50 percent of their sentences before they are eligible for any kind of program or parole.

“Prosecutors believe that if you’re convicted of criminal gang activity that it should be a day-for-day crime, like certain crimes we have in Mississippi, but I don’t know if we will be able to convince

third strategy is school- and communitylevel prevention,” a 2010 research brief by James Howell for the U.S. Department of Justice says.

Lawrence could not say whether harsher sentencing works for gang members or if other states have tried the approach Mississippi is considering.

“I don’t know what other states are

through the Senate Rules Committee.

Senators have not taken sexual-harassment training courses in recent years.

After news of Moore’s retirement and investigation broke, Burton said the Senate might consider training in the new year.

“We are talking about it and contemplating, and it is a possibility,” he told the Jackson Free Press.

Roads and Bridges, Redux

Funding for the state’s infrastructure will come up in 2018 after the late-night fall out between the House and the Senate in 2017, which ended in no extra funding for roads or bridges. Gunn has been outspoken about his support for plans to divert additional state dollars to roads

lion and $93.8 million in net gain in state revenue. However, a lottery would also disproportionately affect lower-income people in the state.

“Mississippi is already plagued by people making poor choices, including decisions regarding their health, family planning and education (and) training. A Mississippi lottery means the State will be investing in and encouraging individuals who have limited incomes to make poor financial decisions,” Webb told the House committee in November.

Gunn also proposed allowing part of the online sales-tax revenue, which Amazon is now diverting to the State, for infrastructure. The Legislature could also increase the gas tax, but Republican appetite

#MeToo at the #MSLeg?

In December, House Education Committee Chairman John Moore, RBrandon, abruptly resigned from the Legislature in the midst of an investigation into sexualharassment claims, leading the House leadership to institute sexual-harassment training in the new year.

When Speaker Gunn’s office re- Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, called a Senate Transportation Committee meeting in August ceived word of the 2017, signaling the Senate’s willingness to work with the House on options to fund the state’s allegations against roads and bridges in the 2018 legislative session.

Moore, he alerted the House’s outside counsel to follow and bridges. The Senate Transportation to raise taxes ahead of an election year is protocol and begin an investigation. Committee, chaired by Sen. Willie Sim- low. Reeves and Gunn both seem open But Meg Annison, the speaker’s com- mons, D-Cleveland, held a meeting this to working on infrastructure funding the munication director, told the Jackson summer to look at all the options for new year, however.

“There are a few major issues out Free Press that once Moore resigned, possible tax increases and diversions to fun infrastructure. The meeting signaled there, like roads and bridges, and I am the investigation stopped.

Gunn’s management committee the Senate’s willingness to work on po- hopeful we’ll be able to come to an agreement on that and other services that are adopted and implemented a harassment tential solutions in 2018.

Gunn formed a study committee this core functions of government,” Reeves policy in 2013. The three-page document outlines where House staff and members summer to look at the possibility of a state said in the statement to the Jackson Free should report complaints to and the pro- lottery. The results appeared mixed at the Press late in 2017. group’s November meeting. Rep. Richard Gunn echoed that sentiment. cess for investigations.

“Infrastructure is something we be The Senate has no specific written Bennett, R-Long Beach, said the commit- policy. The Senate rules only state: “Com- tee was not recommending for or against lieve is a primary function of government,” plaints with respect to any misconduct, the lottery but instead laying out all options he said in a statement. “The House has inefficiency or omission by the Secretary, to implement the lottery and including re- shown a commitment to finding solutions officials or employees of the Senate shall search that shows its economic impact on to the problem.” the state’s economy and on Mississippians.

The 2018 legislative session begins this be heard by the Rules Committee.”

State economist Darrin Webb esti- week. Follow state reporter Arielle Dreher on

Senate President Pro Tempore Terry Burton, R-Newton, said all complaints, mates that annual net revenue from the Twitter at @arielle_amara for updates from not just those for sexual harassment, go lottery would equal between $82.6 mil- the statehouse.

17 January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

A Crippled Crime Lab

Mississippi’s state crime lab is in desperate need of funds and personnel. So far, proposed budgets do not include a pay bump for the medical examiner, but Joel Smith, president of the state’s prosecutors’ association, said they desperately need the funds.

“It’s important for prosecutors to be able to have an autopsy completed in a prompt fashion, and it’s important also not just for the prosecution of the case but it’s important for a victim’s family to be able to receive closure in criminal cases,” Smith told the Jackson Free Press.

Three medical examiners currently work in the state crime lab, housed in the Department of Public Safety. Smith said the office is at risk of losing two of the three medical examiners.

“We’ve reached a crisis level because in a state where the numbers support for us to have five, six, seven medical examiners, right now we have three, and are in danger of losing two of the three at this point, so if that happened, we’d be down to one medical examiner,” Smith said.

“So ‘crisis’ is a word that’s often thrown around or sometimes too often thrown around, but it definitely fits as it pertains to the status of the medical examiner’s office in Mississippi. They do great work; they just need additional people there to be able to handle cases they see day in and day out.”

The National Association of Medical Examiners recommends a maximum of 250 autopsies per year. In 2016, Mississippi’s three medical examiners did 1,500, DPS Commissioner Marshall Fisher told the Jackson Free Press in 2017.

Last year, a criminal-justice reform bill died after Bryant vetoed it, saying it allowed habitual offenders, inmates convicted of their third felony, to be eligible for parole after serving 25 percent of the sentence.

The legislation would have prohibited law-enforcement officials and judges to throw Mississippians in jail for their inability to pay fines; it would also clear the way for nonviolent offenders to be released early. On the first day of the new session, Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, re-committed the bill back to his Judiciary B Committee, signaling its chance at new life in 2018.

imani khayyam file photo

doing. I know it’s a problem in other states. My response to that would be here’s one thing I do know: If I have an individual who’s committing acts of violence in the community, and I put him in jail, the one thing I do know (is) he is not going to commit acts of violence in the community because he’s in jail,” he said.

“I don’t need research to tell me that if I have a violent gang member participating in criminal gang activity in the streets, if we put him in jail, we’ve made the streets safer.”

Many prisons, however, are known for gang activity, and prisoners often come out of prison engaging in more violent crime than when they went in.

“People who join gangs in prison are also more likely to reoffend and to do so more quickly, thereby undermining rehabilitation efforts,” researchers David Skarbek and Courtney Michaluk noted in an article for Politico on the importance of breaking up the largest prisons in the U.S. in order to weaken prison gangs.

Lawrence said prosecutors are not trying to create more problems, but simply want the ability to get the people they know are committing crimes, who they know are affiliated with a gang in some way, behind bars.

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In spring 2018, Travel Addict Travel Agency owner Iyanna Colly is planning to host a vegan foodie tour that will highlight the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local food culture.

Vegan Foodie Tour in Spring 2018 Iyanna Colly, who opened Jacksonbased travel agency Travel Addict Travel Agency in March 2017, wants to highlight the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant and food scene through a vegan foodie tour that she will launch in spring 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to build tourism in the Jackson metro by showing off all the cool and unique things we have here that millennials and other young folks would love to be exposed to,â&#x20AC;? Colly told the Jackson Free Press in November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Domestic travel is on the rise, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important right now to highlight our capital city.â&#x20AC;?

The vegan tour will include visits to local restaurants and more, along with demonstrations on growing your own food, and being conscious of health and the environment.

In Travel Addict Travel Agency, Colly said she focuses on non-traditional experiences, putting a focus on the local sites such as restaurants and eateries, breweries, museums and more.

For more information, call 769-2188402 or visit traveladdictta.com.

Foodie Events by Amber Helsel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Art and Coffeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art and Coffeeâ&#x20AC;? from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. During the event, participants will have coffee and pastries while looking at and discussing current and future art exhibits with museum staff and special guests. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

JIM Week: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bass & Beerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

While events during Jackson Indie Music Week focus on music, a few will feature food and drink. On Thursday, Jan. 11, Hops & Habanas (2771 Old Canton Road. 769-572-4631) will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bass & Beerâ&#x20AC;? from 5

Brookwood Country Club Under Renovation On Thursday, Dec. 28, Stratum Development Fund held an open house for the newly renovated 12,500-square-footclubhouse and event venue at Brookwood Country Club (5001 Forest Hill Road).

The local golf course, restaurant and event facility closed in January 2015 and will reopen in sections over the course of 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Brookwood closed two years ago, it left a 165-acre hole in the south Jackson and Byram community that needed to be filled again,â&#x20AC;? Jason Goree, managing partner for Stratum Development, told the Jackson Free Press. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got things under way last summer and hope to start opening Brookwood back up in parts.â&#x20AC;?

The club is currently available for weddings, parties and other events, and Goree said that he expects to open the kitchen, bar and restaurant later this month, and the driving range this spring. A workout facility and amenities such as tennis courts and a fishing pond are also in the works.

For more information or to book an event, call 601-760-3661 or find Brookwood Country Club on Facebook.

Find more events at jfpevents.com.

p.m. to 7 p.m. The event includes a live deejay, beer tasting and more. For more information, find the event on Facebook. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Edible Italianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar for the Millsaps College Community Enrichment Series includes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Italian,â&#x20AC;? where participants will learn Italian pronunciation and basic Italian grammar, along with tasting Italian wines and learning culinary dishes. The cost is $130, which includes the supplies. The class will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.) on Jan. 23 and 30, and Feb. 6, 13 and 20. For more information, call 601-974-1130 or visit millsaps.edu.

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Best

SATURDAY 1/6

SUNDAY 1/7

WEDNESDAY 1/10

Art & Coffee is at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

The Mississippi Racing Vehicle Extravaganza is at the Mississippi Trade Mart.

“The Room” Film Screening is at Cinemark Tinseltown in Pearl.

BEST BETS Jan. 3 - 10, 2018

“Beauty & the Beast” is at 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The musical adaptation of Disney’s animated film tells the classic story of Belle and the Beast. Appropriate for all ages. Additional dates: Jan. 4-5, 7 p.m., Jan. 6, 2 p.m. $35, $28 for seniors, students and military; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

Stacie Huckeba

WEDNESDAY 1/3

Todd Snider, an alternative-country and Americana musician from Portland, performs at Duling Hall on Friday, Jan. 5.

THURSDAY 1/4

The Premier Wedding Show is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bridlewood of Madison (133 Millsaps Ave., Madison).

The event features cake, decoration and floral arrangement vendors, live bridal-fashion models, giveaways and more. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $50 VIP; call 601-9571050; email msinfo@bridems.com; find it on Facebook. courtesy Vitamin Cea

SATURDAY 1/6

“WWE Live” is at 7:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The professionalwrestling event features AJ Styles, Jinder Mahal, the Singh Brothers, Bobby Roode, Baron Corbin, Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable, Charlotte Flair, Natalya and more.

by Rebecca Hester $15-$95; call 800-745-3000; ticketmaster.com. … Black Jacket Symphony performs “Led Zeppejacksonfreepress.com lin IV” at 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The Fax: 601-510-9019 ensemble of veteran musicians Daily updates at recreates the iconic classic rock jfpevents.com album in its entirety. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25-$35; call 877-9876487; ardenland.net.

events@

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Local hip-hop artist Vitamin Cea is one of the performers for the “Many Moons” Showcase, part of this year’s Jackson Indie Music Week, at Underground 119 on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

FRIDAY 1/5

The Gvnglvnd Expo is at 6 p.m. at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The event includes a showcase of music, visual art, clothing and more from local artists and entrepreneurs. Admission TBA; find it on Facebook. … Todd Snider performs at 8 p.m. at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The alternative-country artist performs. Doors open 20 at 7 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; ardenland.net.

SUNDAY 1/7

The Jackson Indie Music Week Kick-off Party is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lucky Town Brewing Company (1710 N. Mill St.). The festival launch party includes music from Magnolia Bayou and Ray Kincaid, food and drink vendors, games, activities and more. Free admission; email info@jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com. …

The NOISE Creative Music Series is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at AND Gallery (133 Millsaps Ave.). Brad Webb Making Faces, a musical act hailing from New Orleans, La., performs. BYOB. $10 admission, $5 for gallery members; call 601-351-5075; andgallery.org.

MONDAY 1/8

“Monday Night Vibes” is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at CS’s Restaurant (1359 N. West St.). The Jackson Indie Music Week showcase features performances from Timaal Bradford, Betzenzo and Seth Power. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; email info@jxnindie music.com; jxnindiemusic.com. … “Space Rocks!” is from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Spacecamp (3002 N. Mill St.). The Jackson Indie Music Week showcase features music from The Hero and a Monster, Die With Nature and Kicking. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; email info@jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com.

TUESDAY 1/9

The “Many Moons” Showcase is from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Underground 119 (119 S. President St.).

The Jackson Indie Music Week showcase features an all-women music lineup including Touya Modi, Krystal Gem, Ariel Blackwell and Vitamin Cea. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; email info@ jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com.

WEDNESDAY 1/10

The “Patrick Kelly: From Mississippi to New York to Paris and Back” Gallery Talk is from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.).

Shon McCarthy, director of the art galleries at Jackson State University, discusses the life, work and legacy of the fashion designer from Vicksburg. Free; msmuseumart.org.

titled “Eastside Bulldog.” Doors open at 7 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; ardenland.net.

Premier Wedding Show Jan. 4, 5-8 p.m., at Bridlewood of Madison (133 Millsaps Ave., Madison). Includes cake, floral arrangements and decoration vendors, live bridal-fashion models, giveaways and more. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $50 VIP; call 601-957-1050; email msinfo@bridems.com; find it on Facebook.

Events at Spacecamp (3002 N. Mill St.) • Blue Dream Jan. 6, 8 p.m. The psychedelic, blues-infused rock band from Chicago performs. Bad Magic and Lisbon Deaths also perform. $5 admission; spacecampjxn.com.

• Jackson Indie Music Week: Space Rocks!

Jan. 8, 8-11 p.m. The showcase features The Hero and a Monster, Die With Nature and Kicking. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Let’s Get Real: All You Need to Know About ADHD Jan. 4, 6:15 p.m., at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.). In the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. Dr. Susan Buttross, Dr. Don Raggo and Dr. Dustin Sarver present the program for parents, teachers and caregivers. Includes a light supper and childcare for ages 3-10. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and program at 6:45 p.m. Free admission; umc.edu.

KIDS “What Do You Do With a Chance?” Jan. 6, 11 a.m., at Barnes & Noble (1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 3009, Ridgeland). The story time features the final book in the “What Do You Do With...?” picture book series by Kobi Yamada and illustrator Mae Besom. Free admission; call 601-605-4028; barnesandnoble.com.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Mississippi Racing Vehicle Extravaganza Jan. 6-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The auto show features more than 175 custom, race and performance cars, special guests, a classic muscle-car display and more. Free children’s passes available at local BankPlus locations. $12 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12; mrve.webs.com.

WWE Live Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The professionalwrestling event features AJ Styles, Jinder Mahal, the Singh Brothers, Bobby Roode, Baron Corbin, Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable, Charlotte Flair, Natalya and more. $15-$95; call 800-7453000; ticketmaster.com.

SLATE

“Beauty & the Beast” Jan. 3-5, 7 p.m., Jan. 6, 2 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The musical is an adaptation of Disney’s animated classic. $35 admission, $28 for seniors, students and military; newstagetheatre.com.

“The Room” Film Screening Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at Malco Grandview Cinema (221 Grandview Drive, Madison). Includes a screening of the film, commercials starring Tommy Wiseau, the trailer for Wiseau and Greg Sestero’s upcoming film and more. $13.50; fathomevents.com.

“The Room” Jan. 10, 8 p.m., at Cinemark Tinseltown (411 Riverwind Drive, Pearl). Includes a screening of the film, commercials starring Tommy Wiseau, the trailer for Wiseau and Greg Sestero’s upcoming film and more. $11.50 adult, $10.50 seniors; fathomevents.com.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Todd Snider Jan. 5, 8 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The Portland-native alternative country and Americana artist’s latest album is

NOISE Creative Music Series Jan. 7, 6-10 p.m., at AND Gallery (133 Millsaps Ave.).

New Orleans, La.-based musical act Brad Webb Making Faces performs. BYOB. $10 admission, $5 members; call 601-351-5075; andgallery.org.

the best in sports over the next seven days

by Bryan Flynn, follow at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports

As per usual, the end of the NFL’s regular season meant the end of the road for many coaches, including Chuck Pagano of the Colts and Jim Caldwell of the Lions.

THURSDAY, JAN. 4

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN+): The University of Mississippi women’s basketball team hosts defending national champion South Carolina. …

College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The Mississippi State women’s basketball team hosts Arkansas.

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

NBA (6-8:30 p.m., ESPN): The Boston Celtics, who are No. 1 in the East, take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are No. 4 in the West.

SATURDAY, JAN. 6

College basketball (3:30-5:30 p.m., SECN): The Bulldogs and Rebels men’s teams face off in Oxford. …

NFL (7:15-10 p.m., NBC): Last year’s Super Bowl contenders, the Atlanta Falcons, enter the Wild Card Round against the L.A. Rams.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7

STAGE & SCREEN

Jackson Indie Music Week Kick-off Party Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m., at Lucky Town Brewing Company (1710 N. Mill St.). The festival launch party includes music from Magnolia Bayou and Ray Kincaid, food and drink vendors, and more.

Free admission; email info@jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com.

College basketball (1-3 p.m., SECN): The MSU Bulldogs women’s team takes on a solid LSU Tigers squad.

Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Led Zeppelin IV” Jan. 6, 8 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The ensemble of veteran musicians recreates the iconic classic rock album in its entirety. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25-$35; call 877-987-6487; ardenland.net.

Events at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.) • Midnight Revel Jan. 6, 10 p.m. The Mississippi-native band performs a mix of southern rock, funk and soul music. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission TBA; martinslounge.net.

• Jackson Indie Music Week: Blender Jan. 10, 8-11 p.m. The multi-genre showcase features performances from Bad Magic, DevMaccc, Dream Cult and Big Zay Mack. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 allevent pass; email info@jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com.

… NFL (3:40-6:30 p.m., FOX): New Orleans takes on Carolina in the NFL Wild Card Round.

MONDAY, JAN. 8

College football (7-11 p.m., ESPN): An SEC champion will take the crown as Alabama faces Georgia in the final college-football game until September.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPNU): College basketball continues to take the spotlight as the UM Rebels men’s team travels to take on the Auburn Tigers.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): The MSU men’s basketball team looks to continue its successful start on the road against Florida.

Arizona coach Bruce Arians is also leaving his position after an 8-8 season, albeit due to retirement. He leaves the Cardinals with the most wins in franchise history, beating the previous record by a single win.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Monday Night Vibes Jan. 8, 7-9 p.m., at CS’s Restaurant (1359 N. West St.). The showcase features performances from Timaal Bradford, Betzenzo and Seth Power. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Events at Underground 119 (119 S. President St.) • Jackson Indie Music Week: “Many Moons” Panel Jan. 9, 6-7 p.m. The panel discussion features female entertainment-industry experts discussing their experiences and aspects of the business. Free admission; jxnindiemusic.com.

• Jackson Indie Music Week: “Many Moons” Showcase Jan. 9, 8-10 p.m. The showcase features an all-women music lineup including Touya Modi, Krystal Gem, Ariel Blackwell and Vitamin Cea. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Blender Jan. 10, 7-9 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The multi-genre showcase features performances from Jason Daniels, EL.i.BE, Yung Jewelz and Stonewalls. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Blender Jan. 10, 9 p.m.-midnight, at One Block East (642 Tombigbee St.). The multi-genre music showcase features performances from Clouds & Crayons, Flywalker, James Hoye and Spacewolf. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Grant Writing for Beginners Jan. 5, 9 a.m.4 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Participants gain knowledge on how to identify potential sources of funding, write proposals, budget, create goals and objectives, and more. $99 per person; eventbrite.com.

“Sew What’s New?” Jan. 6, 10 a.m.-noon, at Cotton Blossom Fabrics (670 Highway 51, Ridgeland). Art historian and quilter Dorinda Evans is the guest speaker. Includes snacks, giveaways, demonstrations, a look at the latest quilting machines, and more. $10; call 601-4275214; find it on Facebook.

“Writing to Change Your World” Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, noon-2:30 p.m., at Jackson Free Press (125 S. Congress St., Suite 1324). JFP Editor-in-Chief Donna Ladd leads the five-session creative nonfiction class, which teaches participants to write sparkling stories, essays, columns, memoirs and more. Recordings of each class available for those who miss a session. $350 (includes workbook and snacks); call 601-966-0834; writingtochange.com.

Irish Ceili & Set Dancing Sessions I, II & III Jan. 7, 3-5 p.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Participants learn a variety of traditional Irish dances and dancing techniques. $50; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) • Art & Coffee Jan. 6, 10-11:30 a.m. In the Yates Community Room. Participants discuss current and future art exhibits at the museum with a special guest speaker. Includes coffee and pastries. Free; msmuseumart.org.

• Unburied Treasures—William Aiken Walker Jan. 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The lecture focuses on William Aiken Walker’s painting “A Cotton Plantation on the Mississippi,” discussing and critiquing the visualizations of cotton in art and literature. Free; msmuseumart.org.

• “Patrick Kelly: From Mississippi to New York to Paris and Back” Gallery Talk Jan. 10, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Shon McCarthy, director of the art galleries at Jackson State University, discusses the life, work and legacy of the Vicksburg-native fashion designer. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

COMMUNITY

21

Music listings are due noon Monday to be included in print and online listings: music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Jan. 3 - Wednesday Alumni House - Big Earl 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Bryan McQuaid 6-10 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Jan. 4 - Thursday

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Jan. 5 - Friday

22

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - BB Secrist 8 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s - Luckenbach 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Castlewoods Country Club - Larry Brewer 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Crocker 6-9 p.m.

Duling Hall - Todd Snider w/ Rorey Carroll 8 p.m. $25 advance $30 door Fenian’s - AXL JXN 9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - Swing de Paris 5 p.m. free Iron Horse Grill - Deeb’s Blues 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Faze 4 7-10:30 p.m.

Last Call Sports Grill - 2018 Kick-off feat. DJ Finesse & Big Shocka 9 p.m.-2 a.m. free before 9 p.m.

Martin’s - Southern Komfort Brass Band 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Phil & Trace 6-9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Andrew Pates 5:30 p.m.; Spunk Monkees 8 p.m. $5; Josh Journeay 10 p.m.

Jan. 6 - saTurday Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - BB Secrist 8 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s - Doug Hurd & Chris Link 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Char - Bill Clark 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Barry Leach 6-9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Andy Tanas Hal & Mal’s - Johnnie B & Miss Iretta 6 p.m. free The Hideaway - Jason Miller Band 9 p.m. $10 Iron Horse Grill - Bill Abel 9 p.m.

Jose’s, Pearl - Blake Edward Thomas 6-9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Travelin’ Jane 7-10:30 p.m.

Kemistry - Kujho & Nasty Sho 9 p.m.

Martin’s - Midnight Revel 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Robin Blakeney 6-9 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Chase Tyler Band 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m.; Spunk Monkees 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m.

Ray Kincaid Spacecamp - Blue Dream w/ Bad Magic & Lisbon Deaths 8 p.m. $5 Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Thalia Mara Hall - Black Jacket Symphony’s “Led Zeppelin IV” 8 p.m. $25-$35 WonderLust - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Jan. 7 - sunday 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

AND Gallery - NOISE Creative Music Series feat. Brad Webb Making Faces 7-10 p.m. $10 admission $5 gallery members Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

The Hideaway - Sunday Jam 4-8 p.m. free Kathryn’s - Fade2Blue 6-9 p.m.

Lucky Town - JIM Week Kick-off Party feat. Magnolia Bayou & Ray Kincaid 6-9 p.m. free

Pelican Cove - Ronnie Brown noon-4 p.m.; Hunter & Ronnie 4-8 p.m.

Shucker’s - Steele Heart 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 8 - Monday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

CS’s - JIM Week: “Monday Night Vibes” feat. Seth Power, Timaal Bradford & Betzenzo 7-10 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m. $5 Spacecamp - JIM Week: “Space Rocks!” feat. Die With Nature, Kicking & The Hero and a Monster 8-11 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

music

Indie Music Week Growing in Third Year

I

by Jessica Noxolo

n November 2015, Brad “Kamikaze” Franklin gathered many of his comrades in the local music scene to discuss how to further the city’s creative arts. With festivals such as South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and the A3C festivals in Atlanta, Ga., operating in the region, Franklin says he began asking himself, “Why don’t we have a premier festival for artists? These organizers in Austin and Atlanta aren’t any smarter than us. Why can’t this be done in Jackson?”

Now, in its third year, the week-long

which features women in the entertainment industry sharing their experiences.

JIM Week organizers are also expanding its repertoire and support system.

The festival has added sponsors such as radio station Y101 and Guitar Center to the roster, as well as new participating venues, including Spacecamp, CS’s Restaurant, Underground 119, the Kundi Compound, The Flamingo and Podastery Studios, to name a few.

This year will also be the first to feaImanI KHyayyam / fIle pHoto

Bonny Blair’s - Larry Brewer 7-11 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Raul Valinti & the F. Jones Challenge Band 10 p.m. $5 Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brandon Greer Hal & Mal’s - Brian Jones 5 p.m. free Hops & Habanas - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 6 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Vinnie C. 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Steele Heart 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Martin’s - Fides w/ Schaefer Llana & Sage Boy 9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Sonny & Don 6-9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Road Hogs 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Jason Turner 7 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

WonderLust - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.2 a.m.

SneaKerboxx pHotograpHy

MUSIC | live

Jan. 9 - Tuesday Bacchus - Sid Thompson 6-9 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson 7-11 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Keys vs. Strings 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Last Call - DJ Spoon 9 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Underground 119 - JIM Week: “Many Moons” feat. Touya Modi, Krystal Gem, Ariel Blackwell & Vitamin Cea 8-10 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass

Jan. 10 - Wednesday Alumni House - Pearl Jamz 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Larry Brewer 7-11 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - JIM Week: “Blender” feat. Jason Daniels, El.i.be, Yung Jewelz & Stonewalls 7-9:30 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass Kathryn’s - Gator Trio 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Martin’s - JIM Week: “Blender” feat. Bad Magic, Dev Maccc, Dream Cult & Big Zay Mack 8-11 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass One Block East - JIM Week: “Blender” feat. Clouds & Crayons, Flywalker & James Hoya 9 p.m.-midnight $10 or free w/ pass Pelican Cove - Johnnie B. & Miss Iretta 6-9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

1/5 - B.B. King’s Blues Band feat. Tito Jackson - IP Casino, Resort & Spa, Biloxi 1/6 - Jason isbell & the 400 unit - River Center, Baton Rouge

From left: Moderator Amanda Furdge, Teneia Sanders-Eichelberger, Sherry Cothren and Tawanna Shaunte were the guest speakers for the “Women in Music” panel discussion at last year’s Jackson Indie Music Week.

Jackson Indie Music Week festival is held across Jackson in various venues. It features showcases, industry panels, award shows and other events, and as transitioned into a staple for many in the community.

Jackson natives Franklin Garrad Lee, and Thabi Moyo, along with Detroit native Donyale Walls, have been the driving forces behind the event since its inception.

Lee, Franklin and Walls are returning for what they call JIM Week 2018, which takes place from Jan. 7 through Jan. 14 and features more than 50 performers.

“The first year, I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing so many people at Lucky Town (Brewing Company) for the kickoff party,” Lee says. “I knew that first night that we were providing something that people wanted, and that the city was going to show love.”

Lee and Cody Cox, founders of record labels ElegantTrainwreck and Homework Town, devised one of the centerpieces of JIM Week by expanding on their multigenre concert series, “The Blender.” This year, “The Blender” is Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Hal & Mal’s, Martin’s Restaurant & Bar and One Block East.

A number of events are returning in 2018, including educational panels “Do the Knowledge” and “Many Moons,”

ture a gospel brunch on Sunday, Jan. 14, at The Iron Horse Grill and “The Beat Sale” at Offbeat on Saturday, Jan. 13, where beat producers will show off their latest work for audiences and artists looking to buy new backing tracks.

“I want slow, steady, consistent growth—not the ‘popular’ growth that comes with having big names or flavor-ofthe-month type of events,” Franklin says.

“We wanted to grow this using (the city’s) talent first and get folks used to seeing us before we took that next step. … Platforms like SXSW are becoming more corporate, and the true indie artist has gotten frozen out. That’s where JIM Week comes in.”

Franklin says that he also hopes the festival will continue to be an economic driver for the city of Jackson, bringing guests that spend time and money at local venues, hotels, restaurants and retailers.

And as for what’s coming next, he already has a few ideas.

“Bigger events, newer events, bigger sponsors, and hopefully, bigger names in the indie music scene that we can bring in,” Franklin says.

Jackson Indie Music Week is Jan. 7-14 throughout Jackson. Single-day passes are $25 each, and all-event passes are $50. For a schedule of events, visit jxnindiemusic.com.

diy

Starry Skies and Sneakers

by Amber Helsel an old pair, as long as the sneakers—or other shoes—are canvas-based, you can use them.

This DIY tutorial would be a great present for someone who loves shoes— and space. Keep in mind that this is an organic method of painting. As long as it looks like a galaxy, what you do is probably fine. You can get as detailed or as simple as you want.

Gwendolyn A. Magee (1943-2011), Our New Day Begun, 2000. textile. Estate of Gwendolyn A. Magee, New Orleans, Louisiana.

I

f you know me, you probably know that Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers are one of my most favorite things in the world.

I have probably about 10 to 15 pairs. (I haven’t counted lately).

My favorite kind to have on hand are black ones because they go with almost anything—and because of their canvas material, they’re also an ideal surface for painting. My second biggest artistic inspiration outside of geodes are galaxies, so I decided to give an old pair of black lotops a space-y look.

For this tutorial, I happened to use a pair of old Converses, but if you don’t have

CURRENTLY ON VIEW The Mississippi Museum of Art and its programs are sponsored in part by the city of Jackson and Visit Jackson. Support is also provided in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part by the Nationa Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Picturing Mississippi is supported by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation and

MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM of ART | 380 SOUTH LAMAR STREET | JACKSON, MS 39201 | 601.960.1515

Materials

Fabric medium Spray varnish

A galaxy photo for inspiration, and a guideline for the colors and design Acrylic paint in white and black, and also colors related to your galaxy Masking tape

Palette for paint (you can use a paper plate, cardboard or a similar disposable surface) Paint brushes and sponges: one flat brush, a few paint sponges, and one or two detail brushes.

th

in

detail brushes into a little bit of the white paint and then silver paint, and use your thumb to flick the bristles and splatter the galaxy with stars. Don’t go too crazy on this part. You want enough stars to make it look cool, but not so many that it’s overwhelming. You can also use the detail brush to dot bigger stars onto the shoes, using gold, white, silver or light pastel colors.

Let them dry overnight. Once the paint is completely dry, inspect them and make sure the galaxy looks how you want it to. If you have to repaint certain areas, use the same ratio of paint and medium. Keep in mind that if you decide to repaint the entire shoe, it could end up too stiff to wear.

When and if your galaxy is to your liking, take off the masking tape, and gently take the shoes outside or to a well-ventilated area and spray them down with an even coat of varnish. Let that dry overnight, then repeat the process two more times.

jo

Directions Practice your galaxy on scratch paper first if you want. Just make sure not to use all of your paint.

To prepare the shoes, mask off the toecap, rubber sides and back, and shoelace holes. You can also mask off the tongue if you don’t want to paint it.

Mix two parts of the black acrylic paint with one part of the textile medium. Make sure you have enough to cover the shoe. Then, mix the other paints with the same ratio.

Using the flat brush, paint black over the fabric area.

Mix the colors as needed, and then sponge them on, making sure to blend them into the black to make it look like a galaxy. Use your photo inspiration to create the colors and swirls in your galaxy. When painting, keep in mind that the colors will dry darker, so if you’re not careful, the colors may blend too well with the black.

When you’re done, dab one of the

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AT MDWFP’s

MISSISSIPPI MuseuM of Natural Science OPEN NOW- APRIL 29, 2018 • Find ways to save with light bulbs, electricity, and recycling

• Take the interactive green challenge

• Explore solar, wind, and hydropower

• Check out the latest energy-saving inventions and learn about the future of energy

• Connect circuits to power up lights, radios, and fans

• See how much electricity you use

learn more at MDWFP.com/museum Conservation Quest ® was created by Stepping Stones Museum for Children

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

Canvas sneakers or other shoes (look for the care tag on the tongue and make sure it says canvas upper)

23

Last Week’s Answers

BY MATT JONES

47 “Ignore the critics,” in modern parlance 55 Pearl Jam’s debut single 56 Eager 57 Graph line 58 Fixes, as a piano 59 Suspense novelist Hoag 60 1996 GOP running mate Jack 61 Stylish 62 It may go downhill near the end of the year 63 Garden in Genesis

38 Warren Buffett’s city 43 Wooded area 44 Frank 45 When to look a gift horse in the mouth 46 “Astro Boy” genre 47 Roles, proverbially 48 Reunion attendee 49 “Proud Mary” singer Turner 50 Gangsters’ heaters

51 Horse track shape 52 Canned 53 End-of-exam announcement 54 Channel that debuted in 1979 ©2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #858.

Down

“Ate by Ate” —it does not make 64.

Across

1 One who saves the day 5 ___ vu 9 Pricey violin, for short 14 It has pressing work to do 15 Bus. boss 16 Type of twisted wit 17 Rock, in rock-paper-scissors 18 Ceremony 19 Flaxen fabric 20 Warring with words 23 Camera or eye part 24 Binary digit 25 Bat symbol in the night sky, e.g.

28 Maggie’s big brother 30 P.I., slangily 33 Start of a rhyming fitness motto 34 Timbuktu’s country 35 Orange pool ball number 36 Like some raisins and pretzels 39 Took the bus 40 Crowning point 41 Creator of Winnie-the-Pooh 42 Mom on the farm 43 Gripe 44 Soft stroke 45 “Yes” indication 46 Stereotypical reactions to fireworks

1 Old audio system 2 “___ Brockovich” (Julia Roberts film) 3 Civil rights icon Parks 4 In a risky situation 5 Throw off course 6 Interstate driver’s options 7 Ballet leap 8 Breezed through a test 9 Like some initial P’s 10 Large family group 11 “Class Reunion” author Jaffe 12 Work without ___ (be daring) 13 Small unit of force 21 Muse of love poetry 22 Order of Greek architecture 25 Bolivia’s constitutional capital 26 “This ___ We Do It” (1995 R&B hit) 27 Crystal-centered rock 28 “Disjointed” star Kathy 29 The “A” in A-Rod 30 Book cover info 31 2, 4, 6, 8, e.g.

32 Gives up 34 GPS displays, often 35 Reasonable treatment 37 Glorifies

BY MATT JONES Last Week’s Answers

“Sum Sudoku”

Put one digit from 1-9 in each square of this Sudoku so that the following three conditions are met: 1) each row, column and 3x3 box (as marked off by heavy lines in the grid) contains the digits 1-9 exactly one time; 2) no digit is repeated within any of the areas marked off by dotted lines; and 3) the sums of the numbers in each area marked off by dotted lines total the little number given in each of those areas. Now do what I tell you— solve!! psychosudoku@gmail.com

MUST

BE

THE

coffee C U P S E S P R E S S O C A F E.C O M

Writefor stories that matter the publications readers love to read.

January 3 - 9, 2018 • jfp.ms

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

24

VOTED BEST HUMMUS BEST OF JACKSON 2017

EVERY WEDNESDAY 1/2 OFF HUMMUS AND DIPS 2-5PM 730 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS | 601-366-6033 | Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm W E D ELIVER F OR C ATERING O RDERS Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area

The Jackson Free Press and BOOM Jackson are seeking hard-working freelance writers who strive for excellence in every piece. Work with editors who will inspire and teach you to tell sparkling stories.

Email and convince us that you have the drive and creativity to join the team.

Better yet, include some kick-ass story ideas. Send to:

micah@jacksonfreepress.com

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Soulful beauty will be a major theme for you in 2018. Or at least it should be. But I suppose it’s possible you’re not very interested in soulful beauty, perhaps even bored by it. Maybe you prefer skin-deep beauty or expensive beauty or glamorous beauty. If you choose to follow predilections like those, you’ll lose out on tremendous opportunities to grow wilder and wiser. But let’s hope you make yourself available for a deeper, more provocative kind of beauty—a beauty that you could become more skilled at detecting as the year unfolds.

“Let your freak flag fly” was an expression that arose from the hippie culture of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a colorful way to say, “Be your most unique and eccentric self; show off your idiosyncrasies with uninhibited pride.” I propose that we revive it for your use in 2018. I suspect the coming months will be a favorable time for you to cultivate your quirks and trust your unusual impulses. You should give yourself maximum freedom to explore pioneering ideas and maverick inclinations. Paradoxically, doing so will lead to stabilizing and enduring improvements in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

In accordance with the astrological omens, I suggest you start compiling a list entitled, “People, Places, Ideas and Things I Didn’t Realize Until Now That I Could Fall in Love With.” And then keep adding more and more items to this tally during the next 10 months. To get the project underway in the proper spirit, you should wander freely and explore jauntily, giving yourself permission to instigate interesting mischief and brush up against deluxe temptations. For best results, open your heart and your eyes as wide as you can. One further clue: Act on the assumption that in 2018 you will be receptive to inspirational influences and life-transforming teachings that you have never before been aware of.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

In 2018, your past will undergo transformation. Your memories will revise and rearrange themselves. Bygone events that seemed complete and definitive will shimmy and shift, requiring new interpretations. The stories you have always told about how you became who you are will have to be edited, perhaps even rewritten. While these overhauls may sometimes be disconcerting, they will ultimately be liberating.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

In 2018, people will be drawn to you even more than usual.

Some will want you to be their rock—their steady, stable source of practical truth. Some will ask you to be their tonic—their regular, restorative dose of no-nonsense. And others will find in you a creative catalyst that helps them get out of their ruts and into their grooves. And what will you receive in return for providing such a stellar service?

First, there’ll be many opportunities to deepen and refine your integrity. To wield that much influence means you’ll have to consistently act with high-minded motivations. And secondly, Taurus, you’ll get a steady supply of appreciation that will prove to be useful as well as gratifying.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Influences that oppose you will fade as 2018 unfolds.

People who have been resistant and uncooperative will at least partially disengage. To expedite the diminishing effects of these influences and people, avoid struggling with them. Loosen the grip they have on your imagination.

Any time they leak into your field of awareness, turn your attention instead to an influence or person that helps and supports you. Here’s another idea about how to collaborate with the cosmic rhythms to reduce the conflict in your life: Eliminate any unconscious need you might have for the perversely invigorating energy provided by adversaries and bugaboos. Find positive new ways to motivate yourself.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

I predict that in 2018 you will figure out how to get your obsessions to consistently work for your greatest good. You will come to understand what you must do to ensure they never drag you down into manic self-sabotage. The resolute ingenuity you summon to accomplish this heroic feat will change you forever. You will be reborn into a more vibrant

version of your life. Passions that in the past have drained and confused you will become efficient sources of fuel for your worthiest dreams.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Just because you have become accustomed to a certain trouble doesn’t mean you should stop searching for relief from that trouble. Just because a certain pain no longer knocks you into a demoralized daze for days at a time doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Now here’s the good news: In 2018, you can finally track down the practical magic necessary to accomplish a thorough healing of that trouble and pain. Make this the year you find a more ultimate cure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Have you ever nursed a yearning to speak Swahili or Chinese or Russian? The coming months will be an excellent time to get that project underway. Do you fantasize about trying exotic cuisines and finding new favorite foods? I invite you to act on that fantasy in 2018. Is there a form of manual labor that would be tonic for your mental and physical health? Life is giving you a go-ahead to do more of it. Is there a handicraft or ball game you’d like to become more skilled at? Get started. Is there a new trick you’d like to learn to do with your mouth or hands? Now’s the time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Before the 15th century, European nations confined their sailing to the Mediterranean Sea. The ocean was too rough for their fragile, unadaptable ships. But around 1450, the Portuguese developed a new kind of vessel, the caravel. It employed a triangular sail that enabled it to travel against the wind. Soon, exploratory missions ventured into the open sea and down along the coast of West Africa. Eventually, this new technology enabled long westward trips across the Atlantic. I propose that we make the caravel your symbol of power for 2018, Libra. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will find or create a resource that enables you to do the metaphorical equivalent of effectively sailing into the wind.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

The Aztecs were originally wanderers. They kept moving from place to place, settling temporarily in areas throughout the land we now call Mexico. An old prophecy told them that they would eventually find a permanent home at a site where they saw an eagle roosting on a cactus as it clutched a snake in its talons. There came a day in the 14th century when members of the tribe spied this very scene on an island in the middle of a lake. That’s where they began to build the city that in time was the center of their empire. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, so it can serve as a metaphor to guide you in 2018. I suspect that you, too, will discover your future power spot—the heart of your domain for years to come.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Not every minute of every day, but when you have had the time, you’ve been searching for a certain treasure.

With patience and persistence, you have narrowed down its whereabouts by collecting clues and following your intuition. Now, at last, you know its exact location. As you arrive, ready to claim it, you tremble with anticipation.

But when you peel away the secrets in which it has been wrapped, you see that it’s not exactly what you expected.

Your first response is disappointment. Nevertheless, you decide to abide in the presence of the confusing blessing and see what happens. Slowly, incrementally, you become aware of a new possibility: that you’re not quite ready to understand and use the treasure; that you’ll have to grow new capacities before you’ll be ready for it in its fullness.

Homework: I’d love to see your top five New Year’s resolutions. Share by going to RealAstrology.com and clicking on “Email Rob.”

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