Image of Sam's Town Tunica Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica, Mississippi

TUNICA, Miss. — The Grand wasn't quite grand enough. So, with a new name, Harrah's, and $45 million in improvements, the casino now boasts more than 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, nonsmoking gaming areas, interactive casino floor, a new World Series of Poker poker room and the first Paula Deen Buffet. Harrah's acquired the Grand in 2004. After replacing everything except the slots, the new ...

In August, Mayor James F. Valley and the Helena-West Helena City Council unanimously created a 24-hour curfew zone in one of the city's poorest areas, a 10-block sector that has had its share of violence and drugs.

When Mississippi waterfowl hunters purchase a state duck stamp for the 2008-09 season they'll see a picture of a teal taken by Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr., of Brandon.

Rodney Carrington - Sat., Sept. 6, 7 p.m. $40-$50 525-1515. Sam's Town At Casino Strip, south of Memphis, north of Tunica, MS 1-800-456-0711, special event tickets 525-1515.

Police are investigating after a pastor's signature was forged on blank church checks and thousands of dollars was withdrawn from the congregation's account. Some of the money was even used at a Tunica casino. Church members are disgusted, wondering why someone would take from people who give so much.

"The Capitol Steps:" Tickets are now on sale for the Sept. 5 show at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $15-$30. Call 800-277-1700. WWE Smackdown: Tickets are now on sale for the Sept. 15 wrestling event at Garrett Coliseum. Tickets are $20-$40. Call 800-277-1700.

Jeff neighborhood associations are sponsoring a free workshop titled "How to Research Your Historic Home" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library, 211 E. Court Ave.

The Casino Control Commission Wednesday approved a temporary casino key employee license to Michael Frawley who was named chief operating officer for the Atlantic CIty Hilton. Frawley will replace Anthony Rodio, who resigned his position last week.

When the tiny Sands Hotel Casino was imploded last October, many speculated it signaled the dawn of a new era in Atlantic City, one in which the smaller, older casinos would be compromised.