Saturday, September 30
College Football: Instant Replay, Sept. 30
How Mississippi teams fared on Saturday (including out-of-town papers' reports):
Georgia 14, Ole Miss 9: The Dawgs rally in the second half to beat the Rebels.
‘Sordid Lives' So, So Funny
Todd and I had a wonderful evening last night watching "Sordid Lives" in Hal & Mal's big room. It was a hilarious time, and our friend and JFP senior editor …
New Woodward Book Scathing Look at White House
The Washington Post reports that Bob Woodward's new book is roiling an embattled Bush administration:
Friday, September 29
Update: Melton Is Appearing in Meridian Court Today
Oct. 2, 12:20 p.m.: Mayor Frank Melton has been spotted in the Meridian courtroom where jury selection took up the morning. The judge has asked all parties to be in …
Wednesday, September 27
[Grayson] Fixing The Whole Problem
I have been trying to keep silent about the recent devastation that has plagued our city government, resulting in indictments of the mayor and his bodyguards. I convinced myself that …
The Wide World of Tea Cakes
With fall's cooler temps, my palate shifts to warmer, cozier and more comforting foods. I realize that I can once again turn on my oven without causing myself or my …
Starting Over
Slowly, slowly, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is coming back to life after Katrina's devastation. A year later, the artists of the Coast have banded together, getting to know each other, …
[Drink] Bragging Rights
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I have just returned from what I believe to be one of the finest trips to wine country anyone has ever …
[Music] Give, and It Shall Be Given
Hip-hop is a way of life, not just a genre of music, according to Ezra Brown and DJ Scrap Dirty, business partners at Seven*Studioz.
[New Releases] Magnolia Electric Co. "Fading Trails"
Magnolia Electric Co. "Fading Trails"
"Fading Trails" is a nine-track gem from recording sessions with Steve Albini at his Electric Audio Studio, at Sun Studios in Memphis, and features songs from the home recorded lost …
[New Releases] Bright Eyes "Noise Floor"
Bright Eyes "Noise Floor"
Conor Oberst and company are back with a quintessential collection of singles, unreleased tracks, one-offs and covers, recorded from 1998 in Conor's basement four-tracks to laptop projects in 2005. You'll …
[New Releases] Soulwax "Nite Versions"
Soulwax – "Nite Versions"
You may know Soulwax from their remixes of Ladytron's "Seventeen" and LCD Soundsystem's "Daft Punk is Playing at My House." Soulwax released their latest bootie powerhouse on Modular Records. Nite …
DIY Music Studio
During the last mayoral campaign, candidate Frank Melton promised to build a recording studio on Farish Street. Well, he won, but the studio hasn't happened, yet—and with his mayoral future …
Sutton Seeks Injunction Against Melton
BREAKING
Jennifer Sutton, the owner of a duplex allegedly destroyed by Mayor Frank Melton and his cohorts, has filed for a temporary restraining (PDF, 900 K) order against Melton and other …
Jackson's Next Mayor?
Photo montage by JFP Staff
The city is already thick with speculation over who is jockeying to be Jackson's next mayor, even though the current mayor has vowed he will not resign.
[Stiggers] Et Tu, Popeye?
Chef "low-fat" Meat: "Distinguished members of The Illumi-nappy-headed, I'm honored to be a guest speaker for the 'What's Happenin' Now Conspiracy Convention.'
CityBuzz [09.27.06]
Musgrove Sucks Toes
According to a report in the Nashville Post, newly unsealed legal depositions allege that former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove had an affair with Robin Costa, the trustee and director of the …
no. 02 September 27 - October 4
<b>Crime or a Conspiracy?</b>
This (felony indictments) is a conspiracy against Mayor Melton, which was born from Washington, D.C. This a political plot to overthrow what 75 percent of the voters voted for. This …
While Rich Folks Scream
There are certain power players in the entrepreneurial game that everyone should know. Two names are Michael and Steven Roberts. When I crawled from under the rock I'd been living …
Michael Raff
Michael Raff, 64, is a legend in Mississippi. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Raff attended Notre Dame until his junior year, completing a BA and master's degree in …
The JFP Interview: Mayor Brown Goes To Washington
Rep. Bennie Thompson has some serious competition in the general election for his 2nd Congressional District seat this November. His Republican opponent Yvonne Brown may not have the big bucks …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro golf, Southern Farm Bureau Classic (7 a.m., Madison, tape-delay TV on Golf Channel, 8 p.m.): The first round tees off at the ritzy Annandale Golf Club. This year, organizers …
Call the Roll on Dirty Politics
Disturbing statements have been coming from inside Mayor Frank Melton's inner circle since he and his bodyguards were indicted Sept. 15 for home invasion and demolition. To put it simply, …
Tuesday, September 26
Podcast: Donna Ladd on Kim Wade 9/22
Starting to get used to the weekly fix? Listen to Donna and Kim (and Bob Hickingbottom) on last Friday's "WJNT in the Afternoon" radio show: WJNT 9.22.06.
Monday, September 25
BREAKING: Upper Level Strikes Back
Updated. This version appears in the print version of the Jackson Free Press already on the stands today.
WAPT: Melton Wants to Mentor, Use Police Equipment
WAPT is reporting that Frank Melton is trying to get conditions of his bond overturned because he still wants to be able to mentor young people and use police equipment. …
[Lott] America's Soft Underbelly
During World War II, when the Allies planned the invasion of Nazi occupied Europe, Winston Churchill actually proposed coming from the south, from the Mediterranean Sea and into the Balkans. …
Friday, September 22
Matador Records News
Matador signs Love Of Diagrams. Matador is happier than Donald Rumsfeld holding the Aspartame patent to announce the signing of a worldwide deal with the Australian trio LOVE
Thursday, September 21
Donna Ladd on Kim Wade Show Friday 5pm
JFP editor Donna Ladd joins Kim Wade again this Friday, Sept. 22, for his radio show on WJNT, 1180 AM, from 5 to 6 p.m. Tune in!
Read Jim Hood Interview, Article About Melton
If you're looking for the Jim Hood articles just referred to on the Kim Wade Show, click here to read Donna Ladd's interview with Jim Hood, and read Adam Lynch's …
The New York Times on Frank Melton
First, note that the JFP cover from April, shot by Kate Medley of Melton with the shotgun, is in the New York Times story about him today. Otherwise, the story …
Wednesday, September 20
Winging It
Graphic illustration Jakob Clark
Growing up, the only experience I had with chicken wings were the ones covered with feathers belonging to the small population of egg-laying hens on our Montana farm. Raised in …
[Drink] National Beer
Spicy food provides one of the only excuses for drinking domestic beer, which is generally watery with a metallic tinge. But when you're sitting outside eating spicy chicken wings on …
The Best In Sports In Days
College football, Hinds CC at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (7 p.m., Perkinston): The loser of this game probably won't be going to the playoffs.
Big City, Bright Future: Development Surges Ahead in Downtown Jackson
Graphic illustration courtesy of Downtown Jackson Partners
These may be strange days for a Capitol City, but Jackson's rebirth continues to pick up speed, despite the antics of its indicted mayor.
[Music] After All These Years
Hunter and the Gators … you've seen the name, and probably seen the band. After a number of personnel changes through the years, they recently celebrated their 15-year anniversary with …
Council Approves Tax, Fee Hikes
Last Friday, the City Council voted to raise taxes for city residents, even as the budget of the mayor's office jumped 41 percent over last year. In the last year, …
D-Day for Mayor Frank Melton
Almost exactly two weeks after the Jackson Free Press reported that eyewitnesses were saying Mayor Frank Melton and his cohorts had taken a "Walking Tall" stick and sledgehammers to rental …
CityBuzz [09.20.06]
As the JFP goes to press, City Council chambers are packed with Melton supporters—or at least, we deem them Melton supporters by virtue of signs reading, "Fight Frank Fight." Melton …
Rolling With the Fear
Clara Agnes Ault is a typical 12-year-old girl with pretty blonde hair, braces and an iPod. For Christmas last year, she received the standard allotment of sweaters, scarves and belts.
The Little Weekly That Could
We celebrate a milestone with the issue of the Jackson Free Press that you hold in your hand, as it's the first issue of our fifth year of publishing. We're …
[Greggs] The City Sleeps Tonight
For the past week I've had one song going through my head. It's stuck. I usually hate it when this happens. I also happen to know that when it does …
[Stiggers] How to Succeed in Bidness
Rudy McBride: "The staff of the Let Me Hold Five Dollars National Bank (L.M.H.F.D.) recognizes the potential of unemployed individuals in poor neighborhoods. We understand clearly what the good Lord, …
[Kamikaze] A One-Way Street?
Now let me see if I got this straight. A women's-only college in Virginia has announced that it will admit men in 2007. Officials at the 115-year-old Randolph-Macon Woman's College …
Ted Duckworth
Native Jacksonian Ted Duckworth, 39, is dedicated to changing the face of downtown Jackson. A married father of four, Duckworth graduated from Mississippi State in 1988 with a bachelor's in …
JFP "3.0" Ideas, Anyone?
I'm looking at a few different upgrades to the JFP site that I want to roll out over the next few weeks...*maybe* within a month or so we'll be moving …
Tuesday, September 19
Casey Parks' Africa Trip Blog
We can all keep in touch with Casey's adventure at
Also, Lisa Mullins at NPRs The World did another interview with her. This is the show's interview with her on Sept 11 Interview. (Scroll down until you see the phrase …
Melton's Hometown Newpaper on his Indictments
The Tyler (Texas) Morning Telegraph is reporting on Melton's indictments—while oddly not mentioning that his wife and homestead exemption still reside right there in their coverage area:
Monday, September 18
Bluegills Save the World
Look how totally freakin' cool bluegills are...
Okay, this is my new favorite fish
Sunday, September 17
Instant replay, Sept. 16
Unless you're a USM, Valley or MC fan, Saturday was a disaster. Here's your report:
Southern Miss 37, N.C. State 17: Eagles, wearing ugly-ass all-black unis, dog Wolfpack
Saturday, September 16
XTC Andy Partridges' Fuzzy Warbles Collectors Box
The following is a further excerpt from Andy's liner notes:
The Fuzzy Warbles Collectors Album 9 CD box set brings together over 100 songs from XTC frontman Andy Partridges' songwriting archive. Recorded over the years, whilst Andy and XTC were …
Mayor Yvonne Brown: Guided by Faith, Driven to Serve
Since she has took office in 2001, Mayor Yvonne Brown, 54, of Tchula has made it known that she is a woman deeply influenced by her faith and committed to …
Friday, September 15
A Big Fat Lie
A guy is accused of killing his brother. His defense? He attacked a goat, and then the goat turned into his brother's dead body.
City Council: Jackson Will Not Collapse
In a press conference at 4:30 p.m. today, City Council members each offered statements in response to grand jury indictments against Mayor Frank Melton and JPD Detectives Michael Recio and …
Danks: Indictments ‘Politically Motivated'
Dale Danks, Mayor Frank Melton's attorney, told reporters this afternoon that his client had no intention of resigning in response to multiple indictments brought against him this afternoon in Hinds …
Audio of Melton Indictment Press Conferences
Here is the audio of the three press conferences from earlier today, detailing the indictments that have been brought by a special grand jury this morning as a result of …
Donna Ladd on Kim Wade Show Friday 5pm
Donna Ladd will sit in with Kim Wade on WJNT this afternoon (Sept. 15) from 5-6pm. There's probably no point in me saying what they plan to discuss...Tune in to …
A.G. Hood: Any Deal Includes Melton's Resignation
In a press conference this afternoon, Attorney General Jim Hood confirmed that his office will offer a plea bargain to Frank Melton, telling reporters that it is the policy of …
Breaking: Melton Cannot Supervise Children
This just reported by Donna from district attorney Faye Peterson's press conference:
BREAKING: Frank Melton Indicted on Felony Charges
Sources are telling the Jackson Free Press that Mayor Frank Melton has been indicted on at least one felony charge by a special grand jury this morning. Sheriff Malcolm McMillin …
Thursday, September 14
I Hate Nancy Grace
This article should underscore that...
So, I guess the headline might give you a small glimpse into my personal feelings regarding Nancy Grace.
Archie Bronson Outfit - "Derdang Derdang"
Archie Bronson Outfit kick out the jams! in the old school psychedelic garage fashion of MC5, Faust, Silver Apples, Can, Os Mutantes and the Velvet Underground, while being more radio …
The Editors "The Back Room" DVD
-- Herman Snell
The 2005 U.K. smash debut by The Editors has over the last year risen to become the second biggest indie rock band in England. As the opening act for 2003-2004 …
Richard Buckner "Meadow"
Buckner's eighth studio album and second release for Merge records features the signature modern college-folk and auspicious melodies he has become known for. "Meadow" brings Guided By Voices' Doug Gillard …
D.A.: Melton Investigation Headed to Grand Jury
BREAKING: District Attorney Faye Peterson tells the Jackson Free Press that the county's investigation of Mayor Frank Melton's alleged rampage the evening of Aug. 26 and the morning of Aug. …
Death Cab for Cutie in Birmingham & Memphis
Death Cab for Cutie / Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, BJCC Concert Hall, Birmingham, AL, Thu, 11/16/06, 8 p.m. $26. On Sale Now. 205-458-8401. www.ticketmaster.com Death Cab for Cutie / …
PROJECT RUNWAY LOVERS: "Where's Andre?" We don't know but we have something just as good!
After announcing the confirmation of Project Runway's Kara Saun last week, we are pleased to add to that excitement with more additions to our award-winning fashion weekend.
Wednesday, September 13
Read the JFP Story That Started It All
Read Adam Lynch's breaking story that first revealed Mayor Frank Melton's Aug. 26 alleged rampage on Ridgeway Street in Jackson—the accusations that led to felony indictions of Melton and his …
Council May Investigate Melton
In front of a packed City Council chamber, with citizens spilling into the hallway, Council President Ben Allen announced that he will now support an investigation of Mayor Frank Melton's …
Look At All These Rumors
As the JFP goes to press, the city is awash in rumors about what is going to happen next to Mayor Frank Melton and friends. Some are more credible than …
What's In A Sledgehammer
This unsung word derives from two Germanic roots, the Old English "slegce," which means heavy hammer and is related to "slean," which means to strike or slay, and the Old …
Necessary Means?
Throughout public debate of the allegations that Mayor Frank Melton and associates demolished a Ridgeway home, Councilman Kenneth Stokes has applauded Melton's actions. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Stokes said: …
The Fall Arts Preview: The Better Angels
I get so bored when I hear people say, "There's nothing to do in Jackson." What's even more annoying is when those same people make claims that if they were …
Sheriff to Return Evans Welch to Jail?
BREAKING: Five or six sheriffs' cruisers came to rearrest Evans Welch at about 4 p.m. today, according to Evan's mother Louvenia Welch.
Mississippi's Latin Flavor
It was both exciting and overwhelming making Mexico City my home last summer. Every aspect of the city fascinated me, and studying abroad improved my Spanish just as much as …
Seeing The Music
Cliff Speaks would rather not know where his art will take him. "Halfway through, it could turn to a completely different direction."
Miss Sweetheart
As a child, Jackie Bell's first love was dance, but the emotions that overwhelmed her every time she stepped into a room filled with soulful melodies instinctively told her that …
Fruit or Vegetable
Do you think you know the answer to the age-old question, "Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?"
[Drink] Mixin' It Up
Often, it's hard to decide on just one type of wine. Sure, if you're shopping for yourself, you can go for what you like or take a chance on something …
You Say Tomato…
Referred to as pommes d'amour, or love apples, by the French due to their supposed power as aphrodisiacs, the tomato is an irresistible summertime indulgence that I look forward to …
[Greggs] The 'Screw Its' Win Again
Two months ago I walked out of a job I had for about five years. I loved it, but thought I was no longer able to truly perform my duties …
[Stiggers] Bum Education, Double-Digit Inflation
Cootie McBride: "About a week ago, I spoke at a law and order conference. After what I thought was a convincing presentation, an affluent member of high society asked me: …
The Fourth Quadrant
I had a professor who was adamant that if we turned in a series of work, each piece had to stand on its own, no matter how well it worked …
Apple's iTV and SlingBox TV
This week Apple whipped its hype machine into full gear to introduce a series of new iPod and iTunes related products. The most exciting offering might be the rare preview …
A Tale of Redemption
Like most people, I'm sick and tired of Iranian abortionists having gay sex with flag-burning illegal aliens. Why hasn't Hollywood, America's No. 1 exporter of culture, done something about this …
Percy King
Rosie and Juno turned as Percy King sauntered down the path to meet me. "Hey, girls," King called out. "I've got carrots for ya! And I know you girls love …
[Music] Doing It My Way
When having a conversation about hip-hop, some names inevitably come up. Russell Simmons is one such name. The multi-million-dollar earner made a name for himself by taking the culture and …
Subpoena This
September 13, 2006 Photo caption: Former mayor and Melton attorney Dale Danks. On Aug. 30, The Clarion-Ledger announced it had finally reached a settlement with the city of Jackson in …
The Best In 7 Days
College football, Northeast Mississippi at Hinds, (7 p.m., Raymond): The Eagles try to rebound from last week's stunning loss.
Mississippi Celebrates the Birthplace of America's Music
Katrina Relief Takes Center Stage in Vicksburg's Huge Music Celebration. With music students and professional musicians losing everything because of hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame did not …
PS3 in trouble?
Both of them, I need 'em all 10.1% 1387
Now, this is just speculation, but take a look at this poll conducted by Gamefaqs starting last night.
Tuesday, September 12
Nightmare on Ridgeway Street
About 8:30 the evening of Aug. 26, residents of Ridgeway Street in the Virden Addition saw the Mobile Command Center roll up in front of Evans "Bubba" Welch's duplex, near …
Walking Tall, Hitting Low
Mayor Frank Melton's alleged attack on a Ridgeway Street duplex on Aug. 26 is not the first time his 4-foot-long stick showed up recently.
UPDATED: Ben Allen Pledges to Lead Melton Investigation
Sept. 12, 2006 (updated 2 p.m.)
This morning in front of packed City Council chamber, with upset citizens spilling into the hallway, Councilman Ben Allen announced that he will now support an investigation of Mayor Frank …
TV Worth Watching…
Just saw an alert via gMail that TED Talks have been made available online -- if ever there was a good excuse to sit and watch video on your computer …
Monday, September 11
AG Investigating Allegations of Melton Crimes
Sources interviewed by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's office have confirmed that he is actively investigating the events of the evening of Saturday, Aug. 26, as well as previous allegations …
Magnolia Bar to Speak out Against Frank Melton Tuesday
Emergency Press Conference
WHY: The event is being called in response to growing concerns of members of the Jackson community about allegations of improper conduct and abuse of mayoral and law enforcement authority …
Saturday, September 9
Why Is This Man Smiling?
Detroit Lions assistant coach Joe Cullen won't be working when the Lions lose to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The team suspended Cullen for Game 1 after he was arrested …
Get Your NFL Grid On
The 2007 NFL season really starts Sunday (ignoring Thursday's Dolphins-Steelers appetizer). To get your mind right, check out these:
El Goodo Debuts
For some reason it always seems more fun when we find something wonderful in unexpected places. Out of the haze of the velvet morning comes the first band to ever …
BREAKING: Danks Quits as Melton Attorney
More details soon ...
Former Mayor Dale Danks filed a motion yesterday in district court to withdraw as Mayor Frank Melton's attorney in the lawsuit in which Allstate Insurance Company is suing Melton. The …
Friday, September 8
Southern Women Turning on Bush, Republicans
AP is reporting:
The current Republican Party is quickly losing group with us Belles; it's really too frickin' bad that the state Democratic Party is always the last one to know. Where's Pickering's …
City Council Divided on Melton Investigation
Update: Podcast of Ben Allen's 9/6/06 Press Conference is available here.
Thursday, September 7
Newest Addition to the MS' Best Awards activities will put the state on "pins and needles"
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that KARA SAUN from
And now we have come to the BIG announcement for this week. One of the first guests we contacted about the Mississippi's Best Awards has confirmed TODAY.
Upper Level Attorney Claims Melton Intoxicated on Job
Photo: Upper Level owner Sandra Moore Johnson, left, and her attorney Sharon Gipson speak to reporters outside the club Thursday.
Dances with Camgirls
I'm new to MySpace, so there are some things that take some getting used to.
Hill Paper: Melton Visit Forces Stronger Safety Rules
Read the JFP's Melton Blog and Archive Here
The Hill, a newspaper covering Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., reported Wednesday that Capitol police are tightening security requirement after Mayor Frank Melton showed up in Bennie Thompson's office wearing …
What Will It Take, Council?
The Jackson City Council shirked its duties—and certain council members betrayed their oath of office—Tuesday when a majority decided against investigating whether Mayor Frank Melton took the JPD Mobile Command …
Wednesday, September 6
[City Buzz] no. 50 September 6 - 13
'The Ben & Kenny Show'?
New York City-based Inner City Broadcasting recently acquired longtime talk-radio station WJNT (NewsTalk 1180), famed for broadcasting the one-sided swill of conservative hard-knockers.
JPS Scores Big On Test Scores
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Earl Watkins had big news to deliver to the crowd at Walton Elementary on Aug. 30: Public schools in Jackson are making big gains in state …
[Stiggers] You Don't Have To Take My Word For It
Readin' Rain-Bro: "Greetings, fellow readers. The producers of Readin' Rain-bro present a special program commemorating the people of the Gulf Coast as they continue to rebuild their lives after Hurricanes …
[Kamikaze] You Got This One Right
I have been a staunch supporter of Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler's "Buy Jackson" campaign. Based on the fact that I helped spearhead a movement to get folks to better …
no. 50 September 6 - 13
<b>Leave Them Shops Alone</b>
What if I said in an opinion in the Jackson Free Press that all black people were crooks, or all Islamic people were murderers? In his "Don't Feed the Natives" …
Cookbook Obsessions
I have a problem. I can't quit buying cookbooks. I have a bookshelf full of them, and still I buy more. I don't care that I can find thousands of …
[Drink] The Forces of Light and Darkness
Between my freshman and sophomore year of college, I lived in Harlem, owned a MetroCard, ran in Central Park everyday and found out quickly that I didn't need a fake …
Watching Ourselves
In "A Scanner Darkly," Richard Link-later gives an audacious cinematic adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1977 novel about corporate/government surveillance and a public led by their noses. Given the novel's …
Sex, Lies, and Ping Pong
Sometimes it's hard to write about video games. When there is good news to report on, it's likely too cryptic or too little to really write up until it's no …
[Music] Cead Mile Failte
Come rain or stifling Southern sunshine, this year's CelticFest will forge ahead with three days packed full of activities for the entire family. For those who can't handle potentially scorching …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College football, Hinds at Holmes (7 p.m., Goodman): The Eagles visit the Bulldogs in a tasty juco match up.
Jude Muse
"When you look good, you feel good. Being in style is being unique and having your own style," says Jude Muse, owner of Treehouse Boutique.
Tuesday, September 5
Melton May Face Felony Charges
ww.jacksonfreepress.com/images/site_images/v4issue51/3_demolition.jpg" align=right>by Adam Lynch
Read the original JFP story here that exposed the Ridgeway Street incident.
Dear John: What's In A Word?
jacksonfreepress.com/images/tdn_boxes.jpg" width="200" align="right">by Todd Stauffer
September 6, 2006 Pictured: After Polk's Discount Drugs on Spillway canceled their TDN contract, inviting local publications back to their store, The Clarion-Ledger removed its green multi-box and re-"cluttered" the …
Monday, September 4
Out Of Town Papers, Week 1
Week 1 is in the books the state's colleges (except Belhaven), so here's a non-Ledge roundup:
Biloxi Sun Herald: Cold-cocked
Friday, September 1
‘Some of It Will Scare You': Jackson's Crime Summit
Photo caption: Former Mayor Dale Danks addresses the Jackson Crime Summit while an unidentified 10-year-old boy looks on.
