Monday, April 30
Deadly Pet Food Filler Open Secret in China
It seems that all that "free trade"—and loss of American jobs and trading economic strength in our communities for sweat shops—is starting to come home to roost by killing our …
Mojave3 members form new band The Loose Salute
Fans of Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, The Mamas and the Papas, Wilco and Midlake tune in to debut album Tuned To Love. The Loose Salute came to life a couple …
Sunday, April 29
The Abstinence-Only Delusion
The New York Times is calling for Congress to either drop ill-fated abstinence-only education funding, or expand it to include safe-sex messages, which studies are showing do actually help lower …
Bush Administration Should Come Clean
In the wake of the George Tenet explosion in Washington, The New York Times editorial board today calls for answers—honest ones—from the people who took the U.S. into a bad …
Saturday, April 28
"Wake Up Jackson" Campaign
Go here and help us let our local government know that no one is above the law.
Where Will Willis Go In Draft?
The NFL will hold its 2007 draft on Saturday at high noon in New York (11 a.m. in Jacktown). ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the proceedings. Ole Miss …
Back-to-Back Titles For Blazers
Belhaven won its second consecutive GCAC baseball championship with a 4-0 victory over Spring Hill on Friday night. The Blazers will host the NAIA District 13 Tournament at Smith-Wills Stadium …
Friday, April 27
The Folks Are Coming
A JFP reader commented on our Web site Tuesday that it is a very different world in which citizens can watch live feeds of a trial on WAPT's Web site …
Thursday, April 26
Ellis Earns Honor
Golden State's Monta Ellis, an alumnus of Jackson's Lanier High, was named the NBA's Most Improved Player on Thursday.
Day 4: Not Guilty On All Counts
Mayor Frank Melton and his police bodyguards, Marcus Wright and Michael Recio, were found not guilty on all counts. When court was recessed, it exploded in applause, with members of …
Day 4: Partial Verdict Not Revealed
Reporting by Brian Johnson
According to Judge Webster, the jury has reached a unanimous decision on 10 of the 11 charges; there is one charge that they can't reach a verdict on. Webster, at …
Day 4: The Jury Question
Reporting by Brian Johnson
Around 5:30 p.m. the jury asked a question of Judge Webster: "How long do we have to deliberate if a unanimous decision has not been reached on all charges."
AG says Barbour's Veto 'Unconstitutional'
Gov. Haley Barbour cannot legally make a line-item veto on million of dollars in spending on at-risk youth programs, Attorney General Jim Hood said today. "Barbour's misguided and illegal attempt …
JFP to Discuss Melton Verdict on WLEZ Friday
Be sure to tune in at noon Friday to Radio JFP on WLEZ (103.7 FM) to hear Todd Stauffer, Brian Johnson and Donna Ladd discuss the Melton verdict and other …
Donna Ladd, Cedric Willis on ACLU Town Hall Panel Today
JFP Editor Donna Ladd will address issues about the media and crime today (Thursday, April 26) at 6 p.m. at an ACLU Town Hall Meeting at the Jackson Medical Mall. …
Day 4: Melton Trial Goes to Jury
Reporting by Brian Johnson
Today's proceedings in the trial of Mayor Frank Melton and police officers Marcus Wright and Michael Recio began at 8:30 a.m., with the judge and attorneys for both side discussing …
Not an Easy Subject
Her mother and three sisters died of breast cancer, yet Nancy Lewis of Canton refused for years to have a mammogram. "I really wouldn't want to know," said Lewis, when …
Day 4: Dr. Ellen Melton in Front Row
Photo: Dr. Ellen Melton leaves the courtroom after closing arguments today with city employee Stephanie Parker-Weaver (left). Melton, the wife of the mayor, lives in Texas. Photo by Jaro Vacek. …
Wednesday, April 25
"Umbrella Man" — Scott Albert Johnson
Scott Albert Johnson has been a fixture in the Jackson music scene since he decided to come back home a few years ago after living all over the U.S. The …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College baseball, Millsaps in SCAC Tournament (TBA, Georgetown, Texas, 1240 AM): The Majors roll into town riding a 10-game winning streak. CORRECTION: The Majors will begin tourney play on Friday …
[Greenstyle] Sympathetic Activism
Mary Jane Butters, owner of Mary Janes Farm Inc., recently visited Jackson to promote her line of organic bedding at Belk. Butters' company produces organic food, organic textiles, books, magazines, …
[Greenstyle] How to Clean Your Organic Sheets (or Anything Else)
Quick: Dump conventional laundry detergents and additives that contain synthetic petrochemicals that both pollute the environment and leave potentially harmful residues on your skin. Start here.
[Greenstyle] It's Only Natural
When the label says "natural," I assume it's better and safer than other products in the same category. But is it?
‘Major Extortion'?
Photos by Brian Johnson & Darren Schwindaman
Council members Marshand Crisler, Ben Allen and Margaret Barrett-Simon told the Jackson Free Press Monday that city Chief of Staff Marcus Ward threatened Jackson School Board member Jonathan Larkin's re-appointment …
Gas Ain't Forever
It's clear from the parking lots around the state capitol that the legislative session is a busy time for the building. During the session, those parking lots, empty for most …
Taking a Stand
Roberts Broadcasting Companies recently announced that it is adopting a new policy designed to prohibit language "that promotes and/or exploits any messages considered derogatory, sexually explicit or violent, effective immediately."
Friends in the Trenches
An appellate panel denied breach-of-contract claims by retired Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent Robert Pierce against The Clarion-Ledger last week.
Tearin' Up Virden: The Melton Trial
It began while they were watching the newest version of "Walking Tall" starring the Rock, witness Lawrence Cooper Jr. said during the first day of testimony in the felony trial …
[Mott] What Would Jesus Drive?
My sister Lisa accused me of being a communist. She was kidding, I hope. Lisa is a die-hard Republican by her own admission; I'm fairly certain that she prays for …
[Stiggers] Imus Be Dreaming
Readin' Rain-Bro: "Will bicycles become the transportation alternative for the financially challenged individual who cannot afford to pay $3 for a gallon of gas? I might not have the answer …
Day 3: Prosecution Rests; Final Arguments Thursday
Reporting by Brian Johnson
The prosecution decided not to bring a rebuttal witness, instead electing to submit another police report instead. (Details of police report to come.) The prosecution rested. The judge announced that …
[Collier] Connect the Dots
The folks at WJTV must have been particularly bored April 16. In what was presumably an attempt to localize the Virginia Tech tragedy, WJTV reported live from the Jackson State …
Day 3: Stokes Testifies; Defense Rests
Reporting by Brian Johnson
The defense elected to call only one more witness this afternoon—Councilman Kenneth Stokes. Under direct questioning by Melton attorney Dale Danks, Stokes said he had lodged complaints about drugs in …
Red And Ready To Rumble: The JFP Interview With Charlie Ross
Photos by Roy Adkins
Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, is confident this year. The 50-year-old senator is running for lieutenant governor against State Auditor Phil Bryant in the primaries, and possibly against Democratic Rep. Jamie …
Toni Cooley
Toni Cooley was born in Chicopee, Mass., but was raised as an Air Force brat in Massachusetts, North Dakota, New Jersey, Mississippi and New Jersey again.
Day 3: Police Officers Testify
Two police officers testified for the defense this morning. First was Sharon Gray, a 27 year veteran of the force who has spent the last five years as a records …
Day 3: Jury May Have Case by Noon Today
<i>Watch for updates.</i>
Word from the courthouse is that the judge may send the case to the jury by noon today. So far, defense attorneys have put no witnesses in front of the …
Day 3: Defense Down to 2 Witnesses, If That
Reporting by Brian Johnson
After examining their witness list, based on the judge's limitations on discussion of past drug activity on Ridgeway Street, defense attorneys' acceptable list of witnesses has dropped to only two …
Day 3: No to ‘Confidential Informant'; Only Pot Found
Reporting by Brian Johnson
This morning, without the jury present, attorneys for the Melton defense team called a "confidential informant," who used the name Russell Smith (not his real name). Under direct examination, he …
Day 3: Judge Limits Defense Options
<i>More details to come.</i>
As attorneys for Mayor Frank Melton prepared to mount their defense today, prosecutors protested to the judge that the defense had not provided adequate discovery on some of its witnesses. …
Tuesday, April 24
Day 2: Prosecution Rests
The prosecution in the felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton and police detectives Michael Recio and Marcus Wright rested late Tuesday afternoon, after a multitude of witnesses described how the …
Day 2: Many Objections, Eye Witnesses at Melton Trial
After Senior Assistant District Attorney Stanley Alexander finished redirect of Lawrence Cooper Jr. in the felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton Tuesday morning, Judge Joe Webster called a brief recess. …
Day 2: ‘No Drugs to Flush,' Witness Says
Lawrence Cooper Jr., who was the first witness for the prosecution in Mayor Frank Melton's felony trial, said the incident began when he heard people outside the duplex say, "The …
Day 2: Welch Watching ‘Walking Tall' Before Attack
In the opening statements and first testimony in the Mississippi v. Melton et al. trial, prosecutor Stanley Alexander came out of the gate with a focus on the events of …
Day 1: JFP Blogs Figure Prominently in Voir Dire
On Monday, defense attorney Merrida Coxwell Jr. conducted voir dire for Melton. In his second question, he asked if any potential juror read or made comments on media blogs, specifically …
Monday, April 23
Journalist David Halberstam Killed in Car Wreck
This is tragic, tragic news. May this amazing journalist and writer rest in peace.
UPDATED: Council, JPS Report Mayoral Threats
This is an updated version of this story that broke Monday on the JFP Web site.
Day 1: Melton Jury Selected; Opening Statements Begin Tuesday
This story was substantially updated at 8:30 p.m. For further updates, see the comments below or scroll down in the story.
Open Thread for Melton Trial Here
Have at it.
Meantime, read the JFP's Melton blog/archive here. And read the Sept. 1, 2006, story by Adam Lynch that revealed the Ridgeway Street demolition and led to the trial this week. …
The Food Stamp Diet
For Hunger Awareness Week in Oregon, Gov. Ted Kulongowski will spend the week seeing what it is like to live off the food budget of a food stamp recipient to …
Sunday, April 22
Clapping from the Grave
This is a complicated crisis, but what baffles me is that the local corporate media make so little of this. They hardly mention it, and they never suggest that Gov. …
Saturday, April 21
Could You Go Without Your Car for a Month?
My weekly sprint to WLEZ to do the radio show would need to be better planned.
Over at the Louisville Eccentric Observer, an alt-weekly in Kentucky, staff writer Stephen George is blogging about his attempts to go a month without his car in Louisville, relying on …
Updated: Jackson Wildcats: An Endangered Species
The Jackson Wildcats were supposed to play their first home game in team history on Friday night. It was canceled because the Mississippi Coliseum evicted the team. Whether they ever …
Friday, April 20
Wine Drinkers Unite
This Saturday evening will provide the connoisseur and novice alike the opportunity to strut their wine legs—both the ones that slide down the sides of the glass, giving some indication …
Radio JFP 4.20.07 Podcast
On the "Radio JFP on WLEZ" program today was Dr. James Bowley, associate professor of religious studies at Millsaps College. Tomorrow at 9:00a.m. Millsaps has a seminar entitled "The Psychology …
Thursday, April 19
Supes Advisor Sued over Swap
On April 11, Roderick Mullice of Liberty Partners sued Hinds County Board of Supervisors adviser and Malachi Group CEO Porter Bingham for contempt in Fulton County, Ga. Mullice sued Bingham …
BREAKING: Supreme Court Calls for Danks Hearing
The Mississippi Supreme Court issued an order (PDF, 48 KB) dated April 16 remanding Judge Tomie Green's call for sanctions against former Mayor Dale Danks to Hinds County Circuit Court.
The ALLHIPHOP.com 100: A hiphop tutorial for the uninformed
From allhiphop.com folks, a little food for thought. please read and go find these songs!
We at AllHipHop.com surely do not condone the at times lewd, sexist and even racist verbiage rap artists sometimes use to express themselves artistically. At the same time, WE WILL …
ARTICLE: The VTI Tragedy: Distinguishing Mental Illness from Violence
According to NAMI Medical Director Dr. Ken Duckworth, having a mental illness does not automatically make you a violent person. Read the release from NAMI below.
Wednesday, April 18
More Ledger Illiteracy
OK, folks, check out The Clarion-Ledger's editorial about Melton today—for the way it is written. Here are some money quotes:
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro baseball, Mississippi at West Tenn (7 p.m., Jackson, Tenn., 930 AM): The M-Braves continue their series in Lesser Jackson.
[Green Day] Saving the Planet the Easy Way
"The American public has always been slow about accepting challenges and making change, even if they're told negative things will happen otherwise," Bob Kochtitzky says. "So what I decided to …
[Green Day] Save The Earth, Save Yourself
Spring always forces me to appreciate the Earth. Today, cumulus clouds sprinkle a sea-blue sky. The Dogwood trees are showing off their white flowers and exposing the greenest of leaves. …
[Green Day] Turning Green From Fear
I have one recurring nightmare that makes the film "Soylent Green" look like a kid's show: I'm in a nursing home, and the care-givers hate me. They torture me with …
A Drunken Rampage?
A decision by Judge Joe Webster to exclude Aug. 26 events from the Upper Level may keep out intriguing testimony described in a prosecution motion filed April 12, though Webster …
[Green Day] Start With The Home
Some of the homes in Jackson have seen better days. An unoccupied home near Farish Street may have portions of its roof rotted away and the front eave hanging down. …
[Music] The Piano Man Plays Guitar
When you think of George Winston, you probably think of his career as a solo pianist and the countless albums he's released over a 25-year period with the Windham Hill …
[Music] The Mystery of Robert Johnson's Legacy
Robert Johnson, known far and wide as The King of the Blues, remains the most enigmatic character in the history of the blues. Born in Hazlehurst, Miss., to a plantation …
Comics, Black And White
The history of comic books in America is proof that you can't kill an art form. When Dr. Fredric Wertham's "Seduction of the Innocents" came out in 1958, on the …
Judge Denies Melton Defense Motions
Friday the 13th was a dark day for Mayor Frank Melton and his two police bodyguards Michael Recio and Marcus Wright. This was their first real day in court regarding …
Webster: No Patience For ‘Fluff'
Retired Coahoma County Judge Joe Webster, who is presiding over Mayor Frank Melton's trial next week, is a personality with little patience for "dilly-dally," say lawyers who have worked with …
Timeline
Aug. 26: Melton and his entourage, including at least one minor, destroy a home on Ridgeway Street with sledgehammers, according to witness accounts.
The Big Lie
The felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton and police detectives Michael Recio and Marcus Wright begins Monday. Although we cannot yet know what defense their lawyers will mount, it seems …
Frank's Boy
At the center of the maelstrom around Mayor Frank Melton's actions the night of Aug. 26, 2006, sits a young man named Michael Taylor. Because Tayloralready accused of a felony …
Expanding Code Enforcement
Planning and development consultant Leland Speed said he wants to expand the skeleton crew of the city's code enforcement division by about seven officers. "My idea is for neighborhood associations …
No More Decree
The Jackson Police and Fire departments are no longer bound by a 1974 consent decree in the promotion and hiring of employees. Last week, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate determined …
[Gregory] Sweet Bird Of Nokia
My office downtown is close to Smith Park. Often, during my 15 minutes of government-mandated break time in the afternoon, I walk to the park and sit on a bench …
BREAKING: Lawn Crew Owner Arrested Again
A spokesman for the Hinds County Sheriff's Department confirmed that Frederica Brunson, 23, also known as Jermaine Butler, was arrested today for possession of a stolen automobile and contempt of …
[Stiggers] When Life Gives You Lemons
Pookie Peterz: "Welcome to the Ghetto Science Economic Summit for Unemployed Folk Forced into Entrepreneurship. Tonight, Rudy McBride of the Let Me Hold Five Dollars National Bank presents the Residual …
[Tucker] The Bigger Question
By now, everybody has heard about syndicated-radio personality Don Imus and his comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team. While almost everyone acknowledges that Imus' comments—calling the members of …
Louie Miller
Mississippi Sierra Club Director Louie Miller, 50, is nothing if not a pit fighter. He might smile for his pictures, but don't be fooled. Miller can be foul-mouthed and irascible, …
Cotton District Arts Festival Saturday
Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Starkville, Miss.
• 9 a.m. -- 5K Race Results & Awards• 9:20 to 10:05 a.m. -- Jeff Cummings• 10:20 to 11 a.m. -- Starkville Jazz Alliance• 11:10 to 11:50 a.m. -- Chase …
Tuesday, April 17
Clarion-Ledger Makes Absurd Error About ‘Drunk' Motion
In their belated story today about the motion filed accusing Melton being drunk the night of the Ridgeway rampage—which we reported about Friday—The Clarion-Ledger states that the motion "became public" …
Supes Approve Garage's ‘Design Phase'
On Monday, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize the design development phase of a $12.97 million parking garage proposed by Supervisor Doug Anderson and designed by his …
'Daily Show' Viewers More Informed than Fox, Local Viewers
Interesting piece in the New York Times (thanks, Kate!), notes that the most informed news consumers also have the highest tendency to watch fake news shows.
Monday, April 16
BREAKING: Mayor Cancels Confirmation, Outrages Council
Several members of City Council were outraged today that Mayor Frank Melton abruptly cancelled the confirmation hearing of Charles Melvin, who is Melton's choice to head up the Parks and …
Sunday, April 15
Jackpedia Discussion
Y'all...I just finished a few hours of messing around with Jackpedia and wanted to use it as a launching point for criticism, discussion, suggestions, etc. Here' the page I just …
Evangelicals Against Global Warming and Torture
"Good theology can drive out bad theology. Good theology can lead to solutions."
Right now, I'm listening to an amazing interview with National Association of Evangelicals Vice President Richard Cizik on "Speaking of Faith" about why his views on the issue of climate …
Friday, April 13
Anderson Letter Implies Foundation Purge
Jackson Police Chief Shirlene Anderson wants to give the boot to all sitting members of the Jackson Police Foundation, something that foundation members say she does not have the authority …
The $176 Million Dollar Hymen
"WASHINGTON - Students who participated in sexual abstinence programs were just as likely to have sex a few years later as those who did not, according to a long-awaited study …
Judge Denies Melton Defense Motions
At a hearing this morning on numerous pre-trial motions in the felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton and JPD officers Michael Recio and Marcus Wright, Judge Joe Webster ruled against …
Thursday, April 12
Motion Sickness
Attorneys for the defense filed yet more motions in the upcoming felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton and detectives Michael Recio and Marcus Wright.
JFP Editor Subpoenaed
Jackson Free Press Managing Editor Brian Johnson was subpoenaed (PDF, 192 KB) by former Mayor Dale Danks, who is an attorney for Mayor Frank Melton, to appear at an April …
Dignity-Rutgers Team on Oprah Today
Of course I have more to say, but in my busy chick world, for now I only have to say it's time. It's time to use that repressed energy to …
Wednesday, April 11
[Grayson] No Longer a Supporter
I must admit, I was a devout Melton supporter. Initially, I was drawn in by Mayor Frank Melton's ideas for this city and its inner-city youth. He mesmerized me. Every …
Christopher Walker Charged Again
Christopher "Smiley" Walker, once Mayor Frank Melton's star witness against Albert "Batman" Donelson, pleaded not guilty to possession of contraband in prison Monday, and will stay with his mother Lolethia …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro baseball, Carolina at Mississippi (7 p.m., Pearl, 930 AM): The M-Braves hope to gig the Mudcats at Trustmark Park.
Flashes Of Brilliance
Jackson's newest professional team—the Jackson Wildcats of the United States Basketball League—tips off its first season Friday, April 13, in Gary, Ind. The first home game is scheduled for April …
BREAKING: Danks Subpoenas Peterson
Former Mayor Dale Danks, who is an attorney for Mayor Frank Melton, filed a subpoena today ordering District Attorney Faye Peterson to appear before Judge Joe Webster at 9:30 a.m. …
You Did What to the Hen?
Through all the springs of my youth there was a common strain: grilling, cooking out, barbecuing. Whatever your jargon, cooking with fire evokes the coming of the vernal equinox. I …
Pour For Flavor
I'm thrilled to see the many great beers that are becoming available in Mississippi. Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat, for example, is spring in a bottle. I will warn you, though, that …
Make that a Biggie
If you're anything like me, during the week I just can't get it together long enough to cook a healthy meal or eat at a real restaurant. It's easy to …
Bananas and Peanuts
Buff, good-looking Rus Blackwell lay on the floor like an overturned bug, feet flailing in the air. Wild-eyed, Turner Crumbley was on his knees staring intently at Blackwell's crotch. "Push, …
[Music] Southern Hip-Hop
A few years back, some friends and I were at the counter ordering subs at the Lynch Street Subway. The joke of the day was that I somehow didn't like …
[Music] Get Your Booty Shaking
I do so love a good, authentic funk band, and nothing gets my booty shaking faster than the sound of a sloppy New Orleans drumbeat and a Hammond B3 organ. …
[Music] Hell Hath No Fury
In 1993, the Virginia brothers Malice (born Gene Thornton) and Pusha-T (born Terrence Thornton) met super producer Pharrell Williams, and The Clipse was born. The rest, you could say, is …
Jackson's Eleven: The JFP's Young Influentials of 2007
On the following pages, you'll find profiles of the JFP'S 2007 11 Young Influentials. These outstanding individuals are 40 and younger, and each has significant impact on the people around …
Lost in Translation
"He is like a prodigal son, pondering whether he should return to his native soil." So wrote now-freelance Clarion-Ledger columnist Eric Stringfellow this week in a hand-wringing column about the …
Mississippi Defenseless in Federal Suit
Three-year-old Olivia Y. weighed only 22 pounds—less than half what she should have weighed—when the Mississippi courts took her from her abusive mother and turned her over to the foster-care …
Enforce the Ordinance
A community rights organization is accusing the city of ignoring a city ordinance approved last year. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, known as ACORN, devised and lobbied …
That Damned Docket
City Council members questioned the city's payments to contractors and temp agencies—called the "claims docket"—yet again at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
[Stiggers] Sick as a Doggie
Cootie McBride: "Greetings! I'm here to represent the members of the Ghetto Science Team's Pet Owners Consortium. My clients and I have filed a class action suit against companies who …
[Kamikaze] Over My Dead Body
Wrap your brain around this one for a moment: America doesn't really know how it feels about a black man and a woman running for president.
Anna Lee Dillon
Anna Lee Dillon, 25, knows that perseverance is key to making a change. When her father, Sherman Lee Dillon, founded Jackson's Earth Day festival 15 years ago, it was a …
New White Stripes Drops 6/19
The White Stripes announce their sixth album, Icky Thump, will be released on Third Man/Warner Bros. Records on June 19th, 2007. Icky Thump was recorded over three weeks in Nashville's …
Melton Lawyers Attack
Prosecutors and defense lawyers filed motions (PDF, 196 KB) at an accelerating pace as Mayor Frank Melton's felony trial approached.
Tuesday, April 10
Hear Podcasts of JFP on WLEZ
Radio JFP, which airs every Friday at noon on WLEZ, 103.7 FM, is now being podcast on WLEZ's Web site. Click here to listen to last week's show, with discussions …
Monday, April 9
Alert the Media: Richard Barrett Digs Seale
The Clarion-Ledger continues to puzzle on their James Ford Seale coverage since they figured out that he was still alive. Yesterday, they ran a big story giving publicity to folks …
BREAKING: Council Denies Chandler Confirmation
City Council voted 2-3-1 to reject Todd Chandler as chief of the Jackson Fire Department Monday afternoon at the conclusion of a contentious confirmation hearing. Chandler served more than 21 …
Saturday, April 7
Friday, April 6
Alert: Lawsuit Abuse! Lawsuit Abuse!
I hear stories like this one and I get furious at the people who refuse to understand that the most important use of lawsuits is to financially deter crap like …
Thursday, April 5
Wonkette Disses Mississippi's ‘Racist' Easter Egg
So, why is our Easter Egg racist you might ask? Well, head over to the JFP's StateDesk site for the rest of the story (and talk about it over there …
Men Who Hate Women on the Web
Joan Walsh of Salon has a fascinating story about how women are often treated online, using the ugly attacks on Kathy Sierra as an example. She writes:
Wednesday, April 4
Personal Expression
She's a hometown girl who moved away for a change of scenery, but is always excited to come home. Besides seeing her family and friends and eating at Kyoto (one …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro baseball, Mississippi at Huntsville (7 p.m., Huntsville, Ala., 930 AM): The M-Braves open the season in the wilds of Alabama. … College baseball, Mississippi Valley State at Belhaven (6 …
The All-New All-Stars
The third edition of the Mississippi Braves features a roster full of top prospects and a new manager. The Class AA M-Braves open the season on Thursday at Huntsville (7 …
[Music] Sixty Years Of The Blues
L.C. Ulmer is on a tear. The 78-year-old blues guitarist and vocalist—who up until a year and a half ago was not known outside his hometown of Ellisville, Miss.—is now …
[Chickdom] Exactly Where We Ought to Be
Life had become overwhelming. I truly believed the children had fed my cleverness to the cat, which explained why the cat puked on my Swiffer every day for a solid …
Strong To The Finish ‘Cause I Eat Me Spinach
Spring is finally here, and it has gradually gotten warmer. In addition to causing my allergies to flare up and adding to my desire not to go to work, Spring's …
Is It Safe, Yet?
The 2006 bagged spinach E. coli outbreak ended Oct. 6, 2006. The Food and Drug Administrationtraced all infections to fields owned by Natural Selection Foods in California, but they don'tknow …
Polishing Southern Tarnish
Well, I declare. Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays must have my double-first-name aunts on speed dial for their second offering...
Ice, Bugs, And Guns. Perfect.
"Lost Planet," despite being a modern, high-tech title, brings me back to the days of gaming long past, when top-of-the-line graphics were 8-bit, when you could spot a hardcore gamer …
Jesus Rode A Donkey: THE JFP Interview With John Arthur Eaves
Photos by Roy Adkins
Attorney John Arthur Eaves, 40, is the polar opposite of his Republican opponent, Gov. Haley Barbour. Barbour is a faithful follower of smaller-government philosophy, isn't afraid to boot Mississippians off …
End of the Legislative Road
The Mississippi State Legislature passed full funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program this year, reformed the embattled State Board of Health, but shot down an attempt to raise cigarette …
Death of a Partnership
The Legislature passed SB 2764, reorganizing the State Board of Health following Clarion-Ledger reports of broad failures and relentless attacks upon board Director Dr. Brian Amy by Sen. Alan Nunnelee. …
After the Storm
Reacting to skyrocketing post-Katrina insurance costs on the coast, the Legislature passed HB 1500, which bolsters the state's Wind Pool Insurance Association by $20 million. The money is collected from …
Chump Change for Chimneyville
Though legislators refused to pass a bill providing $2 million in desperately needed funding to Jackson for law enforcement and street repair, they did produce legislation to help cities like …
Healthy Kids, Healthy Codgers
The Capitol legislated a healthier lifestyle for public school students, creating SB 2369, which demands schools offer at least 150 minutes of physical education for students each week, along with …
Strip (Miners) and Sex (Fiends)
The final round of appropriations bills shot through joint committees March 30, though Rep. Jamie Franks, D-Mooreville, temporarily held some appropriations bills. Franks said he got nervous over an appropriation …
Protesting the Protesters
Business owner and conservative pundit Alan Lange pled with the city this week to do something about anti-abortion protesters trespassing on his property. The protesters, who camp out daily at …
Stokes: A Bought Man?
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton assured council members Monday that Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes would support placing Leland Speed in an unpaid consultant position with the Jackson Redevelopment Authority despite …
Cheap Smokes, Empty Bellies
Legislative failures this year included the death of HB 247, which would have raised the tax on cigarettes and reduced the sales tax on Groceries. That bill died after Barbour …
Demolition Down on Farish
Photos by Adam Lynch
Mayor Frank Melton announced that he intends to demolish more than 30 dilapidated homes on Farish Street, near the Church Street junction. "I'm taking them all down, and we're billing …
The Never-ending Docket Debacle
City Council voted down the city's claims and payroll dockets, which list city payments to companies and individuals, on a 2-3-1 vote Monday, though the council later voted again and …
[Gregory] Dreamin' Ain't Doin'
For the past six months, I've been working in Hattiesburg, mainly because the job offer included enough money to allow me to embroider gold dollar signs on my socks right …
[Stiggers] God is Frowning
Boneqweesha Jones: "Your favorite on-the-scene reporter is back for a special edition of 'Ghetto Dateline: Health Crisis in the 'Hood.' With me—live on location at Grandma Pookie's back porch via …
Ann Hendrick
Ann Hendrick, 46, remembers the "time of chaos" when Mississippi schools belatedly integrated.
Argue for Your Limitations
A few weeks ago, I told a friend of mine that I spend about an hour every morning writing in my journal. I began this practice last year when reading …
Peterson Demands Equal Justice
This story will appear in the April 4 print edition of the Jackson Free Press.
Tuesday, April 3
IRS Points Out Overlooked Benefits
[Verbatim Release] MISSISSIPPI — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to take a moment before they file their income tax returns to be sure they do not overlook several …
It Never Stops
April 3, 2007 We're on deadline, but I have to make a couple quick comments on Clarion-Ledger stories today. The first, on Melton's plan to increase the pace of demolitions, …
M-Braves To Hold Open House
Mississippi Braves fans can watch the team go through a workout during a team open house on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Trustmark Park in Pearl. Admission is free and …
Monday, April 2
City Faces $4.3 Million Shortfall
Department of Administration Director Rick Hill reported to City Council today that the city is facing a $4.3 million budget shortfall.
Jackpedia ‘Beta' Appears
http://www.jackpedia.com/
OK, y'all, I've been working for a little while on a new wiki site that's both been promised to area arts organizations and that, I hope, can grow one day …
CAUTION: More Pet Food Recalled
Del Monte is now on the list of recalled pet food. The long list now includes Pounce Cat Treats, Meaty Morsels and Jerky Dog Treats.
