Wednesday, January 31
Coming Out
Telling people that I'm gay isn't a big deal for me anymore. I mention it when it's relevant, and if someone's shocked or offended, the most I usually tell him …
Ruben Rodriguez-Santos
Ruben Rodriguez-Santos, 31, lives for family. He beams when talking about his 3-year-old son, Ruben Alexander. Hopping up from the booth near the front door, which allows a constant stream …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Women's college basketball, Arkansas at Mississippi State (8 p.m., Starkville, FSN South): The Lady Bulldogs have been giant-killers lately.
The Recruiting Racket
The mania of college football recruiting in the South is peculiar. Like fantasy football, recruiting is an outgrowth from the game that somehow manages occasionally to supersede it. If you're …
[Music] Beautiful Boy Genius
Sean Lennon's new record, "Friendly Fire" (Capitol Records), is so magnificent that it makes The Beatles' "Abbey Road" sound like a Herman's Hermits' record. OK, maybe not. But the truth …
[Music] The New Sound of Red Hill City
Many bands decide what they will sound like and stick to that formula, developing a recognizable style. Deviation from the original sound often results in a band split or name …
History as Art
The exterior of the spacious, charming house that sits directly across the street from a Jackson middle school is black. Inside James Luckett Powell's house, which was built in 1923, …
Yearning for Home
When I was a child, we spent summers in the Catskill Mountains, where my mother ran a beauty shop. My father would drive up from Manhattan to join us on …
The Search For The Elusive Wonton
Photo Jaro Vacek
I was a child when first introduced to wonton soup. During regular visits to the local Chinese buffet, I feasted only on the life-giving wonton soup and the occasional egg …
Just the (Correct) Facts, Ma'am, on James Ford Seale Case
It's been interesting to watch the national media coverage of the arrest of James Ford Seale for the kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping of Henry Dee and Charles Moore …
[Hutchinson] Justice Demands More
The headline in many news accounts screamed "1964 killings finally solved." The headline referred to the indictment of suspected Klansman James Ford Seale on federal kidnapping charges in the murder …
[Stiggers] Shafted by the Shift?
Grandpa Pookie: "Greetings, members of the Illumi-Nappy-Headed, Sausage Sandwich Sisters Electric Slide for World Peace and Rent Money, Stop the Ham Hocks and Decrease the Pork Grease Coalition, Women in …
[City Buzz] no. 13 January 31 - February 7
The Mississippi AFL-CIO held a press conference on Monday, demanding the Senate pass two worker-friendly bills sent to them from the House.
Supes Debate Jails, Two Lakes
On Monday, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors held a contentious special meeting, discussing jail expansion, use of empty space at the Henley-Young Youth Detention Center, and the LeFleur Lakes …
Legislative Roundup—Week 4: Smokin'
House Committees churned away this week, trying to make the Jan. 30 session deadline on bill submissions. HB 202 creates a criminal offense for attempted murder—something the state has never …
Senate Race Heats Up In Hinds
Belhaven Democrat David Blount threw his hat into the race for the Hinds County District 29 Senate seat last Wednesday. Blount told the JFP that he wants to present a …
Council Protests Melton Picks
Council members bickered Monday afternoon over Mayor Frank Melton's decision to appoint Chief Administrative Officer Robert Walker and City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans to run the city while he recovers from …
James Ford Seale: A Trail of Documents Tells the Story
James Ford Seale was walking tall and chewing on a cigar as he appeared before a subcommittee of the Committee on Un-American Activities on Jan. 14, 1966, at 11:35 a.m. …
The Forgotten Case of Dee and Moore: A Media Timeline
Some Jim Crow-era murders have drawn much more attention than others. At the top end of the scale was the high-profile case of the Klan murders of James Chaney, Andrew …
Ballad of Charlie Moore and Henry Dee
We found Marla Moore's freshly penned lyrics in honor of Charles Moore and Henry Dee on her "Punk Rasta" myspace page this week and asked to publish them. The JFP …
Remembering the Slain
See full JFP Dee-Moore archive here.
Due to the similar nature (M.O.) of the crime that Seale and his cronies are accused of committing (picking up young black men, torturing and killing them), my brother met …
DISH with Ben Allen
Before the holidays, Council President Ben Allen set out a number of goals he said City Council would pursue in January, with the hope of making substantial progress by February. …
Tuesday, January 30
Council Protests Melton Picks
Council members bickered Monday afternoon over Mayor Frank Melton's decision to appoint Chief Administrative Officer Robert Walker and City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans to run the city while he recovers from …
Mississippi Senate to Vote on Abortion Ban
I've just received word that the Mississippi Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare has approved SB 2795, an outright ban on abortion. The bill will most likely go before …
Monday, January 29
Saturday, January 27
Dirty Tricks Against Obama ... Already
Per Joe Conason over at Salon, the right-wing machine is pulling some old dirty tricks out of its archive:
McGowan Against Eminent-Domain Limits
LeFleur Lakes developer John McGowan is coming out swinging against the limits to eminent domain to benefit private developers that is now before the Legislature. Head over to StateDesk for …
Friday, January 26
Music Issue Survey
The big music issue is coming up, and you can decide who we feature. Go vote: http://jacksonfreepress.com/music/survey.php
Why Does Dee-Moore Have to Be the ‘Last' Case?
It's odd how so much of the media want to quickly proclaim the Dee-Moore case the "last" of the "cold cases" from the 1960s likely to be prosecuted. I'm hearing …
Thursday, January 25
We're Sorry for the Murders of Dee and Moore
See full JFP Dee-Moore archive here.
When Thomas Moore came back to Mississippi in July 2005 looking for justice for the 1964 murders of his brother, Charles, and his friend, Henry Dee, he didn't know if …
Wednesday, January 24
Excuses, Excuses
When it comes to exercise, or avoiding it, some of us have creative, if lame, excuses—my cat will miss me, for example. For the most part, though, our excuses aren't …
Supervisors' Clash Continues
On Jan. 3, Hinds County Board of Supervisors Vice President Peggy Hobson Calhoun arrived at a meeting between county supervisors and executives of Central Parking Corp. over a proposed $14 …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Men's college basketball, Spring Hill at Belhaven (7:30 p.m., 930 AM): The Blazers try to claw their way up to the middle of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference standings.
The Bitter End
Advance apologies for the personal bitterness, which does not seem to be the general sentiment immediately following the New Orleans Saints' 39-14 loss at Chicago in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, …
[Music] Street Folk
Infinite is a street-conscious lyricist with southern beats. Laurel Isbister is an acoustic guitar player and singer with a background in Eastern European music. These seem like different worlds, but …
Fear And Pity
Photos by Nientara Anderson
What would happen if you took the camera in a typical crime movie and refocused it on the faceless mobster in the back? The brutish thug who's in and out …
Legislative Update–Week 3: "The Fattest"
The House passed several bills last week, some more contentious than others. House Bill 555 extends the existence of the embattled Mississippi State Board of Health, though Rep. Steve Holland, …
[City Buzz] no. 17 January 24 - 31
Convention Center Commissioners picked two construction companies to begin building the Convention Center, seven months after the groundbreaking. The construction contract, worth more than $52 million, will go to two …
JSU Employee Alleges Harassment
Office Manager Kushuantia L. Jones is suing Jackson State University and JSU Communications Director Anthony Dean for sexual harassment. In her circuit court filing (PDF, 575 MB), Jones claims that …
[Collier] When the Flavor Just Ain't Right
"You know, it's not the world that was my oppressor, because what the world does to you, if the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you …
John Hardy
The University Club is a hive of hospitality and networking. Jackson native John Hardy, 50, manages the 32-year-old establishment, which fills the entire 22nd floor of the posh AmSouth Building. …
[Stiggers] Aunt Tee Tee's Superhighway
Momma Church Hat: "You're watching 'Dateline TV: Ghetto Science Team Neighborhood Watch Edition.' I'm reporting live from the front porch of Aunt Tee Tee Hustle. For two weeks, neighbors and …
[Kamikaze] Don't Be A Hater
I've had a pretty prosperous 2007 so far—getting called an "idiot" by a right-wing fanatic while co-hosting the Kim Wade Show; blogging back and forth with a few independent thinkers …
Working Man
The JFP Interview With Jamie Franks
Rep. Jamie Franks, D-Mooreville, does not have the most expressive mug in the world. Somebody in his life taught this guy that looking you directly in the face is the …
AG Jim Hood Celebrates State Farm Settlement
Attorney General Jim Hood said Tuesay that his office has reached a class-action settlement with State Farm in the Katrina lawsuit. Policy holders and Hood claim the insurance company wrongfully …
Outrageous story from Former Pres. Jimmy Carter's Hometown
Sagging may be the norm in the world of rap, but the trend may see an early end if some residents of a small southwest Georgia town have their way.
State Tax Slip-ups
I filed my 2005 income taxes for Mississippi last April, expecting a couple of hundred dollars back. Then I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, I call the State Tax …
Mississippi Lawmakers At It Again
On Monday, I blogged for choice (just like I did last year) as President Bush gave a speech declaring the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade to be "Sanctity of …
Tuesday, January 23
Bush Doesn't Mention Katrina Recovery
AP is reporting tonight that Bush did not mention Katrina recovery a single time in his "State of the Union" address. Maybe he just forgot. AP:
Having It All; You're Doing It Wrong
I'm watching Oprah; the Princess is having a lemon tea and watching with me. Oprah asks her audience, "Can you have it all?" Can you have a career and a …
Mississippi Fat Possum label to Drop *NEW!* Dinosaur Jr 5/1
It's the reunion we all thought we'd never see. When J Mascis and Lou Barlow parted ways in 1989 following three hugely acclaimed and enormously influential albums it was generally …
Bush to Go Domestic in ‘State of the Union'
President Bush must give a difficult "State of the Union" tonight to a nation that has turned against his policies. Please join us here at the JFP to blog it …
Monday, January 22
Melton to Undergo Bypass Heart Surgery
Photo caption: Mayor Frank Melton and Dr. Robert Smith announcing that Melton will undergo heart surgery.
"Best Of" Party Was Faaaaaantastic!!!
My love and blessings go out to everyone who came out last night to the "Best Of" Party at Voodoo. It surpassed even my expectations. I was impressed with the …
Sunday, January 21
My Endorsement for 2008
To explain what's right about this candidate, let's look at what's wrong with Bush.
Well, Russ Feingold has dropped out of the race, and that leaves exactly one viable candidate for 2008 whom I can wholeheartedly support.
Saturday, January 20
Melanie Gabriel and Her Father
This is astonishingly good. Peter Gabriel has had some great backing vocalists in his time--the best, I think, was probably Paula Cole--but none sounds more like him than his daughter, …
Herman's Picks
The indie rock show of the fortnight comes by way of Philly, PA. on Tuesday, January 23 with Zelazowa at W.C. Don's. They take that crunchy, high energy ROCK 93.9 …
Friday, January 19
No Love for Twinkies
I remember a running conversation a few years back about the half-life of Twinkies and Snow Balls—those gooey, sticky-sweet confections that make your back teeth hurt. Some folks felt that …
Have A Good Day
For the past month and a half I've transported one of my foster children to her old school every morning. She originally resided with her family in one part of …
Learning More Online
It only takes a few years to start reminiscing about college, to begin wishing you'd done so much more. Only two years out, I'm already regretting all of the classes …
Monticello Mayor Speaks Out Against ‘Two Lake'
In response to The Clarion-Ledger's huge package of stories last weekend overwhelmingly in favor of the LeFleur Lakes development plan (including an odd pro-pro pair of columns), Monticello Mayor Dave …
Thursday, January 18
Touted Melton Attorney Wins Death-Row Case
Houston attorney Craig Washington, whom Frank Melton had said will defend him in his upcoming trial for destroying a Ridgeway Street duplex, has won in his effort back in Texas …
Attorney Chokwe Lumumba Re-instated
The Associated Press is reporting that the Mississippi Supreme Court has voted 8-1 to re-instate controversial attorney Chokwe Lumumba. Here's a JFP news story with relevant context, and an opinion …
Dems, Evangelicals Join Forces Against Global Warming
The new Democratic Congress is joining with the growing anti-global-warming evangelical movement to try to curb the dangers of global warming. Fortunately, denial is no longer the main strategy in …
‘This Film Is Not Yet Rated' TONIGHT at Hal & Mal's
Head over to Hal & Mal's Red Room for the Crossroads Film Society presentation of "This Film is Not Yet Rated." This daring and funny documentary explores the mystery of …
Wednesday, January 17
Best of Jackson 2007
Fenian's is one of those great bars that ought to be on tourist guides. There are no foam parties or sharks in tanks, no ice-tables or holograms of dead celebrities …
2007
Best Place to Break Up, Best Free Internet Connection: Cups Multiple locations, 601-362-7422
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Junior college basketball, Gulf Coast at Hinds (6 p.m., women; 7:30 p.m., men; Utica): The Eagles entertain the Bulldogs in a juco double dip.
Two Democrats Eye Charles Barbour's Seat
It's the first month of 2007, and the elections are already gathering some momentum. Two Democrats are vying for the chance to square off with Republican Charles Barbour over his …
[City Buzz] no. 16 Janurary 17 - January 24
U.S. District Judge L.T. Senter Jr. gave State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. a heavy blow last week, telling them that they have to cover a policy holder's hurricane wind …
Hell Freezes Over
Deuce McAllister won't "run it up in there," my dad likes to say. Or so said an opposing coach, he claims, debating the last position for the Magnolia squad in …
Only the Best Will Do
I grew up thinking I lived in the worst state in the country. I wasn't alone: I was surrounded by people with a collective inferiority complex—especially the ones who protested …
Youth Rally for Justice
On a drizzling Martin Luther King Day morning, students, parents and advocates marched onto the Capitol's south steps to call for educational reform and protest the incarceration of more than …
[Gregory] I Want Everything
New Year's Day, the SciFi channel ran a "Twilight Zone" marathon—the old black-and-white ones. I watched for a few hours because I love that they allow the weirdo host to …
Legislative Update–Week 2: Dissin' Youth
The House passed a statewide $7.25 minimum-wage bill, though they hobbled the bill, according to the Young Democrats of Mississippi, by voting in an amendment exempting part-time high school or …
[Stiggers] An Already Angry Sista
TaaQweema: "I'm Boneqweesha's star student and Suma Cum Lawd Have Mercy graduate of the Hair Did University school of Cosmetology. You're watching 'Ask 'TaaQweema,' the new call-in and advice television …
Jason Marlow
Jason Marlow, the 2007 Best Filmmaker, isn't a guy who is going to wait for success to come knocking. At 27, he's seen more of the world than most of …
Envisioning Your Future & An Event for Women
Abraham Maslow said, "What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself," and Albert Einstein said, "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the …
"Less" Experience is EXACTLY What This Country Needs….
Ive sat back and watched with eager anticipation the Obama love-fest that has been going on lately. I must say Im pleasantly surprised..proud even..that an African American has risen to …
Tuesday, January 16
Obama Is In the Race ... or Almost
He has launched his new presidential exploratory Web site, where you can read a transcript, or watch a video, of Obama explaining why he is (almost) in the race:
Leave Them Alone
I am very upset this morning - I can't even put into words how upset I really am. My older sister's home was broken into for the third time last …
Monday, January 15
Blog/Read Verbatim ‘State of the State' at StateDesk
Right now, head over to StateDesk. We've just posted the full speech verbatim, so you can read along and comment as Gov. Barbour reads his speech. It's also live on …
Bush's Version of Iraq Ignores Facts
Mark Seibel, the head of international coverage for McClatchy news service, published a detailed piece this weekend dissecting how the Bush administration—especially Bush, Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice and National …
Honoring Dr. King: Toward Justice in Mississippi
Jacksonian Martha Bergmark, who runs the Mississippi Center for Justice here, has an inspiring call to action (especially for social-justice attorneys) printed at MSNBC.com/Newsweek today, in honor of Dr. King's …
Sunday, January 14
Instant Replay: NFL Playoffs, Saints 27, Eagles 24
Carried by the strong legs of Deuce McAllister, the New Orleans Saints march past the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-24, and into the NFC Championship for the first time in team history. …
Saturday, January 13
A skunk need a ride home. Any takers?
In California, a skunk wondered his way into a transport truck, and after a seven-day trip, he ended up in Canada. Now Canadian wildlife specialists are trying to find someone …
3pm Sunday - Ecumenical Martin Luther King Day Service
On Sunday, January 14th at 3:00pm, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson presents "Lift Every Voice: Breaking Barriers to Understanding," an ecumenical service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speakers …
Stupid Quote o' The Day
Yes, it was uttered by President Bush while trying to defend his plan to ramp up forces in Iraq against bipartisan opposition—and it's a doozy, even for a man known …
Friday, January 12
Just In: Rep. Leonard Morris of Batesville Dies
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Rep. Leonard Morris has died:
The Divine Right of Mayors
As every student of history knows, most of humanity's governments have been led by men who believed their authority derived from a "Divine Right of Kings." The rule of law …
ALERT: Prison Escapee May Be in Jackson
Terry S. Thomas, 50, was seen Thursday in downtown Jackson, the release said.
Per a release posted on The Clarion-Ledger's site:
Barbour's ‘State of the State' on MLK Birthday
Mississippi Public Broadcasting will air Gov. Haley Barbour's "State of the State" address on Monday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. You can hear a live feed on MPB's Web site. …
ARAB STRAP's Good-Bye Best Of Album
Chemikal Underground has finally set a U.S. release date for ARAB STRAP's swan-song compilation, Ten Years Of Tears. The album will be released February 20th. By no means your standard …
Perry Farrell's Satellite Party Debut
Alternative rock originator and one of music's most influential figures, Perry Farrell, has announced that on May 15, 2007 he will hit the airwaves with his most anticipated creation to …
Kids Writing Novels
I met a batch of fourth and fifth graders today who spent November writing novels. Novels. Their teachers enlisted them in this program NanoWrimo, wherein you write 30 minutes a …
Thursday, January 11
Bush Tax Cuts Make Richest Richer, Middle Class Poorer
Big surprise, but here's the evidence from the congressional budget office that Bush's tax cuts are hurting the middle class and increasing economic inequality in the country:
LeFleur Lakes Critic Tom Pullen on Radio JFP Friday
Tune into WLEZ, 103.7 FM, at noon Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, for Radio JFP, Jackson's news and entertainment variety hour. Joining host Todd Stauffer will be editors Donna Ladd and …
The Sister Study
Here's a way you can make a difference if you are the sister of a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The National Institutes of Environmental Health Services, …
Probation Office: Melton Under Curfew, No Kid Contact
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that a probation official wrote a letter to Melton this week containing harsh warnings against violations of his bond:
City Releases JPD Crime Plan
You have to see this to believe it.
In December, the Public Eye made a public records request for "The Jackson Police Department's most current plan for fighting crime. If parts are unreleasable, state why and provide releasable …
StateDesk.com, Powered by the JFP, Debuts Today
OK, being that y'all blogheads deserve to be the first to know about our various online shenanigans, allow me to introduce you to the state's brand-new political wire, StateDesk.com. It's …
Education Rally Draws Hundreds; MAEP Passes
The House came out swinging this morning, passing five bills through floor votes. The most significant bill the House passed was was HB 238, fully funding The Mississippi Adequate Education …
LeFleur Lakes Developer Plans to Go Around Corps
The Northside Sun has two intriguing pieces this week for John McGowan's next plan on how to get his LeFleur Lakes development to move ahead, one a slight news piece …
Mississippi's Infant Mortality Rate Rises
WLOX in Biloxi is reporting:
Barbour to Make Anti-Crime Announcement Thursday
Update: Barbour's statement is posted verbatim over on StateDesk.
Wednesday, January 10
Young Dems Oppose Minimum-Wage Amendment
Breaking news over at StateDesk.
Loome: Big Rally for Education Thursday
[verbatim from Nancy Loome of The Parents Campaign] Things are really heating up at the Capitol, and pro-education legislators are looking to The Parents' Campaign network members (you!) to win …
Welcome to Wellness
Greetings gentlefolk, and welcome to my Wellness blog.
As my good friend Terry said to me over the holidays, "You can't make a difference when everyone agrees with you." Amen to that, sister. And what better place to …
The iPhone arrives…In June
You've got to feel as sorry as you possibly can for the richest man in the world. After all, here's Bill Gates on Monday, giving the keynote address at the …
Radical Health: The JFP Interview With Dr. Joseph White
Photos by Ronni Mott
It can be challenging to write an upbeat article on health and wellness in Mississippi. We've all seen the barrel-bottoming numbers. Good news about the subject is difficult, though not …
Health Factoids
Your tongue naturally replaces all of your taste buds every 21 days. That means if you're trying to change your diet and switch to soy milk from cow's milk, for …
Mississippi: The Good and the Bad
Any paper addressing health in Mississippi would be remiss to not give the most recent statistics on how we're doing. Two recently published studies, one from the non-profit United Health …
The Good Stewards
Last winter, filmmaker and musician Matthew Magee met up with his roommate from college, Wes Bonner, to build a coffee t8able using an old window that Magee had found. After …
Army Of The Night Kitchen
Photos by Roy Adkins
A bread maker's day begins at 1 a.m., so it's good that Amy Breckenridge is a night person. Breckenridge, the baker at Rainbow Natural Grocery, spends her nights baking bread, …
[Music] Perfect Harmony
There was nothing in particular about playing the Paul McCoy to Jessica's Amy Lee in a rendition of Evanescence's Top 10 hit "Bring Me to Life" that attracted Robert Renfroe. …
Legislative Round-up: Week 1
The House Appropriations Committee started the 2007 legislative session off with a gun-shot—but then fell on its face later that day. The committee approved a total of seven money bills …
Not The Mayor's Man
Under heavy clouds and intermittent drizzle, Jackson Police Commander Tyrone Lewis declared his intention to run for Hinds County sheriff at a brief press conference in front of Lanier High …
Hurry Up And Wait
No one with the fortitude to support the New Orleans Saints for any appreciable amount of time is a stranger to sitting through the NFL's Wild Card Weekend with unspecific, …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Women's college basketball, Georgia at Mississippi State (6 p.m., Starkville, CSS): Fresh off an upset of Arkansas, the MSU women play their Southeastern Conference home opener.
Back To Basics
This week, the Democratic Congress is likely to pass expanded federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, although President George W. Bush will almost certainly veto the bill. The Republican Congress …
‘Black Power', According To Dr. King
In January, many of us make efforts to remember a visionary and his dream. If only briefly, we try to imagine the utopian society Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described …
[Stiggers] Work It, Miss Wanda
Bonqweesha Jones: "Welcome to 'Lookin' Good in the 'Hood Ghetto Make Over' television show, brought to you by the Hair Did University School of Cosmetology. Tonight my H.D.U. students will …
No. 15, January 10 - 17
<b><em>Americans, Fix Our Country</b></em>
What happened to America? In the past, if something had to be done, America(ns) could do it. We were first. We could do it fast, and it was done right. …
Scotta Brady
Her disposition is calming; her voice, smooth; and she gives careful consideration to even the simplest questions. Scotta Brady, self-proclaimed yogi and owner of Butterfly Yoga in Fondren, says she …
Kamikaze on Kim Wade Show This Thurs-Fri. 5pm
We'll be back at it again THIS THURS and FRI at 5pm on the Kim Wade show (WJNT 1180AM/103.3FM) Been getting some great responses and I hope th JFP bloggers …
Killing Them with Compassion
The Iraq War is horrific, no question--3,000 U.S. soldiers dead, an untold number of civilian casualties. 9/11 was horrific, no question--2,992 people dead. But the new Democratic Congress may soon …
Budapest's The Moog
When Budapest's The Moog (yes, that's in Hungary) started to play music, they had no idea that they were about to set off on a journey that would eventually whisk …
Barbour Announces Alternative Coast Housing
[verbatim statement] Governor Haley Barbour today announced additional information regarding the state's Alternative Housing Pilot Program that was granted more than $280 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management …
Why Won't Ledge Identify Press Releases!?!
OK, this practice has long bugged me, but now it's really driving me crazy. Now that The Clarion-Ledger is turning its newspaper into "information centers," they are posting press releases …
Is Our Entire System of Government in JXN/Hinds/MS/U.S. Corrupt? Or just Incompetent?
I dunno folks. Ive become preeety apathtic lately and indifference has crept in. I think that if we as good citizens are to actually get something accomplished we can pretty …
Tuesday, January 9
Pelosi Be Damned: House Votes to Up Minimum Wage
The House passed an ambitious minimum-wage bill before adjourning on Tuesday. HB 237, which passed 68-to-50, calls for every state employer to raise minimum wage to $6.25 by July 1, …
City Council Feuds Over Secrecy
A meeting of the City Council descended into bitter acrimony Monday over whether or not to go into closed session regarding a construction contract. Reginold Harrion, deputy city lawyer for …
Apple Intros iPhone, Due in June
With Apple's stock shooting up nearly 10% during his keynote address at Macworld San Francisco this morning, Steve Jobs introduce the iPhone, an iPod/mobile phone hybrid that runs Mac OS …
Monday, January 8
Instant Replay: College Football, USM 28, Ohio 7
Biloxi
Southern Miss drilled Ohio 28-7 in the GMAC Bowl on Sunday night before an ESPN TV audience and a lot of wet USM fans in Mobile. The game was really …
Democrats May Deny Funds for Iraq Surge
The Associated Press is reporting: In a blunt warning to the White House, congressional Democrats said Monday they may seek to deny funds for the type of short-term troop buildup …
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM'S "SOUND OF SILVER" Out 3/20
James Murphy, aka LCD Soundsystem, returns with new album "Sound of Silver" March 20 on DFA/Capitol Records. "Sound of Silver," the follow-up to the massively acclaimed and eponymous 2005 debut, …
Juvenile Justice Group Applauds Edmonds Decision
Following is a verbatim release appauding the Mississippi Supreme Court's decision to order a new trial in the murder conviction of then-13-year-old Tyler Edmonds, accused of helping his half-sister pull …
Monticello Mayor: No Payments for Jackson
Mayor Dave Nichols II of Monticello has a letter in The Clarion-Ledger today opposing the move to pass a PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) bill for the capital city. …
Friday, January 5
JFP on WLEZ 1.5.07 Podcast
Finally, we get Radio JFP recorded...we must be out of "beta." Enjoy.
JFP_WLEZ_10507.mp3 (26.3MB)
Jackson Gets New FBI Head
... and he seems to have a pretty impressive resume. Bets are that he'll stay busy in these parts:
Fred Brink, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and 21-year FBI veteran, today was named the new special agent in charge of the FBI's Jackson Division. Brink is coming …
Rep. Leonard Morris Out of Surgery, Still Critical
The Associated Press is reporting: State Rep. Leonard Morris, D-Batesville, remained in critical condition Friday, a day after having kidney surgery. A spokeswoman for the University of Mississippi Medical Center …
[Lott] The Oreck Challenge
Before this column takes on the big issues expected in the Senate this year, I want to address something all Mississippians should note. It's a lesson about corporate citizenship and …
Wired Bloggers Picking Apart Jackson Spycopter
After the JFP's Adam Lynch wrote the only article that actually raised questions about Jackson's new helicopter, apparently purchased by Jim Barksdale and flown by his business partner's son, Coyt …
Melton Still Using Police Equipment
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Mayor Frank Melton has continued to use the Mobile Command Center, in apparent defiance of his bond conditions.
Thursday, January 4
Lewis Runs for Sheriff
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Photo: Jackson Police Commander Tyrone Lewis, left, declaring his entry into the 2007 Hinds County sheriff's race. Melton political operative Bob Hickingbottom is on the right.
Partnership Replacement Clears House Committee
The House Public Health Committee produced a replacement for the strangled Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi today. Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, who is chairman of the committee, made it clear …
Sweet Potato Queen's First Big Ass Novel Signing and Reading TODAY!
Jill signs at five, and she reads at 5:30.
Jill Conner Browne will kick off the Big Ass Bus Tour today with her first stop, of course, at Lemuria. This is the "Sweet Potato Queen's First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff …
Barbour Doesn't Support Minimum Wage
No kidding, eh? Check out his reasoning, as reported by The Clarion-Ledger today:
The Ugly Death of Saddam Hussein
The New York Times is editorializing today about the gruesome way that Saddam Hussein was executed—and what that means for both the U.S.' reputation and the Iraqi people:
Viva La Cell Phone Cameras!
The controversy surrounding the video of Saddam Hussein's hanging holds a lesson for us here in Jackson. You'll notice that while the civilized world is outraged by the way Hussein …
Wednesday, January 3
Insurance ‘Bait And Switch'
State Attorney General Jim Hood said he would be willing to settle a multi-million dollar lawsuit against insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, Farm Bureau and USAA if they …
Bad Deeds Unpunished
January 3, 2007 Hurricane Katrina brought out the best in many Americans, who braved treacherous conditions to help neighbors and who gave generously to help those in need. When it …
City Appeals Byram Incorporation
The city of Jackson shook off a recent deal with the community of Byram, after a Hinds County Chancery Court judge's decision to allow Byram residents to incorporate.
[Music] Substance, Style, And Sensibilty
Honestly, how many rappers admit to being educated? Let's take it a little further. How many rappers embrace their Christian upbringing?
House Votes for Eminent-Domain Changes
The House today passed an eminent-domain bill looking to limit the power of the state government to snatch private property for the use of non-government purposes.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Women's college basketball, Ole Miss at Auburn (7 p.m., Auburn, Ala., FSN South): The Lady Rebels face one of their biggest rivals in their Southeastern Conference opener.
Plucked Out
"The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" (W. W. Norton, $24.95) would be dreadful as fiction—a Disneyfied, feel-good failure. A 15-year-old black kid from a big family in the ghetto …
Bill Minor on the Willie Morris Library
I just ran into Mr. Minor's column about the Willie Morris library dedication. And I'm honored that he repeated what I told him at the dedication in it. The Jackson …
Melton Embarks on PJ Parties
The city issued a press release today announcing that Mayor Frank Melton will begin a "series of overnight visits" with members of the community to "see first hand living conditions …
Vienna Via Mexico
Negra Modelo has become my favorite Mexican beer. I was perfectly happy with Corona until I discovered this darker, much tastier beer. Although Negra Modelo is a dark beer, it …
The Fajita King
On rare occasions during my childhood, my family ventured to "Los Amigos," the one and only Mexican restaurant in our town. For a Mexican restaurant located in the Montana Rockies, …
Full Throttle: The JFP Interview with Rep. John Reeves
Rep. John Reeves, R-Hinds, is a growing presence in the Jackson community. The 49-year-old father of five is a South Jackson resident who vows to stay in his community, despite …
Legislative Agenda
With coastal construction driving healthy tax revenues, you might expect smooth sailing for this year's legislative session. After all, tight budgets mean tough choices, and tough choices mean bare-knuckle fights …
Jumping For Jackson
Jackson, like other cities and towns throughout the state, is submitting a list of requests for the state Legislature to consider in order to help Jackson balance tumbling revenues and …
Where the 'Southern Strategy' Belongs
You have to watch closely, or you might not pay any mind to earth-shattering statements heard these days in Mississippi. For instance: "Mississippi will not take a back seat to …
[Gregory] Killing Me Softly
I have a Polaroid of myself taken sometime in this past year stuck in the edge of a mirror in the living room. One would think I was horribly conceited. …
[Stiggers] 'I'm Black, and I'm Proud!'
Brotha Hustle: "Welcome to my street-corner tribute to the late, great musician, singer, songwriter and performer Mr. James Brown. Many of you know about his musical achievements and influence.
City Council's Resolutions
During last Friday's Jackson Free Press radio show (which airs every Friday at noon on WLEZ 103.7), Council President Ben Allen set out several items he said City Council hoped …
[Kamikaze] When Politicians Attack
I'm sure by now you've read enough reviews of 2006. You've probably read as many predictions for 2007.
A Voice From The Capitol
2007 should be an interesting year for the Mississippi Legislature. First, for obvious reasons, it is an election year. All of us will be trying to put our best foot …
City Council Pays Temps
Jackson's City Council reversed its position over withholding payment to temp agencies this Tuesday. Last month, four members of the council voted to withhold thousands of dollars to temp agencies …
‘District' of Jackson On Way?
Rep. John Reeves, R-Jackson, says he's looking to turn the property once owned by the Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and Blind, near Eastover Drive, into a real-estate explosion. "We're …
Political Trash Needs to Go
Bob Kochtitzky, formerly head of Mississippi 2020, is set to bring a new initiative before City Council. Kochtitzky, an environmental activist who galvanized Jackson's recycling effort, says that when Sheriff …
Mary Troupe
"I told that photographer earlier to ignore my junky office. It's a mess. He said, 'It's a sign of someone who's busy.' I'll take that!" Mary Troupe, a native of …
Saban Going To Tuscaloosa
Nick Saban is leaving the Miami Dolphins to become head football coach at Alabama. Saban, who previously coached in college at Michigan State and LSU, spent two seasons with the …
Are Americans "Spoiled Brats"?
Got this email from a colleague of mine yesterday and it presents an interesting argument. I don't agree with over half of it but I'd thought I'd present to the …
Tuesday, January 2
A House In a Hurry
Within hours of the Legislature convening on Jan. 2, the House Appropriations Committee approved a total of seven money bills seeking attention with little dissent. H.B. 238, a bill seeking …
Americans Want Higher Minimum Wage, Stem-Cell Research
The Associated Press is reporting that as Democrats take over Congress this week, a large majority of Americans are supporting the party's primary goals:
AAN Awards Diversity Grant to Melishia Grayson
The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies announced today that JFP intern and columnist Melishia Grayson is the recipient of a 2007 diversity grant. Melishia will report, write and blog 20 hours …
A ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission' for Mississippi?
What do y'all think?
Rev. Ross Olivier of Galloway mentioned an article written recently by my former professor and mentor Howard Ball about the need to establish a "Truth and Reconcolition Commission" here. I …
Legislature to Pass MAEP Today?
More details as they develop ...
The word out of the Capitol is that the Legislature's first order of business today—the first day of the 2007 session—is to pass the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. This would …
Boise State v. OU: I Dub It: ‘The Calls'
Those of us who watch a little too much football between teams that don't matter to us personally are probably doing it so that we can witness a game like …
Eagles Set To Fly South
The Southern Miss football team returned to the practice field on Monday following a 10-day holiday break. The Golden Eagles will practice in Hattiesburg on Tuesday morning and then leave …
Monday, January 1
2 College Games on TV Tuesday
Two state college basketball games are playing television games on Tuesday. Southern Miss hosts Auburn (6 p.m., CSS) and Mississippi State visits Missouri (7 p.m., FSN South). After that, you …
Pro Hoops Returning To Jackson
Pro basketball will return to Jackson this spring. The Jackson Wildcats of the United States Basketball League will play at the Mississippi Coliseum from April through June. The Wildcats' home …
NFL Instant Replay: Fred, Brett and Eli
Panthers 31, Saints 21: The Saints put false pride aside and let their reserves do most of the work. Hey, it was great to see Fast Freddie McAfee score. But …
