Stories for April 2008 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Stories for April 2008

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Wednesday, April 30

Jackblog

A Man Shortage?

No, this isn't some desperate rant about finding a mate. I'm talking about a bonafide, honest-to-God decrease in male births.

[Folayan] A Clear Path for the Journey

I recently experienced what I like to call my very own voyage to Mecca. Like one of my lifelong heroes, Malcolm X, I've encountered a brand new world, a new …

Publisher's Note

Salter to Hood ... Drop Dead

Why did C-L Perspectives Editor Sid Salter react to AG Jim Hood's criticism with a personal attack instead of discussing the role of corporate media in our politics?

Eating Out

[Lunch Lady] A Cold, Sweet Goodbye

You can do a lot of thinking after you've gone under general anesthesia; memories and regrets come to you, and you contemplate what might have been.

Theater

Ready for Ambassadorship

After an early-morning Saturday warm-up in the studios at the Mississippi Art Commission building, a group of young Ballet Mississippi dancers breaks off into small factions, transforming into chattery teenage …

Theater

The Women of Ivy Gap

It all begins with the parting of dark purple velvet curtains, revealing the yellow-green walls of the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church of Ivy Gap. Littered about the …

Sports

The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days

Pro baseball, Chattanooga at Mississippi (7:05 p.m., Pearl, 1590 AM): Maybe the M-Braves can turn things around in the friendly confines of the TeePee.

Talk

Quick and Sloppy

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson's office said a more thorough preliminary damage assessment might have prevented the Federal Emergency Management Agency's initial rejection of Gov. Haley Barbour's petition …

Capitol

Agency in Jeopardy Over Ad Oversight

House Democrats and Gov. Haley Barbour are squaring off against one another regarding how the state spends advertising dollars. The House and Senate were unable to come to terms with …

Talk

'Tort Reform' Not Working?

There's just no pleasing some people. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's tort-reform lobbying arm, the "Institute for Legal Reform," released a report last Wednesday ranking Mississippi as the 48th worst …

Talk

snark >:-(

Sometimes life has a way of spiraling in on itself. Last week, I was asked to speak about advanced reporting and media ethics during Journalism Week at Ole Miss. Apropos …

Fly

Make A Pinata

How to Make a Piñata

Talk

Bringing Up the Rear

The number of binge drinkers in Misssissippi is significantly lower than the national average, state residents are pretty good about wearing seatbelts, and we are third in the nation for …

Editorial

State Advertising Needs Oversight

Gov. Haley Barbour was crying his eyes out Monday over poor, starving, unemployed Mississippians, according to a statement from his office. The Legislature's failure to reauthorize the Mississippi Department of …

[Sue Doh Nem] ‘No Pay' Into ‘Co-Pay'

Pork-N-Piggly Customer Service Representative: "Attention Pork-N-Piggly Supermarket shoppers! As you know, prices throughout our store have drastically changed. High fuel prices, housing and credit crisis and the economic recession have …

Politics

[Hightower] Stop Subsidizing Big Oil

In 2006, the CEO of Exxon Mobil exclaimed that, gosh, his corporation was rolling in so much profit that he simply didn't know how to spend it all.

Jacksonian

Quincy Jackson

The life of Quincy Jackson, Rainbow Co-Op's gregarious new outreach coordinator, contains the kinds of surprise twists and dramatic turns more befitting a character in a television sitcom or convoluted …

Art

Holding On: One Artist's Leap Of Faith

Artist H.C. Porter sits down with Terri Cowart and talks about her inspirations.

Jackblog

Gas is Giving Me Heartburn

This morning, I paid more than $52 to buy 3/4 of a tank of gas. Lucky for me that I live in Mississippi instead of San Francisco, where the cost …

Tuesday, April 29

Barbour Toots Own Horn, Rags Musgrove

Gov. Haley Barbour released a statement today about, well, himself. Here it is, verbatim: When Haley Barbour became Governor of Mississippi in January 2004, Mississippi was in its worst financial …

Gov to Allow Public Comment on Tax Study – May 19

[Verbatim statement] Mississippi citizens and interest groups will have the opportunity to speak to members of the Governor's Tax Study Commission, Chairman Leland Speed announced today. The opportunity for public …

Monday, April 28

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Regulations

A U.S. Supreme Court known for its anti-regulatory bent today voted 6-3 to uphold Indiana's voter-identification regulations, making Republicans happy and clearing the way for voter-ID laws in other states, …

Sunday, April 27

JPS Board Moves Toward New Superintendent

In a special meeting Sunday, the Jackson Public Schools board agreed to employ the Mississippi School Board Association to help in the district's hunt for its next superintendent.

Film

JSU's Jaymar Johnson Goes In Sixth Round of Draft

The Associated Press is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings chose Jackson State University receiver Jaymar Johnson in the sixth round of the NFL draft today. The No. 198rd pick overall, …

Jackblog

Greg Davis…Logician for Congress

So look at this, er, classic slippery slope argument by Southaven's mayor:

Check out Davis' attack ad on his opponent, Democrat Travis Childers. These two are vying for the seat in District 1 that Roger Wicker gave up after his appointment to …

[Kamikaze] Prom Night

Yep, race in your face. Again. In this new round of race discussions, I've found the antibody to be none other than our young people.

Friday, April 25

Frank Melton

Melton Hires ‘Rogue' Debris Removers?

Two council members say Jackson Mayor Frank Melton has enlisted a Louisiana company to do rogue debris removal work in the city. "These guys were on the street all over …

Jackblog

‘Irreparable Breach' Between Blacks and Bill Clinton?

A respected African American congressman thinks so. Rep. James E. Clyburn tells the New York Times:

Sports

It's True: Favre On Cover Of Madden ‘09

Brett Favre isn't done with football yet. From Wired: To celebrate twenty years on the virtual gridiron, this year's Madden won't feature a current football superstar, but instead is turning …

Radio Free Jackson

The show streams live at wlezfm.com.

Join Todd Stauffer and Kamikaze at noon on WLEZ (107.3 FM) as they talk about race and the media with Rebecca Miller and Queen, the JFP's newest columnist.

Lott Uses Old Campaign Cash to Help Lobbying Clients

The Associated Press is reporting that former Sen. Trent Lott is redirecting leftover campaign millions to lawmakers who can help his new high-profile lobbying clients—and it's legal:

Jackblog

Southern Fried Karaoke TONIGHT at Hal & Mal's

Join Todd and me as we host another chapter of Southern Fried Karaoke at Hal & Mal's tonight, starting about 9 p.m. This one is dedicated to designer Darren Schwindaman, …

Art

Bloom, Improv, Bloom

There is something happening in Jackson: Creativity has met community, and they are embracing.

Thursday, April 24

Jackblog

Black Preachers in America's ‘Whitest City'

Our friends at the Williamette Week in Portland, Ore., are taking on a provocative topic this week: African American preachers trying to be heard after the Rev. Wright controversy in …

Sports

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Thursday, April 24

Pro baseball, Mississippi at Mobile (7:05 p.m., Mobile, Ala., 1590 AM): The M-Braves open a series by the bay. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

Wednesday, April 23

Talk

Gettin' Pumped?

The $220 million Yazoo Backwater Area Project, which involves installing a huge pumping station to drain 66,945 acres of Delta wetlands, horrifies many environmentalists, who say the 60-year-old endeavor is …

Faith

Lift Up Your Voices and Chant

One of my most favorite things about going to church is singing. Whether it's belting out a hymn or the softer sounds of the liturgy, raising my voice in praise …

Cooking

Tennis Fuel

Is a sub sandwich (thin turkey, whole wheat) the answer after grueling exercise session?

Editor's Note

Blog On

Back in 2002, a small group of us had a radical idea. Sure, we also decided to start a progressive weekly newspaper in the heart of Mississippi, but the really …

Talk

Council Grills JPS Over Delays

Members of the Jackson City Council grilled representatives of Jackson Public Schools and the JPS Board of Trustees Monday over holdups of $150 million in construction and renovation work on …

Talk

Fed Money for Sirens?

Hinds County supervisors sent a grant application Tuesday to U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, for up to $1.6 million to replace the county's 67 emergency sirens. Supervisors Robert Graham, Peggy …

Talk

The Art of Sistahood

"If you seek the soul of a people, look to its women."—Jerry Taliaferro

Talk

Legislative Update: The End — But Not Really

The legislative session ended with less fighting than expected, though a few battles didn't quite get finished—meaning that Gov. Haley Barbour is likely to call one of his pricey special …

Crime

Berry Killed on His Birthday?

As Earl Berry's attorneys continue their protests that the state's method for killing inmates is flawed, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed a motion this week to reset the execution …

Editorial

Don't Cheat Inner-City Schools

The Jackson City Council is frustrated and looking for answers as to why new schools aren't being built two years after Jacksonians agreed to up their taxes to finance the …

[Sue Doh Nem] I'm No Elitist

Judy McBride: "Greetings fellow Ghetto Science Team psychologists and mental-health counselors. Welcome to my brief presentation, 'What Happens to a Dream Deferred: Overcoming Bitterness in the Ghetto.' Before I start, …

[Hutchinson] Hillary's X Factor

Chelsea Clinton is incredibly naïve, incredibly sheltered, incredibly in denial or maybe a bit of all three. In late March, Hillary Clinton's daughter told a North Carolina Young Democrats audience …

Cover

Ridin' the Wave: The JFP Interview with Ronnie Musgrove

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove has his eye on Sen. Trent Lott's old seat. He's running on a "throw the bums out" platform against his opponent, and the Republican Party.

Bill Minor: ‘I Hate to Be So Blunt'

Mississippi journalist and columnist Bill Minor spoke with Adam Lynch of the Jackson Free Press yesterday about his views on the prosecution of his son, Paul Minor, and discussed the …

Tuesday, April 22

Jackblog

NYT: Clinton's Negativity ‘Squandered' 20-Point Lead

The New York Times seems to be turning on the Democratic candidate they endorsed, saying she took the "low road to victory":

Forthcoming U.S. Chamber ‘Lawsuit Climate' Report a ‘Phony'?

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's "Institute for Legal Reform" plans to release a report Wednesday ranking Mississippi as the 48th worst "legal climate" in the country. In response to "Lawsuit …

JFP Launches 'JFP 3.0' Beta

April 14, 2008–We've switched things over to the new content management system, imported everything over from the databases and -- hopefully -- we've even gotten your user account transferred over …

Talk

Bands (And Others): Build Your Own Jackpedia Page!

Now that the new JFP site is up, it's a perfect time to ensure that you, your band, your company, your business, etc., has its own Jackpedia listing. Just go …

Jackblog

Sid Salter Lets Hood Hatred Boil Over on Blog

Today Sid Salter stooped to the level of garden-variety anonymous bloggers today with his belittlement of Attorney General Jim Hood's legitimate concern about the corporate media that pays his paycheck. …

Jackblog

SurveyUSA Says: Clinton 50, Obama 44

According to the final SurveyUSA poll before the primary election today, Sen. Hillary Clinton will take Pennsylvania by 6 points over Sen. Barak Obama, 50-44. Obama has made a remarkable …

Come Fly With Us on Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, Jackson! Last week's print edition of the JFP was devoted to all things green—and positive actions you can take to give back to this great planet we've …

WAPT: Former JSU Student Shot, Recovering

WAPT is reporting that former Jackson State student Lamar Smith, 24, of Lithonia, Ga., was shot once last night. He was treated and released from St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Former Planned Parenthood Head Faye Wattleton Honored Tonight Downtown

[verbatim invitation) In the Spirit of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) We seek to support minority businesses and downtown Jackson revitalization, Women For Progress of Mississippi, Inc.and Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative …

Monday, April 21

Editor's Note

The Trash Man Cometh

Your efforts at greening your life do make a difference, and they will add up with all the other actions by those around you.

Jackblog

High Suicide Rate Among Doctors

Not only is the suicide rate high, but according to a Newsweek article, it is the highest compared to any other profession.

Update: State Wants Berry Executed on May 5 ... His Birthday

As Earl Berry's attorneys continue their protests that the state's method for killing inmates is flawed, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed a motion yesterday to reset the execution of …

Fed Dollars for New Sirens?

Hinds County supervisors are applying for up to $1.6 million in federal grant money to replace the county's 67 emergency sirens. Supervisors Robert Graham, Peggy Calhoun, and George Smith visited …

Friday, April 18

More Pay for JPD Awaits Barbour Approval

Mississippi Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, said legislation he sponsored to pay the Jackson police department $16,000 survived a conference committee and is now waiting for Gov. Haley Barbour's signature. "The …

Jackblog

AP Poll: Obama ‘Best Hope'

A new Associated Press poll finds that, despite petty controversies like the dust-up over his preacher, Barack Obama has become the candidate that most Democrats believe has the best chance …

Thursday, April 17

[Grayson] I Changed the World

According to JFP columnist and intern Melishia Grayson, even younger adults can make connections, mentor, and change lives in Jackson.

Sports

So Long, Steve

Baltimore Raven -- and Mt. Olive native -- Steve McNair announced his retirement this past week.

Jackblog

ABC Disgraces Itself During Debate

The world is talking today about how poorly ABC's George Stephanopolous and Charles Gibson handled themselves during last night's Democratic debate. Over on The Root, Marc Lamont Hill writes:

Karl Rove Called to Testify About Probes, Including Minor and Diaz

The House Judiciary Committee today requested that presidential adviser Karl Rove appear to testify "concerning the troubling issue of the politicization of the Department of Justice during this Administration." It …

Jackblog

Best Insult Ever

This post by a long-time JFP-despiser is so fabulous that I'm not sure what else to say. I'm taping it to my office door right now. :wow:

Jackblog

Calling all Chicks!

4th Annual Chickball (Flyer PDF—print and distribute!)

Talk

Snark: Gran, You're on the Internets!

The Clarion-Ledger re-re-re-designs its Web site and finds itself in logo limbo.

Wednesday, April 16

Capitol

The Agony of Appropriations

As the 2008 session of Mississippi Legislature session draws to an end, some bills will likely wither and die.

Editorial

Senators: Don't Disrespect Jackson

Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory, acted shamefully this week in circumventing an attempt to get better funding for Jackson's cops.

[Sue Doh Nem] Come and Get It

The struggling economy has 'shocked and awed' the poor and middle classes.

[Hightower] Hey Big Spender!

George W. likes to pose as the Texas president—in the rough-hewn, rancher model of Lyndon Johnson.

Cover

A Yankee Girl Digs Through Our Trash

Jackson immigrant Brandi Herrera Pfrehm finds that the magic Trash Fairy doesn't fly the streets of Fondren at night to separate our trash.

Culture

[Fly] DIY: Urban Farming

Farmer Brad's ideas for farming your own food right here in the city.

Food

Green Kitchen Tricks

Living green in the kitchen means, in part, replacing toxic cleaners with green alternatives, and eliminating unnecessary use of energy and trips to the grocery store by being good stewards …

Culture

[Fly] Shopkeep

The vibrant life buzzing throughout Bee Tree Meadows makes it hard to believe that the Western honeybee is in grave danger. From 1997-2006 Colony Collapse Disorder has dramatically diminished the …

Fly

[Fly] Super Simple Foot Scrub

This is the scenario: Yesterday it was 40 degrees and cloudy. This morning you awake to the weather channel forecast of 80 degrees and clear. Sandal season has finally arrived. …

Drink

Coffee Quiz

How much do you know about the coffee you drink? Take the quiz!

Drink

[Green Girl] Got Organic?

Millions of dairy cows live in small pens on conventional factory farms with little or no access to grass and fresh air. Dairy farmers pump the cows with growth hormones …

Books

Think Globally, Eat Locally

Warning: Barbara Kingsolver's nonfiction book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" (HarperCollins, 2007, $26.95), co-written by her husband and one of her daughters, may inspire you to run …

Culture

Changing a Bike Tire

What could be a better way to love Mother Earth, get some exercise and save a few bucks than riding a bike? But what do you do when you are …

Culture

Eco-Trekking

Whether an all-out eco-adventure sounds right up your alley, or resting your head on an organic cotton pillow at a chic, sustainable hotel is more your style; travel's now the …

Mississippi Beats Louisiana; Now Most Unhealthy State

CQ Press has released its annual list of unhealthiest states—and Mississippi comes out the winner, taking out last year's winner, Louisiana. And the reasons couldn't be more direct:

Scruggs Takes the Fifth 19 Times

The Sun-Herald is reporting that attorney Dickie Scruggs is refusing to incriminate himself in a bribery trial in Oxford:

Tuesday, April 15

Senate Kills Police Pay Raise Bill

Jackson residents almost got a chance to vote on a proposal to raise hotel taxes to fund a police pay raise before a Senate subcommittee killed it Monday. The bill's …

Domestic Violence

Mother Stabbed to Death by Children's Father

A young mother of six, Tracy Collier, is the latest victim of domestic violence in Jackson. Police found Collier, 33, stabbed to death in her yard at 2408 Brookside Drive …

Courthouse Fitness Opening in Jackson Place Downtown

[Verbatim statement] April 15, 2008—Parkway Properties Inc. (NYSE:PKY) announced today that the Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Center has signed a five-and-a-half year, 10,000 square foot lease to bring a premier …

Jackblog

Need Feedback on N-Word Episode

Hey folks, I need your feedback. I'd love to hear some response to this analogy I posted in response to an alt editor's use of the n-word when referring to …

Monday, April 14

The ‘Bible Belt' Bill, Resurrected

When HB 520—the state's latest anti-abortion bill—passed the Mississippi House earlier this year it was a bill designed to keep divorced Mississippians from falsely accusing their betrothed/enemy from claiming child …

Sunday, April 13

Jackblog

No ‘Unnamed Sources,' Ledger? You sure?

Cledger-Ledger honchos have been known to declare that the paper does not use "unnamed sources." We already know that's not true due to mucked-up stories like the one by Ledger …

Saturday, April 12

Music

With Humble Praise

Praise and worship albums abound for contemporary listeners.

Friday, April 11

Jackblog

My Statement About Mike Lacey's Use of Racial Slur

April 18, 2008—When I first heard that one of AAN's highest ranking executives had used the n-word to jokingly refer to a deceased friend of his, I assumed his friend …

Talk

Opening the Flood Gates

The imposing iron gate along West Street had been locked to the North Midtown neighborhood since the mid 1980s. Would anyone from North Midtown even want to walk through?

Jackblog

ARTICLE: Rape and Race: We Have to Talk About It

In this article on TheRoot.com, Melissa Harris-Lacewell talks about a public discussion that took place in a church in Brooklyn, NY - a discussion of the touchy subject of intra-racial …

Music

90s Brit-Pop meets 70s Punk Rock meets Y2K Williamsburg

We Were The States release debut album merging The Walkmen, Oasis, Dead Boys, Murder City Devils, et al. "The building blocks of this spry full-length debut are dynamic left turns …

Thursday, April 10

Jackblog

Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur

OK, so this was not the best moment for the alternative-news industry. The owner of the alternative newspaper industry's most corporate chain, Mike Lacey, accepted an award from the Phoenix …

Music

Coldplay Drops Long Awaited New Album

Coldplay release their fourth album 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends' on Capitol Records on June 17.

Wednesday, April 9

Editor's Note

Children of Cowardice

Why should I apologize if I don't mean it?

Jacksonian

Matt Massingill

18-year-old Matt Massingill raised $1,100 through a charity golf tournament benefiting Ducks Unlimited.

Talk

Helpin' the Little Guy

Fifth Circuit throws out punitive damages against State Farm.

Talk

Watkins Hits the Road

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Earl Watkins announced that he will not seek to renew his term.

Talk

Gone and Back Again?

Resolution 655 may pave the way for a tobacco tax designed to pay for Medicaid shortfalls.

Editorial

Time to Be Responsible, Pet Owners

This issue of the Jackson Free Press, owned and operated by animal lovers, is dedicated to the idea that Jackson, and Mississippi as a whole, can quickly become a whole …

[Sue Doh Nem] Hush and Be Cool

Boneqweesha Jones: "Stimulus checks come to those financially challenged citizens who wait for a few months. Today hundreds of consumers have gathered at the Funky Ghetto Mall parking lot to …

[Kamikaze] Parental Precepts

It's 2008. Do you know where your kids are? Better yet, do you know what they're plotting behind those closed bedroom doors, between cell phone texts and e-mails on MySpace …

[Gregory] ‘Mom, What Did You Do?'

Recently, at a flea market in a town a little south of here, I dug into a bin of old newspapers and found a copy of the Jackson Daily News …

Culture

Animal Intelligence

Tallulah the Wonder Cat plays fetch, and can figure out that she has to go to the other room when she bats the toy under a door—a sure sign of …

Culture

The Animals We Love

Little River For years now, Todd and I have delightfully referred to the delightful creature as just "Don Potts' horse." And Little River is definitely a miniature horse, and most …

Culture

[Green Girl] Growing a Greener Inbox

OK, you've ditched the bottled water habit, unplugged all your home electronics when they're not in use, and started a compost pile in your back yard. Pat yourself on the …

Eating Out

[Lunch Lady] One-Offs

"Sometimes we have to be judged on our one-offs," wrote Nick Hornby...

Cover

The Untold Thousands

Life is bleak for many unwanted animals in Mississippi.

Jackblog

Who's Got the Biggest Fallacy?

The MississippiforMcCain Web site is truly acting like a cyber-moron at the moment. We just turned up this general swipe at "another lefty"—who, it turns out, is a guy with …

Court System, Autopsy Expert Slammed

Innocence Project attorneys, activists and a man who served 12 years in Parchman for a crime he did not commit are calling for a radical overhaul of the state's criminal-justice …

City In Recovery

A spring storm went overboard last Friday, spawning about five tornados in the Jackson area and leaving a large portion of the city and some adjoining communities without power well …

Tuesday, April 8

Sports

M-Braves Star Suspended

Just in time for Wednesday night's home opener, Mississippi Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer has been suspended for 50 games for using human growth hormone. The Roger Clemens wannabe is ranked …

Monday, April 7

JPS Superintendent Earl Watkins Resigning

After months of controversy stemming from a sexual harassment charge by a male educator, JPS Superintendent Earl Watkins announced tonight that he is resigning, effective June 2009.

Feature

[Herman's Picks] Vol. 6, No. 29

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will host their Bravo V: Appalachian Spring concert at Thalia Mara Hall this Saturday, 7:30 p.m. $25-$40. The Americana tribute will feature choirs from Tougaloo College …

Barbour Declares State of Emergency, Includes Jackson

2:45 p.m.—(JACKSON, Mississippi) - Governor Haley Barbour today declared a State of Emergency for 12 Mississippi counties following a severe weather system and tornadoes which hit parts of Central Mississippi, …

Friday, April 4

The Show Goes On: Crossroads This Weekend

Crossroads Highlights This Weekend:

Despite the weather, all is well at Regal Cinemas Parkway Place, the Mississippi Museum of Art and Hal and Mal's. All events are on schedule and the Crossroads "show" will …

Jackblog

It's been 40 years. What have we learned?

Today marks the 40-year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination. Dr. King was only 39, but the man was eloquent and mature way beyond what his age would indicate.

Thursday, April 3

Jackblog

Need ‘Famous' Jackson Pets

OK, what animals do y'all know of in the community that are "famous" in some way—meaning have to know people beyond their owners. Pets that live in businesses? Pets with …

Wednesday, April 2

Editor's Note

Owning Our Stories

The last time I talked to documentary filmmaker Micki Dickoff, we were standing on Center Avenue in my hometown during the Edgar Ray Killen trial. I was yelling at her …

Development

JSU's Ronald Mason: Gee Whiz, I'm Sorry

Jackson State University President Ronald Mason mea culpas to residents he had earlier tried to displace from their homes.

Justice

Voter ID: Up for the Final Count

Voter ID may be an issue in the Legislature again this week, though the bill ultimately has a slim chance of getting anywhere this session.

Talk

Legislative Update: Back Door to Abortion Restriction?

The House and Senate spent all of March firing bills at one another, waiting to see what the other side was going to do with them. It's that time of …

Talk

Damn these bills!

The Jackson City Council learned in a Monday meeting that the city may have to pay back $278,000 in federal grant money.

Talk

Known For Something Else

The distinct smell of acrylic paint greets you as you arrive at the top of the stairs leading to the fine arts hall at Lanier High School in Jackson. Paintings …

Talk

snark >:-(

As if having charges dropped against the woman who allegedly stayed in the house with their beaten-to-death young relative wasn't bad enough, the family of Heather Spencer was hit with …

Crime

Be Part of the Crime Solution

The town-hall meeting that the local police union and the Jackson Free Press sponsored last week downtown was eye-opening and sobering. Audience members seemed genuinely flummoxed when they saw the …

[Sue Doh Nem] Refusing to Walk in the Shadow

Brotha Hustle: "Many of you know me as the cutting-edge, forward-thinking and constantly evolving Juicy Juice-selling entrepreneur. Many of you may also know I collaborate and coordinate other business opportunities …

Letters

Vol. 6, No. 29

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes - There is no better way to burn some time than to count shoes in the spring afternoon on my front porch, knowing it's worth …

[Braden] Do You Care?

Young people in Jackson are grieving this week- but you didn't see the reason for their grief on the breaking news when we lost another student to violence. In fact, …

Music

Dance the Night Away

You're sure to feel compelled to dance upon hearing Latinismo's vibrant, pulsating tunes. Combining traditional Latin music—like salsa and merengue—with rock and jazz, the band surges forward with the bold …

Cover

Barefoot In The Delta

Story & Photography by Cheree Franco

Like an omen, Floyd Graham stands in a Coahoma field, backlit against a fiery Delta horizon. Fifty-something, chain-smoker, charismatic and self-admittedly privileged, he recounts the story of this field—one of …

Cover

Cinematastic!: Crossroads Film Festival 2008

It's April again, and that means the Crossroads Film Festival is here. The perilous task of choosing films is over, and now all you have to do is sit back …

Film

Shopocalypse Now!

Activist and entertainer "Reverend Billy" visits Crossroads Film Festival to promote his film, "What Would Jesus Buy?"

Film

What Would Jesus Buy?

This feature documentary follows the Christmas tour of Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, a group that traveled the country to use humor, spirituality and song to get Americans …

Jacksonian

Tarra Riggs

The audience laughter that followed her delivery of that line was all actor Tarra Riggs needed to hear.

Jackblog

The JFP Bloggers' Guide to Success in Life and Business

Thanks to a conversation that started about tipping over on under Kaze's column about race dialogue, I promised I would start a thread so that JFP readers could discuss tips …

Sports

Murrah Girls Finish In Top 10

Murrah high school's girls basketball team is ranked No. 8 in USA Today's final poll. The Lady Mustangs (32-2) won the Class 5A state title. Ranked No. 5 is Indianola …

Tuesday, April 1

Associated Press: Gregg Harper Wins GOP Run-off

Gregg Harper defeats Charlie Ross for the Republican nomination in the Third Congressional District.

Jackblog

Why Women Back Obama

Especially younger ones. This is extremely well said, and captures something that resonates with me—I like the way he treats women. The Clintons seem to come from another generation, when …

Jackblog

Obama Picks Up Two More Mississippi Delegates

Yesterday Secretary of State Delbert "Low to Moderate Turnout" Hosemann certified the results of the Mississippi Democratic Primary, giving him essentially two new delegates because he made it over the …

Clarion-Ledger Buys, Renames ‘JFP' (April Fools)

The new publication will be named "The Jackson Ledger."

[Jackson, Miss.] The Jackson Free Press and The Clarion-Ledger announced the acquisition of the Jackson Free Press, Inc., by Gannett River States, Inc., the holding company of the Jackson-based Gannett …