Tuesday, September 30
Crye-Leike Realtors Achieves 100% in United Way Campaign
[Verbatim] RIDGELAND, MS., – Crye-Leike, Realtors congratulates it's sales associates and employees in Ridgeland Mississippi for their support of the 2008 United Way Campaign. Under the leadership of Broker Associate …
Alltell Arena Update Thursday and on WLEZ Wednesday
[Verbatim from Ben Allen of Downtown Jackson Partners] ARENA MEETING UPDATE
If you are receiving this email, you are one of 70 people confirmed for our Arena Meeting and Luncheon, Thursday October 2nd, at theTelCom Center. The time for lunch has …
Barr Praises House for Rejecting Wall Street Bailout
[Verbatim] Atlanta, GA – "Few people thought it could be done, but members of Congress listened to the people rather than the establishment to vote down the proposed $700 billion …
Hosemann Travels Abroad to Promote Military Voting
[Verbatim] Jackson, MSAt the request of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is one …
297,000-square-foot Distribution Facility Available in Baldwyn, Miss.
* 202,320 square feet -Distribution/Manufacturing
A 297,000-square-foot Distribution / Warehouse / Manufacturing facility is available 20 miles from new Toyota plant in Blue Springs, Miss.:
Working Women Demand Family and Economic Policy Focus
[Verbatim] As Governor Palin and Senator Biden prepare for the V.P. debate, much attention will be paid to the role of women voters and how they may decide the outcome …
SEIU: Stand Up for Main Street
[verbatim] WASHINGTON, DC – With Congress continuing to debate a bailout of Wall Street banks, Senators will hear from voters this week calling for action on the economic priorities of …
Walker's Drive-In Now Open Monday Nights
Walker's Drive-In in Fondren is open for business on Monday nights.
Hotel Owner Sentenced in Price Gouging Case
[Verbatim from Attorney General Jim Hood] Jackson, MS-A Jackson hotel owner has been sentenced in a price gouging case investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer …
Barbour Proclaims October as Dine Out Mississippi Month
[Verbatim] Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is pleased to announce that Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed the month of October as Dine Out Mississippi Month. Recognizing the importance of the …
Study Guide for Veep Debate
[Verbatim] WASHINGTON, DCThe Wonk Room has released a new study guide to educate those watching the vice-presidential debate about Gov. Sarah Palin's positions on domestic and foreign policy and the …
Will McCain's Health-Care Plan Raise Taxes?
The Center for American Progress is announcing a new report Wednesday that finds "McCain Health Plan Will Raise Taxes, Take Away Missouri Families' Health Care." Verbatim:
Justice Dept. Narrows Focus Of Melton Trial
Prosecutors filed three motions yesterday aimed at preventing irrelevant defense arguments in the upcoming federal trial of Jackson mayor Frank Melton. Melton and two bodyguards, Michael Recio and Marcus Wright, …
GOP: Watch the Racist Talking Points
Just hours after the Dow closed Monday down 777 points, a JFP reader posted the "reason" for the financial crisis on our Web site: "The subprime mortgage gateway was led …
Politics
Musgrove Camp Decries Scruggs Smear
Sen. Roger Wicker's supporters at the National Republican Senatorial Committee are attempting to link his Democratic opponent, Ronnie Musgrove, with incarcerated lawyer Paul Minor, as well as Mississippi attorney Richard …
Wanted: Weather Observers in Mississippi
[Verbatim] The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, better known as CoCoRaHS, has recently expanded into Mississippi and is looking for volunteer weather observers across the Magnolia State! CoCoRaHS, …
Bush Approval Hits New Low
In polling done prior to the failed bailout vote yesterday in the House, Americans responded with their lowest approval rating ever for George W. Bush -- 27 percent. That's a …
WSJ: ‘Completely Green' Sarah Palin Cramming for Debate
The Wall Street Journal is reporting on the struggle to get Gov. Sarah Palin ready for her vice presidential debate Thursday, and that Todd Palin is upset that his wife …
Monday, September 29
Travis Childers: Why I Voted Against the Bailout
Congressman Travis Childers just released a statement on why he voted against the $700 billion bailout today. Verbatim:
House Rejects Bailout Plan; Dow Plummets
CNN is reporting the bailout plan went down in the U.S. House of Representatives by a 228-205 vote. Mississippi Rep. Chip Pickering voted for it; Reps. Bennie Thompson, Travis Childers …
Deuce, Saints Thrash 49ers
More out-of-town papers:
Deuce McAllister gets loose and the Saints end a two-game winning streak. Coincidence?
Saturday, September 27
McCain's ‘Failed State' Gaffe
One of the surprises in Friday night's debate was Sen. John McCain blatant gaffe about Pakistan being a "failed state"ironically in a moment when he was trying to show that …
Lott: John was in Pain
I asked former U.S. Senator Trent Lott what he thought were the political costs of McCain's attempt at stalling the debate. Here is what he had to say:
Friday, September 26
Albright: Obama was right about Kissinger question
I was able to catch up with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in the Media filing tent. I asked her what were the political costs of John McCain …
Presidential Obama v. Angry White Man
He sure proved the point that John McCain has nothing on him on foreign policy. And McCain was just scaryimagine him and his anger trying to repair our place in …
Reactions From The Square
OXFORDJudging from applause, the McCain supporters on the Square are still most excited about his running mate. McCain's biggest applause line by far was his Sarah Palin "maverick" shout-out.
Maverick, Maverick, Maverick
OXFORDA succinct blog post, but I'm pretty sure John McCain just managed to fit the word "maverick" four times in a single sentence. Impressive. You know what type of person …
Doyle's back online after Media tent drama
When you last heard from me, I was documenting John Kerry's choice of Southern foods in the University of Mississippi's lavish media facilities by the Ford Center. Make no mistake, …
Jackson, Miss., to KKK: Drop Dead
Time:
OK, maybe not dead exactly. But let it be said that the citizens of Jackson, Miss., do not give a flying bigot what these irrevelant creeps think of us. There …
Free Speech Alley Is Free Of Speech
Anyone anticipating protests on the level of those at this year's Republican convention would be sorely disappointed. The designated protest area, an old football field across the street, behind a …
A Peaceful Turnout in Oxford
The turnout today was much lower than many organizers expected, or at least much more peaceful than they feared.
Sen. Richardson on Why McCain Is Losing the Latino Vote
Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., was standing in front of the Ford Center, where the debate will start in an hour and a half. I walked up and asked him if …
Kerry: Still Dull After All These Years
I don't know what I was expecting from Sen. John Kerrymaybe he'd found his groove after all these yearsbut when I caught up with him near the Music Building just …
But, Sen. Graham, ‘The Damn Thing Tanked'
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican and a lead of the John McCain campaign, was standing next to Spin Row (the area where all the press is, according to a sign …
Sen. John Kerry and His Ribs
I just saw John Kerry in the media tent eating barbecue ribs and baked beans. No word, yet, on whether he's washed away the bitter taste of losing to George …
The Wait Begins
The wait begins on the east side of the square, as over one hundred people have already staked their spots to wait for the debate to begin. Workers from the …
Anti-Immigrant Man v. Adam Lynch
Tony Young, of Savannah, Tenn., probably in his 60s, was carrying a big sign while marching in circles around the Grove: "Stop immigration." Not "Stop Illegal Immigration," but "Stop Immigration." …
Howard Dean on How Obama Improved on HIS Strategy
I ran into Howard Dean, chairman of Democratic Party, in the Grove, being yanked around by his handlers. I pointed out that there are similarities between the way he ran …
Politics
‘Rednecks for Obama': Two of ‘Em, Anyway
OXFORDTony Biessman, from Rollo, Mo., 74, co-founded Rednecks for Obama with his beer-drinking buddy Les Spencer. They like Obama so much that they went to Denver to the Democratic Convention …
Parker: Palin Should Step Down for the Country
In an important mea culpa, conservative Kathleen Parker is standing up and saying what many people, likely including conservatives, are thinking: Sarah Palin ought to step down. She's not qualified, …
To Live and Get Around in Oxford
OXFORDWalking from the Square to the university, I had heard that the James Meredith contingent was marching toward the Grove. I had hoped to find them so I could take …
If You're in Jackson, Do We Have A Debate Party for You!
Do we all need a drink after this week, or what!?! Come to the Red Room at Hal & Mal's tonight for a big ole progressive debate-watch party, sponsored by …
No Chicken Noises, but Barack Obama Is In Oxford
OXFORDForty-six years to the day since the last time James Meredith was barred entry to Ole Miss, presidential candidate Barack Obama is now on the Ole Miss campus. Local Alexis …
Adam Lynch Is On the Ground in Oxford; Guard the Buffets!
That's supposed to make me feel better.
JFP reporter and curmudgeon Adam Lynch just called in from Oxford; he was standing next to the Fox News. I was worried that he was waiting for Sean Hannity (he …
James Meredith's Sister Speaks From Obama-Land
OXFORDA few hundred feet from the Square, three Obama t-shirt vendors have set up shop in the parking lot of Goolsby's Hair World. A banner proclaims this swath of concrete …
Politics
One Protester's Dual Contradictions
OXFORDAnthony Hervey has it rough with his self-imposed protesting duties for today's debate. Perched underneath the statue of the Confederate soldier on The Square with an 8-foot Mississippi state flag …
Special Interests Meet a Football Atmosphere
OXFORDAnyone curious about the feel of the University of Mississippi campus just hours before the debate should take a stroll on The Walk of Champions, the path normally traversed by …
The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days
Thursday, Sept. 25
Junior college football, Jones County at Hinds (7 p.m., Raymond): Another national power comes calling on the Eagles.
Politics Makes For Many Bedfellows
OXFORDAs the debate nears, our sleeping conditions are deteriorating. Last night Bryan and I both crashed at the house of a William Winter Institute employee. The scene this morning reminded …
Oxford Puts On Its Party Pants
OXFORDFor all the debate fever of the past week, Oxford's real transformation has taken place in the last 24 hours. The town felt fairly quiet yesterday morning, but by the …
Thursday, September 25
UPDATE: McCain Flip-Flops, Headed To Oxford
Update: CNN is reporting that Sen. John McCain has announced he will be attending tonight's presidential debate in Oxford, despite his earlier refusal to participate if an agreement had not …
Democrats Charge GOP with Trying to ‘Rescue' McCain
The Washington Post is reporting that Republicans backed out of a deal on the bailout this afternoon, with Democrats charging that some Republicans are trying to give McCain cover for …
Should Black-Specific Support Organizations Exist?
OXFORDAs you'll see from this week's top story in the JFP, James Meredith has an interesting stance on the need of black-specific support institutions such as The University of Mississippi …
Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 4; What to Do NOW
The numbers for voter turnout in the November general election will be historic. That's the prediction in a year where the winning team will either include the first African American …
Mississippi Churches to Register Voters Sunday, Sept. 28
[Verbatim] (JACKSON, Miss.) – On the cusp of what will be historic election, the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated announces its "Voter Registration Countdown" through …
Mississippi Black Caucus Endorses Obama
Granted, no surprise here, but the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus just released a statement endorsing Barack Obama, and perhaps more important pledging a massive get-out-the-vote effort for November. Verbatim:
LWV: ‘Make Good' on Debate Pledge
Even as John McCain is still resisting the debate, the League of Women Voters released this statement, verbatim:
Cancelled Event A Blow To Obama Fundraising
More on the cancelled Women for Obama-Biden Forum that Donna mentioned earlier today:
Obama Camp Says He's Goin' to Oxford
According to a story at the Huffington Post, the Obama camp still expects McCain to attend the debate; if he doesn't, Obama will head to Oxford anyway and hold a …
Sarah Silverman on Why Jews Gotta Vote for Obama
Sarah Silverman has a hilarious video out to bring home the point to young Jews that they need to shlep their butts to Florida and get their grandparents to vote …
Local: ‘Mad As Hell' If No Debate
OXFORDWhether the person is red or blue, the Ole Miss community is creeping toward a consensus: If John McCain ruins the debate for the Oxford and Ole Miss community, there …
Politics
Oxford Police Still Working Overtime
OXFORDI sat down with Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin this morning to talk about his preparations for the debate and how his officers have responded to uncertainty. He wouldn't say …
Barbour: ‘I Expect There to Be a Debate'
At a press conference that just concluded at the University of Mississippi, Gov. Haley Barbour said that the debate is happening Friday night, as far as he is concerned: "It's …
Ole Miss Student Paper Poll: ‘It's a Cop-Out'
The Daily Mississippian is running an online poll that currently shows that 69 percent of respondents think that McCain's bailout on the debate is a "cop-out."
Mississippi GOP on McCain: ‘Heard Nothing'
The Daily Mississippian is reporting that all plans are moving ahead (except for people having to cancel already due the financial risk) for the debate Friday night. Even the Mississippi …
Fall-Out: ‘Women for Obama' Event Canned; Caterer Loses $7,000
Just in, verbatim:
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the Presidential Debate scheduled for Ole Miss, the Federation of Democratic Women reluctantly postpone the Women for Obama-Biden Forum.
What Will Barbour Say?
Gov. Haley Barbour is holding a press conference with Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat at 11 a.m. today on campus. This press event was already scheduled, but took on a …
WSJ Questions McCain on ‘Leadership'
You know the outlook is in question when the rapaciously conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page is taking John McCain to task for his cancel-the-debate stunt. Granted, they jump through …
Oxford Residents Sharing Homes, Volunteering, Spending ... for Nothing?
This is about more than you.
To put John McCain's bailout on Mississippi in perspective, recall that Oxford homeowners have been bending over backward to both rent and share their homes with visiting journalists and others …
Wednesday, September 24
Gov. Winter: McCain Takes ‘Red' Mississippi for Granted
Former Gov. William Winter, an Ole Miss graduate and the founder of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, had this to say about McCain trying to stand up Ole …
What Are We Gonna Do With All This Stuff?
OXFORDYou're going to hear more from us tomorrow about the money Oxford stands to lose if the debate falls through. But it's also time to consider those purchases Ole Miss …
Letterman Ticked; Olbermann Takes McCain Spot
Per The New York Times Caucus Blog, McCain may be in Dave's doghouse:
Ole Miss Students Address 'Economics' of McCain Bailout
That's the best way to describe the attitude on here at the University of Mississippi. Months of planning. Millions of dollars. All down the drain because of one apparent maverick's …
Ole Miss to ABC: ‘Devastating'
Andrew Mullins, special assistant to the Chancellor at Ole Miss, told ABC News that postponing the debate would be "devastating" and that the university has invested millions in the debate …
My Favorite Palin Moment, Yet
This is a truly stupendous moment. Just look at Katie Couric's face as she presses Palin for those examples of McCain's attempts at regulation and then Palin's response:
Feature
A Wild Hair
"My brother is such a badass guitar player I have to replace him with two guys," says North Mississippi All-stars drummer Cody Dickinson about his latest project, Hill Country Revue.
James Meredith on the 5 Most Important People in the Obama Campaign
In James Meredith's JFP Interview this week, he details the five people he believes have (or had) the greatest effect on the Obama campaign, starting with Sean Hannity. His thoughts, …
McCain Wants Oxford on Call for a Maybe-Veep Debate
Sheer absurdity. It just gets worse, as McCain also tries to find a way to reschedule (or cancel) Palin's debate with Biden. CNN Political Ticker:
Jacksonian
William Green
Dr. William Green is a bishop and an interdenominational chaplain, has studied Buddhism with the Dalai Lama and is a published religious scholar. But most people in Jackson call him …
Doing It Our Way
My favorite James Meredith story involved the über contrarian sot Christopher Hitchens. Todd and I were asked to "entertain" Hitch during his visit to Millsaps College a few years back; …
Top 13 Ways Oxford Can Replace the Debate
1. Pick-up Ultimate Frisbee between the Gay-Straight Alliance and the College Republicans.
Now that John McCain is cutting and running from the first debate, the town of Oxford is left bursting at the seams with people, reporters, and lots of extra food, …
Verbatim: James Meredith Policy On Interviews
I will grant an interview only to people who agree to the following five stipulations.
See what rules James Meredith makes all mediaexcept the Jackson Free Pressagree to before granting an interview.
FAQ: What National Media Ask Mississippians
We decided to beat the reporters to the punch line and offer up a few of their most frequently asked questions.
Talk
Hood Suggests 'Shell Game
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed suit in Hinds County Chancery Court last week to force Entergy Mississippi to release information on the company's practice of buying and selling natural …
McCain Screwing Ole Miss?
Folo's got some good chat going over how McCain's stunt is going Ole Miss (and Mississippi). I mean, our economy can't handle getting ready for a huge political party that …
Abortion: 'Issue of Our Day'?
40 Days for Life, a national pro-life campaign, is focusing its efforts on the only abortion provider in Mississippi, the National Women's Health Organization in Fondren. Described as "a unique …
Survey USA Instant Poll: Show Must Go On
Survey USA wasted no time taking America's pulse on McCain's latest bombshellAmerica's First Reaction: Friday's McCain-Obama Debate Should Still Be Held On Friday, But Perhaps with New Focus: Immediately after …
Talk
Election ‘08: The Issues They Ignore
The 2008 presidential debate at the University of Mississippi is one in a series of three debates leading up to the Nov. 4 general election. All three debates conform to …
Editorial
Hosemann, Commit to Fair Elections
In recent years, the role of the secretary of state was handled in a fair-handed and relatively apolitical way by Eric Clark, a conservative Democrat who seemed to focus on …
McCain's Debate Stunt Doesn't Impress
No one at an afternoon panel at Ole Miss' Overby Center was willing to stick up for John McCain's plan to ditch the debate. Former Gov. William Winter, Jackson City …
[Sue Doh Nem] Mack Daddy Feds
Rudy McBride: "A wave of great concern looms over this nation and world. The shining prince has turned into a drab-colored frog. Cinderella's diamond-studded slippers and fancy, horse-drawn coach have …
[Kamikaze] More Than A Rapper
This column is dedicated to two people. Their names and occupations aren't necessary here. Let's just say they know who they are, whether they actually read this column or not.
[Mott] Progress or Repression?
Marching down Constitution Avenue to protest the Vietnam War and to support the Equal Rights Amendment was a rite of passage for me. In early 1970s Washington, D.C., if you …
Wellness
The Sneaky Way to (Not) Diet
The problem with dieting is that it really only works when you have total control over what you are eating. And seriously, who has the time to count, measure and …
Debate "Going Forward," Khayat Says
Official statement from Chancellor Robert Khayat posted on The University of Mississippi Web site:
The University of Mississippi is going forward with the preparation for the debate. We are ready to host the debate, and we expect the debate to occur as planned. At …
Ole Miss: Debate Is Still On
Official Statement From Chancellor's Office
The University of Mississippi is going forward with the preparation for the debate. We are ready to host the debate, and we expect the debate to occur as planned. At …
A Soldier's Story: The JFP Interview with James Meredith
James Meredith talks to the Jackson Free Press about identity education, Barack Obama, Sean Hannity and Sarah Palin.
Quiz: What Mississippi Legend is Calling Sarah Palin ‘White Trash'?
The JFP will tell you a bit later today on our brand, spanking new Debate-Politics Blog. Stay tuned.
Politics
WJTV Defends Web Poll Focusing on Obama's Race
Two polls on the Web site of Jackson CBS affiliate WJTV reveal an inordinate focus on Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's race. The first poll deals with Republican presidential nominee …
Politics
Just In Time for the Debates, a ‘Pro-Baby, Anti-Palin' Onesy!
Leave it to Portland ... (verbatim): With less than two months to go in a hotly-contested, too-close-to-call race for president, the creators of the popular "President Poopyhead" and "I Already …
Parties, Debates, Meetups, Oh My! ... JFP Debuts Political Events Calendar
Just in time for the Big Debate (or Big Deflate as Adam Lynch is calling it since McCain called for a time-out), the JFP has launched both a new Politics …
Politics
'So Be It': Ballot 'Trick' Fails
The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled last week that the U.S. Senate race between Roger Wicker and Ronnie Musgrove should appear near the top of the general election ballot, ending a …
Michelle Obama: Have a Debate Party!
OK, it's just a campaign letter, but here is what Michelle Obama sent out today about the Friday debate, verbatim, of course:
CNN's Campbell Brown: ‘Sexist' McCain Campaign Must ‘Free Sarah Palin'
This is simply too fabulous for words. CNN's Campbell Brown offers up a stunning take-down to the McCain campaign over their apparently refusal to let Governor Palin hold a press …
Ole Miss, Warts and All
An article in today's New York Times deviates a bit from the standard narrative on Ole Miss and the debate. It provides some counterpoint to the several versions of "Look …
The NAMIWalks Fundraiser is back! Help me "Stomp Out The Stigma of Mental Illness" in ‘08
I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks …
The Poop on the Oxford Debate
To keep up with specifics (and find out about ticket and media info, event schedules and the like), check out the Ole Miss Presidential Debate Site. The main UM debate …
Rock the Vote Poll: Youth Want Obama; No Palin Effect
Michael Connery is blogging about the new Rock the Vote poll results of young voters at futuremajority.com:
Tuesday, September 23
Meredith: ‘No, Just Acting Like Students, I ‘Spose'
In this video shot during the Ole Miss uprising over his enrollement, James Meredith sure looks a lot younger, but he rather sounds just like he does today when he …
John McCain's Mississippi Roots
Jake Tapper (now of ABC) and Arkansas journalist Suzi Parker wrote a piece for Salon back in 2000 during the last presidential election in which they revealed to the world, …
James Meredith Will Not Be in Oxford for the Debate
Ole Miss' most famous alumnist, James Meredith, has made it clear that he will not attend the debate Friday at Ole Miss. His wife, Dr. Judy Meredith, and one of …
Ole Miss Debate a Conspiracy to Help Obama?
You gotta love it when the conspiracy theorists get going. This blog asks, "Was the debate schedule gamed for Obama too?. (Wonder if they know when the debate was scheduled …
‘Hot Democratic Women' Present the Oxford Debate Music Guide
Now we get around to the important stuff: music in Oxford this week. The advance word on the Obamarama at The Lyric. We'll see what the JFP's road team has …
Obama Prepping for Debate in ‘Battleground' Florida
Per a CBS blog: Barack Obama is taking the day off from campaigning today – instead he will be preparing for Friday's presidential debate at an undisclosed location in the …
Katie Couric Asks You-the-People to Help Her Interview Palin
On her chatty blog, CBS' Katie Couric wants to know what you would ask Sarah Palin! She's going to interview her next week! She thinks Palin has made the campaign …
Families United Supporting Troops at Oxford Debate
The Pontotoc Progress is reporting (in a whole bunch of one-sentence paragraphs):
Oxford's Changeand the McCain Slaves
NPR has one of the requisite stories about how far Oxford has come since 1962. (Doh.) This one has some good stuff from Boston Globe reporter Curtis Wilkie, who was …
Another Oxford DebateThis One Malcolm X
Allow us to pause during Debate Week madness in Mississippi to observe a different tall, skinny black man in an Oxford debate.
State Democrats Plan ‘Turning Mississippi Blue' Rally
[Verbatim] Mississippi Democrats will celebrate the first 2008 presidential debate with a political rally Thursday night, Sept. 25, in Oxford where party candidates and leaders are expected to speak. The …
State Launches Site for Visiting Debate Journalists
[Verbatin] An estimated 3,000 journalists are expected to descend upon Oxford this week for the first 2008 Presidential Debate. To assist media with resources for broadcasts and articles pertaining to …
Millsaps Grads Win ‘Quiz Me,' Get Debate Tickets
[Verbatim] After correctly answering 106 questions during a quiz bowl competition, two Millsaps grads have received two highly coveted tickets to the first presidential debate on Friday.
McCain Tries to Bar Media From Palin at UN; CNN Rebels
The McCain campaign's efforts to keep Sarah Palin from embarrassing herself in front of the media is reaching ridiculous depths. Today, to their credit, CNN threatened to not show any …
UPDATED: Prosecutors Appeal Seale ‘Acquittal'
A 2005 Jackson Free Press investigation helped spur Seale's prosecution. See JFP Archive of Seale Investigation. Also, see http://www.roadtomeadville.com for full coverage.
MEMA Headed to Oxford Debate
[Verbatim] PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with key federal, local and university personnel to provide support and resources for the Presidential Debate at the University of …
Monday, September 22
Why Polls Drive Us Crazy
There's a great Alternet story by Joshua Holland that might hit the spot for those of you (us) cringing over small movements in the national polls this election cycle. It …
Politics
March Against Fear '08
About 25 people carrying banners, flags and posters gathered Saturday morning at Freedom Cornerthe intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Medgar Evers Boulevardto kick off a 172-mile march to …
UPDATED: Hosemann Releases Revised Ballot
After losing a legal battle to put a U.S. Senate special election on the bottom of the November ballot, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann released a revised sample ballot (PDF, …
McCain Campaign Head Paid $2 Million to Stop Mortgage Regulations
The New York Times has the story of the day (of the campaign?):
Friday, September 19
Editorial
Close Loopholes for Race Violence
In 2005, the Jackson Free Press went to Franklin County, Miss., with the brother of Charles Moore, one of two black teenagers killed by the Klan in 1964. We wanted …
Obama: 'We Must Also Help Main Street'
Barack Obama wants the government to give attention to families and workers as well as the financial industry. CNN reports:
Thursday, September 18
Politics
Supreme Court Rules Sample Ballot is Illegal
The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled against Gov. Haley Barbour and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann today in their appeal concerning the contested sample November ballot. Justice Jess Dickinson's majority opinion …
Naysayers and Non-believers
I am growing very weary of people around this town who are always able to find some way to throw "salt" on those who are trying to make a difference. …
Wednesday, September 17
Talk
Technicality May Free Seale
James Ford Seale will be going home soon, probably within days, thanks to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which on Sept. 9 overturned his 2007 conviction on federal …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Golf, Viking Classic (7 a.m., Madison): Many of golf's elite are playing in the Ryder Cup, but there will be plenty of big names and rising stars at Annandale Golf …
Palin's $50,000 Office Makeover ... into 'Bordello' Red
Salon is reporting that Sarah Palin shocked Wasilla when she spent $50,000 from a city highway fund to re-do her mayoral office:
Fly
Ink Spot
Thrash metal is the perfect musical setting for the new residence of the Ink Spot. Hidden in the Foundry Lofts (formerly the Ironworks building) at 300 W. South St., the …
Birthday Reflections
As the JFP turns 6, Todd Stauffer reflects on the problem of "balance" over accuracya media problem McCain's lying spree has brought front and center.
Politics
State Defying Its Own?
The ACLU of Mississippi filed a lawsuit on behalf of Mississippi residents Jerry Young and Christy Colley in U.S. District Court Friday, challenging the state's denial of voting rights to …
Politics
A ‘Brazen' Ballot Battle
Gov. Haley Barbour took the fight over a sample election ballot to the Mississippi Supreme Court on Friday.
Talk
[Gig] Robert Staples: ‘Never Lost A Fight'
Robert Staples, owner of Staple Martial Arts and Self-Defense, studied martial arts for 23 years. He first started a studio in South Jackson, then moved to Byram three and a …
[Sue Doh Nem] Hop On the Bus
Rev. Cletus: "This is your car-selling pastor on the Ghetto Science Radio Network, broadcasting live from my lube and oil change garage. Please excuse the background noise; my mechanics are …
Time For All Citizens to Vote
Last Friday, the ACLU of Mississippi and the ACLU Voting Rights Project filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the state's denial of voting rights to citizens with felony convictions. …
[Saldaña] Keeping Seale Free
On Jan. 26, 2007, two days after a federal grand jury indicted former Klansman James Ford Seale with three counts of kidnapping and conspiracy, his defense attorneys moved to dismiss …
Green Girl
[Green Girl] Eco-Dating
Whether you're looking for an alternative to the dry, dinner-and-a-movie routine, or trying to plan a Saturday staycation with your spouse of 20 years, Jackson has many options for the …
Jacksonian
Rosemary Maxey
Rosemary Maxey is a veritable human Rolodex. Her friends often joke that she knows you, has heard of you or wants to get to know you.
Cover
Bold 'New' City
As the JFP turns 6 (!), we take our traditional birthday look at Jackson's progress.
"That's What Homemade Soups Are, Mmm Mmm Good": A Fall Lunch Beyond Campbell's
Autumn may not conjure images of ripe, juicy, tomatoes in most people's minds. But the sight of a Campbell's tomato soup can nearly always triggers a storm of nostalgic yearnings …
Tuesday, September 16
You've Got to be Kidding
One of my former bosses often quipped that her "need to edit" was a force too strong to resist. Having worked as an editor myself, I have to admit that …
BRAVO! Goes Smoke-Free
The Smokefree Jackson Coalition honored BRAVO! Italian Restaurant Tuesday for voluntarily prohibiting smoking indoors before a citywide ban takes effect Feb. 1, 2009. City Council President Leslie McLemore commended Bravo …
JSU Freshman QB Leaves Team
Freshman quarterback Dominick Britt, the centerpiece of Jackson State's 2008 football recruiting class, has left the team.
Football: Ole Miss, MSU To Play on TV Sept. 27
Ole Miss and Mississippi State's football games on Sept. 27 will be televised, the SEC has announced.
Monday, September 15
Another Mucked-Up Hurricane Response?
Folo has a good post, and several links, pointing to another inadequate response to a hurricane disaster, this time in Texas. And there are reports that Texas Gov. Rick Perry …
Wall Street Journal: Of Palin's Earmarks and McCain's Lies
Even as John McCain said this week that Palin asked for no earmarks as governor, The Wall Street Journal that she, indeed, asked for $453 million in projects:
Obama Campaign Opportunities
The Jackson Free Press received several e-mails regarding opportunities with the Obama campaign in Mississippi.
Sunday, September 14
Hood Takes Gloves Off Over Barbour Ballot Scheme
[Verbatim from Attorney General Jim Hood] Jackson, MS-Gov. Haley Barbour's ill-conceived attempt to gain a partisan political advantage for his party and violate state law is an embarrassment for both …
M-Braves Claim Crown
The Mississippi Braves are the 2008 champions of the Southern League.
Friday, September 12
Politics
Barbour Appeals Ballot Ruling
[Verbatim from Governor] Today's ruling by the Hinds County Circuit Court is being appealed today. The official ballot recommended by the Secretary of State, which I approved, is proper and …
Politics
Green Rules Against Ballot ‘Ball of Confusion'
Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green heard arguments Thursday on a preliminary injunction against the distribution of a November ballot that would place the U.S. Senate race between Roger …
Gustav
Roads Closed Along Coast In Anticipation of Flooding From Ike
The following are times for the strongest possibility of flooding at high tide:
[Verbatim From MEMA] PEARL–Hurricane Ike is expected to bring significant tidal surge to Hancock Harrison and Jackson counties even though the storm is heading toward the Texas coast.
Thursday, September 11
Flea Market Adventures
I am a junkie. That's right; addicted. Right now, I'm going through withdrawals. Haven't had my fix this week. The dusty remnants of the last time hang in my nostrilsI …
Gustav
MEMA Advises Residents To Seek Shelter From Ike's Floods
[Verbatim from MEMA] PEARL – Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Womack wants all residents living in low-lying areas to seek shelter on higher ground because of flooding from Hurricane …
Obama Supporters Launch "Watch Oprah" Counter Campaign
In a campaign cycle getting more ridiculous by the moment, Obama supporters are fighting back against the McCain-Palin supporters who are boycotting Oprah because she said she isn't inviting Palin …
SL Championship Series Moves To Pearl
The M-Braves meet Carolina in Game 3 of the SL Championship Series at Trustmark Park in Pearl on Thursday night.
Politics
Hosemann Distributes Disputed Sample Ballot, Hood Advises Against Its Use
The Associated Press is reporting that Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann distributed controversial sample ballots for November's general election to county election commissioners late Wednesday night. Three Mississippi Supreme Court …
New York Times: Mississippi Ballot ‘Cynical Dirty Trick'
A New York Times editorial this morning blasted Gov. Haley Barbour and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann for their proposed November ballot, which places one of the most important national …
Did we learn anything from 9/11?
I'm not talking about aviation safety or counterterrorism intelligence. I'm talking about the unity that Americans experienced in the aftermath of that terrible day.
Wednesday, September 10
[Gregory] Vetting Sarah
Last week when McCain announced his candidate for Vice President Ilike many other people in Americaasked myself, "Sarah who?" I tuned in to the Republican National Convention just to hear …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Southern League baseball, Carolina at Mississippi in Championship Series (7 p.m., Pearl, 1590 AM): The best-of-five series moves to Trustmark Park for Game 3. Games 4 and 5 will follow …
The Art of (Culture) War
Four years ago, I wanted John Kerry to pick John McCain as his running mate. He was an impressive politician to me then, willing to buck a then-über powerful Republican …
Talk
Storm Response: Better, By Degree
President George Bush praised the coordinated efforts of FEMA, MEMA, local agencies, and humanitarian organizations to work together and do battle with Gustav's category 2 winds when it came ashore …
Frank Melton
Small Room for Pay Hikes
The Jackson City Council is mulling more budget cuts this week following news of shortfalls.
Frank Melton
Melton Hires Reeves
Local attorney John Reeves has decided to represent Jackson Mayor Frank Melton in November when Melton goes on trial for constitutional violations stemming from the Ridgeway demolition.
Talk
Saving the Best for Last?
When Mississippians vote this November, they may find the hotly contested U.S. Senate race between Roger Wicker and Ronnie Musgrove buried near the end of the ballot.
Body+Soul
Governor, Fix Medicaid Permanently
Barbour revealed this week that "a junior staff person" working for the state uncovered a budget correction that allotted the state a one-time payment of $92 million from the federal …
[Sue Doh Nem] Living On Promise
Brett Starrchild: "It's the final round of Ghetto Science Television's new game show 'Living on a Promise.' In the first and second rounds, celebrity judge Nurse Tootie McBride asked three …
[Kamikaze] Political Cross-Dressing
I recently received an intriguing e-mail. It raised some interesting points about this year's presidential election, and I thought I'd share.
Jacksonian
Dick Molpus
Dick Molpus, 59, has worked, both as a statesman and a citizen, to the benefit Mississippi his entire adult life, and has built his own wealth in a national sustainable …
Body+Soul
Don't Feel Like a Nut
Before we were married, my fiancée dropped by my house with her two teenage daughters one Sunday afternoon. We all sat down, and Michelle talked about her near-death experience she …
A New Side Of Holmes
If you think it's time to add some mystery and intrigue to your life, head over to New Stage Theatre this month. In its season opener, the theater company presents …
Images In Colored Glass
When you step into the Mosaic Shop, the feeling is welcoming. Wanda and Robert Hendrix, both Texas natives, greet you with charming wit.
Roaring With Laughter
Over the past five years, the actors of the Off Kilter Comedy TroupeJackson's longest running comedy grouphave developed an amazing skill.
Associated Press, Factcheck.org Expose McCain's Lies
The current national furor over the lies coming from the McCain-Palin camp reached a ridiculous level today when Factcheck.org had to call the campaign out for distorting the non-partisan's correction …
Art
Fostering Dialogue
TALK Dance Co. Executive Director Stephen Wynne had been searching for a story upon which to build movement and dialogue since he decided to reinvigorate the dance company in Mississippi …
Politics
Palin and the Fringe
The extreme right is declaring a third-party victory with Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin on the presidential ticket this fall.
Art
Cultivating a Voice Through Art
Filtered sunlight streams through the windows of Claire Myers' studio on Thursday morning in Jackson as she waits to begin painting.
Fall Arts Preview 2008
<b>[Stage & Screen]</b>
This fall is packed with scheduled art events to keep the city buzzing. Check them out here.
Equal Voice for America's Families
An employee of the Mississippi Workers' center for Human Rights invited me the attend a convention in Birmingham this past Saturday called Equal Voice for America's Families, which was sponsored …
NPR's Juan Williams Credits JFP During Interview On Seale's Acquittal
During a 5-minute interview with NPR's Renee Montagne this morning, Juan Williams alludes to the Jackson Free Press' award-winning investigation leading up to James Ford Seale's conviction last June. The …
Tuesday, September 9
James Ford Seale Conviction Overturned
WLBT-TV3 is reporting that the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned James Ford Seale's 2007 conviction for his involvement in the murders of Charles Moore and Henry Dee. He …
‘Reformer' Palin Billed State for 312 Nights Spent at Home
The Washington Post is reporting that Gov. Sarah Palin and her family haven't been conservative with their expense reports in the year+ she as served as governor of Alaska:
Politics
Hosemann Defends Order of November Ballot
[Verbatim from the Secretary of State's office] The Office of Secretary of State has devoted many hours researching the ballot order for the 2008 General Election. Our office has researched …
Monday, September 8
Gustav
Barbour Issues State of Emergency for Hurricane Ike
[Verbatim from the Governor's office] (JACKSON, Mississippi)Today Governor Haley Barbour issued a State of Emergency for the entire State of Mississippi due to the potential threat posed by Hurricane Ike, …
Medicaid Shortfall Filled?
Mississippi's Medicaid shortfall is solved for the moment, according to a statement released today by Gov. Haley Barbour. Thanks to a refund of approximately $58.9 million from the federal Center …
Benefit for Serenity Lane(Child with Luekemia) Tues. Sept 9th 8pm @ Electric Cowboy
You guys know Im all about the kids!
I was asked by friends of the mother of young Serenity Lane to perform at a benefit on her behalf tomorrow. Im appealing to the entire JFP nation to open …
10,000 Protesters Barely Make the News
In 2008 at the St. Paul Republican Convention, police arrested 818 protesters, which was less than half of the number arrested at their 2004 convention. Minneapolis had more than 3,700 …
Politics
Power Vote Initiative Set To Launch Tomorrow
[Verbatim from Power Vote] WASHINGTON, DCWorld-renowned climate scientist James Hansen will join youth leaders from across the country for a tele-press conference to formally launch Power Vote, a generational call …
Friday, September 5
Factcheck.org: McCain and Palin Lie During RNC Speeches
Factcheck.org, a non-partisan campaign fact-checking site run by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania reported today that John McCain "made some flubs in accepting the nomination." …
Ink Spot Gallery Grand Opening
The Ink Spot Gallery has moved to a new location in the Ironworks building (300 W. South St.) and invites the public to its grand opening art show tonight at …
Politics
City Tax Cut Unlikely
A Thursday night public hearing revealed that a proposed tax cut for Jackson residents may be down the tubes. Jackson Mayor Frank Melton proposed the cut last week during a …
Are Obama and McCain ‘Virtually Tied'?
I saw this notion pop up in another thread here on the JFP site and I thought it was worth a little more examination. (With apologies to Donna, this is …
84,000 Jobs Slashed in August
August Unemployment At Five-Year High
NPR reported this morning on last month's unemployment figures and updated numbers for June and July. Verbatim from their Web site:
Thursday, September 4
Frank Melton
John Reeves to Represent Melton in Federal Trial
Weeks after Mayor Frank Melton tapped him to serve on the Jackson Development Authority, local attorney John Reeves told the Jackson Free Press that he has decided to represent Jackson …
Chane Open House Tonight
Local businessman and t-shirt designer Chane, owner of Swell-O-Phonic, STUDIOchane, Wilai, Icon Gallery and Swell-O-Venue, invites the public to check out the recent renovations to his shops and galleries at …
Grand White Party
Saddest of all is that the Republican Party has essentially made no strides on race issues, as was in shocking evidence last night as Sarah Palin, Rudy Guiliani and Mitt …
M-Braves Open Playoffs
The Mississippi Braves play at Birmingham Thursday in Game 1 of the SL South Division playoffs.
Wednesday, September 3
[Queen] Know Your Passion
In an interview following his Olympic gold medal successes, swimmer Michael Phelps meekly said he and his coach never even speak the words "gold medal" while training for competition. He …
Gustav More Merciful
Hurricane Gustav was not the monster people had been fearing. Almost exactly three years ago, Hurricane Katrina showed America what a real hurricane looks like, and made government on all …
Cover
Drill, Baby, Drill: The Reality of the McCain-Palin Plan
Republican presidential nominee John McCain has a shiny new vice presidential candidate but an old idea for dealing with the nation's gas crisis.
Why Is Sarah Palin Sneering So Much?
Quite frankly, I'm shocked. I expected a speech from Palin that would make Americans who'd never heard of her last Friday *like* her. She's just sneering over and over agaon. …
Fly
Endless Summer: Drink Specials
The summer is far from over in the Deep South, so you might as well sit back with a cool drink in hand and embrace the fact that we made …
Books
Spirit of a City
"A Season of the Night: New Orleans Life After Katrina" is a tribute of a New Orleans transplant to his adopted home. McNulty writes a heart-felt description of his life …
One Daughter Away from the White House
Out of everything that chilled me to the bone about Bill Clinton's Lewinsky affair, nothing bothered me more than him messing around with the intern with his teen daughter in …
Culture
Southern Hip-Hop
When Jabari Graham, 28, was laid off from his job as creative marketing manager at UniverSoul Circus in 2001, he took what money he had saved and organized an art …
Herman's Picks
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 6, No. 51
Martin's has some top acts lined up over the next few weeks. For more of a pop styling, check out Martin's Thursday, Sept. 11, for the Hattiesburg-based Thomas Jackson Orchestra …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Southern League baseball, Mississippi at Birmingham in South Division playoffs (7 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., 1590 AM): The M-Braves open a best-of-five playoff series against the Barons. NFL football, Washington at …
Palin's Alaska: Funded by Oil Profits Tax
If Sarah Palin gets past this press cycle and remains the Vice Presidential nominee on the GOP ticket, there might be one interesting item from her brief tenure as governor …
Talk
One for the Price of Two
In its zeal to find a new superintendent, Jackson Public Schools has hired one administrator for the price of two. A day after the school board selected Georgia education specialist …
Urban Myth 101
Last week, the Jackson Free Press received several e-mails proclaiming "Jackson Crime Alert" in the subject line. Obviously having been forwarded through dozens, maybe hundreds of prior e-mail addresses, the …
Easley Says Fellow Justices ‘Screwed Me'
As reported last Wednesday, Aug. 27, Mississippi Supreme Court Judge Chuck Easley told the Jackson Free Press last week that a pro-business bloc on the court is attempting to strip …
Editorial
Judicial Activism Must Stop
The Jackson Free Press revealed in a breaking story online last week that some Mississippi Supreme Court justices had been deliberating how to change a state law that determines who …
[Sue Doh Nem] Beating Down Insensitivity
Mr. Announcement: "Ghetto Science Television presents the final episode of the short-lived reality series 'Kunta the Unruly Y'all Mart Employee.'
Where is the Humanity in Laurel, Miss.?
Last Monday morning, Aug. 25, federal immigration agents descended on Laurel, Miss., to conduct the largest immigration raid in the country, where they arrested 600 workers at a manufacturing plant.
Film
One Woman's Courage
The road leading into Meerwala is a packed-earth track between green farmer's fields. In this remotest corner of Pakistan, the village has no school and no police.
Jacksonian
John Sewell
John Sewell plays many roles in Jackson, from his day job as the director of corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield to his position on at least five boards, …
Cooking
Jewels of the Urban Garden
Only one fruit or vegetable elicits a mouth-watering reaction from me, and by mouth-watering, I mean literal saliva down the front of my dress: tomatoes.
Green's Cool for Back to School
School days, school days...dear old golden rule days...
Is Palin a ‘Reformer'?
Word is that Sarah Palin's speech tonight will focus on being "a reformer." Thoughts?
(No sex-pregnancy-abortion scandal talk on this thread, please. I'm trying to break them up to make conversation talk easier.)
WAIT: Isn't It ‘Sexist' to Criticize Female Reporters!?!
It's call-the-messenger-sexist time. After keeping embattled running mate Sarah Palin under wraps since Monday, and canceling a CNN interview due to Campbell Brown asking about Palin's foreign policy expertise, McCain …
EPA Kills Yazoo Pumps Project
The Environmental Protection Agency followed through with predictions and announced yesterday its decision to kill the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposed Yazoo Pumps Project in the Mississippi Delta.
"Voice of God" Don LaFontaine, Dead at Age 68
The movie-trailer king, Don LaFontaine, was a voiceover artist known for his baritone voice and the phrase, "In a world..." From the LA Times:
Tuesday, September 2
Insurance Information
Mississippi Insurance Department phone numbers:
The Mississippi Insurance Department has a page explaining how to file a claim after a hurricane. Homeowners should document all damage with photos and/or video and file any claims as …
Insurance Information for Gustav Victims
Mississippi Insurance Department phone numbers:
The Mississippi Insurance Department has a page explaining how to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage to your home. Homeowners should document all damage with photos and/or video and …
Blood Donors Needed
Mississippi Blood Services Main Center
Mississippi Blood Services is reporting an urgent need for blood donations due to Hurricane Gustav. Hospitals and blood drawing stations across the state closed because of the storm, creating a …
MEMA Gustav Update
Verbatim from a MEMA news release, 9 a.m. Tuesday:
Power outages:84,173 households without power. Entergy has 20,034; Electric Power Associations ofMississippi have 14,936 and MS Power has 49,203.Pearl River has 10,230 outages. Hancock has 16,401. Harrison has 15,610. Jackson …
Tornadoes Plague State Today; Evacuees Should Stay Put
Mississippi residents woke up today to tornado watches and warnings swirling around the state, especially in central Mississippi, in the aftermatch of Hurricane Gustav. As we return to work and …
Monday, September 1
How to Donate to Help Hurricane Victims
Also see: Jackpedia: Hurricane Gustav to get/post vital information.
So Far, So Good: Whew
It's 2:04 p.m. Monday, and Gustav didn't turn out to be the monster we feared. Thank God. It's raining here in Jackson, and we're keeping our eyes out for tornados. …
Bristol Palin, Unmarried and 17, Is Pregnant
The drama is coming fast and furious from the abstinence-only McCain-Palin campaign today. The Washington Post is reporting:
Red Cross Needs Volunteers In Jackson
Also see: Jackpedia: Hurricane Gustav to get/post vital information.
AG: How to Protect Yourself from Gustav Scams
From Attorney General Jim Hood, verbatim: Jackson, MS-As Hurricane Gustav wraps its sweep across portions of Mississippi, Attorney General Jim Hood reminds residents impacted by the storm to protect themselves …
Barbour: ‘Don't Let Your Guard Down Yet'
Also see: Jackpedia: Hurricane Gustav to get/post vital information.
URGENT: 211 Emergency Number Failing; call 866-472-8265 Instead
The 211 number has been failing over the last 24 hours. The United Way reports that you call use this number instead: 866-472-8265.
American and Southwest Cancel All Jackson Flights Today
American and Southwest Airlines have cancelled all flights in and out of Jackson-Evers International Airport for the rest of today, Sept. 1., and at least until 9 a.m. Tuesday. Delta …
MEMA Belatedly Reveals More Shelter Options
The morning after shelters were turning away frustrated evacuees in the Jackson Metro, MEMA put out a release telling people where space was still available. Verbatim:
Gustav Hits Houma; Levees Holding; Tornado Watches Multiply
The Associated Press is reporting:
Cat 2 Gustav Approaches; Pushing Levees; Hwy. 90 Under Water
Also see: Jackpedia: Hurricane Gustav to get/post vital information.
MARL Needs Supplies to Help with Evacuee Pets
Also see: Jackpedia: Hurricane Gustav to get/post vital information.
