Thursday, April 30
Investigation Reveals Irby was Legally Drunk
Hinds County prosecutors have presented evidence in the case of a crash that killed two young doctors in February to a Grand Jury, reports WAPT.
Hood Settlement Under Suspicion
Attorney General Jim Hood offered no guess as to what media outlets are looking for in a sealed February 2008 settlement between his office and State Farm and Fire and …
Is this guy still a Northside Sun columnist?
SUBJECT: FACT: "SWINE FLU" CASUALTY IN USA WAS A VISITING MEXICAN...NOT USA CITIZEN!!!
I just just got this e-mail from someone who clearly is out to tar Mexicans with the swine flu; he also sent it to media around the country, sending a …
Medicaid Still Up for Debate
With a proposal on the table for an increased cigarette tax, the Mississippi Legislature is turning its attention to funding the $90 million Medicaid shortfall. Yesterday, a conference committee containing …
Thursday's Starting Five: Let The Hype Begin
Rebels rising … Will Brett unretire again? … Texas prep sports are sick … M-Braves headed home … Will the Dogs' Eraser return?
Wednesday, April 29
Put Jackson First
When the Jackson Free Press editorial board met with mayoral candidates last week, we asked each candidate roughly the same questions based on a list we had compiled beforehand. But …
Campaign Finance Report: John Horhn
According to a campaign finance report (PDF) obtained by the Jackson Free Press, state Sen. John Horhn has $5,620 cash in hand leading up to Tuesday's Democratic primary. Among Horhn's …
Young, Gifted and Influential
The JFP staff is putting together a list of talented people under age 40 for our Young Influentials issue coming out later this month. And we need you help! Post …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Southern League baseball, Montgomery at Mississippi (7:05 p.m., Pearl, 103.9 FM): The M-Braves open a homestand against the Biscuits on a Thirsty Thursday. (Burp!) … College baseball, Belhaven vs. Mobile …
Frank Melton is No Barack Obama
It's déjà vu all over again. Four years ago this week, I was writing a column calling for—no, begging—Jacksonians not to vote for Frank Melton as mayor in the Democratic …
[Stiggers] Resourceful Recession
Nurse Tootie McBride: "This is your Good Morning Ghetto Diet and Health segment. With me in the Hook-A-Meal-Up Kitchen is Chef Fat Meat, the Emeril Lagasse of the 'hood."
[Hutchinson] The 100-Day Fixation
Then-Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama did a prescient thing last October. He told an interviewer from a Colorado radio station that he thought the first 1,000 days, not the first …
Jacksonian
Patrick Edmond
In a bustling Jim Hill High School hallway, students are yelping and shouting to one another joyfully, but one student remains unfazed by the exuberance.
Cover
The Mayor Bunch
Managing a city like Jackson is no easy task. It's the biggest city in the state—with a population of about 175,000, which appears to have lost a good bit of …
A Sweet Addiction
I have an addiction. I can't deny it, hide it or even try get rid of it. Whenever it gets hot outside, I have a strong urge to feed this …
Mysterious Relics
Hanna Heath arrives in war-torn Sarajevo in 1996 to undertake the "once-in-a-lifetime career maker" project: to analyze and conserve the 14th-century illuminated edition of the Haggadah, the book used to …
Resurrecting Rock
You can barely see Ben Shea's his face when he sings, because it's occluded by a never-ending fount of dark brown curls, and he tends to look away from the …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 33
The first of May signifies the official induction ceremony for short shorts and outdoor music festivals. Can I have an amen? There are good times and tired feet on the …
[Pass The Mic] Beats Per Mile
In my never-ceasing quest to lose weight and get into shape, I have tried nearly every form of exercise that exists, save for a select few that I deemed "too …
Bringing Back "the Hoff"
Industrial rock band Filter strolls into Jackson this weekend for the Miller Lite Crawfish Boil. Filter first gained international fame for its 1999 hit single "Take a Picture," a mellow, …
Barbour Co-founds Anti-Democratic Group
Looking for a political comeback, leaders in the Republican Party yesterday launched a group to strategically oppose the Democratic agenda, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Ward 6: How to Win Votes And Influence People
In a pair of forums last week, contenders for the Ward 6 City Council seat struggled to distinguish themselves from the pack with 1-minute answers. Ward 6 has a whopping …
Wednesday's Starting Five Plus: Coming Up Short
The Eagles edge Rebels … JSU to appeal fine … The M-Braves collapse in eighth … Picking up pieces at Talladega … What, no no-no?
Tuesday, April 28
Feds OK $321 Million for Education
Although he has been loathe to accept some of the federal stimulus funds allotted for Mississippi, Gov. Haley Barbour announced today that the federal government has approved the state's plan …
Mississippi ACLU Worker Found Not Guilty
[verbatim] On Thursday, April 23, a Jackson Municipal Court Judge found ACLU Public Education Coordinator Brent Cox not guilty on charges of interfering with police officer duties and disorderly conduct. …
Lawmakers Agree on 68 Cent Cigarette Tax
Mississippi legislators have come to a tentative agreement on a new cigarette tax: 68 cents a pack.
Anti-smoking advocates Communities for a Clean Bill of Health called the compromise "a win for Mississippi" in a statement.
Arlen Specter to join the Wu-Tang Clan
This afternoon Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) announced he is joining the Wu-Tang Clan, a prominent, loosely organized group of hardcore rappers that first formed in the early '90s.
Ward 1 Challenger Drops Out
Physician Jonathan S. Jones announced today that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the Ward 1 City Council seat currently held by Jeff Weill. In a statement, Jones, who was …
Government and Unions to Control GM
Yesterday, General Motors, tenuously surviving on the federal government's $15.4 billion bailout, announced its restructuring plan. The plan, which includes cutting 21,000 production jobs in the U.S. and ending the …
Judge Faces Key Decisions In Melton Trial
A federal judge will hear arguments today on whether to hold separate trials for Mayor Frank Melton and his former police bodyguard Michael Recio. Melton and Recio are under federal …
Monday, April 27
Mental Health Legislation Passed
House Bill 897, signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour, creates a panel to study issues surrounding delivery of the state's mental health services and make recommendations for improvement.
Flu Concerns Rising
On Friday, the Mississippi State Department of Health released a statement responding to reports of swine flu in Texas and California.
Monday's Starting Five: Two Rebels Hit NFL Jackpot
Nobody tries to dodge this draft … Great weekend for Rebs … Majors must wait … JSU holds Tiger Fest … M-Braves get even.
Sunday, April 26
Harvey Johnson Leads in New Mayoral Phone Survey
Verbatim from Brad Chism:
Friends, Below is a topline from the survey yesterday. Further below is a repeat of the explanations and qualifiers-these are important. From the blog traffic it appears that some don't …
Friday, April 24
Weekend Events: Outdoors, Music & More
Planning your weekend? It should be great weather for the day-time events listed on our Best Bets page including the Jackson Zoo's Party for the Planet on Saturday, and Rainbow …
Sunday: Neighborhood Association Solutions Meeting
[verbatim] The Jackson Police Department, Hinds County Sheriff's Department, and Leadership Greater Jackson (2009), will host "Neighborhood Association Solutions Meeting" on Sunday, April 26, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. …
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Fearless Jackson Presents: Super Bowl XLIV
For the record: The new convention center in downtown Jackson is off. the. chain. On the second floor, I spotted maybe 10-15 HD TVs. I think next year I'll embezzle …
Media Join to Unseal Katrina Settlement
Y'all Politics put it this way:
Several media outlets are putting their combined muscle together in a federal civil action regarding the 2007 settlement in the case of State Farm Insurance vs. Attorney General Jim Hood. …
MCO 25th Anniversary Concert
The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra came together 25 years ago as part of a music graduate student's community project.
Millsaps searching for new President
Dr. Frances Lucas, President of Millsaps College over the last 9 years, will be retiring effective June 30, 2010.
Weekend Starting Five: Will You Get Caught In The Draft?
It's all NFL draft, all the time … Oher's remarkable journey … A Majors upset … JSU's rite of spring … Darth Vader takes over Pearl.
Thursday, April 23
What Did You Think of the Mayoral Debate?
All, add your comments below about what you thought of Thursday night's debate, brought to you by the Jackson Progressive, Jackson 2000, Leadership Jackson Alumni, WAPT and the Jackson Free …
Millsaps President Announces Resignation
Millsaps College President Frances Lucas has announced her resignation.
"Today I am announcing that I have decided to transition out of the presidency of Millsaps College," Lucas said in a statement. "My final day as president will be June …
Democratic Primary Debate Tonight
Tonight, 380-plus Jacksonians will fill the Jackson Convention Center, anxious to watch the most talked-about political event of the year for the city: the 2009 Democratic Primary Mayoral Debate.
State Jobless Rate Up Slightly
Little changed in Mississippi's unemployment landscape in March, according to a report released Wednesday by the state Department of Employment Security. The unemployment rate rose by a scant one-tenth of …
Jackson Crime Stats for April 13-19
Data for this week will be available Wednesday, April 29.
Major crime in Jackson decreased 8 percent in Jackson last week, according to data released yesterday by the Jackson Police Department. The JPD Comstat report (PDF) for April 13-19 shows …
Sports
Thursday's Starting Five: You Can Play A Sport, But Can Define (Or Spell) It?
A Majors tournament … You can play football even if you can't spell it … Rebels thump Eagles … You can watch the M-Braves play the game, but can you …
Wednesday, April 22
Gettin' Hitched
Food, wine, dancing and love. That sums up the things I need in life. It also explains why I adore weddings.
‘Think Local' Elections
As the city primaries approach on May 6, 2009, I turn again and again to the thought of how local business will fare in these elections.
2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part VI: Of Alcohol and Guns
In his office in February, Mayor Frank Melton talked about many issues with the Jackson Free Press. Here is an excerpt about his past abuse of alcohol and, if true, …
Open Ward 2 Race Brings Competing Solutions
In the wake of Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore's decision not to seek re-election, eight candidates are vying to replace him. They offer similar views of the ward's needs but …
Feds to Scrutinize State Stimulus Spending
Federal officials will train a close eye on how Mississippi spends its share of the federal stimulus package.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Dorothy Benford
Jackson resident Dorothy "Dot" Benford seems to run for office almost every time an election year comes around. She has a small list of unwavering supporters and an ant's determination …
Know Your Limitations
The elections are well underway, and the plate is piling high with campaign promises, in both the council and mayoral races. There are good, noble, smart campaign priorities out there.
[Stiggers] DuBois' Talented Tenth
This is your resident satirist returning with another Reader's Guide to Ken Stiggers. Today, I want to share my thoughts behind "Ghetto Science Team," a term I frequently use in …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College baseball, Millsaps vs. Centre in SCAC Tournament (7 p.m., Smith-Wills Stadium, Jackson): The Majors could challenge for the national title. The tournament runs through Sunday.
‘Passing the Trash'
Good job of reporting on that "Herding the Homeless" piece (volume 7, issue 29). I used to be a journalist, and I appreciate a clean, straight-forward story. But for years …
Cap & Trade: The Fight Ahead
Today, the Obama administration's plan to reduce greenhouse emissions and lower America's dependence on fossil fuels will come under intense Congressional scrutiny. With more than 50 witnesses scheduled to provide …
Jacksonian
Edward Hightower
Raised in Drew, MS, the Rev. Edward Hightower is one of 10 children. He speaks often of the Delta and her people, especially the troubles his community faced in the …
Candidate
Strong Mayor, Weak Council
42 candidates are looking to claim a seat on the Jackson City Council in this year's elections. All have high aspirations, but many don't know what they're getting into.
‘If I Could Choose Yesterday'
William Winter, Billy Mounger, Bill Waller, Mike Mills—those are names we recognize. They have made political history over the course of their careers and most recently have published remembrances of …
Intellectual Delinquency
"The Beats: A Graphic History" (Hill and Wang, 2009, $22) is a graphic biography of the close-knit group of avant garde macho writers of the 1950s and '60s like Jack …
Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness
Derek Blanks is a Jackson-born photographer and illustrator based in Atlanta.
The Ponder Heart
New Stage Theatre continues the centennial celebration of writer Eudora Welty with the theatrical adaption of one of her more beloved novellas, "The Ponder Heart."
Grocery Gratification
When I go to the grocery store, I try to conserve the resources of both the planet and my wallet. Now that several grocery sale ads are delivered to Jackson …
Where in the World Does Redondo Beat?
Redondo Beat can be difficult to pinpoint on your musical atlas. The group's name might remind you of a popular beach town in California.
Replacing Mr. Peanut
In the past few years, Americans have seen a surprising number of food contamination incidents. Most recently, 46 states reported the appearance of salmonella in peanut products, which was followed …
[Rob In Stereo] Black Joe Lewis
In the last 10 years, several musical genres have looked to the past to find direction for their futures. There was the neo-soul movement that was supposed to whisk the …
[On Screen] Bama Girl
The Southern Circuit Film Series closes its 2008-2009 run with this powerful documentary from director Rachel Goslins.
Choosing a Furry Family Member
After losing my Basset Hound, Charlie, to cancer a couple years ago, I decided to wait a while before getting a new pet. I just missed my floppy-eared friend too …
‘Nature's Ritalin'
On a recent Friday afternoon at the Poindexter Park After-School Club, a third grader named Andrea fell in love with caterpillars.
[Johnson] The Death of Birth
Biologist E.O. Wilson calls the stunning destruction of wildlife on our planet "the death of birth." We all must die in time, and there is a natural justice to the …
Illegal Raids Costing City
The city is forking out big money for illegal business closings, but not nearly as much as it could be. Deputy City Attorney Pieter Teuwissen told City Council Monday afternoon …
Wednesday's Starting Five: He's A Student-athlete?
Nutt doesn't enjoy Powe's comedy … Get the hell out, Jackal … Eagles and Rebels to meet tonight … Statesmen, M-Braves keep rolling.
Tuesday, April 21
WJTV Mentions Nick's Future Move To Fondren
I saw this today, and I'm thankful that the evening news didn't begin with a report about a robbery or shooting. :)
Committee to Study Car Tag Costs
Mississippi's Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant yesterday announced the creation of a special legislative committee to study the cost of car tags in the state. The proposed committee will contain three …
Gambling Remains a State Growth Industry
Despite tough times in Mississippi, casino gambling revenue saw another increase last month. Players lost $232.9 million in March, according to an Associated Press report published on Forbes.com, up from …
Dry Rankin May Vote To Get Wet
Dry sections of Pearl and Flowood may see liquor sales soon, as Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill that precedes putting the issue to county voters.
Sports
Tuesday's Starting Five: Why Wasn't Perry Mason in Cincy?
Ole Miss coach pleads guilty … UM and MSU coaches are duffers … M-Braves return home and win … Should this game get off its ass?
Monday, April 20
Come Take The Trolley Tour
We've got seats available for this week's tour. Don't read or hear about it. Come see for yourself the great things going on in your city. From the King Edward, …
Minor's Appeal Continues
Minor, who is serving 11 years for judicial corruption, is appealing his conviction on the argument that the federal Justice Department under former-President George Bush and former-U.S. Attorney General Alberto …
Sports
Ole Miss Coach Pleads Guilty, Will Keep Job
Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy pleaded guilty Monday in Cincinnati to a charge of disorderly conduct. UM athletic director Pete Boone said that Kennedy will keep his job. The …
Survey Puts Crisler, Harvey Johnson in the Lead
Washington, D.C. based Democratic political consultants Zata|3 have completed a fourth survey on the Democratic slate of mayoral candidates in Jackson. Brad Chism, president of the company, said in an …
Mayoral Candidates Speak with Voters
This Thursday, April 23, the Jackson Free Press is co-sponsoring a mayoral debate at the Jackson Convention Complex beginning at 7 p.m.. Submit your questions and get more information in …
Sports
Monday's Starting Five Plus: Watch Your Mouth!!
Kennedy goes to court ... Spring football turns obscene ... Millsaps finishes historic regular season ... Rebs good, Dogs not.
Sunday, April 19
WEDNESDAY LUNCH @ PEACHES: THIS WEEK, HARVEY JOHNSON
As we approach May 5th, and the biggest election in this city's history, we've got yet another mayoral candidate as our guest at Wednesday Lunch at Peaches. Harvey Johnson will …
Saturday, April 18
Sesquipedalian Delight
In "Alphabet Juice" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008, $25), Roy Blount Jr. combs through the English language from its roots to its modern tips, and sweeps it into an up …
Friday, April 17
MDOT Adopts Twitter
Twitter is taking Mississippi by storm. Literally.
Carrie Adams, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation says her agency will be tweeting evacuees during the upcoming hurricane season, beginning June 1, to alert them with route information.
Weekend Planning Headquarters
If you're planning for the weekend, make sure to check out these events:
* The Eudora Welty Tribute Concert tonight, with Claire Holley, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kate Campbell and Caroline Herring.
Mississippi Foreclosures Buck National Trend
New foreclosures in the Magnolia State remain relatively low despite other states reporting rates as high as one in every 55 homes. Mississippi foreclosures fell last month, in fact, by …
Sports
Weekend Starting Five: Football, Muppets And Rhinos
Spring games galore ... Favre and Madden go out together ... UK calls on Cohen ... The Association playoffs begin ... Do you seek immortality?
Eclipsing Slave History
America's economy was built largely on the backs of slaves, and the South's "peculiar institution" affected America's cultural development for decades. So, the story of the generation of black Americans …
Thursday, April 16
Demand the Facts, Ma'am
The only time Jackson drives me crazy is during local campaign cycles. To be fair, of course, it's not every Jacksonian who goes insane and starts pushing lies and conspiracy …
From Taxes to Integration: Tea Partiers Decry Federal Meddling
The local version of nationally coordinated Republican tea parties Wednesday offered plenty of red meat—from cries against "socialism" to a speech using racial integration as an example of how federal …
Party People! Debate!
This is why I enjoy the circus. This is why I enjoy large crowds mingling with one another.
Yesterday, droves of party-people strolled along the Capitol lawn holding poster boards with messages- presumably drawn by their preschool-aged children- voicing their opinions about the horrors of taxation. Sweet tea …
Gannett Profits Down 60 Percent
Gannett released its first quarter profits this morning, showing earns fell by 60 percent over the same quarter last year, "slightly surpassing diminished expectations" on Wall Street, according to the …
Barbour Signs Bill to Fund Cybercrime Unit
Yesterday, Gov. Haley Barbour signed Senate Bill 2978 into law. Mississippi's Attorney General Jim Hood advocated for the bill, which adds $1 to the fines for some misdemeanors and felonies. …
Sports
Thursday's Starting Five: Dogs Hit The Catwalk
Does Kennedy have future at UM? ... Eagles star done ... Putting on the Dog ... JFP cover boy leads JSU.
Submit Questions, Get Tickets for April 23 Mayoral Debate Now!
The Jackson Free Press is a sponsor of the April 23 debate featuring Democratic candidates for mayor of Jackson at the Jackson Convention Complex. You can watch a feed of …
Wednesday, April 15
[Kamikaze] The Dark Side of Elections
Election years are always bittersweet for me, especially in Jackson. This city is abuzz with frenetic energy—some good, some bad.
Trim Your Own Mustache
Before undertaking the growth and ultimate design of your mustache, be sure to consider the opinions and feelings of spouses, significant others, friends and family who also have to live …
Contractor Sues Toyota, Barbour
A Jackson-based contractor is suing Gov. Haley Barbour, the Mississippi Development Authority and Toyota for denying it the opportunity to bid on a lucrative contract for the $1.2 billion Toyota …
The 2009 JFP Interview with John Jones: 21st Century Man
John Jones is probably one of the most scientifically versed candidates to ever run for mayor of Jackson. Jones' resume is longer than some small-town Mississippi phone books, with experience …
Know Your Options
Almost every day, Jackson voters can hear and question the candidates who will be making decisions on their behalf in the upcoming months and years.
[Stiggers] Finance Pimpin'
Mr. Announcement: "In the ghetto criminal justice system, the people are represented by two members of the McBride family: police officer and part-time security guard at the Funky Ghetto Mall, …
[Carter] Standing in Solidarity
The morning of Feb. 12, 2008, was sobering for the students of E. O. Green School, in Oxnard, Calif. At 8:15 a.m., 8th-grade student Brandon McInerney walked into a computer …
Jacksonian
Robert Day
After shuffling the deck of Bicycle playing cards multiple times, magician Robert Day was prepared to choose my card. Judging by the complexity of this "illusion," I was sure he …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Major league baseball, Florida at Atlanta (6 p.m., SportSouth/620 AM): The Braves aim to squish the Fish in an NL East showdown.
Squeezed by Taxes? You're Not Alone
Chewing some gristle on tax day? Here's a bit of news for you. Mississippi's two Republican senators in Washington, D.C., Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, voted for another tax break …
Cover
The 2009 JFP Interview With Faye Peterson
Faye Peterson dropped out of the Jackson mayoral race last week, though some joke she more likely dived out the window just to get away from the crowd.
Bacon Forever
Over the past few years, I have become obsessed with the idea of pairing sweet and savory flavors in odd ways, pushing my taste buds to new limits. Often, I …
Eclipsing Slave History
America's economy was built largely on the backs of slaves, and the South's "peculiar institution" affected America's cultural development for decades. So, the story of the generation of black Americans …
Sesquipedalian Delight
In "Alphabet Juice" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008, $25), Roy Blount Jr. combs through the English language from its roots to its modern tips, and sweeps it into an up …
‘Something to Sing About'
The warmth of Robyn Helzner's voice over the phone echoes that of her singing over mandolin and guitar. Performing alone and with her trio, she travels the world sharing world …
Irreverence and the Ukulele
Dent May's "The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele" is an odd aesthetic choice for a Mississippi musician. May is from Jackson and currently resides in …
Refashioning Retro
Usually, musicians have a form of music or genre that inspires them to create new, and wonderful music. Here are a couple of bands with albums of very interesting and …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 31
If you snap up the Jackson Free Press when it hits stands Wednesday, there's fun to be had that night.
ALERT: There will be TWO mayoral debates and the 2nd will be TELEVISED…here's why
Today, the sponsoring organizations for the April 23rd mayoral debate received a Press Release from the Harvey Johnson camp. The release stated his campaign's concerns with accessibility for the first …
Feds to Pay Recio's Legal Fees
The federal government will take up the burden of Michael Recio's mounting legal expenses. Cynthia Stewart, Recio's attorney, requested that the court appoint her as a public defender, and yesterday, …
Jackson Crime Stats for April 6-12
Data for next week will be available Wednesday, April 22.
Major crimes in Jackson decreased again last week, according to Jackson Police Department data released Wednesday. The ComStat report (PDF) for April 6-12 shows a 7.7 percent decrease in major …
Last Chance for Free Tax Help
[verbatim] Time is running out for you to file your taxes. The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (JMMF) and United Way are making it so simple for you to meet the …
City Election Overview: Wards 3 and 4
Ward 3 stretches across West Jackson, from north of Chastain Middle School to the Poindexter Park neighborhood in the south. With a longtime incumbent, the Ward 3 race is small; …
Wednesday's Starting Five: The Boys of PING!
Rebs clout Dogs … Eagles claw Tigers … Blazers burn top-ranked Majors … A Wise move? … Tough job for top Dog.
Tuesday, April 14
Mississippi Passes Tough Price Gouging Law
In the wake of last year's skyrocketing prices at the pumps, Gov. Haley Barbour has signed a bill stiffening penalties for gasoline price gouging. The bill, SB 2032, increases jail …
Texting Ban Affects Only Teens
A new bill signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour last week mandates that teens under 18 with an intermediate license or learner's permit cannot text friends and family while …
Monday, April 13
City Council Forums Begin Tonight
Jackson ABC affiliate station, WAPT, is co-sponsoring several forums/debates for Jackson City Council candidates beginning tonight and running through April 30. The schedule, according to the WAPT Web site is:
Over-Hyping Entergy Win
Republican critics of Attorney General Jim Hood are celebrating a Louisiana Supreme Court decision reducing the fine that Entergy New Orleans has to pay for overcharging ratepayers. Entergy New Orleans …
Three Lead in Third Mayoral Survey
Zata|3 completed a third Democratic mayoral survey last Friday, April 10. In an e-mail, Brad Chism, president of the company, said "not much changed in a week" since the second …
Wed. Lunch @ Peaches: This week, Mayoral Candidate Brenda Scott & Ward 4 Candidate Jackie Norris
Soul food Forums continues this week as we rev up towards election day 2009. This week we've got two candidates for th price of one. Mayoral candidate Brenda Scott and …
Sports
Monday's Starting Five: The Jackal Returns
Masters warmup better than main event ... M-Braves 2-2, in spite of Glavine ... Rebels and Dogs salvage something ... Why is Jackie in StarkVegas? ... Monta's forgettable season over.
Sunday, April 12
Easter Baskets and More GOOD Stuff
What better time to think about doing good than Easter weekend. This week, the Jackson Free Press focused on everything from Building a Better Easter Basket to spring cleaning in …
[Rob In Stereo] Evaluating a Five-Star Album
My family subscribed to Rolling Stone magazine through my grade school years. Though the stories often went over my head, I was always avidly interested in the album reviews—especially the …
[In The Street] Barefoot Beats
Benefitting Habitat for Humanity, this is the festival's first year, and it promises to be a good time.
Pickin' & Paddlin'
If you enjoy good music and the great outdoors, Pickin' & Paddlin' is the way to spend your Saturday.
Saturday, April 11
Help with Chick Ball Cause: Shop for Clearance Easter "Chicks"!
A simple and cheap way to help the Chick Ball cause this year is to head to the closest discount store (Target, etc.), drugstore, craft sore or decoration outlet this …
Nostalgic Bump
The downstairs lounge at Elixir is packed with people dressed to impress, and the upper restaurant has its fair share of mingling. The bar is surrounded by bodies swaying to …
Singing the Centennial: A Welty Tribute Concert
Four talented singer-songwriters pay tribute to Miss Eudora in a concert at the Belhaven Center for the Arts, April 17.
Friday, April 10
5th Circuit Rejects Minor's Request for Bond
Judging from a decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday, the cancer-inflicted wife of convicted Mississippi attorney Paul Minor will likely die without her husband.
Coolest of the Cool
Overheard while loitering at BeBop Records last night:
"Could you please direct me to the website which will allow me to download all of these CDs for free?"
DeSoto Parents Sue Schools, Police for Racial Discrimination
Parents of six DeSoto County students are suing the city of Southaven, school district employees and police officers for alleged racial discrimination during an incident on a school bus last …
Former DA: Harvey Johnson Can ‘Stop Stampede'
Former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson confirmed this morning at a press conference that she will drop out of the mayoral race due to family concerns. She endorsed former …
Learning to Change
JoEva Flettrich turned off the fluorescent lights in her office after 23 years on the job. The lights are an external manifestation of the change she wants to see in …
Spring Fest 2009
Next week, The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace kicks off Spring Fest 2009, with various nightly events leading up to a big festival Saturday.
Thursday, April 9
News Bits: The Jackson Mayor's Race
Harper Withdraws, Leaving 11 Democrats for the Primary
Joyce Harper, one of 12 Democratic candidates who filed for the mayor's job in Jackson, has withdrawn from the race, lending her endorsement to incumbent Mayor Frank Melton, according to …
Jackson Crime Stats for March 30 - April 5
Major crimes in Jackson decreased for the third week in a row at the beginning of April, according to figures released by the Jackson Police Department yesterday. The ComStat report …
Beta of JFP "Community Blog" Debuts
And that means, in a nutshell, it's tougher for a user-generated forum entry to "be seen."
Long time JFP visitors will know that we went through a major upgrade to the site's plumbing a year ago, and that while there are many strengths to the new …
Barbour Signs Children First Act
Yesterday, Gov. Haley Barbour put his signature on Senate Bill 2628, also known as the Children First Act of 2009.
Sports
Holiday Weekend Starting Six: A Tradition Like No Other
Dogs down Eagles ... M-Braves begin fifth season tonight ... USM scrimmages on Coast ... Larry tweets ... MSU gets new unis ... Who will be the Master?
Wednesday, April 8
Good Tips
Tip # 1: If you have old tires
Drop them by Polyvulc Tire Recycling. The company grinds old tires and then ships them to various locations around the Southeast where the tire strips are reused in mud flaps, …
What Difference Does It Make If I'm Green?
With the world population approaching 7 billion, you may wonder what impact your personal actions could possibly have on the environment. In reality, your actions add up.
Getting Rid of Stuff the Green Way
So you want to get rid of your stuff. What options do you have to give your discards a second life?
Amish Paradise
On a dreary morning 10 miles south of Pontotoc, my silver 2002 Acura, a gas-guzzling machine filled with empty McDonald's bags and assorted clutter, is sharing the road with a …
What's In Your Cleaning Agents?
Your kitchen counters need to be scrubbed, the floor needs to be mopped, the windows are looking smudgy, the air smells funny, and the bathroom is a mess. Just reach …
Building A Better Easter Basket
This year, skip the chocolate bunnies with the disturbing neon eyes and go for a more practical and eco-friendly Easter basket.
Green, Happy Home
It's hard to go far without hearing or seeing something about going "green." Despite jargon about carbon footprints, compact fluorescents and energy, going environmentally friendly doesn't have to be difficult.
No-Hassle Recycling In Jackson
A common attitude toward recycling is: "I know that I should recycle, but it seems like a hassle." Fortunately, this is not so in Jackson. Read on to find out …
Good Friday ... Saturday ... Monday ...
Walking on the beach last week in my undisclosed vacation spot butting up to the Gulf of Mexico, I noticed two teen girls, say around age 17, walking toward Todd …
Candidate Knocks Election Poll
Jackson Democratic Mayoral candidate Robert Johnson attacked two recent polls from Washington, D.C.-based polling company Zata|3.
Election Overview: Wards 1 and 5
Ward 5 Ward 5, which covers sections of West and South Jackson, has a single-term incumbent and a history of frequent turnover in its City Council representation. At a March …
The 2009 JFP Interview with Jabari Toins
Native son Jabari Toins says previous mayors have turned Jackson upside down, pushing him to run for the job.
Work For Our Votes
Reader reactions to a pair of unpaid, uncommissioned polls by political consulting firm Zata|3 have revealed an unsavory aspect of our political system: Attack the messenger, ignore the message.
[Stiggers] Hair Stimulus
Boneqweesha Jones: "Recently, Hair Did University's Post-Secondary Education Foundation received needed funding from the Ghetto Stimulus Package. I appreciate this financial gesture from the government who responded like a good …
[Hutchinson] Leave Madonna Alone
In 2006, Save the Children UK butted in and denounced Madonna for adopting Malawi orphan David Banda. Now another bunch has jumped into the adoption fray and branded her a …
Jacksonian
Amy Steadman
When I asked Amy Steadman who dead or alive she would invite to a dinner party, it was apparent that she had thought of this before.
Bomb Squad Responds to Women's Clinic
Jackson police blocked streets surrounding the Jackson Women's Health Organization in Fondren and "detonated" a package of clothes and personal items.
Cover
Discovering The Greenest Of Jackson
When I moved to Jackson from the San Francisco Bay Area, I wondered if I could continue to lead a relatively green lifestyle.
Veering Out of the Fast Lane
It's a crazy dream that many people have: Sell everything you own and move out to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Most of us are content to just …
Learning to Change
JoEva Flettrich turned off the fluorescent lights in her office after 23 years on the job. The lights are an external manifestation of the change she wants to see in …
JPS Drops AP Test Aid
A budget shortfall is forcing Jackson Public Schools to scale back its assistance to students taking Advanced Placement tests in May. While the district has previously covered AP exam fees …
Jackson Zoo Debuts Baby Chimp, MoJo
Beginning today at 1 p.m., visitors to the Jackson Zoo will be able to see its newest addition, a male chimpanzee named MoJo, born March 8. Mojo has been indoors …
Jubilee!JAM Call for Exhibitors
[verbatim] Preparations are underway for Downtown Jackson to play host to the twenty-second annual Jackson Arts & Music Festival, better known as Jubilee!JAM. Organizers for the 2009 celebration have set …
Wednesday's Starting Five: Brett's Big Move
Eagles and Bulldogs collide tonight … NFL eyes Tiger … USM hits the road … Favre makes a big, uh, play.
Tuesday, April 7
Could Minor Case Weakness Help Delaughter?
A change in federal court opinion could soon affect some media-saturated state trials, including the corruption trial of Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter and the ongoing appeal of Mississippi …
Inner-City Community Garden Planned
[verbatim] The Jackson Inner-city Gardeners (JIG) invites volunteers and youth to join in the fun of planting Jackson's first community garden, where seasonal, organic, vegetables will be grown and sold …
Get Free Help with Your Taxes
[verbatim] The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (JMMF) is making it easy for you to file your taxes this year. If you or your family's total household income is less than …
Tuesday's Starting Five: To Dee Or Not To Dee?
Tar Heels romp … Who's coming to Trustmark Park? … MSU coach promises change … Dee Snider or Peter Finch?
Monday, April 6
Murrah Student Wins Economics Award
[Verbatim] Zachary Yoder from Murrah High School in Jackson was named the 2009 Economics Student of the Year, an honor given to the student with the highest individual scores on …
Crisler Leads after McMillin Endorsement
Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin's endorsement last Friday made a big difference for Councilman Marshand Crisler in the crowded field of Democratic mayoral candidates in Jackson, according to political consulting …
Tax-Free Weekend Bill Signed
Last week, Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill into law that will save Mississippians shopping for school clothing and shoes the 7 percent sales tax during the last weekend in …
Sports
Monday's Starting Five: You're Not The Only One With Mixed Emotions
MSU coach: My players suck … It's finally time for Final Four finale … Rebs and Eagles sweep … Former M-Brave off to great start.
Friday, April 3
File under 'WTF'
Federally run "big gorilla" mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will pay out $210 million in retention bonuses over the next 18 months, reports Times Online. Between them, the …
Consultant Reveals Mayoral Poll Results
Political consulting firm Zata3 polled 500 Jackson voters via phone on Wednesday concerning the upcoming mayoral race.
Environmental Issues on the Pearl
If floating, fishing or boating on the Pearl River is part of your upcoming plans, you might want to reconsider, at least for a while
McMillin Endorses Crisler for Mayor
Hinds County Sheriff, and former Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin endorsed Democratic mayoral candidate Marshand Crisler this morning at the State Capitol.
JPS Teacher is Mississippi's Best
Last February, Jackson Public Schools named Murrah High School English teacher Stacey Donaldson as Jackson's teacher of the year. Yesterday, state Superintendent of Education Dr. Hank Bounds named her the …
Shantih: A Life and Death in Seven Movements
"Shantih: A Life and Death in Seven Movements"
For the last two years, Millsaps student Lloyd Bourne has been arranging and composing music for his album "Shantih." The result is a cohesive string of heights and depths, pain …
Sports
The Weekend Starting Five: Show Me The Money!
Men's college basketball: Hattiesburg native Tim Floyd listens to Arizona, but decides he will remain the coach at Southern California. That doesn't seem like such a tough decision. Oh yeah, …
Thursday, April 2
Genocide Prevention Month
This is from an email I received from The Genocide Education Project:
Today is the first day of Genocide Prevention Month. Remarkably, six genocides have major anniversaries in the month of April - a tragic testament to the international community's inexcusable failure …
Judge Recuses Herself from Minor Appeal
A controversial judge has removed herself from the appeal of convicted attorney Paul Minor yesterday. Priscilla R. Owen, who was serving on a United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals …
Barbour Schedules Stimulus Meeting
[verbatim] Governor Haley Barbour is bringing together state agency heads, legislators and local government officials as well as inviting the public to participate in a Mississippi Stimulus Summit on April …
Expect More Severe Weather Today
The National Weather Service advises that Jackson can expect more severe weather today, with strong thunderstorms moving into the area from the West. The Capital City is under a Tornado …
Crossroads Film Festival Starts Tonight
See this week's cover story for reviews, and make sure to check the JFP Events Calendar for more info. See you at the movies!
Jackson Crime Stats for Mar. 23-29
Data for this week will be available Wednesday, Apr. 8.
Major crimes in Jackson declined at the end of March for the second week in a row, according to data released by the Jackson Police Department yesterday. JPD's weekly crime …
Sports
Thursday's Starting Five: Good News, Bad News (Insert Zeppelin Riff Here)
More bad news for Deuce … JSU begins spring drills … Monta Ellis shows out … Sports Girl riles JFP readers.
Wednesday, April 1
BREAKING: Mississippi Minority Contractors Sue Toyota
[Verbatim statement tonight:] Jackson, MS (March 31, 2009). Jackie Williams and Renna Fisher, African American principals of Fish & Fisher, a ten-year old construction company, have filed a civil racial …
UPDATED: Feds Want Melton Gun Charge Dropped
Federal prosecutors plan to drop one of the three charges against Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio, according to reports by WAPT and WLBT. Prosecutor Mark Blumberg …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Men's college basketball, NIT championship game (6 p.m., ESPN): Two teams that weren't good enough to make the NCAA Tournament will battle for the right to say: "We're No. 66!"
McMillin Says Resignation Was Political
Despite contradicting claims from Mayor Frank Melton, former Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin said he resigned his position today for purely political reasons rather than tension between Melton and himself. …
Protect Private Property
During trips to my mother's hometown of Oxford, it was customary for her to point out the areas of land, now heavily developed, that blacks owned when she was growing …
Herding The Homeless
Efforts by Jackson police officers to force homeless people out of downtown could land the city in legal trouble, homeless advocates say.
Week 13: Zombies, Exonerees
The Zombie Tax A bill increasing the cigarette tax rose from the dead Monday, as legislators in both the Mississippi House and Senate voted to suspend the deadline for a …
Wiggin' Out
The Bachelorettes will perform April 2 at One Blu Wall during Arts, Eats and Beats. For more info, visit http://www.thebachelorettes.com.
The JFP Interview with Eddie Fair: Numbers Man
Tax collector Eddie Fair says he runs a tight ship at the Hinds County Tax Collector's office. He boasts he's increased production and efficiency and can bring the same kind …
Regular Legislative Session Ends with Unresolved Issues
The Mississippi Legislature's 2009 session ended temporarily today. With the 2010 budget yet to be resolved, lawmakers are planning a second session beginning in May or June.
Do Your Jobs, Legislators
Mississippi lawmakers didn't even pretend to try to get their jobs done within the parameters set by the state Constitution this year. Instead, a week or so before their 90-day …
[Stiggers] Riches To Rags
Miss Doodle Mae: "In these turbulent, traumatic and tense economic times, the staff of Jojo's Discount Dollar Store has seen many sad and empty faces of broken people holding in …
[Kamikaze] Seizing Jackson's Moment
My daily affirmation is, as taken from the movie "Talladega Nights": "Here's the deal. I'm the best! I wake up in the morning, and I piss excellence. Nobody can hang …
[Gregrory] Plight Of A Sports Widow
I hate sports so much that I purposely avoid the sports category any time I play Trivial Pursuit because there is a 90 percent chance that—unless the answer to the …
Jacksonian
Jessica Catchings
Jessica Catchings blazes a trail across Jackson accomplishing multiple tasks at once and creating more in the process. The 22-year-old history student plans to graduate from Jackson State University in …
Controversial Melton Photos are Real
WAPT is reporting that the controversial photos of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton with a bevy of bikini-clad girls are on the up and up.
Jewish Soul Food
My grandma, may she rest in peace, made the greatest chicken soup I've ever had. Most of the Jewish people I know believe their grandmother's soup is the best, and …
Green Girl to Green Mama
You might think you have made your home and lifestyle as green as possible, but a new addition to your family is sure to test your eco-fortitude. If you start …
Melton: Tyrone Lewis to be New Chief
Keeping in mind that today is April Fool's, and anything could happen, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton told the Jackson Free Press earlier today that he is planning to announce at …
‘Well-to-Do' Discrimination
"The Help" (Putnam, 2009, $24.95) is Kathryn Stockett's fictional exposé of racial discrimination in Jackson's white upper-middle class in the 1960s. Stockett, a white Jackson native, zeroes in on the …
‘Fell Off the Turnip Truck'
After a few moments of talking to Georgia Thomas, one can see the cute, quirky southern girl hiding behind her strong, sultry voice. She giggles in an endearing way, which—when …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 29
The 10th Annual Crossroads Film Festival, which begins this Thursday, April 2, will mark my fourth year as festival director. The festival will offer a lineup of stellar films from …
[Pass The Mic] Smooth Operators
Like most Jacksonians, I have been following the ever-evolving Frank Melton case. And like many, I was frustrated beyond belief when the recent case ended in a mistrial. I thought …
Will Work for Horse Shoes
Necessity, goes the cliché, is the mother of invention.
So where do unemployed cowgirls go to find a job? Texas is one obvious answer. And how do cowgirls get to Texas? They ride their horses, of course.
Council Doubts Mayor's Rosy Budget Talk
Several Jackson City Council members disagree with Mayor Frank Melton's recent assessment that the city budget is in wonderful financial shape. Melton said at a February press conference, and repeated …
Cover
Film Night In Mississippi
Spring has arrived in Mississippi, and brought with it one of Jackson's jewels: the Crossroads Film Festival. Showing more than 70 films, the festival brings viewers stories from as far …
Sports
Wednesday's Starting Five: Shine On, You Crazy Diamonds
Rebels edge Tigers … Majors claim trophy … Calipari won't be singing blues.
Rebels edge Tigers … Majors claim trophy … Calipari won't be singing blues.
