Thursday, December 31
Jackson Metro Ranked in ‘Strongest 20,' Again
The city of Jackson again ranked high in a report released by the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., a nonprofit, non-partisan public-policy organization. The institution's quarterly MetroMonitor report now places …
Sheriffs Ask Barbour to Spare Crisis Centers
County sheriffs from across Mississippi yesterday urged Gov. Haley Barbour to spare the state's mental-health crisis centers, which Barbour targeted for closure in his 2011 budget proposal. Speaking at the …
Rep. Steven Palazzo
While he represents Biloxi in the Mississippi Legislature, Rep. Steven Palazzo often seems to be acting on a national stage. Palazzo, a Republican, sent Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood a …
Barbour Again Seeks More Budgetary Power
Gov. Haley Barbour, in a letter addressed to Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and House Speaker Billy McCoy, has again asked for additional power to cut Mississippi's state budget. Citing lagging …
Wednesday, December 30
"Kings of Tort": A Royal Hit Job?
The authors of the recent book "Kings of Tort: The True Story of Dickie Scruggs, Paul Minor and Two Decades of Political and Legal Manipulation in Mississippi" don't mince words …
No More Sugarcoating
In the afterglow of the King Edward's re-opening and as we've prepared this "Most Intriguing" issue, I've been thinking a bit about Frank Melton. After spending the last several months …
Robert Graham: Positive Thinker
Robert Graham knows his way around a phone. The Hinds County Supervisor for District 1 keeps three cell phones and is not above using two at once, one on either …
Step Outside the Mall Box
Last year's skyrocketing gas prices, combined with the housing bust, unemployment and a general economic malaise, is enough to make many suburbanites rethink their commutes and McMansions in favor of …
[Stiggers] Your Mind, Not Your Behind
Old School Pete: "You're listening to 108.1, WGST (Ghetto Science Team) radio, the station where listening is worth your while at the end of the dial. This is your old …
[Kamikaze] Milestones
The year 2009 marked a few interesting milestones in my personal and professional life, including significant highs and some unceremonious lows. These developments are steps on my path of maturation …
Jackson's Year in Review Timeline
Jan. 2 – State Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, announces his candidacy for mayor of Jackson.
JFP 2010 College Basktball Preview
Conference play is what it's all about in college basketball. Those games will start next week.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Women's college basketball, Belhaven at Millsaps (6 p.m., Jackson): The Lady Blazers and Lady Majors battle for neighborhood supremacy at the Hangar on New Year's Eve.
Cover
Most Intriguing Jacksonians of 2009
Every December, the Jackson Free Press staff dips into our archives for the past year to select a handful of the year's most intriguing Jacksonians.
Lost in the Blues
Playing to a packed house on open-mic night at Lumpkin's BBQ on Raymond Road, the four members of The Blues Eruption jam organically as one unit. Stephen "Stevie J" Johnson …
[Rob In Stereo] Decade In Review
It was a decade of regression in pop music. If you were to chart the quality pop albums that came out each year of the aughts, you would have a …
Healing Forces
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for Jews. We spend it fasting and praying in hopes that we can be cleansed and absolved …
He Drank, She Drank
I like girlie drinks. There, I said it. I'm not ashamed of it, either. Sweet? Yep. Fruity? The more, the better. And if you buy me a chocolatini, then I'll …
JFP Cocktail Hour
The Jackson Free Press is a great place to work for so many reasons. One especially fun reason came last Wednesday before we shut down for the holidays when we …
Salsa Mississippi
A rich wooden floor, mirrored walls and flashy dance-club lights turn an ordinary parlor into a place of extra--ordinary possibility at La Salsa Dance Club and Studio in Fondren. Anything …
Abe Schewel
When Abe Schewel isn't carrying his briefcase through the halls of Murrah High School or wearing a whistle around his neck on the soccer field, it's easy to mistake him …
[McInnis] Tiger Woods and Selective Naivete
I never understood the significance of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in baseball, and baseball is the favorite sport in my household. Robinson's accomplishments in the integrated major leagues …
Investigating The Investigators
Support is growing on Jackson City Council for establishing civilian review of the Jackson Police Department, but the form that review will take is still uncertain.
Medgar's Office in Dispute
Jackson resident Delores Orey said the city's grant to restore the historic NAACP headquarters during the Civil Rights Movement may be misplaced. The administration of Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. intends …
Casting Call Saturday
Paramount Pictures will be in Jackson Saturday, Jan. 2, looking for a young actress to star in the new Coen Brothers' film, "True Grit," which will begin shooting in spring. …
Tuesday, December 29
Anita's Favorite Movies of 2009
This is my first "official" blog for the Jackson Free Press, and what better way to take this virgin voyage through JFP blogland than discussing my favorite films of 2009. …
Council Approves Metrocenter Purchase Despite Budget Woes
The Jackson City Council voted to purchase property inside the Metrocenter mall today. The city will buy more than 170,000 square feet of space within the mallformerly occupied by Dillard's …
[Balko] Kern County's Monstrous DA
Farewell to Ed Jagels, a man who put 25 innocent "child abusers" in prison.
Nick's Restaurant Opens in Fondren
Longtime Jackson favorite Nick's Restaurant is re-opening Saturday, Jan. 2 in a new mixed-use development at 3000 Old Canton Road in Fondren. After 26 years on Lakeland Drive in Jackson, …
Barbour Wants 68 Percent Cuts to Ed Programs
Gov. Haley Barbour is recommending cutting education programs for gifted, special and vocational programs by 68 percent, reports WLBT. Making such deep cuts to state funding for the programs would …
Monday, December 28
State Economic Recovery Projected for 2013
Like the nation as a whole, Mississippi can expect to recover from the nationwide economic recession by 2013, according to a report released last week by the state Institutions for …
Jackson to Recycle Christmas Trees
The city will be recycling discarded Christmas trees into mulch this year, and will offer the mulch to Jackson residents for free. City Spokesman Chris Mims urged city residents to …
Public Meetings - Community and Holiday Events
U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Girls Winter Interregional at Freedom Ridge Park, Ridgeland (235 W. School St.). U.S. Youth Soccer ODP regional teams in the 1990 and 1992 age groups will …
‘Tough Times' in Mississippi
The non-profit Center for Social Inclusion released a new report "Tough Times in Mississippi: Housing and Poverty," last week showing that the Magnolia state is one of the hardest hit …
Friday, December 25
Adventures in Gingerbread
My mother spoiled me with books, and my prized possession was a gilded copy of "Grimm's Fairy Tales," which I pored over with all the twisted earnestness of Wednesday Addams. …
Thursday, December 24
Season's Readings
As Christmas approaches, the television airwaves are deluged with a new crop of delightfully mind-numbing holiday movies. I enjoy a sappy Lifetime movie as much as the next girland I'm …
Wednesday, December 23
High-Impact Organizations
Every nonprofit meets a different need in the community, but some do more than respond to crisisthey put effort into creating systemic social change and a better future for Mississippians.
How to Start a Nonprofit
"Anybody can start a nonprofit. When we're talking to people, we say you have to have a passion, you have to have a drive. There needs to be a need …
How To Be Less Obese
The Centers for Disease Control reports that Mississippi has had the nation's highest obesity rate since 2004. Mississippi is among 14 states in which 25 percent of adults are obese, …
Midtown Makeover
Sandwiched between Millsaps College and Mill Street, North Midtown has tremendous resources, but the neighborhood has struggled with blight, losing nearly 26 percent of its population since 2000.
How to Free an Innocent Man
Cedric Willis is a Jackson resident who was wrongfully convicted in the shooting death of Carl White in 1994. In 2006 the Jackson Free Press reported that Hinds County Circuit …
How to Pass a Restitution Bill
Passing a law is rarely an easy process when it comes to a contentious issue that requires a state commitment to more money, especially when that money is essentially an …
How To Change a Law
Mississippian Jerusha Stephens wanted to practice acupuncture, but the state medical board would only let licensed medical doctors practice. In March, Stephens worked with the state Legislature to change the …
Laws That Need to Change
Mississippi's voting laws make the citizenship harder work than it needs. State law currently allows early, in-person voting only for those voters who will be out of their voting district …
Changemakers
Malcolm White, who oversees statewide arts-based initiatives at the Mississippi Arts Commission, says creativity is crucial on a local level. "The arts bring joy to the citizenry," he says. "The …
How a Movement Fails
Thomas Linzey, author of "Be the Change: How to Get What you Want in Your Community", understands the disappointment that can come with fighting the good fight. Linzey is an …
How to Start a Movement
Movements come in all forms and causes. In the past decade, gay-rights activists in Mississippi have joined forces to end discrimination for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) population and …
Even a Little 'Involvement' Will Do
Before I was a newspaper publisher, I spent most of my time as a freelance writer and book author, which meant, largely, that I was alone in my office (wherever …
The Left v. Health-Care Reform
Critics are lining up against the U.S. Senate health-care reform bill.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College football, Hawaii Bowl, Nevada vs. SMU (7 p.m., ESPN): The Mustangs were a C-USA also-ran, so they get a free trip to Hawaii. Something is wrong with this picture.
What the Saints Can Learn
I have been a dedicated Saints fan my entire life. So I don't claim any objectivity when I watch or write about the team.
City Should Support, Not Control
Change is afoot in North Midtown. The neighborhood between Millsaps College and Mill Street has suffered from urban blight for over a decade, but new housing developments and a new …
[Stiggers] To Tiger, With Love
Dear Mr. Woods, You might remember me from a press conference after your first victory in the Masters Golf Tournament. I remember when you said, "I'll take a question from …
[Queen] My Kwanzaa
As far back as my memory will take me, Kwanzaa has consistently been the best time of my life minus the early years when the horrors of the day prior …
Cover
Dream Big. Change Jackson.
Thinking big. It is much more than a way to envision getting richer or renovating a downtown building into expensive condos.
Everybody's Fine
While "Everybody's Fine" may appear to be a light-hearted comedic drama, it plays out more like real life: full of ups and down with a little humor strewn here and …
Bette Shornick
Bette Shornick is an artist of many talents. She creates jewelry, plays the piano and because of her appreciation of music education, she is determined to see every child pursue …
How to Remake a Neighborhood
Affordable housing is not a typical prestige project for architecture firms. A new development in Jackson's North Midtown neighborhood may dispel that notion, though, applying innovative design on a relatively …
One Woman's Journey Into the Light
The Muslim call to prayer is heard five times every day throughout the Middle East and in parts of Africa, but Dec. 9, nine Islamic voices echoed in the halls …
The Many Faces of Pop
Atlanta's Bradford Cox has a talent for channeling his offbeat personality into dreamy pop and rock songs, both in his main band, Deerhunter, and his frequent solo work as Atlas …
[Herman's Picks] Vol.8, No. 15
Several local venues are open through the holidays this year (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) to celebrate with musical and liquid cheer.
Barbour: Hands Off Damages Cap
Gov. Haley Barbour is working hard to keep non-economic damages caps on lawsuits thoroughly capped. Barbour's office submitted a Dec. 17 amicus brief to the Mississippi Supreme Court, arguing that …
Alabama Dem Switches to GOP
In a move that some Democrats find unsurprising, first-term Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith announced yesterday that he was switching his party affiliation from the Democrats to the GOP. In a …
Tuesday, December 22
City Again Helping Minority Businesses
The city of Jackson is returning its Equal Business Opportunity Office to its former glory. On Dec. 1, the city hired professional speaker and public relations consultant Pamela Confer as …
Barbour Names Commission on School Consolidation
Gov. Haley Barbour announced yesterday the formation of an advisory panel on school consolidation, one of the more controversial suggestions from his November budget recommendations. Composed of state and local …
Otis Ashford
Otis Ashford is suing the City of Moss Point and three Moss Point police officers for civil-rights violations related to an April 2008 arrest. Ashford, a Moss Point resident, was …
[Balko] Chicago's Thick Blue Wall
The Windy City's notoriously aggressive police department fights for less accountability.
State Ranks High for Happiness, Religion
In separate nationwide reports, Mississippi gets high scores in happiness and religion. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta released a report ranking the states for happiness. The …
Monday, December 21
Saints Learn Lesson: Nobody's Perfect Except Peyton (...Maybe)
The Cowboys played like they were on a mission...and "dem Saints" played a little like they they had fewer than 11 men on the field at any given moment.
Hinds Supes Approve Hwy. 80 Beautification
Hinds County Supervisors opened bids today on a roughly $240,000 beautification project for Highway 80. The road, which runs through South Jackson, was once a major commercial thoroughfare and business …
Mark Scurlock
Donut entrepreneur Mark Scurlock is delivering Christmas a few days early for Jackson. This morning, Scurlock celebrated the grand opening of his new location at 125 S. Congress St. at …
Public Meetings - Community and Holiday Events
Dec. 21-31, "Name the Baby Giraffe" Contest at Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St.). Entries will be taken at the main entrance and the winner announced New Year's Day. …
Senate Health-Care Bill Clears Crucial Hurdle
The U.S. Senate won a victory early this morning in the health-care debate, reports The Washington Post. In a 1 a.m. 60-to-40 vote, Senators approved the first of three procedural …
Friday, December 18
College Board Loosens Firing Rules
Facing steep budget cuts this year and a bleak outlook for the next two years, the state College Board gave initial approval yesterday to a policy change that would allow …
Barbour Comparison Off the Mark?
Gov. Haley Barbour made national news again this week by comparing health-care reformas envisioned in the U.S. House and Senateto the horror of the Jonestown massacre. Speaking as chairman of …
Weekend Happenings
News for procrastinators: Only five more days 'til Christmas! If you're still looking for a perfect, one-of-a-kind gift, head to the artists open house at the North Midtown Arts Center …
Kathy Clem
Kathy Clem, executive director of The Good Samaritan Center, is working tirelessly until Christmas to make sure needy families in Jackson will receive gifts this holiday season. Clem, 48, has …
Gifts of Faith
Carmelite Monastery of Jackson Inc.
For some, faith is the reason for the season. Here are some gift ideas for the faithful in your life.
A Bit o' Bling in my stocking, Please
From bling on a budget to decadently shiny things, this is your guide to looking fly at this year's holiday events.
I've Been Really Good This Year. Really.
What I want for Christmas, other than world peace. And a bike.
College Tuition Increases Possible
One of the things the Mississippi College Board is considering to offset the decrease in state funding is to increase tuition for students. During yesterday's meeting at the state Institutions …
Thursday, December 17
Slate, NYT, Balko Calling Out JFP Work on Barbour Pardons
We are thrilled to see that, thanks to Reason editor Radley Balko, national media are finally picking up on news the JFP's Ronni Mott, with intern Sophie McNeil, brought out …
Barbour Compares Health Reform to Jonestown Massacre
Gov. Haley Barbour embarrassed Mississippians again today by standing up alongside several Republican members of Congress and calling the Democratic health-insurance reform "catastrophic," then compared it to Jim Jones' infamous …
King Edward Opens: 'Great Day for Jackson'
Visit our King Edward special report and gallery.
Brad Rogers
For better or worse, Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers proved he's his own man when it comes to making a decision on the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District. …
Jackson Crime Sees Slight Decrease
Major crimes in Jackson decreased slightly last week, with a 22.9 percent drop in violent crime and a 1.3 percent increase in property crimes over the previous week, according to …
Jackson's Glorious Tipping Point
Last night, Todd and I were at the holiday social at Hal & Mal's, and I couldn't stop talking about two things (a) the Saints we're going to see in …
King Edward Re-opening Today
Long a downtown eyesore and unpleasant reminder of Jackson's troubled past, the King Edward Hotel is re-opening tomorrow with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. A joint project of Jackson …
Scott Rallies State Workers
Brenda Scott, president of the Mississippi Alliance of State Employees CWA/AFL-CIO, is spreading the word about Gov. Haley Barbour's proposed cuts to the state budget. Those cuts could affect not …
Wednesday, December 16
Levee Board Votes for Levees
The controversial "Two Lakes" saga ended Monday when the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District voted to move ahead with a levees-only flood-control plan endorsed by the U.S. …
Let It Shine
I'm not going to tell a lie: One of the reasons I left my home state back in 1983 was religious intolerance. That makes it all the more ironic that …
Minor Bribery Conviction Overturned
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals partially overturned the convictions of Mississippi attorney Paul Minor and former judges John Whitfield and Walter "Wes" Teel.
Contractor, State Trade Blows
The State of Mississippi wants Hinds County Chancery Court Judge William Singletary to dismiss a suit launched against it by multi-national corporation Utility Management Corp.
Casey Amendment Targets Poor Children's Care
Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey is pushing an amendment to keep children in the national Child Health Insurance Program from getting rolled into an insurance exchange.
Buying Judges: Tell the Whole Story
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals partially overturned the convictions of Mississippi attorney Paul Minor and former judges John Whitfield and Walter "Wes" Teel Friday.
[Stiggers] Beware the Party Crashers
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, Dudley …
Hey, Show Some Love
I was first introduced to the concept of a mitzvah while reading Ari L. Goldman's "The Search for God" at Harvard. The term mitzvah originally referred to the 613 commandments …
[Broadus] The Gift of Faith
It's the holiday season. It's the holiday season? It's the holiday season! I'm always amazed at the different reactions that come along with this time of year. Some react with …
Cover
Sit, Pray, Love
Walking up the leaf-littered driveway off Old Canton Road, I almost miss the unassuming little brown building tucked away in the trees, but Bebe Wolfe is on the front porch …
My Inner Buddha
A smell so offensive and overpowering that I could only refer to it after as the "R incident," is what forced me to "Come To Jesus," or rather, to seek …
Getting Your Zen On
Curious about this whole mindful, compassionate, in-the-moment thing? Here are books to inspire you to focus and meditate and let the stupid stuff go, regardless of your religious faith.
The Hanukkah Oil Club
Oil. It's in nearly everything we eat. We use spritzes of oil to sauté and roast, drizzles of it to toss with salads and puddles to deep fry, well, everything …
Star & Micey's Feel-Good Pop
At Cups in Fondren, strings of draped Christmas lights glow in front of a whimsical backdrop in shades of blue.
[Rob In Stereo] A Desert of Seriousness
I was at a house party during the winter of 2003, and I remember noting the self-serious vibe pervading every room.
Food Equals Love
It can't be argued: food equals sustenance. As Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, epicure and gastronomic philosopher, once famously asserted, "The universe would be nothing were it not for life, and all …
Council Agrees to Invest in South Jackson Development
The Jackson City Council voted to issue more than $1 million in bonds for a South Jackson development at Tuesday's council meeting. The decision, which is connected to the development …
Christmas Dinner: Let the Pros Do It
Looking for some help with your holiday meal? Consider letting a local restaurant, food distributor or grocery store help out.
Numan Rasheed Abdul-Ali
Numan Rasheed Abdul-Ali, 37, grew up surrounded by the Baptist faith of his family, but never felt it was right for him.
2011 Budget Slashes State Jobs
Following Gov. Haley Barbour's cost-cutting lead, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee released their proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 2010. Among its recommendations is eliminating 3,600 …
Tuesday, December 15
Corps Plan Inadequate?
Levee Board member and Jackson developer Leland Speed made clear his belief at Monday's levee board meeting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has duped Rankin County mayors into prematurely …
[Balko] Clemency on Trial
Most governors grant clemency for the wrong reasons, including Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Here's what coverage of the Huckabee/Clemons case is missing.
Cochran Crosses Aisle to Bring Home the Bacon
Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran broke ranks with fellow Republicans Sunday to pass a $1.1 trillion omnibus federal spending bill for the 2010 fiscal year. The bill combined $447 billion for …
Cheryl Keeton Shelton
One wouldn't necessarily connect a sixth grade teacher with the FBI, but Daniel McMullen, special agent in charge of the FBI's Jackson division, selected just such a teacher for the …
Mayor Proclaims Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
[verbatim] Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., will proclaim Friday, Dec. 18, as James Ivory Homeless Persons' Memorial Day at an observance scheduled for 9:30 a.m. that day at the Stewpot …
Monday, December 14
Levee Board Votes for Corps-Approved Plan
The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District voted this morning to move head with a levees-only flood-control plan endorsed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Flowood Mayor …
Russell Thomas Jr.
Russell Thomas Jr. lives jazzas a teacher, a student and an advocate. The Mississippi Jazz Foundation recognized Thomas for his own musicianship as well as his education work last Friday, …
Public Meetings and Community Events
6 p.m. Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.
Youth Justice Project Sues Hinds County Schools
The Mississippi Youth Justice Project filed a lawsuit today against the Hinds County School District, alleging that the district unlawfully targeted a student for expulsion. The student, identified in the …
BREAKING: Levee Board Votes for Corps' Levee Plan
The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District voted this morning to move head with a levees-only flood-control plan endorsed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Flowood Mayor …
Childers to Tour Crop Disaster Areas
Today, Rep. Travis Childers, representing Mississippi's first Congressional district, will lead a crop disaster tour throughout his district in the company of U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Michael …
Friday, December 11
A Call from the Wild
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is rare breed. It unfolds slowly and on its own time. It never drags; its pace is leisurely but well measured. The art style and stop-motion photography …
CVP Gives Donna Ladd ‘Angel of the Year' Award
At its 2009 Christmas Gala last night, the Center for Violence Prevention surprised Jackson Free Press editor Donna Ladd with its "Angel of the Year" award. CVP Executive Director Sandy …
Fifth Circuit Overturns Paul Minor Bribery Conviction
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has partially overturned the convictions of Mississippi attorney Paul Minor and former judges John Whitfield and Walter "Wes" Teel. A federal jury convicted Minor, …
Jackson High School Wins National Honor
U.S. News & World Report has named Murrah High School in Jackson a Silver Medal school in the magazine's latest list of America's Best High Schools. Murrah was the only …
Mark Chinn
Yes, he's a divorce lawyer, but if Mark Chinn has his way, that job description will sound less like a slur and more like an honor. Chinn, 56, wants to …
Happening's this Weekend
Bundle up this afternoon and head to the historic Farish Street district for an evening of holiday celebration. At 4 p.m., join the Farish Street/Main Street Project for the annual …
[Ratcliff] Energy Efficiency is the Solution, Not Coal
Climate change and what to do about it has been a contentious topic for some time now. Although Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth," did a terrific job of telling …
MDH Offering Free Flu Vaccines
The Mississippi State Department of Health is now offering free vaccines for the H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, to Mississippians. Residents 6 months of age or older can …
Thursday, December 10
Girl, 8, Shot at Boys & Girls Club
An 8-year-old girl was shot in the head while sitting inside the Boys & Girls Club on Sykes Road at around 2:30 p.m. today, according to Jackson police. The unidentified …
Howard Exec Pleads Guilty
Jose Humberto Gonzalez, 45, former personnel director at Howard Industries in Laurel, Miss., pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy related to the company's hiring of undocumented immigrants. On August 25, 2008, …
Developers Push a Lake for Downtown
UPDATED: December 15, 2009
Jackson developer David Watkins, whose ventures include the King Edward Hotel and the Farish Street entertainment district, unveiled plans for a downtown lake and riverwalk at a media event yesterday. …
Violent Crime Down; Property Crime Spikes
Major crimes in Jackson rose 11.9 percent last week, with a drop in violent crime not enough to offset a spike in property crimes, according to weekly statistics released at …
Michael Feldman
Radio quipster Michael Feldman has been compared to Groucho Marx, though without the cigar and brothers. A lapsed schoolteacher and failed cab driver, he has been hosting the comedy quiz …
Chief Coleman takes Oath of Office
Jackson Police Chief Rebecca Coleman took the oath of office Wednesday afternoon. Supreme Court Justice James Graves administered the oath, after a speech of faint regret by Jackson State University …
Wednesday, December 9
State goes to La-La Land
On Saturday, Mississippi State (5-2) travels to Anaheim, Calif., to play UCLA (2-5) in the annual John R. Wooden Classic. Both teams began the season ranked in the top 25, …
Start Moving
It's hard to describe the freedom that comes with not relying on a car for transportation, because for many people this means just the opposite. Last week a group of …
Art
A Blessed Man
Wyatt Waters unfolds the legs on his handmade wooden easel and sits down to paint a neighborhood scene in Belhaven. He is on one of those tree-lined streets with historic …
[Stiggers] I'm Not Black!
Motel Williams: "Welcome to the first B.I.D. (Blacks in Denial) conference. Before I begin my brief speech, I want everyone to know that I'm not black; I'm Scandinavian!
Signs of Hope
A coworker of time was standing at her window looking over the head of the stone Eudora Welty who looks just past the statues of William Faulkner and Richard Wright …
[Collier] (Re)Engagement
One of the things that consistently brings me joy in life is writing. There are times, however, when it gives me grief. Like now. How does one re-establish themselves with …
Master of Puppets
For generations of American children, Jim Henson's imagination is hard to distinguish from their own. Henson's Sesame Street characters and Muppets have become enduring archetypes: Miss Piggy, the personification of …
Notes of Love
This winter, one of the greatest known love stories will captivate its audience when soprano Kathleen Van De Graaff and bass-baritone Peter Van De Graaff, perform in "The Life and …
The Art of Film
Esther Blueburger is not your typical teenager. Determined to be true to herself at all cost, Esther breaks out of the confinement of her repressed private school and her toxic …
There's No Place Like Home
After fierce winds encircle a house lifting it off its foundation, 12-year-old Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, step outside and enter a land more beautiful than words. To their …
A Memory You'll Never Forget
Queenie the dog, Buddy the 7-year-old and his cousin Sook, an aging woman with white hair, stand in the kitchen ready to celebrate finishing their Christmas tradition of making fruitcakes …
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 11, No. 13
Between now and the new year, you have quite a few choice options for getting out of the house.
The Correction
Neil White, a Mississippian who published newspapers and magazines in Oxford and on the Gulf Coast, was arrested in the early 1990s for "kiting" checkspassing them back and forth between …
Did State Mismanage Stimulus Funds?
A Jackson company is alleging in Hinds County Chancery Court that the state mismanaged $3.75 million in federal stimulus funds by passing over the lowest and best bidder for a …
Weill Demands City's Fuelman Records
Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill delivered an information request to the city of Jackson yesterday, asking for copies of all records of purchases made from or through Fuelman, the city's …
Robin Jayne Henderson
When Robin Jayne Henderson, 27, leaves her day job as the gallery director of One Blu Wall in Fondren Corner, she heads home to One to One Studios and either …
Prosecute the Prosecutors
A true correction would include prosecution for those suspected of knowingly packing a man away to prison for a crime they knew he didn't commit.
Ho, Ho, Oy Vey
"We had a table at Fondren Unwrapped, and I was asking people, 'Do you have any Jewish friends? This would be a great gift for them!' And, most people answered, …
AG's Office Getting Tough on Rip-Offs
Attorney General Jim Hood has announced formation of Mississippi's first intellectual property theft task force, supported by the national business community, according to a release. "Operation Knock Out Knock-Offs" is …
Tuesday, December 8
Extreme Makeover: Hattiesburg Edition
Like relatively every American, I watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition every Sunday on ABC. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment and like having a good bawl fest once a week, …
Willis to be Compensated for ‘Egregious' Prosecution
Jackson resident Cedric Willis says he is happy that the state of Mississippi agreed to pay him compensation for wrongfully convicting him for the shooting death of Carl White in …
JPS Gifted Students Give Back
A community service program for Jackson Public Schools students culminates today in an alternative gift market. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow …
Joe Troupe
Joseph Randall Troupe, better known as Joe, was a veteran, a skilled carpenter and a powerful motivator. Troupe died Friday after battling lymphoma. He was 67. Troupe's wife, Mary Troupe, …
[Balko] Criminal Justice Reform Alliance? Doubt It.
Why talk of a left-right alliance to fight the prosecution state seems unlikely.
Tonight: Ward 2 Community Meeting
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. will host a community meeting in Ward 2 tonight at 6 p.m. The meeting's purpose is to discuss city services and plans, and will include …
Monday, December 7
CarLESS and Proud
Something unique happens when you stop using your car for a week: you become addicted to a newfound freedom.
Pickering and Coach Come to Blows
Former Rep. Chip Pickering showed the city of Madison that soccer apparently stirs up the same kind of emotions here as it does in Europe. Madison Police Sgt. Robert Sanders …
Hinds Approves King Edward Financing Support
Hinds County Supervisors approved a tax increment financing plan to support the King Edward Hotel renovation at a meeting this morning. The plan requires the county to cover 85 percent …
Public Meetings and Community Events This Week
Donate Blood and Save a Life Monday through Thursday, Dec. 7-10, a the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.) and Friday at the Jackson Medical Mall. Hours: …
Ally Mack
On Nov. 12, the Mississippi World Trade Center announced the first recipient for its Excellence in Trade Education Award: Jackson State University's Dean of International Studies Dr. Ally Mack. The …
Saints Stumble to 12-0
The Saints lost the coin toss going into overtime against the Washington Redskins, a team that had arguably beat them on everything except voodoo, karma and the "luck of the …
[Evans] Building a Better Revenue Picture for Mississippi's Future
This was certainly not the way Gov. Haley Barbour wanted to end his term in state office. Tax revenues are down $371 million and counting. State budget alternatives are grim, …
Friday, December 4
Chick Jam Rocks Again
After the success of our first Chick Jam in the summer, the Jackson Free Press is hosting Winter Chick Jam on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. with performances by folk …
City's Legislative Agenda a Hard Sell
The legislative agenda for Jackson that Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. unveiled yesterday is short and cheap, but most items on the wish list will still face an uphill battle when …
Gingrich Recycles 1990s Message for Jobs Creation
Republican and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appeared at a local "jobs summit" yesterday, blasting Washington politicians for being clueless about how to spur job growth. Gingrichand his messagehasn't changed …
It's the Weekend
The place to be tonight is Hal & Mal's for the Winter 2009 Chick Jam. The fun kicks off at 8 p.m., with performances by Fedora Welty, Party Dots and …
Wade Overstreet
Wade Overstreet is passionate about improving the quality of life for children and families in Jackson. As the new development director for Operation Shoestring, Overstreet, 36, is in charge of …
Governor Announces More Budget Cuts
In the wake of yet another disappointing state revenue report, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour announced another $54.3 million in budget cuts yesterday, and expressed remorse that he could not impose …
Thursday, December 3
Gingrich to Speak at Millsaps
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will carry his jobs summit to Millsaps College today at 4 p.m. Gingrich's Web site describes the event as "a real jobs summit," to rival …
Dr. Ed Thompson
Dr. F.E. "Ed" Thompson was a leader in improving the health of others. Thompson, 62, held the post of Mississippi's health officer, from 1993 to 2003, and again from 2007 …
Jackson Violent Crimes Drop 18 Percent Last Week
Violent crimes in Jackson decreased by 18 percent last week, along with an overall 3 percent decrease in all major crimes, according to statistics released at a Jackson Police Department …
Unity Conference Gets Underway
"Building Bridges Through Diversity: One Goal, One Vision" is this year's theme for the fourth annual Unity Conference, sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Mississippi Immigrants Rights …
Wednesday, December 2
[Kamikaze] Spread the Projack Love
I'm what you call a ProJack. I steadfastly support anything in Jacksoncommunity, music and business. If you operate or reside firmly within this city's borders, I pray for your success.
Winter Chick Jam
After the success of our first Chick Jam in the summer, the Jackson Free Press is hosting Winter Chick Jam on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. with performances by folk …
Funmi Folayan Spencer and Brad Franklin
Over a period of eight years, Funmi "Queen" Folayan Spencer and Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin realized that they were as good for each other as they are for Jackson.
BTW Birthdays
Yeah, you guessed it, my birthday's in December. It's on the 21st to be exact, which sometimes falls on the first day of winterthe shortest day of the year.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
High school football, MHSAA 1A Championship, Durant vs. Mount Olive (7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MPB): Mount Olive lost five games in the regular season, but the Pirates won when …
Do the Right Thing and ... Report
As I proofread this week's cover story about the stories mainstream media won't cover, I thought back to the first year of the Jackson Free Press.
Need Audience Members for the 1st Taping of New TV Talk Show
JFP Nation, Some of you arent aware that I have new TV talk show airing on Comcast channel 14 (JSUTV23) in January. Ive entered into a partnership with my alma …
Schimmel, Nolan Confirmed for JPS Board
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.'s two new appointments to the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees became official Nov. 25 when the Jackson City Council confirmed both with unanimous votes.
Easy On Community Colleges?
In a budget proposal that suggested drastic consolidation of the state's K-12 school districts and public universities, Gov. Haley Barbour was noticeably less adamant about changes to the state's community …
Whose Line Is It, Anyway?
News footage from the last nine months fills a television screen with quick cuts from image to image. A dancer moves across the stage in curious confusion. A figure in …
[Stiggers] Make A Friend If You Can
Miss Doodle Mae: "This holiday season, folks are counting down to more cutbacks. The mantra for the shameless corporate executives is cut back, back, back. Business decisions to eliminate jobs …
Cover
Censored! Top 10 News Stories Ignored by the Mainstream
Peter Phillips, director of Project Censored for 13 years, says it's impossible, to try to get major news media outlets to deliver relevant news stories that serve to strengthen democracy.
Jackson No. 3 'Best Bang-for-the-Buck' City
Americans are thinking differently when evaluating cities where they might settle down and raise a family. In the wake of the real-estate bubble and in the midst of major unemployment, …
Health-Care Reform to Dump Poor Kids?
Oleta Fitzgerald, director of the Children's Defense Fund's Southern Regional Office, says she is concerned over the welfare of Mississippi children if either of the two health-care reform packages considered …
Time to Build Levees
This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, closed their four-year study of Pearl River flood solutions in the Jackson metro, issuing a press release that was unambiguously …
Saved by the Light
"The Blind Side" may be an atypical sports movie, but this film about Ole Miss Rebel and Baltimore Raven offensive tackle Michael Oher has plenty of quality for everyone.
Jake Greer
When some people think of Jackson, they conjure a place full of crime, drug houses, bumpy streets and rundown buildings, but not Crystal Springs native Jake Greer.
New Isn't Always Better
The post-punk Renaissance may have run its course a few years ago, but don't tell that to The Gossip. Of course, the group's emotionally expressive style never really fit in …
[Rob In Stereo] A Question of Raditude
I have never been so thoroughly confused by a generic mainstream rock album as I am by Weezer's "Raditude." My initial instinct was to hate it, to pronounce that Weezer …
Presence, Not Presents
My Aunt Peggie has 48 miniature Santas. Each year, not long after Thanksgiving, she painstakingly takes her Santa collection and displays them around her home, along with the Christmas tree, …
Kids In the Kitchen
On Black Friday, while others pushed and shoved their way through crowds of shoppers, my son Mateo and I made our way to the Viking Cooking School in Ridgeland to …
State Revenues Under Estimate Again
State tax revenues were down again in November by 6.88 percent, making last month the 15th consecutive month in a row where the state's income fell below expectations. The Mississippi …
Tuesday, December 1
Politics
President Obama's Address on the War in Afghanistan (Transcript)
Following is transcript of President Barack Obama's Tuesday night speech on the war in Afghanistan, released by the White House on Tuesday:
Council Votes to Pay Bodyguards' Legal Fees
The Jackson City Council agreed to finally pay attorney's fees for former city employees Marcus Wright and Michael Recio today. Former bodyguards of deceased Mayor Frank Melton, both men were …
Elders to Speak at World AIDS Day Event
Jackson AIDS activist Robin Webb told the Jackson Free Press last month that AIDS disproportionately affects the South, African Americans and men. In Mississippi, Webb said, approximately 9,000 people are …
[Balko] ‘It Opened Our Eyes'
How the paths of two very different families crossed to cheer the release of a wrongly convicted man.
Jamie Harris
When Jamie Harris came to Millsaps College as a geology professor in 1995, he had never taught before, even as a graduate student. Since then, Harris has flourished as a …
Belhaven ‘College' No More
After 126 years, Belhaven College, a private Christian liberal arts school in the heart of Jackson, is changing its name to Belhaven University. The school's president, Dr. Roger Parrott, will …
