Saturday, May 30
College Baseball: Eagles, Rebels Win
Southern Miss and Ole Miss both won on Saturday and advanced to the finals of their respective regionals on Sunday. Now each needs just one victory in the next two …
[From The Pages] Ruth Reichl book signing
When CondeNast shut down Domino magazine, I mourned for a while. Then I found solace in the joys of cooking magazines.
Saturday Update
The Ole Miss and Southern Miss baseball teams are winners. Jackson State suspends its offensive coordinator.
Friday, May 29
First Chick Ball Event: JFP v. WAPT Skate-off May 30!
Per the Magnolia Roller Vixens site:
Tweet-off to skate-off: Media Twitter Queens Donna Ladd (@donnerkay and @jxnfreepress) of the JFP and Dawn Dugle of 16 WAPT News (@mswrite1 and @16waptnews) will skate off Saturday a.m. to …
Will ‘Donna Madd' Be Able to Skate Saturday!?!
OK, the denial is about to wear off: I really am going to have a skate-off against Dawn Dugle of WAPT at the National Guard Armory in Clinton on Saturday …
Weekend Happenings
It's not over until the fat lady sings. Tuesday are general elections in Jackson. Now is not the time to sit it out only to watch your candidate lose. Absentee …
Several Independents Running for Jackson Mayor
Next Tuesday, June 2, Jacksonians will go to the polls once again, this time for the general elections and all the marbles in the races for mayor and council seats. …
Small Businesses Honored
[verbatim] The Mississippi U.S. Small Business Administration will honor its 2009 small business award winners during a dinner reception on Tuesday, June 16 at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU located …
Thursday, May 28
Johnson Receives Crisler's Support
Read About All the Mayoral Candidates on the JFP Politics Blog
Lawmakers Idle Waiting for Budget
The Mississippi Legislature is spending about $19,000 a day with little or nothing to do, for the most part. Lawmakers have finished all of their business for the current session, …
Bounds Asks for 200 Teachers
Teach for America, a program that trains college students to teach in under-served, poor communities, is seeing record numbers of graduates applying. Mississippi State Superintendent of Education, has asked the …
Wednesday, May 27
Repeat Street
While Repeat Street might look every part the unassuming strip mall space as you drive past on Ridgewood Road, you'd kick yourself for weeks if you passed it up. A …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Southern League baseball, Mississippi at Birmingham (7:05 p.m., Hoover, Ala., 103.9 FM): The M-Braves, the SL South's worst team, continue their series with the Barons, the SL South's best team.
The Changing Saga of ‘Two Lakes'
Last week John McGowan of McGowan Working Partners LLC visited us here at the JFP offices for a marathon lunch session to discuss his "Two Lakes" project.
Court Re-hears Seale Appeal
On May 21, the 17-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the case of James Ford Seale.
The 2009 JFP Interview With Robert Amos
Robert Amos is the youngest remaining candidate for mayor. At 35, he's already worked in more fields than some do in a lifetime—health care, education, criminal justice and business—and he's …
Jackson: Unite on June 2
Division in the city heavily affected both the Democratic mayoral primary and the runoff. It is time to put division aside and turn out June 2 to support the presumptive …
[Stiggers] Hot Fun in the Sun
Momma Roscoe: "While enduring this time of economic gloom, Big Roscoe and I concluded that the recession will teach us all how to be thankful, resourceful and careful this summer."
[Kamikaze] Heal and Move On
I'm glad the Democratic primary is finally over, but the wounds this election has inflicted are deep.
[Mott] Blue Dog Dems and Health Care
The Democratic Blue Dog Coalition has announced its agenda for reforming American health care. Not surprisingly, heading the list is controlling costs in the current systems.
John Kelly
While walking the streets of downtown Jackson one day, 27-year-old John Kelly had a simple revelation.
Cover
Saving Two Lakes: Is It Worth It?
The Pearl River is an easy force of nature to contend with, providing you are an optimist about it.
Love for an Enemy
In America, as elsewhere on the planet, terrorism in the name of religious fundamentalism seems to be humankind's currently unavoidable cause of suffering, providing fertile fields for bigotry, hatred, wars …
Bridging Two Worlds
"Unaccustomed Earth" (Knopf, 2009, $15), newly released in trade paperback, has been widely praised since it was first published in 2008. The New York Times Book Review selected it as …
‘Something Heavier'
Joy Garretson was doing laundry when she had an epiphany. While walking down her stairs to wash clothes, she said playfully to her husband Gordon that she was going to …
[Herman's Picks] Vol.7, No. 37
It's not hard to find musical options for a variety of tastes this weekend.
Rock ‘n' Roll's Twangy Cousin
It's a little strange to peruse the music listings each week and not see Goodman County playing somewhere. For the last several years, the band has been as integral to …
You Broke My Libido
"Mechanical Failure" from local favorites ¡Los Buddies! features scratchy guitar and angsty vocals that lend themselves well to the upbeat, fun, rock sound of the six-track album.
'Teabaggers' Spin the Tenth
Interpreting the Constitution is a favorite American pastime. Differing opinions on just one sentence fill libraries to overflowing, and land legal cases in appeals courts and supreme courts from coast …
MPB Receives Four Emmy Nominations
[verbatim] Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) received four 2008 Emmy Award nominations for its work in Between the Lions, Simply Science at the Fossil Road Show and Mississippi Roads. The Emmy …
Health Agencies Still See Rise in Flu Cases
Cases of H1N1 swine influenza (also known as Novel influenza A) remain at the top of disease control efforts by the nations health agencies, including the Mississippi State Department of …
Tuesday, May 26
Hoseman Petitions for Voter ID
Voter ID died an ignoble death during the regular 2009 Legislative session when Senate Republicans killed a bill because it included a provision to allow early voting in Mississippi. Now, …
Melton's Legal Bills and his Blind Trust
Mayor Frank Melton told the Jackson Free Press in February that he was concerned enough about the costs of lawsuits to him personally that he had set up a blind …
Big Tobacco Loses Appeal; Wants Little Tobacco Taxed
On Friday, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. agreed with a 2006 ruling to ban cigarette labeling such as "low tar," "light," ultra light" or "mild." The ruling found …
Legislature Back in Session
State lawmakers have returned to Jackson today to hammer out the 2010 budget. The Legislature must agree on the Mississippi budget by the end of June as the new fiscal …
Monday, May 25
Honor our Veterans: Make fun of Hippies
I believe in a world where, on a day like Memorial Day, we can all cast aside our differences and come together - black and white, liberal and conservative, Tupac …
Sunday, May 24
Renaissance Fine Arts Festival
If, like me, you're looking for an excuse to go to Fresh Market, the Renaissance Fine Arts Festival is a good reason.
Saturday, May 23
Smokey Joe's Café
If you're in the mood to bob your head to some upbeat oldies while taking in a visual dancing spectacle, don't miss New Stage Theatre's "Smokey Joe's Café."
Friday, May 22
UPDATED: Two Lakes Supporters Helped Finance Defeat of Pearl Mayor
Fans of a controversial plan to develop the Pearl River had better luck installing a pro-"Two Lakes" mayor in the little town of Pearl than in the state's capital city …
GOP's Answer to "Charting a New Course": Name Calling
You've got to love it. On Wednesday, Republicans abandoned the idea of relabeling the Democratic Party. The proposed new name? The Democratic Socialist Party. The Republican National Committee actually held …
SUMMER SLAM
The reason .0039% people in this country vote is because of secret mailers and because the media stuffs politics down our throats. Show me the funny pages.
Youth Baseball Program Comes to Town
The Mississippi Department of Human Services is teaming with the Cal Ripkin, Sr. Foundation to offer the Badges for Baseball program to at-risk youth in 10 Mississippi communities. The program …
It's the Weekend!
Are you ready? Plenty of folks are headed out of town for the long Memorial Day weekend. But if you're not on the road, no worries. There's lots to do …
Thursday, May 21
Zata|3 Analyzes the Runoff
Brad Chism from Zata|3 has provided his post-runoff-election analysis. Via e-mail, Chism wrote:
Here's our Monday-morning quarterback analysis about the margin of victory. And yes, here too is my admission that I had no clue that the margin of victory would be so …
Sun Columnist, Better Jackson PAC Member Goes After JFP, ‘Takes Back' N-JAM Label
OK, this is funny. In his rush to defend the controversial and secretive Better Jackson PAC, which he apparently helped organize, Northside Sun columnist David Sanders is attacking the 'flatulence' …
Gas Prices Rising
Filling your tank this holiday weekend will cost you a bit more than it did earlier this month. Still, compared to the same time last year, gasoline is still relatively …
Wednesday, May 20
The 2009 JFP Interview: David Archie
Independent Jackson mayoral candidate David L. Archie is a political animal. Over the last 10 years, he has run for the positions of local judge, Ward 3 councilman and Ward …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College baseball: No matter what happened Wednesday, Mississippi's teams are still alive in their conference tournament: Ole Miss in the SEC (Hoover, Ala., CSS/97.3 FM), Southern Miss in the C-USA …
Jackson, Let's Shoot for the Top
As I write this Tuesday, I have no idea who will be the Democratic nominee for mayor when you read this. As always happens in Jackson and Mississippi, it's been …
Editorial
Break the Cycle
What is it about elections that turns ordinarily sane people into back-stabbing, devious, scheming liars?
[Stiggers] Y'all Mart Hookup
Brotha Hustle: "Aunt Tee Tee pitched a great idea for our Ghetto Science Tube viral video show: videotape men and women hooking up for a date while shopping at the …
Dwindling Republican Party Regrettable
As a 30-year-old Mississippian who never strongly identified with a particular party, I am excited to call myself an Obama Democrat. During the first 100 days of this administration, the …
[Johnson] The Miracle Machine
The season of the Obama baby has arrived. Like many members of our generation, my beloved and I found the Bush years distinctly unarousing. Even today, I worry that newborns …
Jacksonian
George Frank
At 78, age has not stopped George Frank from learning new things. Last week, he became the oldest student to graduate from Jackson State University's Department of Mathematics.
Business
Jackson's Young Influentials
A new class of young and talented influential men and women is rising in Jackson, who have a vision for themselves and their city, and work daily to move closer …
JxnPro May mtg THURSDAY MAY 21st: Donna Ladd & Othor Cain, Together Again
Thursday May, 21st @ 7:30pm. 12th Floor Plaza Building. We are continuing our series on holding public officials accountable. This month we're putting the band back together again. Donna Ladd …
Taco Time!
I've been yammering on and on for the past few weeks about how much I really love tacos. After living on the West Coast for two years, I became accustomed …
[Green Girl] Getting Rid of Pests
This is the time of year when I occasionally run into little critters around the house, which I cover with cups and ask my husband to relocate. I prefer not …
On the Road With Harry Truman
Right off, I have to admit that Harry Truman is one of my favorite presidents.
Otherworldly Wonder
A small band of musicians huddled in the soft light at center stage in an otherwise dark and silent theater. Armed with their instruments, they seemed to alternately combat and …
[Rob In Stereo] Avoiding the Stadium
Summer tour season is here at last. The chance has finally arrived for dedicated fans to see our favorite over-the-hill acts supporting their most recent failed comeback albums.
Pushing Pop's Boundaries
Pop music has always garnered various flavors for the ears. In their electro-syncopated rhythms and similar themes, one can be left with either bobbing your head or nearly tearing the …
Just Begin
She was sitting in the driver's seat of the car with the windows up. The two-inch ash dangled on her cigarette. I thought she must have been waiting on someone.
Kaze and McLemore on WAPT
JFP columnist, rapper, Crisler supporter and all 'round man about town Brad Franklin (aka Kamikaze) gave his opinion about the Democratic runoff side by side with acting Mayor, JSU prof, …
The Chitlin Circuit Review
Featuring art by Rik Freeman, "The Chitlin Circuit Review" documents the development of blues music and culture in the United States.
Sharrod Moore Murder Charge Dropped
District Attorney Robert S. Smith was absent again when Hinds County Circuit Judge Swan Yerger dropped murder charges against Sharrod Moore in the 1995 killing of Jackson Police Officer Robert …
State Budget in Limbo
Mississippi lawmakers are still deadlocked on a budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year after spending last week in fruitless negotiations. With state revenues down $350 million to $400 million …
Runoffs Provide Decisive Wins
More than 32,400 voters turned out to vote in Jackson yesterday, handing former Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. a decisive win in the Democrat runoff elections. Hinds County's unofficial results show …
Tuesday, May 19
Moderate Turn-Out Marks Runoffs
Beulah White, poll manager at Precinct 81, Callaway High School, described turn-out as "kind of slow, but steady."
Two Lakes Back on the Table
Engineers favoring a plan to flood the Pearl River and create a myriad of islands say the plan will be cheaper than a similar plan involving a smaller lake and …
Maybe We Should Call it the "Sin Cinch"
In a story titled "How do You Spell Lust? M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I," Internet spirituality Web site Beliefnet cites a new study by Kansas State University, saying: "Las Vegas may be known as …
BREAKING: 'Two Lakes' Developer McGowan Gave $6,000 to Secretive PAC
Two Lakes impresario John McGowan was the largest contributor to the controversial Better Jackson PAC that tried to defeat Harvey Johnson by using what the FBI calls "baseless" crime rankings …
Sports
College Baseball: Blazer Wins Trophy
Belhaven pitcher Craig Westcott won the Ferriss Trophy on Monday, given annually to Mississippi's best college baseball player.
AG's Office Co-Hosts Domestic Violence Conference
Mississippi's Domestic Violence Division in the attorney general's office is teaming with the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault to host "Domestic Violence in …
State Gets EPA Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality will receive $356,700 to improve water quality and create green jobs through the American Recovery and …
Fondren: Ride the Trolley to the Polls
Your votes today could determine Jackson's next mayor. Whether or not you voted in the primaries, if you're a Jackson resident and an eligible voter, you can vote today. See …
Monday, May 18
Mysterious ‘Better Jackson PAC' Revealed ... Sort Of
See: the JFP Election Blog for full election coverage + candidate interviews
Crisler Leads In Funds On Election Eve
Councilman Marshand Crisler has a substantial edge in fundraising over former Mayor Harvey Johnson going into tomorrow's mayoral run-off election. Crisler raised $140,470 from April 26 through May 9, according …
McLemore, County Supervisor and Unions Endorse Johnson
Former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. racked up endorsements today from organizations representing city employees, and from acting Mayor and outgoing Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore, and from Hinds County Supervisor …
Politics
Another Dirty Trick: Fake Johnson Flyers Distributed to Churches
Church-goers in Jackson found a fake flyer on their windshields after church Sunday, pretending to be from former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., who is in a runoff with Councilman Marshand …
State Dems say Crisler Calls ‘a Mistake'
[verbatim] Chairman Jamie Franks said today that the state party remains neutral in the Jackson mayoral Democratic runoff. The statement comes in response to calls made on behalf of Councilman …
NFL: Favre Preparing to Unretire Again ... UPDATED
NFL quarterback/attention whore Brett Favre will reportedly undergo surgery this week to repair a torn tendon in his throwing arm..
Runoff Will Decide Three Council Seats; May Decide Next Mayor
In a town where the majority of residents vote Democratic, tomorrow's runoff election in Jackson will decide the winner in many races. With historically low voter turnout in runoffs, however, …
Horhn: Crisler Camp ‘Put the Money on the Table'
At a press conference this morning, mayoral candidate Marshand Crisler denied allegations, made in two new flyers supporting his candidacy, that his opponent Harvey Johnson bought the endorsement of state …
Court to Rehear Seale Case Thursday
See full JFP coverage of the Dee-Moore case.
Saturday, May 16
Dear Graduating Class of 2009
The people graduating from college this year might want to put down that beer before they read this.
Friday, May 15
Oh, Tortoise, Oh Hare: Those Confusing Political Fables
The Marshand Crisler campaign is sending out a rather bizarre campaign mailer using the children's fable of the tortoise and the hare. The only problem is that this particular fable …
Jackson Run-Off and ‘Two Lakes' Open Thread
All, the debate is over, so tell us what you thought. Did you learn something new? Did you hear something you liked? Didn't like? Did it affect your vote? What …
D.A. Drops Charges Against Sharrod Moore
Capping a rather remarkable two-week news cycle in Jackson, District Attorney Robert S. Smith today dismissed murder charges against Sharrod Moore, whom Smith had indicted twice for the murder of …
BREAKING: Second Bodyguard Pleads Guilty
Also see: Full JFP Melton Blog/Archive/Trial
Former mayoral bodyguard Michael Recio has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for his role in the 2006 demolition of a Ridgeway Street duplex, according to WAPT and a federal attorney …
Wyatt Emmerich Hates to Talk Race, But If He Has To ...
Lots of folks are talking about Wyatt Emmerich's endorsement of Crisler in the Northside Sun this week in which he says he hates to talk about race. BUT:
Mayoral Debate Gets Rowdy
Jackson's two Democratic candidates for mayor seemed to be working hard to deliver attacks at Thursday's run-off debate. The candidates drew a crowd of about 200 at Jackson State University's …
Mississippi Reports First Swine Flu Cases
The Mississippi State Department of Health today confirmed three cases of H1N1 flu, commonly called swine flu, in Harrison County on the Gulf Coast. The people infected, two adults and …
Higher Cigarette Tax Effective Today
After a protracted battle between Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, the state Legislature and lobbyists, taxes on a pack of cigarettes is 68 cents in the Magnolia State, effective today. The …
Crisler Could Benefit from Low Turnout
Jackson's historical voting patterns suggest Councilman Marshand Crisler could have the upper hand in the run-off if minorities stay true to form and stay home May 19. The municipal run-off …
Thursday, May 14
Goings On Around Town
Before you go tonight's debate, head over to Nunnery's Gallery (426 Meadowbrook Road) for the opening reception of Tony Di Fatta's new show of abstract work, "Chaos and Order," starting …
"A Closer Look" debuts on MPB, Sunday 2pm! TUNE IN!
Here's the skinny:
So in case you guys havent heard. My new statewide radio show debuts this Sunday on MPB. Its my return to radio and Im proud to have this platform in …
200 Metro Kids Going to Camp
The Salvation Army of Metro Jackson is extending an invitation to over 200 local school children to attend Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, MS, at no cost to the families.
What Jackson (and Mississippi) Really Needs
Recently, a group of social scientists has produced the American Human Development Index illustrating graphically how states in the US stack up against each other in relation to a variety …
Mississippi Chrysler Dealerships Closing
Chrysler is closing almost 800 dealerships across the country as part of their bankruptcy agreement, including six in Mississippi. The Magnolia State dealerships on the closure list are:
Tonight's Mayoral Debate: No Tickets Required
See Complete Election Coverage including Candidate Interviews
Wednesday, May 13
Being There: A Court Artist at the Medgar Evers Murder Trial
Standing in a studio in the Dickies Building where machines used to hum making overalls, P. Sanders McNeal pores over a single card table with her drawings. Pastel images of …
Crisler v. Johnson: Exploring the Myths & Realities
The recent Jackson Democratic mayoral primary eliminated more than a half-dozen candidates, leaving two candidates with seductive messages and strong name recognition.
Council Candidates Go One-on-One
With the madness of the Democratic primary behind them, eight candidates will compete in the May 19 run-off elections for City Council. The remaining contenders boast strong personalities and varied …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
High school baseball, MHSAA state championships (times TBA, Pearl): The North and South winners will meet in the best-of-three title series at Trustmark Park. The series involving Jackson-area teams are …
Why Harvey? Call Me ‘Responsible…'
Political seasons are always interesting, particularly because we at the Jackson Free Press feel it's important—despite the turmoil that often ensues—to endorse candidates for office.
Irby Pleads ‘Not Guilty'
In a process that took about a half hour, Karen Irby, 38, pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple felony charges connected to a car crash on Old Canton Road that …
The 2009 JFP Interview with Rick Whitlow
Former Houston Rocket Rick Whitlow has had his fingers in a little bit of everything. Whitlow made a name for himself as a TV and radio news and sports personality …
[Stiggers] Enduring Money Stress
Rudy McBride: "Many of my loyal customers are concerned about how the Let Me Hold Five Dollars National Bank will hold up under the U.S. government and Ghetto Science Team's …
Cover
The 2009 JFP Interview With Marshand Crisler
After serving as Jackson's Ward 6 Councilman for eight years, Marshand Crisler wants to give the executive branch a try.
[Kamikaze] Brothers Behind the Badge
I began my life in the shadows of Christian Brotherhood Apartments, where I developed a latent fear for law enforcement. Back then, the sound of police sirens was constant, and …
Barbour Signs Cigarette Tax Increase
Gov. Haley Barbour has signed a bill today increasing cigarette taxes in Mississippi by 50 cents per pack. The bill brings the total tax per pack to 68 cents, up …
[Hutchinson] Juvenile Justice?
Four years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court took a big step toward righting a galling wrong. It joined nearly every other nation on the globe and banned teen executions.
Jacksonian
Jamie Holcomb
Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Jamie Holcomb came to Jackson in 2001 to study at Millsaps College.
Cover
The Charms of Frank Melton
Mayor Frank Melton and I disagreed on many things, especially the way he ran the city and his style of "crime-fighting," but we met in the middle on a few …
Cover
The 2009 JFP Interview With Harvey Johnson Jr.
Harvey Johnson Jr. became Jackson's first black mayor after winning the 1997 election with about 70 percent of the vote.
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 35
With summer upon us, we are faced with the dilemma of whether to hit up a summer blockbuster movie or support the local music community. I advocate the latter.
Recio To Stand Trial Next Week
The civil rights trial of Jackson police officer Michael Recio will proceed next week, despite requests by federal prosecutors for a postponement after the death of Mayor Frank Melton. Prosecutors …
Former Police Chief to Endorse Crisler
The Marshand Crisler campaign has announced that former Jackson Police Chief Robert Johnson will be endorsing Crisler for mayor this morning at 11:30 in a news conference to be held …
Horhn to Endorse Johnson
Mississippi Sen. John Horhn, a recent candidate in the race for mayor of Jackson, will announce his endorsement of former Mayor Harvey Johnson this morning.
‘Obstructionist for Flood Control'
The battle over Two Lakes is back on. After years of infighting and millions of dollars spent on impact and engineering studies, the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control …
Tuesday, May 12
Yerger's Revisionist ‘Lily White' History
The Mississippi Republican party is holding events today honoring the party's founding chairman, 79-year-old Wirt Yerger, Jr., and last Sunday, Clarion-Ledger columnist Sid Salter interviewed Yerger. Just a few questions …
Melton Memorial to Stream Live
WAPT will offer a live video stream of the noon memorial for late Jackson Mayor Frank Melton at Thalia Mara Hall.
Jackson Zoo Welcomes New Arrivals
Meet Mort, Levi, Eli and Junior, four Red Ruffed Lemurs born at the Jackson Zoo April 19. They've been indoors with their mom, Moon, since their birth, but made their …
Jackson to Host China Trade Forum
The Jackson Convention Complex is the site for a China trade forum later this month, hosted by the Mississippi Development Authority and Gov. Haley Barbour, reports WXVT 15 in a …
College Baseball: Blazers and Boo
Belhaven pitcher Craig Wescott is a finalist for the Ferriss Trophy, the annual award for Mississippi's top college baseball player, along with Ole Miss' Scott Bittle and Southern Miss' Brian …
Monday, May 11
Lawmakers Deadlocked on Budget
The Mississippi Legislature is taking another two weeks off before returning May 26 to grapple once again with the state's $5 billion budget for fiscal year 2010, which begins July …
Melton Memorial Tomorrow
A memorial service for Jackson's late mayor will be held at noon Tuesday at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson.
Saturday, May 9
An Evening With P. Sanders McNeal
The trial of Byron De La Beckwith for the murder of Jackson civil-rights activist Medgar Evers is a monumental event in local history. P. Sanders McNeal, a Jackson courtroom sketch …
Power APAC Visual Arts Student Exhibit
I've always been amazed at the immense talent the visual arts students at Power APAC possess. Students as young as 10 years old have refreshing artistic insight into historical events, …
Friday, May 8
Photo Gallery: 2009 Miller Lite Crawfish Boil
So, JFP photographer extraordinaire Kenya Hudson shot some amazing photos at the Miller Lite Crawfish Boil this past weekend, which was a blast. Check out the gallery here.
May 14 Mayoral Debate at JSU: Crisler v. Johnson
Send your questions now for the May 14 mayoral debate between Democratic nominees Councilman Marshand Crisler and former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. at the Rose McCoy Auditorium on the Jackson …
Karen Irby Indicted
A Hinds County Grand Jury reportedly returned three indictments for Karen Irby today in a case stemming from a Feb. 11 crash on Old Canton Road. The indictments include two …
Governor's Proposal Falls Flat
The Mississippi Legislature seemed in no mood to give Gov. Haley Barbour's thoughts on eminent domain any consideration yesterday. Barbour called a special legislative session in the midst of the …
Melton Prayer Vigils, Funeral Scheduled
Mayor Frank Melton's memorial service is scheduled for noon Tuesday, May 12, at Thalia Mara Hall. On Monday, his body will lie in state at City Hall from 11 a.m. …
Ready for the Weekend?
Start the weekend right with music under the stars or under the roof Friday. Pack a picnic basket for the annual Pepsi Pops concert on the Rez in Ridgeland featuring …
Thursday, May 7
Mississippian Nominated to Oversee Forest Service
President Barack Obama has nominated Mississippi State Conservationist Homer Lee Wilkes to oversee the Forest Service as undersecretary for natural resources and environment at the U.S. Agriculture Department, reports The …
It's Odd Day
No, the title doesn't contain a typo; it is really, officially Odd Day, a day when three consecutive odd numbers make up the date, an event that only occurs six …
Barbour to Sign Cigarette Tax Increase
Gov. Haley Barbour said yesterday that he will sign the 50-cent cigarette tax increase approved by the Mississippi Legislature, reports the Associated Press on Forbes.com. The legislation passed by a …
NFL: Brett And Brad Go Out On A Date
NFL legend Brett Favre appears hell-bent on unretiring. Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress reportedly met with No. 4 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Favre's agent, Bus Cook, was insisting that Favre is …
BREAKING: Frank Melton Has Died
Full JFP Melton Blog and Archive
The Associated Press is reporting that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton has died. Shortly before polls closed Tuesday evening around 7 p.m., the mayor went into cardiac arrest at his 2 …
Wednesday, May 6
Music
Jubilee JAM! 2009 Lineup Announced
The JAM folks have announced their national/regional line-up for this year's festival -- local performers are still to come. The following is verbatim from their materials:
Race Leaves Mark in Mayoral Race
The votes are in for the 2009 Democratic primaries, and the Jackson mayor's race seems to fall along racial lines. Mayoral candidate Marshand Crisler, a Ward 6 councilman, did well …
2009 Pepsi Pops
Celebrate spring and Jackson's wealth of musical talent at Old Trace Park for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's Pepsi Pops.
Dathan Thigpen and the Holy Nation
If you haven't been to the Jackson Convention Complex, yet, a live DVD recording concert sounds like as good a reason as any.
Michelle Obama Style Guide
Since the time of our first president's wife, Martha Washington, American women have looked to our nation's first ladies for style cues and inspiration. Of course, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis stands …
Inspirational Books for Graduation and Mother's Day
School graduates and mothers have something in common: They need motivation to brave the challenges that come with the territory. If you're looking for a gift that's both inspirational and …
Lessons From My Mother
Mothers have a habit of bestowing advice and rules to live by, often perpetuating old wives' tales or insensible teachings like: "Don't read in the dark. You'll go blind." (I …
Address This: Guide to 2009 Commencement Speakers
Commencement speakers are like doctors: sooner or later you have to see one. With commencement ceremonies coming up, motivational speakers are coming to spread their knowledge and encouragement to the …
Federal Aid Coming Fast, With Strings
A coming flood of federal aid is forcing state agencies, city government and community organizations to balance local needs with the demands of timeliness and accountability.
Seeds of Hope
On Saturday, April 25, volunteers swarmed over the one-fourth acre lot behind the Jackson Medical Mall. They worked all morning to transform a grassy patch of land into a public …
The JFP Interview With Charlotte Reeves
Jackson resident Charlotte Reeves prides herself on being a longtime Jackson resident. Her continuing involvement with the city mirrors her willingness to involve herself in its politics.
Amend Senate Bill 3268
In March, Mississippi legislators passed Senate Bill 3268, which allows municipalities to raise certain sales taxes by 1 percent to pay for police and fire protection, and road, water and …
[Stiggers] Fighting the Pig Cooties
Boneqweesha Jones: "This is your 'Qweesha '09 special report and news brief. Dr. Peanut of the George Washington Carver Holistic Health Commission of Tuskegee, Ala., has informed me that a …
Council Selects McLemore Interim Mayor, Angers Stokes
In an emergency meeting held at 4 p.m. today, the Jackson City Council voted 5-to-1 to appoint Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore as interim mayor after Mayor Frank Melton succumbed …
Stop the Cycle of Abuse
I was recently horrified to learn that our state is one of only four in the U.S. without a felony law against the crime of abusing cats or dogs. A …
Making Peace: First, Love Yourself
Alice cared about her neighborhood and was convinced that her "bad" neighbors across the street were into drugs. She believed that signing an affidavit against them risked her safety; Jackson …
[Gregrory] Pregnant With Possibilities
I'm currently 11 million months pregnant. I feel like a member of the pachyderm family. One would think that I would be excited about having a baby sometime in the …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Southern League baseball, Tennessee at Mississippi (7:05 p.m., Pearl, 103.9 FM): The M-Braves and the Smokies collide in the shadow of that outdoor mega store on Thirsty Thursday.
Patricia Clincy Harris
Born and raised in Jackson, Patricia Clincy Harris is the mother of one, although she considers all children hers.
[Rob In Stereo] Harder Than it Looks
Depending on your sentiments, power-pop is either music in its purist form or a vacuous and overly simplified genre. I have always been among the defenders, largely because it can …
‘Get Your Prayz On'
It was a Saturday night in Clinton. A police car cautiously circled the Holiday Inn Express parking lot, wary of the thumping beats emanating from a rear entrance. A heavyset …
A Time to Shine
Tyrese Presley is only 10 years old, but he's already done what many adults will never get the chance to do. He has co-written and recorded a song, and his …
Write Your Own History
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich knows a thing or two about women. Whether misbehaved or well mannered, daring or demure, naughty or nice; every one of us deserves a podium from which …
Cover
Ready or Not For Baby
When Kathryn Kight realized she was in labor, her first thought was of Frank Melton. As a reporter for 16 WAPT News, she knew Feb. 19 was going to be …
Taming the Household Jungle
If you don't have young children in your home, you may not realize how quickly a tiny mobile person can get into trouble with everyday household items. Before your baby …
Safe Toys for Tots
With fears about lead paint, choking hazards, and chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A, many new parents are understandably intimidated as they try to figure out what types of …
The Mayor's Race: By The Numbers
Based on preliminary, unofficial results of yesterday's election, voter turnout was fairly low in Jackson, especially given the highly contested nature of the race for the office of mayor. Overall, …
City Council Calls Special 4 p.m. Meeting to Select Interim Mayor
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
Verbatim:
Jackson Council Seats in Runoffs
Most of the races for City Council will require runoff elections on Tuesday, May 19, with the exception of Ward 1, which was uncontested, and Ward 3, where Councilman Kenneth …
[Kamikaze] My Mother, My Hero
My mother passed last week. The feeling is still surreal for me. It's the first time I've lost someone close to me, someone in my immediate family.
Tuesday, May 5
UPDATED: Mayor Frank Melton ‘Still Alive,' Spokeswoman Says
UPDATE 12:10 P.M.: City spokeswoman Goldia Revies has released the following statement: "Mayor Frank E. Melton is still resting and will undergo tests today at St. Dominic Hospital. More information …
Zata|3 Survey Results ‘Dead On'
Verbatim from Brad Chism of Zata|3:
Our public service project has concluded. As you can see below, our numbers were better than the Mason-Dixon poll and better than the Southern Research poll commissioned by the Clarion …
Returns: Harvey & Crisler Neck-and-Neck, Melton Third
With 85 percent of the vote in for the Jackson's mayoral race, Harvey Johnson and Marshand Crisler are tied with 27 percent, with Mayor Frank Melton in third place with …
BREAKING: Melton Rushed to St. Dominic; Sources Say ‘Unresponsive'
May 5, 2009—WAPT and other sources are reporting that Mayor Frank Melton is en route to St. Dominic in an ambulance. May be in cardiac arrest; "unresponsive," according to scanners …
Council Wants Tax Bill Amended
Council members voiced complaints Tuesday over a Senate bill allowing Jackson residents to approve a tax increase to fund the police and fire departments, pave streets and repair water and …
Join the Candidates for Election Results
Part of the fun in voting comes when your candidate wins. Tonight, join one of the following mayoral candidates, along with supporters, volunteers and staff for an election night Watch …
Jackblog
Crisler Invites You to Be Outlined With Chalk
After you vote Crisler for Mayor, join us for our Election Night Watch Event
How nice of Crisler. Not only is he inviting you to attend his watch party after you vote for him today, he is also inviting his fellow Democratic challengers.
A funny thing happened on the way to the voting booth…
As usual, I got up early and drove to the polling place so that I could get there a few minutes before it opened. Also, as usual, I parked my …
Budget Shortfalls Greater than Anticipated
Mississippi Legislators are on their way back to Jackson to begin the extended 2009 session that kicks off tomorrow. Topic No. 1 on the agenda is the state's budget for …
Monday, May 4
Johnson Says Data Prove Crime Dropped While Mayor
Verbatim from Harvey Johnson:
JACKSON, Miss. (May 4, 2009) – Harvey Johnson, Jr. will attend The SafeCity Take a Tasty Bite Out of Crime event this evening at Highland Village. Johnson is committed to …
The Arts Reinvestment Initiative
Mississippi Arts Commission Announces Arts Reinvestment Initiative
I got permission from Susan Dobbs of the Mississippi Arts Commission to share this press release with you. If you have an art-related job with a non-profit organization and your …
Answers to Election Day Questions
Do you have questions about voting? You're probably not alone. The Jackson Free Press has put together a list of frequently asked questions that might help you out, including who …
Get Rich Quick
If you walk into a restaurant sometime this week and the soupe du jour is "a bowl of swine flu," order it up. Appreciate their good humor. If you die, …
Campaign Office Burglarized
Burglars broke into the State Street campaign headquarters for incumbent Jackson Mayor Frank Melton early Saturday morning, reports WAPT, stealing a computer and a TV.
[Bounds] Communities Should Remain Calm but Vigilant
What your mother always told you is true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to the flu. Media reports tell us that …
Sunday, May 3
Enough is Enough!
Enough is enough. I can't sit idly by and continue to watch this childish display. A black cloud still hangs over our city. Even more prominent in election years, it …
New Zata|3 Poll Shows Crisler and H. Johnson Tied
Full JFP Coverage of 2009 City Elections
JFP Endorsements
Told You: Ledger Doesn't Endorse; ‘Unendorses' Melton Four Years Late
Turns out we were right: The Clarion-Ledger today did not endorse a candidate for Jackson mayor in Tuesday's primary—but finally came out and said that it was wrong about Frank …
Crisler Ahead In Funds As Election Nears
A review of campaign finance reports for Jackson mayoral candidates shows Councilman Marshand Crisler leading the pack, with state Sen. John Horhn close behind, followed by former Mayor Harvey Johnson …
Friday, May 1
Painting on Silence: The JFP Interview with LL Cool J
L.L. Cool J appears at the Crawfish Boil Saturday night. Visit the JFP's sponsor table while you're there.
Saturday: Cookout with Robert Johnson
[verbatim] Friends of Jackson Democratic Mayoral Candidate Robert Johnson are hosting a cookout Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Lake Hico, 4801 Watkins Drive from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The …
Dentist Michael West Denies Wrongdoing
Hattiesburg dentist Dr. Michael West granted an interview with The Associated Press, breaking his silence regarding his controversial bite-mark testimony in two cases where a Noxubee County court exonerated the …
Melton and Recio to be Tried Together
A federal judge has denied the latest attempt to separate the civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio. In an order (PDF) filed today, …
SafeCity Questions Candidates
A community organization with the purpose of making the metro Jackson area a safe place to live has published responses to its questions from 11 of the 15 candidates for …
Miller Lite Crawfish Boil
When I hear LL Cool J's name, I think back to the days when I jumped up and down next to my older sister in front of the television, screaming …
Sports
Weekend Starting Five Plus: This Could Be The Last Time
Sidney headed to State … Corky headed for retirement … Blazers and Choctaws in tourney action … AJC likes Torbush .. So long, farewell.
