Friday, June 29
Just In: State Not Responding Well to Child Abuse, Neglect
A children's advocacy organization says state officials are not responding to reports of child abuse and neglect in a timely or effective fashion.
Business
Nissan Jobs Cost Millions
Central Mississippi is getting 1,000 badly needed jobs, but taxpayers are paying a hefty price for them.
Justice
JPD Ups Non-English Skills
The Jackson Police Department is taking steps to improve communications and relationships with non-English-speaking residents in the city.
Person of the Day
Wolf of the Day: Sunset
Sunset, one of two red wolves at the Jackson Zoo, has died.
Events
It's the Weekend!
This Saturday the play "It's Time to Take Out the Trash" is at 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall. 2010 "Sunday Best" winner Le'Andria Johnson performs.
Heat Risk to Seniors and Disabled: How to Help
The city is performing wellness checks on seniors and the disabled during the current heatwave.
Fireworks + Drought = Danger
Here are Insurance Commission Mike Chaney's tip avoiding fireworks disasters this year.
Music
The Charms of Akami Graham
Akami Graham is a princess of R&B. She performs tonight at Hal & Mal's.
State on Shaky Financial Footing
It's a good thing Mississippians owe less in student loan debt than the national average because ours is one of two states where personal income is shrinking.
Thursday, June 28
Health Care
Obamacare Ruling 'Imperfect'
Mississippians might not want to celebrate this morning's U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming President Barack Obama's health-care law just yet.
Madison Ark is Homeless
The city of Madison recently failed to renew the lease of the Madison Ark animal shelter.
Person of the Day
Mississippi Folks
This morning's historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the majority of President Barack Obama's 2010 Affordable Care Act means that millions of Mississippians will continue to enjoy …
Health Care
Court Upholds 'Obamacare'
In a 5-4 decision with Chief Justice John Roberts as the "swing" vote and author of the decision, the 2010 Affordable Care Act was upheld, including the controversial insurance "mandate," …
Mississippi Reacts to 'Obamacare' Ruling
Mississippians reacted promptly to the Supreme Court's ruling on "Obamacare." Some weren't pleased.
'No Ill Will, But We're Suing'
Mississippi's sole abortion provider is taking its fight against a new state law that endangers its existence to court.
Wednesday, June 27
Music
[Natalie’s Notes] Happy Birthday, America
I love Independence Day. Usually, I spend it with my awesome family in McCall Creek, riding-four wheelers, swimming, grilling and catching up with cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as …
Books
A Seductive Antidote
"There is nothing for you here, Mina. Come with me." The immortal count beckons the unhappily married Mina Murray Harker in "Dracula in Love" by Karen Essex.
Books
What's on My Nightstand?
I've always loved to read. Reading invites us into another world populated with alternate possibilities. Whether we read for recreation or to deepen our knowledge of a particular subject, we …
Film
Don't Fool with Vampires
"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," a rare cinematic original based on the book of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith, exposes the eternal struggle between men and the living dead.
Art
Taboo No More
Homosexuality, abortion, rape, child abuse, teen pregnancy and suicide can all initiate a controversial conversation. In yesteryear, however, they were all topics so taboo they were suppressed, ignored and left …
Art
Up Where the Air is Clear
Up early, the last thing the fisherman expected to see was a large balloon floating over the lake—just low enough for him to hold a conversation with the pilot.
Culture
There Comes a Time
Sometimes, redemption involves clearing out the clutter in your life. "'It's Time to Take Out the Trash' is a play about a woman who is trying to redeem herself," says …
Events
Y'all Ever Heard of Space Country Music?
Zechariah Lloyd Tillotson likes to call his sound "space country." Somewhere in the genre of psychedelic soul, mixed with Delta blues, a little country undertone and a hint of humility, …
[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days
LeBron James and the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 in the NBA finals. The king finally has a ring.
Home & Garden
Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
Now that summer is in full swing, gardeners have to deal with pests.
Food
Plant Now for Fall Harvest
One of the benefits of living in the South is that we can extend our growing period through at least three seasons just by timing our planting, and four seasons …
Cooking
There’s the Rub
As funny as it seems to advocate beer as a non-drinker, I often cook with wines and cooking sherry—why not beer?
Hot-Weather Watering
The hottest part of summer may require us to use more treated water than we may prefer. Chemicals from city water-treatment plants can build up and can also stunt microbial …
Drink
Match Made in (Mouthwatering) Heaven
One great thing about high-gravity beer is that (much like its higher-alcohol cousin, wine) it pairs wonderfully with food. And as with pairing food and wine, there are some general …
Hitched
Let's Play House
I groaned as my wife asked, "Will you go to a wedding with me?" Usually, weddings are my favorite rite to attend. They bring out the best in people, and …
Business
Is Mississippi in 'Play'?
In August 1987, Louisiana State University geologists reported that a rock formation called Tuscaloosa Marine Shale could contain as much as 7 billion barrels of oil.
Business
Managing Projects, Tasks and Info
The recent wholesale upgrade to the Jackson Free Press website was quite an undertaking. For the first time since 2002, we have completely changed not just to a new design, …
Drink
Taste-Off at the JFP
All summer long, beer geeks and hop-heads have been buzzing about craft beer. But for those who have never ventured outside the standard varietals, the pool of higher-alcohol beers can …
Get Your Brew On
Gone are the days when choice in beer meant something "exotic" such as an Amstel Light.
[Letters] Congress, Support Mississippi Students
Under the budget approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning will receive $2,400 less per student for fiscal year 2013 than they …
Drink
Beer Law Changes July 1
With the stroke of his pen on April 9, Gov. Phil Bryant approved one of the most popular measures in recent history—the craft-beer bill.
[My Turn] One Life-Changing Day
In Mississippi, the movement to organize undocumented immigrant youth is a fairly recent one. It formally began after five youth attended the national United We DREAM conference in Dallas, Texas, …
Cover
Sweet, Sweet Beer
“I’d kill everyone in this room for one drop of sweet, sweet beer.” —Homer Simpson
[Letters] Circus Abuses Animals
In response to the article, "Under the Big Top" in (Vol. 10, Issue 40) June 13-19: The article was written with a magical and nostalgic feeling. But the reality of …
Civil Rights
The Good Fight
A few months ago, after watching one of the Republican debates, I placed a call to my sweet little momma. She lives in what I call a FOX News bubble: …
Education
JPS Asking for Tax Increase
The Jackson Public Schools board approved a $206 million JPS budget for the upcoming year at a meeting yesterday by a vote of six to one.
Interview
A Mississippi Tea Party Chat
Janis Lane, president of the Central Mississippi Tea Party, said conservatives want America to return to its roots of "limited government, free markets and fiscal responsibility."
Lawsuit Aims to Keep Abortion Clinic Open
Pro-abortion rights groups filed an expected lawsuit today to block the closing of the state's only abortion clinic.
Music
For the Sheer Joy of It
Although fairly new on the scene, Neon Indian, fronted by Alan Palomo, is already a top-10 chillwave band.
Editor's Note
Beer Me, Mississippi
"Mississippi has the unhealthiest relationship with alcohol of any state I've encountered—and I lived in Utah for 14 years of my life," says Features Editor Kathleen Mitchell
Jacksonian
Graham Downey
Graham Downey came to Jackson with a mission: to make healthy options for kids in Mississippi more accessible.
City & County
Appeals Court Tosses David Archie Conviction
The Mississippi Court of Appeals threw out the convictions of David Archie and a dozen other people who were arrested at a March 2008 protest in Canton.
Redevelopment Authority Packed Agenda Wednesday
Much development talk is afoot at the JRA meeting today.
Tuesday, June 26
Business
Jackson, Oxford, Tupelo Get High Econ Scores
Yes, Jackson, our economic strength is growing.
Politics
SCOTUS Creates Buzz in Mississippi
As with many U.S. Supreme Court rulings, there was a little something for everyone in yesterday's ruling on Arizona's tough anti-immigration law.
Biz Roundup
Biz Roundup: Supercell, Hair, Crafts
From iPods and laptops to Android phones and iPhones, Supercell buys, repairs, refurbishes and sells a wide range of electronics.
Person of the Day
Kevin J. Williams
Kevin Williams explores the relationship with the black community in the documentary "Fear of a Black Republican."
Health Care
Best Health-Care Reporting
As you wait for the Supreme Court's health-care decision, here's our roundup of standout reporting on health care in the U.S. and the struggle to fix it.
City & County
JPS Meeting Tuesday to Adopt Budget
JPS will adopt its budget today amid financial woes.
Justice
Life Without Parole for Kids Ruled Cruel and Unusual
Before a person under 18 can be given a life sentence with no hope of parole, judges must take the defendant's age and the nature of their crime into consideration.
Monday, June 25
JPD Arrests 10 in Prostitution Sting
JPD arrests 10 in "Vegas Night in Jackson"; declares "strong impact."
PSC Could Delay Kemper
Friday's decision from the Mississippi Public Service Commission on Mississippi Power's request to raise electric rates could severely hamper the project.
Development
Hinds EDA Says No to Garage
Hinds County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Blake Wallace recommended that the Board of Supervisors not go forward with funding a parking garage that is part of the Old Capitol …
Person of the Day
Dr. Thais Tonore
Ever since she was a young girl, Thais Tonore wanted to be a doctor.
Community Events and Public Meetings
The Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball is July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's.
City Residents: Sign Up for CodeRED Weather Warnings
Jacksonians can get free op-in weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
Lowest Gas Prices in Jackson
Summer driving vacations may be a little more affordable now than they were a couple of weeks ago.
State Government
MEMA Keeping Close Eye On the Gulf
MEMA is concerned about a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
Politics
SCOTUS Rules on Ariz. Immigration Law
The ongoing controversy around Arizona's controversial immigration law culminated today in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down this morning.
Sunday, June 24
Saturday, June 23
Friday, June 22
Justice
Riot Rocks Another CCA Prison
Widespread fighting has broken out at another Corrections Corporation of America-run private prison in south Mississippi, leaving 23 inmates injured.
Justice
State Leads Nation in Executions
Mississippi holds a dubious first-place standing for executing more people than any other state in the union this year.
Person of the Day
Monica Gilmore-Love
Jackson Public School Board members selected former vice president Monica Gilmore-Love as the new board president this week.
Art
It's the Weekend!
This weekend, Breakfast with the Otters is at the Jackson Zoo, Juneteenth Celebration at Battlefield Park, GenerationNXT Indie Concert Series is at Dreamz JXN.
Legal Services Workshop Today
“The more educated the persons are, the better prepared they are to address or avoid legal issues that they may encounter."
Thursday, June 21
Cooper-Stokes Wants New Hearing
LaRita Cooper-Stokes has asked a judge for a new hearing in the case of the Ward 3 Jackson City Council runoff election.
Health Care
‘I Didn't Have a Clue'
Desmeon Thomas lived a different life before 2002, one filled with the idolization of money, cars and jewelry. After he graduated from Murrah High School in 2001, he became involved …
Person of the Day
Patsy Mink
This Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most important pieces of legislation ever passed by Congress when it comes to women's athletics. On June 23, 1972, President …
Wednesday, June 20
Girl About Town
Your Stylist Knows
Those of you who are regular readers of this column may recall that some months ago, I acquired my Fantasy Hair—I got long hair thanks to extensions from Paul Prine …
The Flaming Lips Light Up Jackson
The Flaming Lips have a challenge ahead of them: eight cities, eight concerts, nearly 700 miles on a bus, more than 10 supporting and collaborating artists, one awards show, 24 …
Feature
Flaming Lips Light Up City
The Flaming Lips have a challenge ahead of them: eight cities, eight concerts, nearly 700 miles on a bus, more than 10 supporting and collaborating artists, one awards show, 24 …
Music
The Mysterious (and Noisy) New Duo
When the indie group Youth Lagoon performed at the Cats Purring Dude Ranch in Oxford, Miss., they needed an opening act. At the time, ILLLS was just a side project …
Key of G
How Malaco Got Its Groove Back
You might remember a piece I wrote for Boom Jackson magazine a couple years ago about Jackson's Malaco Records, the world-famous and highly revered label known as a soul, blues …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
I always have a beard, but I decided not to trim it for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Next year, I'll challenge the JFP guys to grow playoff beards with me …
Sports
This Foley Can Jump
I sat in the Mississippi Basketball and Athletics center watching Jackson's new American Basketball Association team hold its first tryouts with a nice turnout of about 18 to 20 players …
Sports
Soccer's Inspirations
Watching Euro 2012 is interesting, and not just from a sports standpoint. The soccer has been great, of course, but the history and traditions of the teams in this tournament …
Wellness
Beyond ‘Things'
The emptiness and superficiality that many people feel in modern life is a reflection of our world's materialism. We covet things because we have no "thing" with which to measure—or …
Faith
Life as Prayer and Dialogue
Much of the anger and dissension we see around us today is the result of the unpardonable practice of mixing politics and religion.
Wellness
Vampires: Change Agents?
Each generation likes to think of itself as completely new and different from those that went before, but a glance at popular media raises the question: Are our monsters predictors …
Drink
No Cons in Cans
When Krueger Brewing Company released its cream ale in a can in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 24, 1935, its sales soared by 550 percent. That same year, 37 breweries followed …
Cooking
Western Style Fiesta: Chili Pie
While experimenting in the kitchen over the years, I have created some tasty quick meals. This is perhaps one of my favorites, because you can vary the ingredients in this …
Cooking
True Teacakes
In the story "Anna Franklin's Teacakes" (Vol. 10, No. 38), author Casey Purvis mistakenly identified Mrs. Franklin as a resident of Polkville, according to her granddaughter Debi Miller
Editor's Note
Religion Without Holes
In the center of a dimly lit room in the National Archives sits a small book that Thomas Jefferson made by meticulously cutting out sentences and gluing them onto pages. …
Abortion Clinic Stays Open, For Now
A law that some Mississippi lawmakers hope will close the state's only abortion clinic goes into effect in less than two weeks, but that doesn't mean the clinic will close …
JPS Cutting Costs to Pay Debt
The Jackson Public Schools are cutting operation costs so the district can put more money toward paying off debt, including $150 million in bond issue debt.
Berry's Produce; No Beer in Jackson County
The 1940s-and-'50s-style hand-painted boards that dress the outer walls of the new produce market, at 3139 N. State St., depict bright tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Located in a …
Believe Her
Words count. One thing has become clear in reading Managing Editor Ronni Mott's cover story about sexual assault and rape this week.
Slave of Minimum Wage
Customers, get ready for a special 4th of July celebration at Jojo's Discount Dollar Store. Jogo wants to call this upcoming event 'What to the Slave of the Minimum Wage …
Fashion Police in Politics
Lets just get to the bottom line. The "saggy pants" debate is perhaps the most ridiculous, over-talked issue of modern times. It's downright stupid. And might I add ... stupid.
Cover
Ending the Silence
Bringing Rape and Sexual Assault out of Shame's Closet
Anthony Sowell had been out of prison about three years after serving 15 for attempted rape when he ran into Gladys Wade outside a neighborhood store in Cleveland, Ohio, on …
Theater
Mystery and a Meal
"Hear ye, hear ye! Royal subjects of the kingdom of Paramore, tonight we celebrate Prince Phillips impending beheading ... I mean uh ... betroth..." So begins the comedic murder mystery …
Dont't Miss It
Artful Music
On June 21, Lost in the Trees performs at Duling Hall alongside Daytona. The orchestral folk band features songwriter Ari Picker on guitar and vocals; Andrew Anagnost on cello; Jenavieve …
Choctaw ‘Expressions'
The vibrancy of the Mississippi Choctaw's heritage is clearly expressed through the colorful, handmade Choctaw dresses with beautiful beadwork and full skirts trimmed with ruffles and hand-sewn appliques, handmade baskets …
Intent to Ravish
Like so much of Mississippi culture, its laws concerning sex crimes harken back to a hypothetically more genteel time when ladies swooned and men did not use curse words in …
Does Jackson Need Another Rape-Crisis Center?
As the Jackson Free Press has done since 2004, on July 28, we will host our eighth annual Chick Ball to benefit the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl.
Politics
Cochran Bike Bill On the Ropes
Congressional House Republicans are trying to put the brakes on a provision in the federal transportation bill that could promote more biking and walking in America's cities and towns. But …
Stern v. Killen: 40 Acres and a Duel
When James Stern arrived at Mississippi State Penitentiary's medical Unit 31, fellow black inmates debriefed him on one of the unit's infamous residents: Edgar Ray Killen.
Justice
40 Acres and a Duel
When James Stern arrived at Mississippi State Penitentiary's medical Unit 31, fellow black inmates debriefed him on one of the unit's infamous residents: Edgar Ray Killen.
Music
WTF Is Zoogma?
Zoogma. It's a word that on the surface doesn't make a whole lot of sense. To some people, the word represents absolutely nothing. To others, it's a misspelling of the …
Jacksonian
Felicia Tillman
"I have big, big, big faith," Felicia Tillman says. The 34-year-old Jackson native believes that becoming the author of two plays was a spiritual thing for her.
Tuesday, June 19
Free Voter ID Will Cost ... But What?
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann announced yesterday that his office will be "proactive" and distribute free voter ID cards to anyone who does not have the proper identification. But …
Biz Roundup
Crooked Letter Brewery Blocked
Jackson County Board of Supervisors denied a Vancleave couple a special exemption Monday to build a brewery on their land along Antioch Road. The law requires an exemption for industrial …
Person of the Day
Surina R. Dixon
After three months on the job, and before she coached a single basketball game, Texas State University fired head women's basketball coach Surina Dixon in 2008. Dixon charged that her …
Body+Soul
World Sickle Cell Day
On June 19 at noon, the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation will join millions around the world to commemorate World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. MSCF will pray for patients with sickle …
Monday, June 18
Crime
Stokes: Shut Down Jail, Pull Pants Up
District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes wants to close the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond following a series of blunders at the jail.
Crime
Stokes: Shut Jail Down
District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes wants to close the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond following a series of blunders at the jail.
Person of the Day
Arden Barnett
Since the fall of 2011, Duling Hall has pushed its way to the forefront of the live music scene in Jackson. The man leading the charge is promoter Arden Barnett.
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal …
Saturday, June 16
MDOC Sticks with Private Prisons
Sometime between the 8:45 p.m. and the 9:15 p.m. staff shift change on July 30, 2010, Tracy Alan Province, John Charles McCluskey and Daniel Kelly Renwick escaped from Arizona State …
JFP Wins Awards for Feature Writing, Public Service, Commentary
The JFP got more great news Friday night when we learned that we are winning two first-place and one second-place award from the Society of Professional Journalists' southeastern division. Valerie …
Friday, June 15
Health Care
Abortion Clinic's Fate Unknown
Betty Thompson doesn't know what will happen to her employer, the Jackson Women's Health Organization, on July 1.
Working Together: Jackson
On the night of June 14, hundreds of people flooded through the doors of New Horizon Church in south Jackson to collaborate on one of the biggest tasks the city …
Person of the Day
Da Chief
At a crowded house party in 1994, full of teenagers and loud, blistering music, two things were happening: dancing and a rap battle. That was the first opportunity for Alex …
It's the Weekend!
Today, the Priced to Move Pop-Up Art Gallery opens at 5 p.m. at the former Eastland Federal Courthouse (245 E. Capitol St.) and runs through June 17. The even is …
Thursday, June 14
Politics
Rally Protests Contraceptive Rule
American and Christian flags stood on equal footing in front of the U.S. Courthouse in Jackson Friday as about 60 people gathered to protest a rule that requires health-insurance plans …
Education
Jackson May Raise Taxes for City Schools
The Jackson Public Schools are asking the city for more money to pay off $150 million in bond issue debt.
Education
Taxes May Rise for City Schools
The Jackson Public Schools are asking the city for more money to pay off $150 million in bond issue debt.
Forum Focuses on Black Health
Just because Congressman Bennie Thompson is a member of the same party as Barack Obama, that doesn't mean he won't criticize the Democratic president's administration.
Person of the Day
Drew Brees
New Orleans and Drew Brees are playing chicken while driving at full speed. The New Orleans Saints are running out of time to get quarterback Drew Brees a long-term deal. …
Death Rower's Reprieve Plea Denied
The Mississippi Supreme Court has denied a stay of execution to a man set to become the third man in as many weeks the state puts to death. Gary Carl …
Wednesday, June 13
Drink
The Layman's Guide to Craft Beer Styles
Beer drinkers get a bad rap. Winos might be stereotyped as the classier drinkers, but the world of well-made craft beers is as varied as that of fine wines––if not …
Dear, Deserving Dad
June 17 is fast approaching, and there's no better time to make Dad feel special. Make your pop proud on Father's Day with any of these great gifts from local …
Music
The Band that Moves
When John Parker started a band in 2004, he had to think of a name. "It was one of those things where I asked myself what I want people to …
Feature
The Future of Jackson's Music Scene
Just the other day, I couldn't help but brag about how musically awesome Jackson has been in the last year. From the Allman Brothers (Dusty and Buck) doing their part …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
The storybook journey for Stony Brook University's Seawolves continues. The little university from New York state upset LSU this weekend to reach the College World Series.
Body+Soul
How Many Green Beans for That?
Father's Day often presents a problem: What to get Dad? If he's into gardening, the answers are easy.
Don't Buy Dirty
People can't always buy organic for a variety of reasons: The local store may have limited supplies, they lack variety or cost is a consideration. But whatever the reason—or excuse—shoppers …
Working in Groups
My problem is a simple one that may be familiar: In the nonprofit I'm part of, too much "group stuff" happens in long email exchanges. Like a lot of volunteer …
Jury Orders New Ward 3 Election
The defense called it "the case of the sore loser." The plaintiff called it "the case of the stolen election." The jury agreed with the latter.
Media
JFP Wins Multiple Awards for 2011 Work
The Jackson Free Press got amazing news from Detroit Friday afternoon when we learned the Association of Alternative Newsmedia was presenting us a coveted first-place public-service award for our team …
Editor's Note
Inherit the Flame
I haven't written much over the years about the man I like to think of as my "real father." Maybe it's too painful.
Employers Shouldn't Dictate Birth Control Choices
Dr. Beverly McMillan is against birth control. Or at least any kind of hormonal birth control, from the regular pill to the morning-after pill, all of which she considers to …
Education
Students Deserve Better Than a Quick Fix
In an election year where the question of our nation's fiscal future is front and center, we cannot forget that the educational progress of our nation's children is pivotal for …
Fathers and Daughters
Fathers will show their daughters how to love and how to be loved in return. They are the first figure of strength daughters will ever know.
Film
Not So Young Guns
OLIVE BRANCH, Miss.—I'm staring into the face of Marshal Wyatt Earp. It's not exactly as I remember him back when I was a 10-year-old would-be cowboy and Wyatt was on …
Under the Big Top
It was a muggy July evening in Mississippi. I had packed a picnic for my 1-year-old son, my then-husband and myself in a cooler in the red wagon--watermelon cubes, egg-salad …
Getting Messy at the Museum
The Setting: A bright, welcoming room with a colorful mosaic mural lining the wall The Players: Two adults sitting in child-sized chairs, a variety of hand-held dog puppets The Audience: …
Books
Ghostly Tales
"The Haunting of Mississippi" by Barbara Sillery sucked me right in to Mississippi's rich, haunted history. Sillery eloquently describes the settings of her stories, so I could easily visualize each …
Engaging Dialogue
For more than 20 years, local nonprofit Jackson 2000 has worked to improve the social, political and economic climate of the city of Jackson through dialogue about race. A group …
Jazz of Juneteenth
If Belzoni native Dr. Ron Myers had his way, every state in the nation would celebrate Juneteenth this month.
Cover
Guys We Love
Every year at this time, people reflect on their dads, their granddads, their uncles—all the men in their lives. We at the JFP want to shine a spotlight on a …
Media
WJXN: Pirate Radio?
Jacksonians have been talking about the radio station with no DJs, no commercials and a music lineup like none they've ever heard.
Media
As If We Lost the Saints
A tornado touched down in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi the evening of May 23. It was a busy Wednesday night in The Times-Picayune newsroom. The paper's website, NOLA.com, …
Jacksonian
DeSean Dyson
DeSean Dyson planned on being a lawyer. Less than a year before he graduated from college, however, Hurricane Katrina struck. His TV screen filled with negative images of young black …
Tuesday, June 12
A Condemned Man's Last Day…in a Press Release
June 12, 2012 Scheduled Execution of Jan Michael Brawner
In about two hours, Jan Michael Brawner will be executed for the murders of his 3-year-old daughter, ex-wife and former in-laws. The Mississippi Department of Corrections issued the following news …
Justice
Another Condemned Man Seeks Reprieve
Gary Carl Simmons Jr., scheduled to be the third person Mississippi puts to death this month, wants the State Supreme Court to grant him a stay of execution. Monday evening, …
Justice
Condemned Man Seeks Reprieve
Gary Carl Simmons Jr., scheduled to be the third person Mississippi puts to death this month, wants the State Supreme Court to grant him a stay of execution. Monday evening, …
Biz Roundup
Irby, Sameerah's, Mangia Bene
The Stuart C. Irby Company and Sonepar USA's new 8,500-square-foot Jackson facility is open for business. The retail space and distribution center, located at the corner of Silas Brown and …
Amphibian of the Day: Endangered Mississippi Gopher Frog
The Mississippi gopher frog is an eccentric little creature. The nocturnal amphibian is secretive and quite particular about where it lives: It only breeds in one pond in the world.
Monday, June 11
Anti-Abortion Groups Protest Contraceptive Rule
About 60 people in Jackson took part in a rally Friday to protest a rule that requires health insurance for most employees to cover contraceptives.
Justice
Legal Question Could Delay Execution
On Sunday, Jan Michael Brawner turned 35. Tomorrow, the state could put him to death if he doesn't receive a reprieve. Brawner has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court for a …
Person of the Day
Joyce Jackson
On Feb. 14, Joyce Jackson finished with enough votes in the Ward 3 special election to get her name on the ballot with frontrunner LaRita Cooper-Stokes for a Feb. 28 …
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal …
Friday, June 8
Business
Utah Firm to Manage Three State Prisons
A Utah private-prison firm will take over running the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility and two other Mississippi prisons from The GEO Group. Management & Training Corporation, based in Ogden, …
Person of the Day
CJ Rhodes
When the Rev. CJ Rhodes told his professor he wanted to study philosophy, he was met with surprise. His professor assumed that someone with Rhodes' Baptist and Pentecostal background wouldn't …
It's the Weekend!
Today, the artist reception for Rod Moorhead and Betty Press is at 5 p.m. at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St.). Press also signs copies of "I Am Because We …
Thursday, June 7
Boil Water Notice
The city has issued a boil water notice affecting about 200 connections in Jackson.
PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE
City Calls on Companies to Offer ‘Fresh Start'
Jackson is making an effort to stop the revolving door in the state's prison system. One of the biggest keys, according to the Fresh Start Task Force, is helping formerly …
BREAKING: New Election Ordered for Disputed Ward 3 Seat
Update: The jury just ordered a new election for the Ward 3 seat that LaRita Stokes currently holds. More details soon.
Development
City Begins Long-Awaited Fortification Street Improvements
After 10 years of waiting, planning and discussing, a Fortification Street redesign project has finally begun.
Person of the Day
Zachary Bird
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Zachary Bird, a recent Murrah High School graduate, with the 296th pick in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball Draft.
Utah Private Prison Firm Picks Up Mississippi Contracts
Management & Training Corporation will take over management of the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility and two other Mississippi prisons, the Associated Press is reporting. MTC will also assume management …
Wednesday, June 6
Girl About Town
Lazy, Crazy, Hazy
I love summertime. Maybe it's because I'm ridiculously cold-natured, so it's the one time of the year I get to wear things not resembling a parka without freezing. But I …
Eating Out
Kitchen Clash
Let the battle begin! After just one hour, a winner will emerge and be crowned Iron Chef when the Ferguson Kitchen brings the Iron Chef battle to Jackson.
Drink
Abita Strawberry: More Soda than Beer
The appearance of Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager, commonly called just "Abita Strawberry," is a highpoint of spring for its fans. The beer is only brewed during strawberry harvest season, and …
From the Ukulele to ‘60s Pop
Completely recorded in his home in Oxford and in a cabin in Taylor, Miss., Dent May's "Do Things" is something of a fresh start. For his first album, "The Good …
Key of G
A Little Love Note to the City of Jackson
Fashionista, Screech-hater and, dare I say, philosopher Lisa Turtle once asked, "What is art? Are we art? Is art art?"
The Best In Sports in 7 Days
NBA Conference Finals are heating up with both series now best of three. Will either road team pull off an upset or will Miami and San Antonio hold strong?
Sports
Brilla Scores for Jackson
The Mississippi Brilla has high hopes for the 2012 season. After posting a 12-2-2 record last year and winning its first playoff game, the soccer team is looking to accomplish …
Bryan's Rant
Tossing Around the Pigskin
Football is still approximately 90 days away, but it has not stopped the game from dominating the sporting news. Here is my take on a few stories making headlines this …
An Elusive Beast
It was 1999. I was sitting on the edge of the exam table, staring at my feet dangling off the side and fiddling self-consciously with the white paper covering the …
The Nature of the Beast: What You Should Know
First, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments exist, but every body is different, which means what works for me may not work for you.
An Ounce of Prevention
Last month, I received a health-scare email from my mother-in-law. In it, she explained that her doctor had removed a "spot" on her face, and a biopsy revealed that it …
Dangers of Skin Bleaching
While tanning is unhealthy for some, skin bleaching is dangerous for others. Celebrities such as Beyoncé and the late Michael Jackson allegedly used skin bleaching, a practice to lighten skin …
Super Blue
Blueberries are an ideal food for people looking to improve their health this summer. This tiny "superfruit" is packed with vitamins A, C, E and K (all essential for skin …
Oily Hair (is Good)
You can use olive oil as a salad dressing, an ingredient to cook a favorite dish or as a hair treatment. Yes, a hair treatment.
Garden to Table
During the summer months, it's tough to find ways to beat the sweltering heat while still enjoying the sunny days. Local Mississippi farmers markets can provide the perfect outdoor activity …
Run and Sun
Besides getting out of bed in the morning, running in the blazing summer sun can prove to be one of the most difficult tasks for a runner—difficult and potentially dangerous.
Last-Minute Decisions on Sex Ed
School districts across the state have only a few weeks left to decide on sex-education policies and curricula for next year, but many have yet to make their decisions, including …
Private Prisons Flourish on Desperation
If you drive around Natchez, a sleepy river town of 16,045 people, and talk to folks, everybody has an opinion on whether Adams County Correction Center and its parent company, …
[Stiggers] Hard Times Made Tolerable
Clubb Chicken Wing's goal during the recession is to create jobs for the unemployed. Our daily 'Hot Wing Happy Hour' provides unemployed Djs, emcees, college graduates, teachers with Ph.D.s and …
[Kamikaze] Hold the School Board Accountable
I'm a proud product of Jackson Public Schools. I attended Boyd Elementary and Chastain Middle schools up until the 9th grade. I then went to St. Joseph Catholic School because …
[Strachan] In Praise of Public Servants
Glendora businessman Mike Sturdivant passed away at age 84 on May 1, at his home on his Due West Plantation. It brought to mind many things about one of the …
Business
Private Prison, Public Problems
Gail Tyree exited U.S. Highway 84 onto Hobo Fork Road and drove through the rose-adorned entrance of the sprawling Adams County Correctional Center. A female correctional officer leaving the prison's …
A Journey to the Center of the Mind
Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer-Prize award-winning 1930s drama, "Our Town," is not just a play, but a spiritual voyage. The stage is barren, except for a row of chairs, and dialogue is …
Film
Fairy Tale Redux
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the biggest bitch of them all?" That is the real question never posed by the Evil Stepmother Queen (Charlize Theron) in "Snow White and …
Don't Miss It
Art Remix, ‘Latinized'
Lawn chairs? Check. Blankets? Check. Most importantly, your dancing shoes? Make sure you have these items when heading downtown to Art Remix at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Evening in the Park
The turnout for Belhaven Park's outdoor movie for the month of May, a showing of 1961's "Blue Hawaii," was modest but spirited. In a soundscape of evening birdcalls and slow-passing …
Melton Mentees Get Second Chance
The late Mayor Frank Melton may well be smiling from his grave over the good fortune bestowed by Gov. Haley Barbour and the city of Jackson to two of the …
Whitwell: Getting Things Going
Quentin Whitwell, 39, was born in Memphis and grew up in Southaven and Oxford. His father, Robert Q. Whitwell, served as the U.S. Attorney for northern Mississippi from 1985 through …
Art
Conducting a Festival
Four smiling mop-topped men with skinny ties strum guitars to a familiar backbeat. "She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah," they confirm in unison as if they really know something. Paul's …
Hopes and Dreams
Last Friday was the first of the weekly Jackson Free Press summer intern workshops. With more than a dozen people stuffed into our classroom around the long stretch of tables, …
Melissa Edwards
Melissa Edwards grew up surrounded by the influence of architecture through her two uncles who work in design. She did not know of any female architects who could serve as …
Portions of Gallatin Street Closed
A section of Gallatin Street between Hiawatha and Silas Brown streets is closed for repair work on a drainage line.
Tuesday, June 5
Politics
Ward 3 Hearing Begins
The hearing to contest the February Ward 3 runoff election began Monday at the Hinds County Courthouse. The judge and lawyers spent the afternoon picking jurors from a pool of …
Business
Nissan Workers Move to Unionize
The United Auto Workers and the Mississippi NAACP are supporting efforts by some workers at the Nissan automotive plant in Canton to form a labor union. A full-blown campaign is …
Person of the Day
Kristen Dupard
Years of learning how to bring poems to life for an audience paid off for Kristen Dupard this spring, as she took home a national trophy for her poetry-recitation skills.
School Board Meeting Tonight
The JPS school board meets tonight at 5:30. Although there isn't anything on the schedule about selecting a sex-related education policy, there are only two scheduled board meetings before the …
Monday, June 4
Politics
Rep. John Lewis Rallies Dems
Sometimes, Democrats like to feast on red meat, too. At this year's Jefferson Jackson Hamer Dinner, held Friday at the Regency Hotel in Jackson, Georgia U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a …
Art
Traffic Signal Boxes Become Artists' Canvases
Some of downtown Jackson's traffic signal boxes got a fresh coat of colorful paint recently thanks to a group of local artists.
Bryan Fedrick
Bryan Fedrick was not always fond of snakes. In fact, he was afraid of snakes until age 12 or 13. Now, however, the 34-year-old is a herpetologist who has been …
Community Events and Public Meetings
Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal …
Friday, June 1
Crime
City Leaders Prepare ‘Fresh Start'
A few dozen local leaders from a range of fields are working on a program to help keep people from returning to prison after leaving.
Hurricane Season is Here
Officials say Mississippi would be ready if a Category 3 hurricane was headed toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast and due to make landfall in 18 hours.
Eric Stringfellow
Eric Stringfellow has his work cut out for him. As a Jackson Public Schools public-affairs consultant, the district has given him the task of selling an unpopular rezoning plan that …
It's the Weekend!
Today, Elizabeth Johnson and Susie Ranager's art exhibit opens at Brown's Fine Art (630 Fondren Place) and hangs through June 30. Free; call 601-982-4844. Civil-rights leader and U.S. Congressman John …
