Best of Jackson 2014: Go Vote!
You may have noticed the Best of Jackson ballot in this issue (page 14) or the alert on the cover—it's that time of year again!
City & County
Vote Nov. 5 for McQuirter, Baker
In the contest for Hinds County District 2 supervisor, the Jackson Free Press endorses Darrel McQuirter—and for all the reasons we gave him our endorsement in the Democratic primary.
Let’s All Start Living ‘The Laramie Project’
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, something happened at the University of Mississippi.
Strings in Schools is Worth Saving
It has become an all-too familiar tune: In the midst of shrinking budgets, creative services are first on the chopping block. In business organizations, that often means scaling back marketing …
Shutdown: All Part of the Plan
The Republican members of the U.S. Congress, including the Mississippi coalition, are trying to blame the government shutdown on anyone but themselves.
The Power We Consume
President Barack Obama's administration recently set tough emission standards for electric utility companies that still rely heavily on burning carbon-heavy fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal.
Cutting SNAP Cuts Lifelines
A few days ago, Mississippi's Republican congressional delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of cutting the federal food-stamp program, aka the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or …
Lumumba: Telling Unpopular Truths
One of the difficulties every politician will face, sooner or later, is the choice between telling the people the truth or couching issues in terms of easy-to-digest pabulum and paternalistic …
Time to Show Up
Next week, the Mississippi Legislature takes up hearings on the fiscal year 2015 budget.
Wagging the Dog on Guns
This week, the Mississippi Supreme Court unanimously overturned Hinds County Judge Winston Kidd's injunction against House Bill 2. That came as no surprise. Despite good intentions, the attempt to stop …
50 Years Later, the Fight Goes On
One of the often-forgotten aspects of the 1963 March on Washington is its name. The full, original name of that Aug. 28, 1963, gathering was the March on Washington for …
Jacksonians Should Explore Jackson, Too
Jackson is at times a divided city, segregated along hard racial, economic and educational lines. Just consider the conversation that often takes place when the subject of the Jackson Zoo …
Common Core Isn’t a Silver Bullet
Kids haven't met No Child Left Behind standards, so they are now subject to the tougher Common Core State Standards. What could possibly go wrong?
DA Must Examine Lakeover Shooting
Without the baby face, sugary snacks and legal minor status, Quardious Thomas makes for a less sympathetic poster child for gun reform than Florida's Trayvon Martin.
Feedback
Like many in America and around the world, my heart went out to Trayvon Martin's parents in their pursuit of justice in an area of the country where it proved …
Feedback
Rommel Benjamin wrote a great truth-telling column in “Race Still Matters” (Vol. 11, Issue 46).
Showing Up Matters
At last Tuesday's meeting of the Jackson City Council, a measure was brought before the council to pump an additional $151,066 into the Fortification Street renovation project.
Martin, Zimmerman Should Give Pause
In the rush to approve whatever new gun law the NRA happens to be pushing at the time, legislators forget that the laws they create will lead to real-world confrontations, …
Yarber Made Fine Council President
The Jackson City Council raised eyebrows last week by voting to replace Councilman Tony Yarber, Ward 6, with Councilman Charles Tillman, Ward 5, as council president.
