Jackson Free Press

Little Love for Levees

The meeting room for the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board in Flowood filled with rancor Monday, Feb. 8, after the board learned that the state Legislature …

In a First, Black Voter Turnout Rate Passes Whites

America's blacks voted at a higher rate than other minority groups in 2012 and by most measures surpassed the white turnout for the first time, reflecting a deeply polarized presidential …

Downing: The Man With the Answers

Ponto Ronnie Downing, self-proclaimed "Jesus freak," is running for the Ward 3 City Council seat on the Republican ticket.

Two Ways to Take Over a School District

If Gov. Phil Bryant does not agree to a rumored-but-still-quiet deal with the Jackson mayor and a large philanthropic foundation to provide a third option, Jackson Public Schools will face …

Why I Don't Read Beliefnet (Much) Anymore

Beliefnet still has its moments, but mostly it alternates between schmaltzy and toxic.

Battle of the Boxes

If there's one thing Mississippians love, it's their discount stores.

Gathering 'Round the (Ethnic) Kitchen

Though Jackson is not New York City, it does have plenty to offer in its variety of ethnic restaurants. If you want to try your hand at cooking different foods, …

Senseless Smoking Ban

I just had to comment on this. Tried to avoid it, but it's really starting to peeve me off. I understand that people don't want to have to deal with …

Stolen Lives: Remembering the Tragedy of Slavery

An Instrument of Change

A half moon disappeared as the sun rose out of the Atlantic Ocean on Sept. 1, 1832. The humid coastal winds filled the sails and carried the ship through the …

Signs Point Cautiously to Recession's End

Slowing job losses is one sign of the economy's impending recovery. The bottom is just ahead, according to economists, which means things will start looking up soon.

Taco Nirvana

Who doesn't like a good taco? Whether it's a 69-cent American version or an authentic Mexican taqueria-style, tacos are good any way you eat them.

[Drink] Java for the Proletariat

Legend has it that an Ethiopian goat herder discovered coffee. He noticed his goats became frisky after eating the berries from a certain plant. As the person in charge, the …

The Business of Beer

Last year, after several failed attempts, Mississippi lawmakers made it legal to produce and sell beer containing as much as 8 percent alcohol.

[Featured Blog] Obesity, Cars and Suburbia

Good column today from Ellen Goodman, especially for those of us interested in urban planning, the creative class, and all that stuff (Philip and Todd, I'm looking at you). It …

The 2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part V: To the DEA?

In this long excerpt of JFP editor Donna Ladd's interview with Frank Melton in February, he talks about why he's running for re-election, dying with dignity, the City Council, his …

‘Everybody Matters, Or Nobody Matters’: The JFP Interview with Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher shared his opinions and ideas about how law enforcement fits into society and government as a whole with the Jackson Free Press recently.

Hear No Truth: The 10 Most Censored Mississippi Stories

It's an open secret that here in the Jackson area and in the state at large we suffer from superficial, incomplete, unfactual and sometimes non-existent coverage of vital news stories. …

The 2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part III: Money & Taxes

In Part III of his Feb. 26 interview with JFP editor Donna Ladd, Frank talks about his finances, including his property-tax troubles.

Jackson’s First Couple: How the Lumumbas Met and Why They Love Jackson

Jackson's first couple's story begins in a kindergarten classroom at North Jackson Elementary School. They both remember walking to school together with other kids in the neighborhood and playing together …

Brotherhood of Destruction: An Addiction-Fueled Journey to Hell and Back

Benny Ivey met former Vice Lord and prominent drug dealer John Knight at a June people’s assembly at New Horizon Church on Ellis Avenue, and the two bonded as they …