Jackson Free Press

SUNSHINE WEEK: Even as Political Spending Explodes, Disclosure Remains Hazy

Politicians in Mississippi have used campaign money to pay for such things as a BMW, an RV and $800 cowboy boots.

One Night in Ferguson

Ferguson has drawn people from all over the country. A handful of people also reportedly flew in from overseas. I traveled to Ferguson with three activists from Jackson.

New Orleans Rises Decade After Katrina, but Gaps Remain

As people search for words to describe New Orleans' recovery a decade after Hurricane Katrina, they sometimes use words verging on the Biblical—an economic and cultural resurrection, a rising from …

Pregnancy Discrimination Case Reaches Supreme Court

Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in yet another blockbuster case at the intersection of sex discrimination, workplace law and reproductive justice.

The Bible Belt by Way of Boston

Comedian Bill Burr has been just about everywhere. Everywhere except for Mississippi, that is. He's looking to correct that on "The Billy Bible Belt Tour" with a performance Monday, April …

‘Civil War’ Film Highlights ‘Lost Cause’ Myths, Lifts Up Young Mississippi Voices

“Civil War (Or, Who Do We Think We Are?)” explores the “Lost Cause” myth of the Confederacy and its effects on the modern South, particularly race relations.

UPDATED: Mayor Fires Back at Council's Rejection of $400K Contract for Water Study, Says 'Political'

Several council members have spent the last hour and a half questioning the mayor's request to award a $400,000 corrosion study on the city's water to a Texas company run …

end of the year albums

It's a good time for music. Though the first single from Jay-z's new album "Kingdom Come" is underwhelming at first listen, Hov's come back album is everything I wanted it …

What Will It Take, Council?

The Jackson City Council shirked its duties—and certain council members betrayed their oath of office—Tuesday when a majority decided against investigating whether Mayor Frank Melton took the JPD Mobile Command …

Tarring and Feathering Faye Peterson

I was sitting in the student center at Belhaven College Friday afternoon, participating in a media-ethics forum with several other media leaders from around town. The conversation was compelling, and …

Melton Orders Demolition Blitz

Mayor Frank Melton told department heads he wants a serious re-commitment to house demolition and downtown development in Jackson at a meeting held before members of the press today.

BREAKING: Ramie Ford Leaves City Government

Ramie Ford, who Mayor Frank Melton tapped to head up a proposed Neighborhood Enhancement Division, has left city government to become the director of state parks under the Mississippi Department …

Walker on the Run

Christopher Walker told the Jackson Free Press three weeks ago that either someone from his old Wood Street neighborhood would shoot him, or he would shoot one of them. And …

Ledger Staffer Swipes at Obama's Daughter

... and for what? Because she was reading during one of her father's speeches. Marcela writes:

Whistling Dixie

Crossroads and the JFP present "C.S.A." Monday, July 10th at 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre. Tickets are $7 and $5 for members.

UPDATED: Ben Allen Pledges to Lead Melton Investigation

Sept. 12, 2006 (updated 2 p.m.)

This morning in front of packed City Council chamber, with upset citizens spilling into the hallway, Councilman Ben Allen announced that he will now support an investigation of Mayor Frank …

Robert And Michele And ... Edna?

District Attorney candidate Robert Shuler Smith has taken an interesting journey to his current spot on the primary ballot. Smith said at a July Jackson 2000 forum at Schimmel's restaurant …

House Outlaws Traffic Cameras

The Mississippi House sent a bill to the Senate today that will effectively outlaw red-light cameras. HB 1568 will restrict local law enforcement's use of cameras to assist in traffic …

Eyes Wide Shut

About four years ago, a colleague invited Myra Ottewell, a native Jacksonian and teacher in British Columbia, to speak to his class after they viewed "Mississippi Burning," the 1988 movie …

Councilwoman Robbed

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. An assailant, armed with "a sawed-off shotgun" came up to her and her husband on Saturday and demanded …