Jackson Free Press

Sarah Palin to Step Down as First-term Governor

Gov. Sarah Palin announced suddenly today that she will step down as governor of Alaska on July 26, only 30 months into her first term. The Washington Post:

The Scruggs Saga Comes Home To Hinds County

Photos by Jaro Vacek

On June 11, 2005, Jackson Police Officer Jeffrey Middleton ran a red light on Highway 18 while coming back from Raymond. Middleton had no siren or police lights on at …

Melton's Complicated History with Maurice Warner

One of Mayor Frank Melton's favorite mentees was murdered on Christmas Day. The JFP explores the mayor's history with Maurice Warner.

2007 JFP Voter's Guide: Of Primary Importance

Photos by Adam Lynch & Roy Adkins

On Aug. 7, voters will turn out in droves—we hope—to make their voices known in the primary elections.

Haley Barbour Refuses to Pardon Black Man

Clyde Kennard was convicted of purchasing $25 worth of chicken feed he knew to be stolen. He died in 1963 after being released early due to intestinal cancer. The only …

Jackson 7th Most Improved in Morgan Quitno

Jackson was among the most improved cities in the new edition of the Morgan Quitno Annual Safest/Most Dangerous City ratings. Jackson, which ranked 42nd most dangerous overall, was the 7th …

Saints Release Deuce

It seems not even professional football is immune to the economy.

Earlier today, the Associated Press announced that the New Orleans Saints have released running back Deuce McAllister "in a move that reduced the team's payroll as free agency approaches."

Another Vetting Problem: ‘Uncommitted' Joe-the-Plumber A Registered Republican

Update: Turns out that "Joe" is actually "Samuel Joseph" and is a registered Republican (but says he's in the Natural Law Party); see comments for more weirdness.

Orley's Brilliant Manifesto on Crime

‘Saturating’ Jackson, More Drug Operations: Governor Launches 'Capitol Safety Initiative'

In a significant increase to the State of Mississippi policing footprint in the capital city, the Capitol Police will now extend its jurisdiction over the Capitol Complex Improvement District, Gov. …

Revisiting the Kerner Report: How Much Has Changed Since the 1960s ‘Riots’?

To get at the causes of the riots, and potential ways to prevent them, President Lyndon Johnson assembled the 11-member National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders in July 1967 to …

McCain Chooses Alaska 'Hockey Mom' as Running Mate

The New York Times reports that Sen. John McCain has chosen a 44-year-old conservative, pro-life governor who called herself a "hockey mom" as his running mate:

MPB: Public Servant?

Max Breazeale checked his transmitters at station WMAH in McHenry Sunday night before Hurricane Katrina ripped the Gulf Coast asunder. From frequency control to power supply, he made sure everything …

Huh? Money to the Best Schools, Not the Worst

Can someone explain to me why we're giving extra money to the top-performing schools, and not to the lowest-performing that clearly need it the most???

Find Another Way

Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant is no stranger to right-wing nuttery, but he offered a prime example of conservative hysteria in comments in a July 12 article in The Clarion-Ledger. Suggesting …

Clarksdale Blues Update

Hello from Clarksdale, Mississippi... America's Blues Crossroads. Here is your guide for North Mississippi Blues.

Crossing Gallatin

So the JFP celebrated its fifth birthday a couple of weeks ago. I have long exercised the privilege of celebrating my birthweek and birthmonth, rather than just a flimsy day, …

Let's Give The Children More Drugs

As a social worker working with mentally ill children, I am no stranger to the medicating of them. But, this NYT piece regarding the side effects of stimulant medication really …

Unemployment Hits 20 Percent in Mississippi County

The rate of unemployment in the Magnolia State either dropped slightly or rose slightly, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, depending on how you count the numbers. Adjusting …

No Tea Party of the Left, Please

The pent-up frustration caused by not speaking out in a clear voice finds a venue this Saturday when some Jacksonians will gather in Smith Park for Occupy Mississippi, a localized …