Jackson Free Press

Paul Forster

Paul Forster is the teacher you wanted to have in high school. Among his many interests, one of his most intriguing is his desire to be an organic farmer.

'How We Got Over'

Sadie Pettway's eyes grew wide as she inched closer toward the ominous water fountain at stage left. Her sister Nella stood anxiously behind her watching intently as Sadie pulled the …

Day of Reckoning

The thrice-delayed federal civil-rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio began this week, ending a long process of pre-trial maneuvering.

The Sour Smell of Corruption

Of all the interesting odors hovering in the wake of the exiting Bush administration, the most pervasive smell could prove to be the sickly scent of corruption. The reek sank …

Blues ‘Brothers'

Growing up in Cleveland, Miss., Jason and Brock Bailey learned the blues early. The two brothers spent much of their early childhood listening to the music of their father, Joe, …

[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 21

If you attended the JFP's 2009 Best Of Jackson Party, you may be jonesing for the next opportunity to explore the shops in Duling School. This Thursday, Feb. 5, the …

Defense Cannot Use Prostitute Allegation Against Bodyguard

See JFP Melton Blog/Archive here.

Federal District Judge Dan Jordan ruled this morning that defense attorneys for Mayor Frank Melton and former bodyguard Michael Recio cannot use allegations of sexual misconduct by former bodyguard Marcus …

Jury Selection Begins in Melton-Recio Trial

Melton archive/blog.

The thrice-delayed federal civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio kicked off Monday in the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson for the destruction of a private …

Harvey's Running For Mayor, Again

Former Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson announced his candidacy for mayor on Saturday. Speaking in front of the Jackson Convention Complex, Johnson pointed to achievements from his two mayoral terms.

Judge Sets Rules For 'Inflammatory' Melton Trial Evidence

A federal judge heard arguments Friday on admitting evidence in the civil rights trial of Mayor Frank Melton and his former police bodyguard, Michael Recio. Most of the five-hour hearing …

Republicans Choose Black Chairman

The New York Times is reporting:

5th Circuit to Hear Paul Minor's Appeal March 30

Associated Press and Forbes are reporting:

Senate Passes Lower Cigarette Tax Increase

The Mississippi Senate approved a 49 cents per pack cigarette tax yesterday, setting the stage for a compromise with the House, which passed a $1 per pack tax two weeks …

U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton suddenly announced today that he will retire in two days.

• January 29, 2009

JATRAN Will Live, but It Should Thrive

I was relieved (and surprised) that our City Council chose not to make any cuts to the city's bus system this year. Yes, JATRAN can be a mess, but the …

Habitat Builds, Dedicates Its First Home In Clinton

[Verbatim From Habitat For Humanity] HFH/MJ is proud to announce the dedication of their very first home built in Clinton on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The blessing …

Now, Go Produce a Record!

Last week's Best of Jackson issue was followed, as always, by the Best of Jackson party, and this year's party was an amazing blowout—hundreds of our closest friends joined us …

Under the Radar: From Darwin to Sex Ed

A flurry of new bills hit House and Senate committees this month, bills that get little attention with the media focusing on cigarette tax bills and the Legislature's knot-twisting to …

Week 3: Schools, Dialysis and Unions

Education Appropriations Responding quickly to dire news about Mississippi's school districts, House lawmakers approved a bill Jan. 21 that would appropriate $68 million for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the …

Merrill "Mo" McKewen

While working as a project coordinator, events planner and/or fundraiser for more than a dozen non-profit clients, McKewen, who prefers you call her "Mo," has raised two daughters, taught at …