Jackson Free Press

Itawamba Student Sues District Over Rap

A year ago, the Itawamba County School District made national news for electing to cancel Itawamba Agricultural High School's prom rather than allow lesbian student Constance McMillen to bring her …

BREAKING: Shake-up in City Administration

Jackson Planning and Development Director Carl Allen and Parks and Recreation Director Ramie Ford are leaving city government, the Jackson Free Press learned Thursday.

BREAKING: Melton Appoints Bluntson as Mayor

<i>Photo caption: Acting Mayor Frank Bluntson announces his assumption of duties.

Mayor Frank Melton has appointed Councilman Frank Bluntson as acting mayor by executive order (PDF, 56 KB).

Manhunt D.A.‘s ‘Guard' Duty

When Bruce Dunagan heard that Tallahatchie County prosecutor John Whitten III was involved in a vigilante-style manhunt last month, in Sumner, he wasn't surprised. Dunagan, who was Biloxi's police chief …

Capitol Burning: The War Between the Branches

Mississippi is known for many things: great authors, beautiful antebellum plantations, Sweet Potato Queens, civil rights troubles and a ridiculously tight state budget. In the poorest state in the country, …

The Commons: Continuity of Love

Under the quiet gaze of an oversized bronze statue of Eudora Welty, a friendly but insistent workman keeps asking Jonathan Sims what to do about the dishwasher. Sims can't answer …

The Katrina Effect: Politics After the Storm

Nobody had ever seen anything like Katrina. "When Katrina came, we knew we were in for an entirely different kind of animal," said Capt. Louis Skrmetta of Gulfport.

Barbour Misses ACORN Bandwagon

The day after Gov. Haley Barbour announced he was cutting state funds to ACORN, the JFP broke the news that the state gives no money to the group—which no longer …

Racism, sexism… "hairism"?

A Vicksburg High School student was told by the principal that he could not be a homecoming escort unless he cut off his dreadlocks. From WAPT:

Johnson's Back!

"I, Harvey Johnson, Jr, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully ... discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."

Thou Shalt Not Steal: Is Voter Suppression the Real Issue?

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has gone out of his way to excite the historically indifferent youth vote, but the biggest question with young voters may not be keeping their …

2008 Legislative Preview: New Session, Old Problems

Photos by Adam Lynch, Donna Ladd, and Jaro Vacek

The Mississippi legislative session is coming around again Jan. 8, bringing with it some tough decisions. The Legislature took a stroll through roses last year, oddly, thanks to Hurricane Katrina. …

Bringing Back the Rod

Jackson Public School Board member Sollie Norwood is speculating on the possibility of returning corporal punishment to JPS. Norwood placed the discussion item on the June 18 JPS agenda and …

What's in a Blog?

Winter colds can really cramp your blogging style. They can also make you stop and think about what you're blogging about in the first place.

Anti-Valentine Contest Entry

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JFP Wins Awards for Feature Writing, Public Service, Commentary

The JFP got more great news Friday night when we learned that we are winning two first-place and one second-place award from the Society of Professional Journalists' southeastern division. Valerie …

Steve Rozman

Steve Rozman, 66, is leading the charge for civic engagement and social responsibility at Tougaloo College, around the state and across the nation.

Ledger Scrutinizes Melton's Bahamas Trip

It's great to see The Clarion-Ledger follow up our tip from last Friday about Melton and his two bodyguards flying to the Bahamas. This is the way local media should …

Melton's Message to Homeless

July 14, 2006—[verbatim] Jackson is a city of Grace and Benevolence where we treat all people with respect and dignity. Today, we are taking a new approach toward establishing a …

Melton Under Oath; Mistrial Declared

UPDATE: Judge Bailey declared a mistrial because the jury couldn't agree on damages Friday. Check back here Monday for more details and explanations of what happens next.