Jackson Free Press

[Ladd] No More Wink-Wink Politics

Waaaa-powwww, right in the kisser! So, what was that loud explosion that hit the middle of last week? Certainly, it could have been me letting out 42 years of pent-up …

[Editor's Note] Aloha, Jackson

When we boarded our plane in Dallas bound to Honolulu in January, I'd had only had two hours' sleep. Inevitably, I tossed and turned in anticipation of getting up at …

[Buzz] Don't Say ‘Tort Reform'; Collective Forms

DON'T SAY 'TORT REFORM': It's kind of fun to watch lawmakers try NOT to talk about a favorite topic: tort reform. Although legislating against "lawsuit abuse," especially with industry-friendly damage …

City Eyes Water Hikes

The city of Jackson is eyeing water and sewer fee hikes this year.

Ray Mabus

Describing Navy Secretary Ray Mabus as a "son of the Gulf," last week, President Barack Obama appointed Mabus, former governor of Mississippi, to oversee economic and environmental recovery for the …

State Again Tries to Take Over Levee Board

A member of the Two Lakes of Mississippi Foundation rattled the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board at its meeting this morning with another attempt by …

Where are the Rock Stars?

When Judy Coleman was 16, she watched MTV's "Rock the Vote" special "Choose or Lose" religiously. The rock stars sucked her in.

Primary Decides Winner in District 26

Senate District 26 is a sprawling giant compared to neighboring Districts 27 and 28. It swaggers over the northern and western portions of the capital city and expands as far …

Are Obama Comparisons to JFK Unhealthy ‘Baby-Boomer Reminiscing'?

New York Times blogger Matt Bai argues that it's time to move forward instead of backward, as all the Kennedy comparisons do:

Malco Pulls Controversial Political Ad

UPDATED: Malco has issued a follow-up statement, ensuring that campaign ads on its screens will "not happen again." See full statement in comments below.

The Odd Journey of Mills for Schools

Millage rates—property taxes—might sound about as far from "sexy" as any story can be. But the well-being of Jackson Public Schools depends largely on the city allocating enough money to …

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Mississippi’s Flag: A Blow at Civilization

The state flag tells the world that Mississippi hasn’t changed.

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AP Interview: Trethewey a 'Cheerleader' for Poetry

Natasha Trethewey smashes stereotypes about poets. She's not stuffy. Or shy. Or aloof.

Rebel On The Exchange

Mississippi's insurance commissioner has no qualms about bucking his party.

A Desperate Need for Comic Relief

The recent Melton controversy and my bout with sinusitis has taken its toll. In my search for something else, I think I found it. I've seen it before, but who …

Malcolm Harrison: ‘Experience Matters’

Malcolm Harrison is running for the Hinds County attorney position left empty by his long-time law partner, Sherri Flowers-Billups, who passed away from cancer last October.

Tort Reform, Sexual Assault Prevention and Fantasy Sports Bills Move Forward

"Tort reform" rose from the past at the state Capitol last week as lawyers in the House of Representatives battled it out over a short, seemingly inconsequential bill, House Bill …

Shifting the Power to Regulate Nurses, Barbers, More

Melony Armstrong did not want to cut hair; she wanted to braid hair in her own shop. She believed that the time and money spent on beauty school would be …

Trump’s Politically Correct Call for Bigotry, Hate

It's really hard to find a stronger sign that Donald Trump hopes to become a fascist dictator of people and thought in America, and he's playing to very ugly instincts …

The JFP Interview with Johnny DuPree

Johnny DuPree makes clear that he is a city man. DuPree, 57, has served as Hattiesburg's mayor for almost 10 years and wants to take his municipal know-how to the …