Jackson Free Press

Ward 1: Side-by-Side

Given the mountain of challenges staring at the Jackson City Council, it's hard to imagine two candidates whose resumes make them better equipped to get their hands dirty than Ashby …

Candidate Questionnaire: Matt Allen

The Jackson Free Press reached out to all judicial candidates who are running on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent jurisdictions throughout the Jackson Metro Area, regardless of whether they …

Espy to Join Hyde-Smith for Debate As 'Hanging' Backlash Grows

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy has accepted an invitation to join incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., for a runoff debate that will be broadcast across the state …

God's Country: Katrina Sows Uncertainty In The Eye of The Storm

This story appeared five years ago in the days after Hurricane Katrina as many Gulf Coast residents sat waiting for help

On Civil Elections and Civic Journalism

<b>Voters to Dems: Be Progressive</b>

In the few days since the Nov. 4 election, we've heard a lot of anger and consternation from readers. Many are wondering how in the world the blatant GOP use …

On Feb. 15, Vote Ice for Ward 1

The Jackson Free Press' readership is diverse in many ways, and we get criticized from the left and right for editorial stances and endorsements. Our editorial board believes in groups …

Jackson Less ‘Dangerous' In 2004

Ironically, a murder binge in the city—nine fatal shootings in 10 days—comes just as a national crime-rating outfit released good news for the city of Jackson, at least about its …

Family Values

Our history as a state and a nation is filled with atrocious efforts to destroy the self-esteem of black men. During the entire arc of slavery and then Jim Crow …

The 10 Most Active Jackson Free Press Threads, Ever

Happy birthday, Todd! Thanks to you and Donna for getting this paper running. You have affected the culture of Jackson in more ways than anyone can know, I think.

Is Mississippi Ready For A Black Governor?

So. America has elected its first African-American President. But while other parts of the country clearly were getting over the race hurdle. It appears the south particularly, Mississippi and Alabama, …

Move Over, Larry Flynt: BANNED IN THE USA

Howard Stern is Freedom's New UnLikely Hero

Advertising Age says we are a nation not of red versus blue but of a "moral minority" versus an "edgy elite." And the moral minority is winning. Let us recite …

The Execution Of Earl Wesley Berry

It was like a reverse funeral procession. We were the third in a line of about five white vans, driving down the gravel road that led to Mississippi's death chamber.

Cooking with Feminists

Fonda and Steinem explain the concept, and the need, for NON argument talk radio. Love them.

I only have time to say I LOVE it. Finally some women on Colbert. Now let's get more on The Daily Show.

Pope's Mission to Revive Faith Clouded by Scandal

Benedict XVI always cast himself as the reluctant pope, a shy bookworm who preferred solitary walks in the Alps to the public glare and the majesty of Vatican pageantry.

Unmet Needs: Children with Disabilities Caught in the Voucher Crossfire

Private School Review, a website that vets private schools, says that the state has 250 private schools. Out of these, the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, or MAIS, reports that …

Full Throttle: The JFP Interview with Rep. John Reeves

Rep. John Reeves, R-Hinds, is a growing presence in the Jackson community. The 49-year-old father of five is a South Jackson resident who vows to stay in his community, despite …

Barbour Defends Town Hall Confrontations

The recent spate of rowdy behavior at health-care town-hall meetings is because Americans don't understand the Obama administration's plan, Gov. Haley Barbour told reporters during a conference call Monday organized …

Toyota Plant Up in the Air

I wonder if we get all that tax money back if they decide to jump ship?

The Clarion Ledger reports that the MS Toyota plant - you know the one we all shoved tons of tax money into - will be suspended "until market conditions improve."

Lost in Translation

"He is like a prodigal son, pondering whether he should return to his native soil." So wrote now-freelance Clarion-Ledger columnist Eric Stringfellow this week in a hand-wringing column about the …

Do the Right Thing and ... Report

As I proofread this week's cover story about the stories mainstream media won't cover, I thought back to the first year of the Jackson Free Press.