Jackson Free Press

City Faces $4.3 Million Shortfall

Department of Administration Director Rick Hill reported to City Council today that the city is facing a $4.3 million budget shortfall.

Transcript of President Obama's State of the Union Address

This is the text released to media just before the speech began. Verbatim:

One Nation Under Oprah

While playing a jolly game of inquiries recently, I was prompted to answer the question, "What is the biggest threat to humankind?" Hastily, and foolishly, I responded, "ignorance." But after …

The Cost of ‘Tough on Crime'

Jackson resident Almona Fleming is a placid woman, prone to introspective stares and thoughtful contemplation during interviews. Her calm demeanor says nothing about the writhing coil of hunger that for …

'Stimulus Now' Manifesto Making the Rounds

Daily Beast seems like an odd place for a Manifesto to find its origins, but that appears to be where a number of prominent economists and (mostly liberal) thinkers have …

SUNSHINE WEEK: Top Mississippi Leaders Fail to Disclose Schedules, Emails

Lawmakers in every state have adopted laws requiring most government meetings and records to be open to the public. But in some states, lawmakers have exempted themselves from complying.

[Kamikaze] Spike's Daze

I've always been a fan of Spike Lee, especially for his "take no crap" stance against the Hollywood establishment.

Best of Jackson 2005: Nightlife

Best Musician: Barry Leach. Tall and slender, looking for all the world like a red-headed poet who might have spent some time in the country, Barry Leach is one fine …

2005: Nightlife

<b>Best Musician: Barry Leach</b>

Tall and slender, looking for all the world like a red-headed poet who might have spent some time in the country, Barry Leach is one fine guitar player.

Melton Ramps Up Morals Crusade

Mayor Frank Melton is showing his feminist side in his attempts to close down all sexually oriented entertainment in Jackson and "redefine" life in Jackson as we know it. The …

Melton Plan: Cameras and Night Court

Mayor Frank Melton addressed the city's remarkable increase in violent crime with a tour of dazzling technology at the new Technical Operations Center.

Such Sweet Sorrow

Since July 2004, Ross Olivier has been pastor of the Galloway Methodist Church in Jackson, bringing with him experience forged in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. As we spoke last Monday, …

Unarmed Marine Killed After Off-duty Officer Shoots Him Six Times

What makes this even worse is that the officer shot at him 13 times. From WBAL TV:

Palin's $50,000 Office Makeover ... into 'Bordello' Red

Salon is reporting that Sarah Palin shocked Wasilla when she spent $50,000 from a city highway fund to re-do her mayoral office:

The Klansmen Bound: 43 Years Later, James Ford Seale Faces Justice

Photos by Matt Saldaña and Kate Medley

Shuffling behind a young black woman in an identical orange jumpsuit, James Ford Seale entered the fourth-floor courtroom of the James O. Eastland Federal Building in Jackson on Feb. 22 …

Evangelist Prez Steps Down Because ... Gay?

Oh. My. Word. When I was editor of the Colorado Springs Independent, this right-wing preacher was one of the most outspoken in the city's Religious Industrial Complex (with Focus on …

GOP Using Katrina Aftermath to Gut Anti-Poverty Efforts

The New York Times is reporting that conservatives in Washington are reacting in a very cynical way to the poverty exposed to the world by Hurricane Katrina:

The Best 10 Movies of 2005

This was a great year for movies in terms of quality, though 2005 will probably be remembered by the film industry for its hugely disappointing box office grosses (it marks …

Frank Melton to Appear on Evers Show TONIGHT

Mayor Frank Melton is set to appear on the Charles Evers' radio show, "Let's Talk," on WMPR 90.1 FM, tonight (Wednesday, May 3) at 8 p.m.

[McInnis] Tiger Woods and Selective Naivete

I never understood the significance of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in baseball, and baseball is the favorite sport in my household. Robinson's accomplishments in the integrated major leagues …