Jackson Free Press

Playing The Draft Card

Young People Fear a Call-Up. Should They?

On the evening of Oct. 5—after the Red Sox beat the Angels in the first game of the playoffs, and before the evening debate between Vice President Richard Cheney and …

Guns for Safety?

Also see: JFP Crime Blog

It so happens that in the past few weeks, a number of people with ties to the Jackson Free Press—staff and former staff—have encountered the same piece of advice from …

The Charms of Frank Melton

Mayor Frank Melton and I disagreed on many things, especially the way he ran the city and his style of "crime-fighting," but we met in the middle on a few …

Circle of the Sun

I went for a walk through Belhaven with a friend one afternoon a few weeks ago. We passed people walking their dogs and some joggers. And suddenly, it was dark …

Bluster Isn't Enough, Governor

Earlier this week, Gov. Haley Barbour announced that he would sue the federal government over the new health-care law the U.S. Congress passed March 21. In his usual windy style …

Message For Our Time

Only the family of God can solve the problem of education in Mississippi. The Bible says that "You should train up a child in the way he should go, and …

Fend Off the Alligators

When hungry alligators surround you, so the joke goes, you might forget that your objective is to drain the swamp.

The South And SXSW

Anna Kline is one busy girl. The Jackson singer, songwriter, writer and Crossroads Film Festival member also serves as special projects officer for the Mississippi Development Authority.

Students Learn Fiscal Literacy

Students at Forest Hill High School got a leg up on some of their peers for a skill that seems to grow more important every day--understanding financial stability and how …

Crown a True Champ

I am beginning to wonder if there is something to this Mayan calendar thing. The apocalypse might be upon us.

Let Go and Move On

Most people have several reasons why they keep stuff they do not need.

Just the Flax, Ma'am

I have never been one for modern medicine. I do not enjoy doctor visits or prescription medication. When I get a cold, I eat chicken soup. When I have a …

Growing Great Writers

I firmly believe that anyone can be a good writer. Writing leads to clear thinking, and reading and writing feed each other. Don't give up on yourself or your child, …

Sandra Murchison

Sandra Murchison, chair of the art department at Millsaps College, began a project on the Mississippi Blues Trail two and a half years ago, focusing primarily on the Delta. She …

City v. Cab Drivers: Stop Trash Talk

Two Jackson City Council members said they will not approve a $1 increase in taxi-cab fares unless mandatory training is implemented for drivers.

Stop the Injustice of ‘Justice'

Nothing brings the inequality and foibles of our justice system into stark relief like an upcoming execution. As lawyers battle over last-minute efforts to save a human life, it's impossible …

Thoughts and More Thoughts

There is not just one topic on my mind this week. Instead, I have thoughts on a few things from around the sports world.

Edwards Resumes Arguing to Keep Job

A laudatory report that Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards has repeatedly cited as evidence of his good work dates back to 2009 and comes from an organization for which …

Protesters Occupy Smith Park

A demonstration that began Saturday at Smith Park continued through the weekend, and supporters of Occupy Mississippi say they do not plan to leave any time soon.

400 Teens Attend Hip-Hop Summit

The halls of Jackson State University's T.B. Ellis Gymnasium filled with the chatter of high-school kids this weekend when more than 400 teens convened for the ACLU's Youth Hip-hop Summit. …