Jackson Free Press

Edwards' Book Sales OK Under State Law

The controversy surrounding Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards, whose former Georgia school district spent $16,169 on copies of his book, isn't relevant under existing state law, Mississippi Ethics Commission …

City Balances Budget by Refinancing Debt

Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced a 2011 fiscal-year budget containing no layoffs, but promising significantly more long-term debt. The $313.6 million budget, which begins in October, is a $10.6 million …

[Hammond] It's a Dry Hate

At the end of July, I traveled to Arizona to join with other members of the Unitarian Universalist faith to protest the enactment of SB 1070, the infamous anti-immigration law, …

Do You Know What it Means ...?

That Super Bowl journey with the New Orleans Saints last year was such a roller-coaster ride that I'll admit I've been slow to get back into the football-watching rhythm so …

Council Moves to Reject Profiling

An Aug. 19 Jackson City Council Planning Committee hearing on a new anti-discrimination ordinance created a stark contrast to many anti-immigrant rallies around the country.

Towing Companies Protest City Agreement

Three tow truck companies' refusal to remove a city-owned vehicle yesterday is the first casualty in a protest over the Jackson City Council's recently enacted wrecker-rotation policy, which caps the …

[Balko] The Government's License To Steal

In the February issue of "Reason," I wrote a feature story on civil asset forfeiture, the process by which law enforcement groups can seize property, usually in drug cases, sometimes …

Community Events and Public Meetings

4 p.m., Jackson City Council Work Session at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its work session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.

City in Crossfire of Sewer Service Contract

The city of Jackson is caught in the middle of two conflicting court orders regarding its controversial sewer services contract. The orders come after an Aug. 12 appeal the city …

Edwards Denies Influence on Book Purchases

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards spent nearly an hour at a press conference yesterday sharing the story that inspired him to write a book, but skirted around specific questions …

[Dennis] Not a Guns-and-Gold Republican

Intervention is never easy. It generally implies that the subject of the intervention has an addiction that they themselves have not yet fully perceived to be a problem.

Wait: I've Heard This Before

Recently, someone sent me a link to a site set up about the old white-supremacist Citizen's Council (citizenscouncil.com)--a supposedly upstanding racist group that famed newspaper editor Hodding Carter Jr. called …

On a Budget, On the Go

When you're on a budget, taking your lunch to work or school is a great way to save money and eat nutritiously. You can control portions and bring healthy options, …

Hot Mamma!

For most moms, it's inevitable. Little Johnny and Janna are born, and any sense of style they had goes out the window. They become consumed with all things baby—food, formula, …

City Fights Wastewater Order

The City of Jackson has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to stay an Aug. 12 court order requiring it to transfer its wastewater treatment contract to a new provider.

[Kamikaze] We Are Jackson

It appears my latest JFP blog post stirred up some emotions. It's no secret that crime and the perception of crime are push-button issues for many of us.

What's Stopping Solar?

Will Hegman looks over a warehouse filled with what could potentially be the future of American energy.

Mayor Addresses City's Budget

verbatim statement

President Bluntson, members of the City Council, employees, citizens of Jackson, and friends; thank you all for being here today as we present the FY 2010-2011 Executive Budget for the …

Edwards To Address Book Controversy

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards is holding a press conference this afternoon to address controversial book purchases at his former school district. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported that several …

Week's Events

Monday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., You Have the Mic at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). The open political forum for discussing Jackson's current issues is hosted by Othor Cain …