Jackson Free Press

Under the Tusken Sun

According to independent Tattooine scholar Obi-Wan Kenobi, Sand People walk single file to hide their numbers. But if we examine this claim in light of the old "Footprints" devotional story, …

Fat Man Walking

If nothing else should prove that we live in "America: Center of Obesity" this report should.

In this AP piece, the cult leader Jeffrey Lunden asks for a stay of execution because he's too fat.

For The Girls

While reading the first draft of Natalie Collier's cover story this issue about domestic abuse, I was overtaken by emotion and memories.

Fighting For Suffrage

The ACLU of Mississippi filed a lawsuit Oct. 7 challenging the state's denial of voting rights to citizens convicted of felonies. Strickland v. Clark, filed against the secretary of state's …

[City Buzz] Downtown's Pinnacle, and More

It's official. Parkway Properties announced its specific plans Monday to build The Pinnacle in the green space beside 1 Jackson Place. After a shaky start with law firm Butler, Snow, …

Making Jesus Real

John Shelby Spong is not your average bishop. He has stepped out of the box. He's so far out of the box, in fact, that every time he comes within …

Home, Bitter Home

The last time Tim* hit Olivia, they had broken up. Outside their apartment complex, in front of his friends, they did their usual screaming at one another. He had her …

Isaac Byrd

Isaac Byrd, 54, is not the kind of guy who bases his self-assessments on the opinions of others. "One of the great downfalls of black America and Mississippi is that …

[Parks] Unity, Mississippi Style

In the mall, Columbia, Mo.: My girlfriend and I giggled over Dippin' Dots ice cream. We held hands. We looked at the table next to us, where a young girl …

Predatory Mortgage Lending to Minority Homebuyers

Let's say you want a better life for yourself and your children if you have any. Even though you work two or three jobs to pay the bills and have …

Melton Under Oath; Mistrial Declared

UPDATE: Judge Bailey declared a mistrial because the jury couldn't agree on damages Friday. Check back here Monday for more details and explanations of what happens next.

No Resolution on Ridgeway Injunction

The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green has directed attorneys for the city and for Jennifer Sutton, owner of the duplex on Ridgeway Street that …

Judge Lays Down Law

Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green threatened attorneys with $2,500 fines in the Ridgeway case involving Mayor Frank Melton and Jackson Police Department detectives Michael Recio and Marcus Wright on …

Melton's MBN Lawsuit: A Timeline

Dec. 4, 2002—Gov. Ronnie Musgrove appoints former WLBT executive Frank Melton head of Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Judge Green Warns Attorneys on Gag Order

BREAKING

Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green held a hearing today at 11 a.m. to weigh sanctions against attorneys in the Ridgeway case for violating a gag order she issued last …

Update: Melton Is Appearing in Meridian Court Today

Oct. 2, 12:20 p.m.: Mayor Frank Melton has been spotted in the Meridian courtroom where jury selection took up the morning. The judge has asked all parties to be in …

DIY Music Studio

During the last mayoral campaign, candidate Frank Melton promised to build a recording studio on Farish Street. Well, he won, but the studio hasn't happened, yet—and with his mayoral future …

Sutton Seeks Injunction Against Melton

BREAKING

Jennifer Sutton, the owner of a duplex allegedly destroyed by Mayor Frank Melton and his cohorts, has filed for a temporary restraining (PDF, 900 K) order against Melton and other …

Call the Roll on Dirty Politics

Disturbing statements have been coming from inside Mayor Frank Melton's inner circle since he and his bodyguards were indicted Sept. 15 for home invasion and demolition. To put it simply, …

BREAKING: Upper Level Strikes Back

Updated. This version appears in the print version of the Jackson Free Press already on the stands today.