Jackson Free Press

America's Courage

This is my first weekly newspaper column of the new Congress, and although I've been busy helping to plan President Bush's inaugural ceremonies and dealing with cabinet confirmations in the …

Capitol Burning: The War Between the Branches

Mississippi is known for many things: great authors, beautiful antebellum plantations, Sweet Potato Queens, civil rights troubles and a ridiculously tight state budget. In the poorest state in the country, …

The Commons: Continuity of Love

Under the quiet gaze of an oversized bronze statue of Eudora Welty, a friendly but insistent workman keeps asking Jonathan Sims what to do about the dishwasher. Sims can't answer …

The Katrina Effect: Politics After the Storm

Nobody had ever seen anything like Katrina. "When Katrina came, we knew we were in for an entirely different kind of animal," said Capt. Louis Skrmetta of Gulfport.

Barbour Misses ACORN Bandwagon

The day after Gov. Haley Barbour announced he was cutting state funds to ACORN, the JFP broke the news that the state gives no money to the group—which no longer …

Racism, sexism… "hairism"?

A Vicksburg High School student was told by the principal that he could not be a homecoming escort unless he cut off his dreadlocks. From WAPT:

Johnson's Back!

"I, Harvey Johnson, Jr, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully ... discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."

Thou Shalt Not Steal: Is Voter Suppression the Real Issue?

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has gone out of his way to excite the historically indifferent youth vote, but the biggest question with young voters may not be keeping their …

2008 Legislative Preview: New Session, Old Problems

Photos by Adam Lynch, Donna Ladd, and Jaro Vacek

The Mississippi legislative session is coming around again Jan. 8, bringing with it some tough decisions. The Legislature took a stroll through roses last year, oddly, thanks to Hurricane Katrina. …

Bringing Back the Rod

Jackson Public School Board member Sollie Norwood is speculating on the possibility of returning corporal punishment to JPS. Norwood placed the discussion item on the June 18 JPS agenda and …

Community Events and Public Meetings

The Women of Color Summit is Friday, Feb. 8 at Mississippi State University in the Colvard Student Union's Foster Ballroom.

What's in a Blog?

Winter colds can really cramp your blogging style. They can also make you stop and think about what you're blogging about in the first place.

Anti-Valentine Contest Entry

Thank you for your support! :-)

CafePress is holding an anti-Valentine's Day. The top three sellers will get an iPod! Check out my design at

JFP Wins Awards for Feature Writing, Public Service, Commentary

The JFP got more great news Friday night when we learned that we are winning two first-place and one second-place award from the Society of Professional Journalists' southeastern division. Valerie …

Steve Rozman

Steve Rozman, 66, is leading the charge for civic engagement and social responsibility at Tougaloo College, around the state and across the nation.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Tonight, the History of Beer Dinner is at 6 p.m. at Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint.

Ledger Scrutinizes Melton's Bahamas Trip

It's great to see The Clarion-Ledger follow up our tip from last Friday about Melton and his two bodyguards flying to the Bahamas. This is the way local media should …

Donna Ladd on Kim Wade Show Friday 5pm

Donna Ladd will sit in with Kim Wade on WJNT this afternoon (Sept. 15) from 5-6pm. There's probably no point in me saying what they plan to discuss...Tune in to …

Melton's Message to Homeless

July 14, 2006—[verbatim] Jackson is a city of Grace and Benevolence where we treat all people with respect and dignity. Today, we are taking a new approach toward establishing a …

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.