Jackson Free Press

‘Something to Think About'

In Barry Gifford's "Sad Stories of the Death of Kings", a book named after a line from a Shakespeare play, first-generation Austrian American Roy walks us through his Chicago neighborhood …

Failings and Desires

"You Think That's Bad: Stories" (Knopf, 2011, $24.95), a collection of short stories by Jim Shepard, speaks to harsh realities about human existence. Almost astonishingly varied settings and writing styles …

‘Gangs' of Fondren?

An April 13 fight involving a group of preteens and young adults in Fondren Park has resulted in a flurry of responses on the OurFondren Neighborhood Association's online community message …

Barbour Not Running for President

<i>Verbatim statement from Gov. Haley Barbour</i>:

"I will not be a candidate for president next year. This has been a difficult, personal decision, and I am very grateful to my family for their total support of …

Today is Confederate Memorial Day

State offices in Mississippi are closed today in recognition of Confederate Memorial Day, honoring Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. The state House of Representatives passed a bill …

Community Events and Meetings

Sports League Registrations, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting registrations for the upcoming season. Interested individuals can fill out …

Human Deficit Looms in Wake of Budget Cuts

A financial debt can be paid back. But the debt we'll owe our children if investments in health, nutrition and education are slashed is irreparable. Investment in human infrastructure--providing the …

Josh Evans

Josh Evans just got a kick start for his film project, "Young Bros," a short film about a couple of 10-year-old boys pulling pranks during the summer in Jackson.

Happy Easter and Earth Day!

Today, celebrate the planet and Good Friday. If you're lucky enough to have the day off, grab the kids and head to the Jackson Zoo for the annual Party for …

Faith Leaders Call for Death Penalty Moratorium

About 20 Mississippi faith leaders gathered in the rotunda of the state capitol yesterday to appeal for a moratorium on executions in the state. The press conference came one day …

Are white men in trouble? Newsweek explores their plight.

There's a fascinating feature in Newsweek right now about the effect the recession is having on middle-class, formerly well-off white men. Here's just a chunk; what are your thoughts?

Johnson Counters High Crime Rate Claim

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. worked quickly this morning to tamp down the perception of the capital city as a "hotspot" for crime.

State Has Highest Rate of Unbanked

Limited use of traditional banks threatens the ability of Mississippi's working class to improve its economic situation, a report released yesterday says. The report, issued by the Mississippi Economic Policy …

Michael Brown

The past nine months have been eventful for 20-year-old Michael Brown as he has traveled through the state providing emergency assistance to residents and building homes for families in need. …

City Announces Drop in Crime

<i>verbatim statement from city:</i>

Preliminary information released during this morning's weekly Police COMSTAT meeting detailed that overall crime in Jackson has decreased 6.7 percent. Total property crime has dropped by 3percent and violent crime …

Music that Matters

Micah Smith is doing something many want to do. He has shut up, and he has written. He is following his dream. This self-taught guitarist-singer-songwriter is becoming what many adults …

On the Water

David Moore is a hard guy to miss. Driving up in his red SUV, the two kayaks on top draw your eyes automatically. Even more striking is Moore himself, who, …

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Doctor S sez: Is it time to start paying attention to the NBA playoffs, yet? No. What about the NHL playoffs? Hell, no.

Begin Today

"If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed." —Chinese Proverb.

Carboholics Anonymous

It's hard to admit, but it's true. I love carbs, and I am nearly powerless against them. I need a support group. Carbs are my kryptonite.