Jackson Free Press

Lauren Smith

Whether she is setting up a karaoke birthday party or taking a child on a special outing, Lauren Smith, 24, goes out of her way for the children at Mississippi …

[Balko] How Many More Are Innocent?

Calculating the percentage of innocents now in prison is a tricky and controversial process. In hundreds of cases, courts have overturned convictions due to lack of evidence, recantation of eyewitness …

Some Adopt Wait-and-See Attitude on Cold Meds Law

Law enforcement officers in Mississippi are expressing mixed reactions to a new law signed by Gov. Haley Barbour last week, reports The Hattiesburg American. The Magnolia state is the second …

Readers' Valentine's Day Letters

From Dianne Bell

The response to our call for Valentine's love letters was terrific. Unfortunately, we couldn't possibly print all of them. Below are the ones that didn't get into our print edition …

Effort to Rework Levee Board Fails

A play to support a controversial lakes plan died on the House calender last week. The bill, H.B. 1549, proposed changing the make-up of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage …

Community Events and Public Meetings

5:30 p.m., Evening in Maroon Gala, at the Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner, auction and program follows at 6:30 …

Bill Reduces Out-of-State Tuition

The Mississippi Senate passed a bill last week to reduce tuition for out-of-state students, bringing their tuition in line with in-state students. The bill, S.B. 2285, is designed to encourage …

Be My Valentine: Sweet Events and Attractions in Jackson

Many Jackson area restaurants, hotels and attractions are offering sweetheart treats in honor of Valentine's Day.

My "Big Snow" Pics and Video

It's been a while since I've seen THIS much snow in these parts, so I decided to capture some of the white stuff on my handy little Cybershot. Enjoy!

Assistant Chief: Avoid Driving in Weather

The Jackson Police Department reported low crime figures in some precincts throughout the week of Feb. 1 to Feb. 7, but police are gearing up to deal with any potential …

Speed to Turn Over Property, Calls Ethics Issue ‘Moot'

Jackson businessman and Levee Board member Leland Speed is donating a portion of the property that spurred charges of an ethics violation to Mississippi College. Speed told the Jackson Free …

Stephen Holder

After several of Stephen Holder's friends died from HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, he wanted to raise money and awareness about the disease to help save the lives of others.

Bill Expands Mississippi Gun Rights

In a near unanimous vote, the state Senate passed a bill yesterday that will allow Mississippi hand-gun owners to walk into restaurants and parks with their weapons, reports The Commercial …

Precocious Strings

Fifteen-year-old Nathaniel Smith eagerly leads me upstairs to his second-floor bedroom in an expansive ranch house nestled in rural Brandon. Opening a white case, he produces a sleek, antiquated mahogany …

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Men's college basketball, Ole Miss at Mississippi State (8 p.m., Starkville, ESPN or ESPN2, 97.3 FM, 105.9 FM): This game could be good for what ails both the Rebels and …

Protecting Women, Battling the Budget

Jackson state Sen. David Blount has pushed through three bills strengthening domestic-violence laws and protecting victims of abuse.

Pearl River-Related Bills

Legislators introduced a number of bills during this year's legislative session that would have had some bearing on Pearl River flood control, although a few of the measures are dead.

Hands Off the Levee Board

We weren't surprised to learn that supporters of the Two Lakes Pearl development project are pushing the state Legislature to take more control of the local Levee Board—reconfiguring the appointees …

[Wilkes] Why I'm a Feminist

Feminism. Why is this word considered so foul coming from the mouths of men? It seems like nine times out of 10 when I use this word in a conversation …

I Hear You Don't Have a Religion/Denomination/Highly Complicated System of Beliefs that exclude…

..several types of people, so that means you must like it hot...

Disclaimer: I realize that half of what I've said is not accurate, and is biased. I don't claim to be a religious guru and I am not without prejudices. I'm …