Jackson Free Press

Wanna Cig, Kid?

Gov. Haley Barbour, who was Big Tobacco's "go to" lobbyist when he was in Washington, D.C., is still maintaining that he'll veto any kind of tax bill that is laid …

Constitution Man

Bill Marcy is a history buff and cites articles of the Constitution when making his case for the role of government. The Chicago native will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie …

Hood Threatens Insurance Industry

Attorney General Jim Hood attacked State Farm Fire and Casualty Co.'s decision last week to suspend new home-owners and commercial insurance policies in Mississippi. Hood said the national insurance company …

Sheriff McMillin Hefting Heavy Load

A former city police chief said he fears Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin may be taking on an impossible burden in adopting the role of Jackson police chief while retaining …

Invitation To Ride

Here in Jackson last fall, Rebecca and I hosted friends of ours, a couple who were Katrina evacuees from New Orleans. Britt, a realtor, stayed with us for a week …

Woodward Execution Date Set

Attorney General Jim Hood is asking the state of Mississippi to execute two death-row inmates, the first since 2008. Hood's office submitted requests to the Mississippi Supreme Court last month …

Ray Mabus

Describing Navy Secretary Ray Mabus as a "son of the Gulf," last week, President Barack Obama appointed Mabus, former governor of Mississippi, to oversee economic and environmental recovery for the …

[De Groote] Devil Worshipers of the Mid-'90s

Troy's "Big Mini" was our favorite means of conveyance on many high school adventures back in the mid- '90s. We drove that Ford minivan through absolute hell and back, and …

Gov. Barbour, Do More Than 'Hope'

Read last issue's "No Deposit, No Return", the story that helped set off the education firestorm against the governor the week after it came out.

[Balko] The Other Broken Windows Fallacy

One of the central themes of the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire" was the pressure politicians put on police brass, who then apply it to the department's middle management, …

Legislative Update: The End — But Not Really

The legislative session ended with less fighting than expected, though a few battles didn't quite get finished—meaning that Gov. Haley Barbour is likely to call one of his pricey special …

[Lott] Security First, Amnesty Never

Editor's Note: This column was buried in e-mail until now, but it is still very timely. Meantime, we have established a special Lott blog to collect writings and stories and …

The Paradox

When it comes to the arts in Jackson in the last decade, art enthusiasts are quick to point out that the city has made great strides.

My Kind Of Doctor

I am so not good at being sick.

Dealing Racism in the Immigration Game

WJNT talk radio host Kim Wade, inflamed by Sen. Trent Lott's support of an immigration compromise bill that failed last Thursday, partnered with NumbersUSA—a self-described "immigration-reduction organization"—to deliver a signed …

Prowling for Sex

The chat begins innocently enough, with the man asking the girl's name. Then he asks what her hobbies are and tells her she's pretty or sexy. It is easy to …

U.S. Officials: No Delays in Rescue Effort in Libya

CIA security officers went to the aid of State Department staff less than 25 minutes after they got the first call for help during the attack on the U.S. Consulate …

The Weekly Jerry Update Part Deux

So, this week Jerry thinks we should be able to hurt gay people and get away with it.

He is actively lobbying against a hate crime bill that would give homosexuals recourse if they are the victim of a crime related solely to their sexual orientation.

Earth to Northside Sun, Ledger, etc.: Stop Making Sh*t Up

It is simply remarkable to watch the media in Jackson that lost their mayoral endorsement go to the same tired, *false* well so quickly after Harvey Johnson Jr. won back …

Mentally Ill in County Jails

The Clarion-Ledger has an important story today about how mentally ill people who have not been charged with crimes are being held in the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond. …