Jackson Free Press

Orley Hood Riffs on Mayor of ‘Over There'

One of our Rankin County readers just alerted us to this lovely piece of pontification in the Rankin Ledger, courtesy of one of the "journalists" who cooed over candidate Melton …

Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival Artist Lineup

From Grammy-winning greats to jaw-dropping juniors, the biggest names in soul, blues and R&B love Mississippi.

Nothing Personal, Walmart, But Local Is Better

We don't mean to brag, but the Jackson Free Press has long been a proponent of the concept of shopping local first starting nearly 13 years ago when we published …

[Sawyer] Replacing the Law Book with the Good Book

"Value voters" is becoming the new buzz phrase in politics. They are identified as evangelicals, fundamentalists, so-called suburban moms and NASCAR dads, and conservative Catholics. When it comes right down …

[Stiggers] Float On, Find Love

It's time for those interesting profiles from Float On Personals, brought to you by the law office of Cootie McBride and the L.M.H.F.D. National Bank.

Touted Melton Attorney Wins Death-Row Case

Houston attorney Craig Washington, whom Frank Melton had said will defend him in his upcoming trial for destroying a Ridgeway Street duplex, has won in his effort back in Texas …

Dems: Stop the ‘Smear Campaign'

AP reports today:

Democrats stirred the pot Thursday in the case of presidential aide Karl Rove and the news leak that unmasked a CIA agent, pushing the issue toward the Senate floor, pressing …

Get Excited About Downtown - TODAY

Ben Allen and other Jackson mover-shakers are hosting a shindig today at 5:15 p.m. to expose what is going on downtown. In Allen's words, he hopes to see the "JFP …

The GOP's 'Barack the Magic Negro' Flap

As if the Republican Party didn't need something else to divide it; the reaction to this will go a long way toward separting the wheat from the chaff. CBS News:

Salter: Get Your ‘Manufactured' Facts Straight

The Cottonmouth Blog is taking Sid Salter to task for his bizarre and rather desperate attempts to defend Haley Barbour and his blind trust, especially about a snipe Salter took …

Open Chick Thread: Let ‘Er Rip!

This one's for whatever chick-related item is on your mind. And, yes, guys (or, at the least the ones who respect chicks) can post here, too. (Tom?)

Othor Cain

Othor Cain, 38, radiates an exuberance for life in his smile, his body language and, most of all, his deep-toned voice. That voice, were it visible, would surely be the …

Judge Sentences Seale to Three Life Terms

Throughout his trial, James Ford Seale appeared in court wearing slacks and a dress shirt. This morning, as he walked in shackles into a U.S. District courtroom in Jackson, he …

Amy Tuck Revives State Flag Issue

Whoa. How should we read this interesting turn of events? Does Ms. Tuck believe it will be politically expedient to have a rebel flag debate as part of her race …

Obama Campaign Comes to Mississippi

The Associated Press is reporting that the Barack Obama presidential campaign is opening an office in downtown Jackson in order to work toward the March 11 state primary. The JFP …

Councilwoman Robbed

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. An assailant, armed with "a sawed-off shotgun" came up to her and her husband on Saturday and demanded …

Gingrich Recycles 1990s Message for Jobs Creation

Republican and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appeared at a local "jobs summit" yesterday, blasting Washington politicians for being clueless about how to spur job growth. Gingrich—and his message—hasn't changed …

Coming On Home

Expatriates return, work for change

Four years ago this week I was languishing at a picnic table in front of tent No. 11 in an area called Boy's Town in the majestic Yosemite Valley. I …

Smith Supporters Vandalize JFP Racks

OK, Robert Smith told me repeatedly that he is not "Melton's candidate," but some overnight actions are not exactly helping convince me. This morning, we found an "Elect Robert Shuler …

The Pearl Braves?

Greenville (S.C.) Mayor Knox White says the G-Braves are in play, and that a suburban Mississippi city has an offer on the table to lure the AA franchise from Greenville.