DA Files: What the Heck is ‘Ex Parte’?
A common denominator in the myriad of charges Attorney General Jim Hood has leveled against Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith is his alleged use of “ex parte communications.”
DA Files: The Legacy of Williams v. State
During his objections to Attorney General Jim Hood's prosecution of Christopher Butler at a hearing in Hinds County Judge Melvin Priester Sr.'s courtroom on March 3, 2016, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith referenced the Supreme Court decision of Williams v. State.
DA Files: What Is Case No. 16-120?
This Hinds County Circuit Court case, 16-120, serves as the central mystery to the ongoing legal morass surrounding District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.
The Slate
The long wait is finally over. College football is back, as the first full week of action starts around the country.
¡Chino!
In July, I returned from an eye-opening trip to Cuba with the Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance. During our 10-day excursion, we met with scholars and local experts to learn about the country's health, education, agricultural and political systems.
Mississippi, Time for More Women in Office
It's 2016, a year that some would argue is historic in nature, as women around the country watch another woman heading a major political party's campaign for the White House. But sexism is far from over, even within millennial circles, where being progressive is increasingly becoming the new norm.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Safe'
Donald Trump thinks he knows what the American people want, but he has no idea when it comes to what matters most to "minorities."
Your Sanity Matters
Miss Doodle Mae: "The summer of 2016 was a time of mean-spirited individuals escalating fear, apathy, bigotry, racism, xenophobia, homophobia and racial self-hatred. To soothe the nerves of staff and the community, Jojo, our compassionate leader, will organize a sales event focusing on mental-health issues called 'Your Sanity Matters.'"
Mississippi’s Mental-Health Conundrum
The mood shift in the old Mississippi Supreme Court room was palpable last week when the Department of Mental Health faced a group of legislators tasked with evaluating the agency's effectiveness and expenditures in upcoming months.
Youth Judge Fights School-to-Prison Pipeline
Just a few years ago, sagging pants and disrupting instruction at school were almost certain to land a kid in front of Jackson County Youth Court Judge Sharon Sigalas. At that time, Sigalas says the school districts under her jurisdiction were in a pattern of sending kids to her for what she calls "minor violations."
Man Accused of South Alabama Massacre is Expected in Court
A Mississippi man accused of killing five people in a south Alabama home with blows from an ax and gunshots is scheduled to appear at an arraignment hearing Wednesday.
Joshua Powell
Joshua Powell, an actor and producer working with Action Talent Agency in Flowood, may soon be on his way to a theater near you.
Look to Hattiesburg
Jackson is far from perfect, but it’s at least a city that knows things needs to change—and for the most part, it seems to want to.
DA Files: The Curious Case of Mr. Smith, Mr. Butler and Mr. Hood
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith walked into the courtroom on March 3, 2016, with a clear goal—to help get Christopher Butler, then 38, out of the Raymond jail.
Polls, Voter Turnout and Winning Mississippi
In Mississippi, so far, Trump looks like the favorite, but some pollsters have also speculated that with the right turnout formula, Clinton could give him competition, depending on several factors.
New Life in Lisbon Deaths
If you haven't heard of Jackson's guitar-based pop quartet Lisbon Deaths yet, don't feel too bad—the band is only about six months old. However, the musicians are no strangers to the local music scene. Instead, they are returning to it with the hopes of bringing a different sound and a different perspective.
From Memphis to Jackson
Lee Williams Jr., a Jackson native, desired to create a business where he could combine two things he loved: food and sports.
Council President: City Will Not Pay to Defend Mayor Tony Yarber in Lawsuit
The Jackson City Council decided today to hire outside counsel to represent its interests in the sexual and race harassment lawsuits filed last week, citing conflicts of interest within the City’s legal department. The City also will not pay for the mayor's defense.
Two More Mississippi Universities Furl State Flag
Two more Mississippi universities have stopped flying the state's flag, which prominently features the Confederate battle emblem.
UPDATED: Council Drills City Staffers Over Lawsuits, Gets Few Responses
The Jackson City Council entered into an executive session during a special meeting this morning to discuss sex and race discrimination lawsuits filed against the mayor and the City of Jackson last week, both of which involve members of the legal department directly, including City Attorney Monica Joiner.