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We just got word that jury selection is over (or nearly over), and opening arguments will start tomorrow (Wednesday). It is predicted that the trial will end by the end of next week, although that isn’t certain, of course.

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Also, word is that the old testimony from the ’60s is going to be read into the record by “actors,” which should be quite dramatic. All that can be heard on the ongoing Court TV coverage, I assume.

#141389 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Jun 15 2005

Natalie is on the ground in Neshoba. (Been wanting to use that cable-news-esque phrase!). Anyway, she just called and said the JFP will be in the courtroom when opening arguments start today after lunch. There are still about 20 more jurors to be selected this a.m., and then the real deal kicks off. Am headed over, and Natalie will be posting an update shortly from the site. Keep an eye out.

#141390 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Jun 15 2005

Founding Editor Donna Ladd is a writer, journalist and editor from Philadelphia, Miss., a graduate of Mississippi State University and later the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where she was an alumni award recipient in 2021. She writes about racism/whiteness, poverty, gender, violence, journalism and the criminal justice system. She contributes long-form features and essays to The Guardian when she has time, and was the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Jackson Free Press. She co-founded the statewide nonprofit Mississippi Free Press with Kimberly Griffin in March 2020, and the Mississippi Business Journal named her one of the state's top CEOs in 2024. Read more at donnaladd.com, follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @donnerkay and email her at donna@mississippifreepress.org.