BREAKING: Mississippi Minority Contractors Sue Toyota[Verbatim statement tonight:] Jackson, MS (March 31, 2009). Jackie Williams and Renna Fisher, African American principals of Fish & Fisher, a ten-year old construction company, have filed a civil racial discrimination and conspiracy action against Toyota of North America, the …
UPDATED: Feds Want Melton Gun Charge DroppedFederal prosecutors plan to drop one of the three charges against Mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard Michael Recio, according to reports by WAPT and WLBT. Prosecutor Mark Blumberg reportedly told Jordan at a teleconference yesterday that the government …
McMillin Says Resignation Was PoliticalDespite contradicting claims from Mayor Frank Melton, former Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin said he resigned his position today for purely political reasons rather than tension between Melton and himself. "I couldn't stay as chief in this administration while I …
Week 13: Zombies, Exonerees<b>The Zombie Tax</b> A bill increasing the cigarette tax rose from the dead Monday, as legislators in both the Mississippi House and Senate voted to suspend the deadline for a bill that would satisfy both Senate and House negotiators.
Wiggin' Out<i>The Bachelorettes will perform April 2 at One Blu Wall during <b>Arts, Eats and Beats</b>. For more info, visit http://www.thebachelorettes.com</i>.
The JFP Interview with Eddie Fair: Numbers ManTax collector Eddie Fair says he runs a tight ship at the Hinds County Tax Collector's office. He boasts he's increased production and efficiency and can bring the same kind of high standard to the Jackson mayor's office.
Regular Legislative Session Ends with Unresolved IssuesThe Mississippi Legislature's 2009 session ended temporarily today. With the 2010 budget yet to be resolved, lawmakers are planning a second session beginning in May or June.
Jessica CatchingsJessica Catchings blazes a trail across Jackson accomplishing multiple tasks at once and creating more in the process. The 22-year-old history student plans to graduate from Jackson State University in August, and then dive headfirst into law school.
Melton: Tyrone Lewis to be New ChiefKeeping in mind that today is April Fool's, and anything could happen, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton told the Jackson Free Press earlier today that he is planning to announce at 2 p.m. today that he's replacing Malcolm McMillin—who has submitted …
Council Doubts Mayor's Rosy Budget TalkSeveral Jackson City Council members disagree with Mayor Frank Melton's recent assessment that the city budget is in wonderful financial shape. Melton said at a February press conference, and repeated in recent Jackson Free Press interviews, that the budget is …
The 2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part V: To the DEA?In this long excerpt of JFP editor Donna Ladd's interview with Frank Melton in February, he talks about why he's running for re-election, dying with dignity, the City Council, his two chiefs–and being hired by the Obama administration, or the …
Bodyguard's Attorney Wants DOJ MeetingAn attorney for former mayoral bodyguard Michael Recio has asked the Department of Justice to reconsider its prosecution of the Jackson police officer. In May, federal prosecutors will try for the second time to convict Recio and Mayor Frank Melton …
Democrats Need Not Apply?Political leaders in Terry are booting Democratic candidate Cedric Abston from the Terry mayoral ballot for the second time. Terry election commissioners Lessie Hayes, Shauna White and Kelsie Bloomberg opted to restrict the number of candidates in the race for …
Register to Vote This WeekIf you have not registered to vote yet, and you intend to vote in the May 5 primaries, get yourself to the Jackson City Clerk's office (219 S. President Street) this week.
New EyesLast fall, members of The Journey, a Jackson church community that meets in Hal & Mal's, gave disposable cameras to 12 children who live near Cherokee Heights in Fondren. They photographed pets, family members, friends—things that were special to them. …
Gannett Rewards Moon with $3.7 MillionAmid tanking stock prices, pay freezes and unpaid employee furloughs, USA TODAY publisher Craig Moon will walk away with at least a $3.7 million retirement package, according to the Gannett Blog.
No Agreement on Funding MedicaidLawmakers were unable to agree yesterday on a bill proposing a tax on hospital beds to help fund Medicaid, reports WXVT15, missing their Monday night deadline.
Bill Funds Cybercrime UnitYesterday, legislators sent Senate Bill 2978 to Gov. Haley Barbour for his signature, which will increase by $1 fines for certain misdemeanors and felonies by $1 to help fund the attorney general's cybercrime unit, reports wmctv.com.
Saints Say Goodbye To MillsapsThe New Orleans Saints announced Monday that the team won't return to Millsaps College in Jackson, where the team held its preseason camp for the last three years. Instead, the Saints will train at the team facility in Metairie, La. …
Mississippi Schools Get New Rating SystemEarlier this month, the Mississippi State School Board approved a new accountability rating system that gives top schools a "Star School" rating among its seven levels, instead of the previous numbered ratings of "Level 1" for the lowest scoring schools, …
Legislators Will Reconvene After BreakMississippi's state constitution calls for an annual legislative session of 90 days. For 2009, 90 days after the Jan. 6 session start is Sunday, April 5. If by some miracle, both houses submit and then agree on a budget for …
Tornados Result in One DeathEugene Dixon Jr., 36, of D'Iberville drowned around 2:30 a.m. when flood waters swamped his vehicle. Police discovered his body hundreds of yards from the vehicle, reports the Sun Herald.
Mayoral Candidates at Jackson StateYou still have time to get to Jackson State University for a mayoral discussion forum this morning. Here are the details, per JSU:
Fondren Event Features Local High School ArtistsIf you've never been to a Fondren After 5 event (what used to be called ArtMix), or even if you have, here's a great reason to come next Thursday: to support the arts in Jackson Public Schools.
Storms Tonight ‘May Be the Worst'[Verbatim from MEMA] The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency warns residents to get ready for the threat of a significant severe weather outbreak tonight that may enter the western counties of the state by late afternoon and pass through east Mississippi …
Gov. Mabus Tapped for Navy SecretaryPresident Barack Obama nominated former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus to serve as secretary of the Navy, reports The Associated Press.
The Colored Museum<b>"The Colored Museum"<br />• Jim Hill High School<br />• Admission $5</b>
Domestic Violence Bills SignedGov. Haley Barbour signed two bills addressing issues of domestic violence into law this session, both of which drafted by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Governor Signs Tanning BillYesterday, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill into law that restricts the use of tanning beds by those under the age of 18.
Legislators Scramble to Fill $25 Million Budget HoleIn the wake of the cigarette tax hike death, Mississippi lawmakers face a bankrupt fund designed to give drivers a car tag discount. Legislators were counting on revenue from part of the increased cigarette tax—$25 million—to shore up that fund, …
Jessica Catchings blazes a trail across Jackson accomplishing multiple tasks at once and creating more in the process. The 22-year-old history student plans to graduate from Jackson State University in August, and then dive headfirst into law school.
The New Orleans Saints announced Monday that the team won't return to Millsaps College in Jackson, where the team held its preseason camp for the last three years. Instead, the Saints will train at the team facility in Metairie, La. …
If you've never been to a Fondren After 5 event (what used to be called ArtMix), or even if you have, here's a great reason to come next Thursday: to support the arts in Jackson Public Schools.