We, the UnhealthyLast year, Mississippi ranked No. 1 overall for the unhealthiest citizens in the U.S. and No. 49 in the number of physicians per capita. A quarter of our 2-year-olds haven't received their shots, and the rate of babies dying in …
Will Senate Allow Stimulus Discussion?Last week, the Mississippi House passed a resolution to override Gov. Haley Barbour's decision to reject some of the stimulus funds for the state. Barbour has stated that he will not accept more than $50 million to extend unemployment benefits.
Resuscitating Voter IDThe Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant wants the voters to decide whether the state should require Voter ID
DNA Preservation Bill PassedThe Mississippi Legislature passed a bill mandating that the state better preserve crime scene DNA evidence and conduct DNA testing on biological evidence.
Hood Warns of Stimulus ScamsAttorney General Jim Hood, along with the Federal Trade Commission, is warning consumers about bogus web sites and emails promising to help them qualify for a payment from President Obama's economic stimulus package. The scammers tell consumers they can help …
Bill for Pardon and Parole Accountability on HoldYesterday, the Mississippi Senate passed a bill that would make the governor's right to pardon convicted felons more accountable to their victims and to the communities where they committed their crimes. But rather than sending HB 2 to Gov. Haley …
Supreme Court Upholds Drug LawsuitYesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of consumers and against drug makers, upholding a $6.7 million award to a musician who had her arm amputated following an injection.
Arts Preview Correction: Mal's St. Paddy's ParadeBegorra! In this week's Spring Arts Preview, Mal's St. Paddy's Parade was erroneously listed as taking place Friday, March 20, 2009. <b>The correct date is Saturday, March 21, 2009.</b>
State Jobless Rate Tops 9 PercentThe Mississippi unemployment roles swelled in January to 9.2 percent, a rate higher than the national average of 8.5 percent. In December, the state reported a 7.6 percent rate.
'Criminalizing' KidsDonte Thompson says he hardly learned anything in alternative school. Forbidden to talk from the moment he stepped on the school bus, Donte did what little work he received using water-damaged, outdated textbooks.
Democratic Candidates Weigh InJackson mayoral candidates agreed during a Saturday forum that the current administration was failing to make Jackson all it could be. The forum, hosted by The Young Democrats of Mississippi, featured several Democratic Jackson mayoral candidates.
Katie McClendonIf you're a member of the Jackson Progressives, a student at the UMC, or you've seen The Vagina Monologues at Rainbow, you're probably familiar with Katie McClendon.
DOA: Voter ID, Early Voting and Sex EdSenate Republicans chose to kill a political effort yesterday that they've been championing for years because they were unwilling to offer early voting to Mississippi residents.
2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part I: HealthThe day after Mayor Frank Melton got a reprieve from prison due to a hung jury, he held a brief press conference in City Hall to talk about his plans for the city. Soon afterward, Jackson Free Press editor Donna …
Nissan to Expand Canton PlantDespite declining auto sales worldwide, Nissan announced plans today to expand its Canton, Miss. plant to produce a new commercial vehicle, according to a release:
Wicker Seeks to Deny Funding for U.N. AgencyYesterday, Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker announced in a release that he has introduced an amendment to bar U.S. funds from the United Nations Population Fund. The Obama administration's $410 billion omnibus budget apportions $50 million to UNFPA, which promotes …
Gannett Stock Plunges 24% Today; Down to $2.22 ShareThe Gannett Corp., owner of The Clarion-Ledger, a newspaper in Mississippi, took a dramatic hit in the stock market today as its stock price plummeted 24 percent in one day, closing at $2.22 a share, the Gannett Blog reports:
Melton Came Within Two Votes of ConvictionWithin days of coming within two votes of going to federal prison, Mayor Frank Melton revealed to the Jackson Free Press last Thursday for the first time publicly that he plans to run for re-election. "Yes," he replied when asked …
Power Companies to Tie Charges to Prime RateThe Mississippi Public Service Commission issued a final order today to the utility companies to use the prime rate of interest when calculating carrying charges.
Lewis Leaves City Job, Seeks Council SeatJackson City Council President Dr. Leslie McLemore has confirmed that former Community Improvement Division Code Enforcement head Joe Lewis left his city job as of last Friday to pursue the Ward 6 Council seat currently held by Marshand Crisler. Crisler …
Minor Appeal SetThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the appeal of Jackson attorney Paul Minor on April 1, in Austin, Texas.
One in 69 Mississippians Behind BarsA new study from the Pew Center on the States reveals that one in 38 adult Mississippians is in prison or jail, or on probation or parole. The state's ranking is No. 3 for those in prison or jail, with …
Reeves Blasts Stimulus, Predicts Rotten State RevenueState Treasurer Tate Reeves slammed President Barack Obama's stimulus plan on Monday, saying Obama had chosen to "outsource" the leadership on the package to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Study Reveals Conservatives Prefer Porn OnlineA new study published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives indicates that eight of the top 10 "red" statesstates that identify themselves as more conservative and religious than others, and who also gave their electoral votes to John McCain in …
If you're a member of the Jackson Progressives, a student at the UMC, or you've seen The Vagina Monologues at Rainbow, you're probably familiar with Katie McClendon.
The Associated Press is reporting: