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.
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.
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:
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.
Mayor Goes Back on the BallotCircuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum put Jackson Mayor Frank Melton back on the Democratic ballot today.
Attorney Objects to Proposed Jury QuestionsFederal prosecutors are trying to make inappropriate points about race and class in a jury questionnaire, Mayor Frank Melton's attorney John Reeves argued Tuesday. Responding to the government's list of proposed questions for potential jurors, Reeves said that prosecutors were …
Cigarette Tax Goes Up in SmokeThe deadline has passed for the Mississippi House and Senate to come to an agreement on a cigarette tax hike for this session. Legislators had until 8 p.m. yesterday to reach a compromise, and they failed to do so.
Melton: ‘How Dumb Can You Be?'Jones County Circuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum gave Jackson Mayor Frank Melton the keys to the courtroom at a hearing today, allowing him to belligerently insult the attorney for the Democratic committee that expelled him from the primary ballot …
Young Candidates Seize the ‘Urgency of Now'The same day that he filed his qualifying papers to run for Jackson City Council, Jonathan Jones received a number of calls from strangers.
Committee Says Melton ‘Boldly Lied'Jackson Attorney Dorsey Carson, who represents the Jackson Democratic Executive Committee, is arguing in a March 24, position statement in Hinds County Circuit Court that the committee had the right to reject Jackson Mayor Frank Melton from the Democratic ballot, …
Bill Delays Paroled Killer's ReleaseDouglas Hodgkin, convicted murderer of pregnant Ole Miss student Jean Elizabeth Gillies, will remain behind barsat least temporarilyas a result of a bill signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour today.
Jackson Crime Stats for Mar. 9-15Major crimes in Jackson increased slightly for the second week in a row from Mar. 9 through Mar. 15, although the city saw a decrease in violent crime from the previous week. According to the Jackson Police Department's weekly crime …
Take Advantage of St. Paddy's SpecialsSee party sites below along with a whole slew of food, drink and merchandise specials offered by local Jackson vendors, below. See the map for locations (click on it to see a larger version) and check with individual vendors for …
Stimulus Starts At HomeThis week we're proudand perhaps a little surprisedto be publishing one of our largest issues of the Jackson Free Press so far in Volume 7; and one of the most ad-packed issues ever.
Stanford Needed Regulation, Hood SaysMississippi Attorney General Jim Hood blamed the lax attitude of the Bush administration for the longevity of famous Ponzi schemesfrom the Madoff scandal to the Stanford Financial Group, which has its deep ties in Mississippi.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Brenda Scott: ‘Magnet For Tourism'Mississippi Alliance for State Employees President Brenda Scott has been a union organizer for almost two decades. During that time, she's become good at advocating for employees, often with a very loud voice.
Week 10: Land And Text WarsThe Mississippi House continued the Senate's attack on text-messaging while driving last week, approving Senate Bill 2280.
Law Enforcement Needs to Release InfoFive weeks. That's how long it's been since Dr. Mark Pogue and his fiancée, Dr. Lisa Dedousis, died in flames after the Mercedes driven by Karen Irby crossed into their lane on Old Canton Road Feb. 11, hitting their pickup …
See party sites below along with a whole slew of food, drink and merchandise specials offered by local Jackson vendors, below. See the map for locations (click on it to see a larger version) and check with individual vendors for …