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Call Him Irresponsible

Mayor Frank Melton's stated desire to take a leave of absence from his job as mayor to become a vigilante lawman and "bring in" a former gang member and alleged murderer was disturbing to us here at the Jackson Free Press. Not only does it sound like the plot line for a relatively rote episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger," (which is, no doubt, a popular show in part because its characters can be counted on to present such "can-do" attitudes on a regular basis), but it also suggests a larger pattern with this particular mayor and his young administration.

The Little Weekly That Could

We celebrate a milestone with the issue of the Jackson Free Press that you hold in your hand, as it's the first issue of our fifth year of publishing. We're 4! It's been quite a ride from our start as a small bi-weekly upstart to our current incarnation as a mid-sized (and growing!), award-winning, story-breakin' weekly publication and a daily news-driven Web site. And we hope, a positive media force in the Jackson Metro community. We certainly couldn't have gotten to this point without dedicated readers, advertisers and—increasingly—the citizen journalists who call to give us tips and participate via our Web site.

A City With Soul

Here is the soul of Jackson breathed onto paper.

[Balko] SWAT Gone Wild

In pushing back against the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Prince George's County police department, Berwyn Heights, Md. Mayor Cheye Calvo is helping expose a more widespread pattern of law enforcement carelessness and callousness throughout the state of Maryland.

Christopher Walker Charged Again

Christopher "Smiley" Walker, once Mayor Frank Melton's star witness against Albert "Batman" Donelson, pleaded not guilty to possession of contraband in prison Monday, and will stay with his mother Lolethia Donelson if he is released from jail.

Why Peterson Needs to Stay DA

I didn't know Faye Peterson from Eve when she ran for re-election four years ago. I knew much was being made about the criminal "backlog" (that she inherited). I knew that her white Republican opponent, oddly endorsed by The Clarion-Ledger, had never tried a criminal case, and that he was making a lot out of outdated crime figures.

[Balko] A Drug Raid Goes Viral

Last week, a Columbia, Mo., drug raid captured on video went viral. As of this morning, the video had garnered 950,000 views on YouTube. It has lit up message boards, blogs, and discussion groups around the Web, unleashing anger, resentment and even, regrettably, calls for violence against the police officers who conducted the raid.

JPD Blasts ‘Negative Crime Story'

Using FBI statistics that the agency warns not to take out of context, The Clarion-Ledger reported a 9.3 increase in violent crime for the Jackson area this morning.

The Girl Wants Her Turn

When is it my turn to plant my views all over the grounds of the state capitol? A group called Silent No More, a national anti-abortion organization, in conjunction with Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's declaring this past week a week of "prayer and remembrance of women and unborn children," was allowed to erect hundreds and hundreds of tiny white wooden crosses on the front of the capitol lawn.

The 2009 JFP Interview with Jabari Toins

Native son Jabari Toins says previous mayors have turned Jackson upside down, pushing him to run for the job.

A Spendin' They Will Go

On Feb. 28, four Jackson City Council members voted 4-3 to allow the city of Jackson to pay for the relocation of about 21 families left in the near squalor of the apartments formerly known as Maplewood Apartments.

Willis to be Compensated for ‘Egregious' Prosecution

Jackson resident Cedric Willis says he is happy that the state of Mississippi agreed to pay him compensation for wrongfully convicting him for the shooting death of Carl White in 1994, even though $500,000 doesn't quite seem to cover it.

Salter to Hood ... Drop Dead

Why did C-L Perspectives Editor Sid Salter react to AG Jim Hood's criticism with a personal attack instead of discussing the role of corporate media in our politics?

Jubilee! Jam Goes Street

Design by Jakob Clark

Make no mistake: The 2005 Jubilee!JAM will be markedly different from those in years past. Music coordinator Charles Abraham says the 19th JAM will be "more of a street party with really good music" than just "a big concert that happened to be on the street."

"Wake Up Jackson" Campaign

Go here and help us let our local government know that no one is above the law.

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Doctor S sez: The NBA and NHL playoffs continue this weekend. I could guess who will play when, but it's easier for you to check your local listings.

Lakes Plan Still Alive, Despite Vote?

Photos by Melissa Webster & Mississippi Museum Of Natural Science

Also see: Archive of Two Lakes/Pearl Coverage

Jimmy ‘Kingfish' Hendrix Running for Judge, After All

It looks like James "Jimmy" Hendrix aka Kingfish aka Jackson Jambalaya is in the race for Hinds County Justice Court Judge for District 1, after all. Hendrix, a Republican who writes under the moniker "Kingfish" on his Jackson Jambalaya blog, filed paperwork to run for the seat earlier this year, but had not actively campaigned or posted any campaign announcements or ads on his local blog, which has featured presumably paid political advertisements for other local candidates for months. (The advertisements do not indicate if they are paid or who paid for them.)

‘Rebel’ Businessman Dumps Suburban Waste into Jackson Sewage System

Andrew Walker, 71, may find himself in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring with others to wrongfully discharge 3 million gallons of industrial waste between December 2016 and October 2017 into the Jackson sewage system, court filings say.

Waller Says Yes to Equal Pay, No on LGBT Hate Crimes Law

In a series of campaign stops for the Republican runoff for governor on Tuesday, former Mississippi Chief Justice Bill Waller reiterated his views on health care and education, while also sharing his thoughts on equal pay for women and LGBT hate crimes.

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