Jackson Free Press

Digging Up Bodies?

For the first time since 1995, Mississippi will have a full-time medical examiner who is not Dr. Steven Hayne.

Coalition Pushes for Smoke-Free Venues

Smoke-free Jackson, an anti-smoking coalition, is on a mission to have smoking banned from all Jackson businesses, including restaurants and bars, to protect Jackson's workers. Jackson City Council President Leslie …

Convention Complex Opens

Twenty thousand visitors filled the Jackson Convention Complex during its official grand opening Saturday, according to preliminary estimates.

Budget Deadlock Continues

State lawmakers remain deadlocked on a budget for the 2010 fiscal year beginning July 1, raising the possibility of a special session to settle the matter.

MEMA Urges Preparation for Freezing Forecast

Also see: Emergency Weather Tips on Jackpedia

More Pay for JPD Awaits Barbour Approval

Mississippi Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, said legislation he sponsored to pay the Jackson police department $16,000 survived a conference committee and is now waiting for Gov. Haley Barbour's signature. "The …

Gustav Hits Houma; Levees Holding; Tornado Watches Multiply

The Associated Press is reporting:

Memorial Service for Latasha Norman

Norman's memorial service will be at the Rose Embly McCoy Auditorium on the main JSU campus.

Jackson State University is hosting a memorial service at noon today (Monday, Dec. 3) for murdered student Latasha Norman. Police found Norman, a 20-year-old accounting major from Greenville, dead Thursday. …

Southern Miss Players Arrested

Police arrested two University of Southern Mississippi football players Sunday night in Hattiesburg, according to an AP report appearing on the Sports Illustrated Web site.

Barbour Calls May 21 Special Session for Medicaid and MDES

Read background on ad oversight controversy here.

Campaign Finance Report: John Horhn

According to a campaign finance report (PDF) obtained by the Jackson Free Press, state Sen. John Horhn has $5,620 cash in hand leading up to Tuesday's Democratic primary. Among Horhn's …

Hood: Victim's Mother Asked Him to Prosecute Bell

Attorney General Jim Hood told the Jackson Free Press Tuesday that he will personally prosecute George Bell III for the murder of Heather Spencer at the request of Spencer's mother, …

Jackson Jazz Artist Wins Grammy

Jackson native Cassandra Wilson took home the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album Sunday night for her newest release, "Loverly." The album, which fuses Wilson's distinct voice and modern rhythm …

CARA Desperately Seeking Donations

[Verbatim from CARA] Today, CARA was impacted by the extreme heat everyone in the Jackson area is experiencing. "We need three 40" box fans to add to the shelter to …

Zapping the Coverage Gap

The Mississippi Public Service Commission is pushing a program to help phone companies focus on areas with intolerably limited cell-phone coverage. Commissioner Brandon Presley adopted the multi-state "Zap the Gap" …

House Tries Budget Restoration, Again

The Mississippi House of Representatives has sent the Senate a second proposal to restore some state budget cuts, while negotiators attempt to reach a compromise on an earlier proposal. The …

Dee, Moore Lawsuit Goes Forward

Read the JFP's Dee-Moore archive here for background and complete stories.

Utilities Battle Raging Today in Special Session

The opening salvo in Mississippi's legislative special session goes to the Democratic-majority House of Representatives, with the House Appropriations Committee approving funding for the Public Service Commission this morning. The …

D.I.Y.: How to Play African Drums

Nelajah and Kenya Gowans, of the Kuumba Afrikan Drum and Dance Workshop, make it sound simple to learn to play African drums. Likewise, dance instructor Felicia Bell easily explains the …

Online Exclusive: SPQ Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT a man you need in your life at all times?

B. A man you can dance withC. A man you can shop withD. A man you can talk to