Jackson Free Press

Mississippi House Passes $1 Cigarette Tax

Following nearly two hours of debate, the House of Representatives passed a bill this afternoon that would raise Mississippi's cigarette tax from 18 cents to $1 per pack. House Bill …

Jewish Film Festival in Jackson through Jan. 25

As Marcy Nessel talks about Jackson's diversity and cultural history, at moments struggling to find the perfect words to express her exact sentiment, a simple, striking fact emerges. "We all …

Entergy Temporarily Suspends Reactor License Applications

[Verbatim statement from Entergy] Jackson, Miss. – Entergy New Nuclear Utility Development, commonly referred to as Entergy Nuclear, is temporarily suspending reviews of two new nuclear license applications and will …

MEMA Urges Preparation for Freezing Forecast

Also see: Emergency Weather Tips on Jackpedia

UPDATE: Mayor Melton Released from Hospital

Goldia Revies just released a statement saying that Mayor Frank Melton has been discharged from St. Dominic Hospital, and that he expects to spend the next few days resting. "I'm …

AP: Feds Seize $425,000 from Ed Peters

AP is reporting:

Federal authorities have seized $425,000 from a former district attorney linked to the most sweeping judicial bribery investigation in Mississippi in years. While no formal charges have been made public …

Wedding

There are weddings with princess gowns, doves and long boring ceremonies ... and then there are [FLY] weddings. Your celebration can be just as unique as you are without hurting …

Old Fights, New Bruises

House Speaker Billy McCoy, Senate leader Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and Gov. Haley Barbour will address some very old fights this year as the Legislature convenes. Many of these are …

Council Wants to Subpoena City 1099s

The question of city hires—who they are, especially—has come up again, pitting Council against Mayor Frank Melton's administration.

Former DA Peters ‘Will Be Barred from Practicing Law'

Former Hinds County District Attorney Ed Peters has turned in his law license to the Mississippi Bar Association. The Bar received Peters' resignation last week, but had to wait until …

2009 Legislature Convenes in Old Capitol

Perhaps as an omen to the contentiousness ahead, the Mississippi Legislature convened the new session Tuesday in the restored Old Capitol—the building where Mississippi once voted to secede from the …

No Fuel Theft Revealed, Yet; McMillin Blasts Council

A city auditor says she has discovered no employee theft of fuel so far, while the chief-sheriff blasts Council for publicly questioning fuel reporting.

Great Deal for Tuesday's To-Do List

If getting fit and healthy plays a role in your New Year's resolution, put Make It Fit on your to-do list for tomorrow.

MEMA: Prepare for Severe Weather Threat in Jackson

Also see: Jackpedia: Weather

[Verbatim from MEMA] PEARL — MEMA Executive Director Mike Womack is asking residents to be prepared for the possibility of severe weather over the next 24-36 hours. The National Weather …

Melton's Complicated History with Maurice Warner

One of Mayor Frank Melton's favorite mentees was murdered on Christmas Day. The JFP explores the mayor's history with Maurice Warner.

Judge: Melton Trial Postponed Until Feb. 2, 2009

Over the objection of federal prosecutors, Judge Dan Jordan has announced that the trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio has been postponed until Feb. 2, 2009 due …

Laughter, the Best Medicine

During a recent visit to the East Coast with friends, I began to have painful stomach cramps. My friend offered me a therapeutic hot-water bottle, which I placed on my …

Melton Timeline

July 4, 2005 — New Mayor Frank Melton was sworn in at City Hall. In his speech, he promised that any young person who wanted one could have a job …

Melton Admits 'Failure' on Crime Issue

Download audio of Melton press conference on 12.30.08 (.wav, 15.42MB)

The GOP's 'Barack the Magic Negro' Flap

As if the Republican Party didn't need something else to divide it; the reaction to this will go a long way toward separting the wheat from the chaff. CBS News: