Jackson Free Press

Legislative Update: Tort Reform, Heartbeat Bills, Teacher Pay Moves Forward

On Feb. 13, the House and Senate passed "fetal heartbeat" bills, which ban abortions after a heartbeat is detected. Doctors can detect heartbeats as early as six weeks, making it …

Many Metro Students Won't See Obama's Speech

President Obama delivered a back-to-school speech to students this morning emphasizing personal responsibility, but not all Mississippi students got the message. The speech, which was televised and available as a …

Melton's Boys Come to His Defense

Additional reporting by Ward Schaefer

Three of Mayor Frank Melton's previous mentees, and the mother of another who died more than a decade ago, have filed affidavits in support of their mentor's efforts in what …

City Passes Anti-Profiling Ordinance

Jackson's Anti-Profiling Ordinance (PDF, 224 KB)

The Cost of ‘Tough on Crime'

Jackson resident Almona Fleming is a placid woman, prone to introspective stares and thoughtful contemplation during interviews. Her calm demeanor says nothing about the writhing coil of hunger that for …

Lessons from Vietnam

This week, President George W. Bush made one more attempt to shore up support for our continuing war in Iraq by comparing our experience there to the war in Vietnam, …

Racist Names, Beware

Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba said he voted with a majority of the council to remove a controversial petition requirement for the renaming of city streets or facilities because he …

Governor Commutes One Killer's Sentence, Not Another

In a move that illustrates the erratic nature of America's justice system, Gov. Haley Barbour commuted the sentence of Michael David Graham last Thursday, July 17. Graham, convicted for shooting …

Shoot to Kill—Store Clerk Shoots Robber

So WAPT is reporting that a store clerk shot a man who had attempted to rob his store for a case of beer. This guy is facing murder charges since …

Amnesty For Gang Bangers?

During the recent national debate over the since-failed Senate immigration bill, pundits like conservative talk-radio host Kim Wade misrepresented the compromise bill as an "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. Partly because …

[Breaking] Killen Sentenced to 60 Years

Moments ago in Neshoba County, Judge Marcus Gordon has sentenced Edgar Ray Killen, 80, to the full 60 years possible for his guilty verdict for manslaughter in the James Chaney, …

BREAKING: Wade Files for Melton Removal

WJNT radio host Kim Wade has filed a petition for removal (PDF, 270 KB) against Mayor Frank Melton with the circuit clerk's office, Wade confirmed to the Jackson Free Press …

[Doyle] From Dixie, With Love

As a University of Mississippi graduate excited about the progress of his alma mater in the past decade, a strong distaste for the likes of Richard Barrett is interwoven into …

College Football Preview 2006

Will this be the fall of our discontent? Let's face facts, Mississippi college football fans, things don't look good for the home teams. None of the state teams are picked …

Whistling Dixie

Crossroads and the JFP present "C.S.A." Monday, July 10th at 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre. Tickets are $7 and $5 for members.

JUST IN: Faye Peterson's New TV Ads

NEW: The System Was Broken

Someone just sent us the links to three new Peterson ads that are on youtube. They feature very interesting people in the community. we've also heard that there a number …

[Acker] My Church's Courage

The consent on Aug. 6, 2003, to the election of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop Co-Adjutor of New Hampshire filled me with joy and hope. I am an Episcopalian and …

Melton to Fire Officer for Rolling Eyes at Him?

In an interview with Howard Ballou of WLBT, Mayor Frank Melton said he plans to fire Jackson police officer Mike Braxton, who made public a police report (PDF, 1013 KB) …

Private Prison, Public Problems

Gail Tyree exited U.S. Highway 84 onto Hobo Fork Road and drove through the rose-adorned entrance of the sprawling Adams County Correctional Center. A female correctional officer leaving the prison's …

[Kamikaze] Robin Hood To The Rescue?

What are we Jacksonians prepared to do? Will you stand proud and stay, or cower and leave?