Jackson Free Press

JPS Board Won't Renew Edwards' Contract

The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees voted during its Dec. 7 meeting not to renew Superintendent Lonnie Edwards' contract for the upcoming school year, Board Attorney Dorian Turner told …

The Saga of the No-Budget-Bill

Although he isn't an official party in the Mississippi Legislature's budget negotiations, Gov. Haley Barbour is still wielding his influence. The regular session ended last week with House and Senate …

2011 Mississippi Legislative Preview

The Mississippi Legislature returned Jan. 4, and many legislators are not looking forward to the kind of cuts facing state departments. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is looking at …

Taylor Testimony Creates Firestorm, Brings In Melton Drunkenness

Previous JFP coverage of Michael Taylor

Fondren Makeover; Sushi and More

A new upscale sushi restaurant is set to open this December on Capitol Street. Wasabi Bistro is a collaboration between owner Lina Lynn, who also owns Ding How Asian Bistro …

Melton Came Within Two Votes of Conviction

Within days of coming within two votes of going to federal prison, Mayor Frank Melton revealed to the Jackson Free Press last Thursday for the first time publicly that he …

Workshops and Financing

Clarence Chapman, developer of the Timber Falls housing subdivision in south Jackson, expects a health clinic and small grocery store to be among the first commercial tenants of his multi-stage …

Strong Mayor, Weak Council

42 candidates are looking to claim a seat on the Jackson City Council in this year's elections. All have high aspirations, but many don't know what they're getting into.

House Faces ‘Pointless' Abortion Bill, More

The Mississippi House of Representatives return to Jackson tomorrow to deal with the last remaining items of business in its 2010 legislative session, after a fierce battle over what several …

UPDATED: Mayor Frank Melton ‘Still Alive,' Spokeswoman Says

UPDATE 12:10 P.M.: City spokeswoman Goldia Revies has released the following statement: "Mayor Frank E. Melton is still resting and will undergo tests today at St. Dominic Hospital. More information …

More Art, Crafts, Cannoli, Retail

A children's fountain, outdoor dining, garden rooms, performance stage and expansive art installations are just a few of the design elements The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art …

Fact-Checking the Speeches

The political speeches at the Neshoba County Fair are a time when politicians and candidates get on the stump to tout their achievements, take a few jabs at their opponents …

Bodyguard: Melton Under Influence ‘Every Other Day'

Feb. 11, 2009 - Day 3 of the Melton Trial

Defense attorneys began cross-examining former mayoral bodyguard Marcus Wright this morning. Yesterday, Wright testified that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton had been drinking the night of the Ridgeway Street duplex destruction, …

Melton-Recio Jury to Reconvene 9 a.m. on Thursday

U.S. Marshals escorted defense witness Christoper Walker, Frank Melton's former mentee, into the courtroom this morning before jurors arrived.

Wright: Recio Falsified Documents, Melton ‘Clearly Under the Influence'

'On the Road Again' with Melton and his Bodyguards

Protecting Women, Battling the Budget

Jackson state Sen. David Blount has pushed through three bills strengthening domestic-violence laws and protecting victims of abuse.