Jackson Free Press

Redistricting: Get Moving

The Mississippi House of Representatives did the right thing this week by stapling its Senate-rejected redistricting plan onto the Senate's own redistricting map. Both chambers must approve each other's redistricting …

Pardongate: Continuum

Imagine that every person who received a pardon from Gov. Haley Barbour did exactly what the state constitution says and ran a newspaper ad for 30 days before they received …

Freedom Riders Call on Governor for Action

Several civil-rights activists and Freedom Riders gathered this morning, and called on Gov. Haley Barbour to put his apology into action and issue a full pardon for the Scott sisters.

Mattel Settles Lawsuit After Pass From Barbour

Mississippi is one of 38 states that reached a settlement with Mattel Inc. and Fisher-Price Inc. over the companies' unhealthy level of lead in children's toys. An agreement filed today …

[City Buzz] no. 10 November 22 - 29

A Hasty Decision Reconsidered?

The Jackson City Council will vote this week on whether or not to rescind approval of the construction of a parkway running to the international airport in Pearl.

Advocates Criticize Consolidation Process

Next month, a panel appointed by Gov. Haley Barbour will deliver a report on the possibility of consolidating some of Mississippi's 152 school districts. Barbour tasked the Commission on Education …

Debate Highlights Party Loyalties

Photos by Adam Lynch

Republican State Auditor Phil Bryant and Democratic Rep. Jamie Franks sparred before a modest crowd of about 200 at Biloxi's Saenger Theater last Wednesday. The event was more a locked-down …

A Recovery For The Rich?

Thanks to Gov. Haley Barbour, federal Hurricane Katrina recovery money is benefiting the rich on the Mississippi Gulf Coast more than the poor, advocates for low- and moderate-income housing say. …

Barbour Compares Health Reform to Jonestown Massacre

Gov. Haley Barbour embarrassed Mississippians again today by standing up alongside several Republican members of Congress and calling the Democratic health-insurance reform "catastrophic," then compared it to Jim Jones' infamous …

Barbour Signs Tougher Stalking Law

Also: Listen to Rep. Brandon Jones and Sen. David Blount talk about the stalking bill on JFP Radio.

Fear Of A New Tax

Last week, Gov. Haley Barbour did as expected and vetoed Senate Bill 2310, calling it an "irresponsible" revenue change "in a time of fiscal uncertainty." Barbour's office claims the state …

Rethinking "Tough on Crime"

Gov. Haley Barbour left a lot of people reeling with his recent round of pardons and clemencies. Among the list are vicious, premeditated murderers. It wasn't the first time he's …

[Editor's Note] Rethinking "Tough on Crime"

Gov. Haley Barbour left a lot of people reeling with his recent round of pardons and clemencies. Among the list are vicious, premeditated murderers. It wasn't the first time he's …

Peace, Love and Appeasement

After nearly two weeks of tug-of-war between the Mississippi House of Representatives and Gov. Haley Barbour, it seems that both sides have stopped pulling and come to agreement on a …

Legislature Week 4: Money and Meth

The House and Senate were up against deadline yesterday for committees to either approve or reject proposed bills. The next deadline is a Feb. 11 end-date for the House and …

Barbour Declares State of Emergency

[verbatim from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency]

Governor Haley Barbour declared a State of Emergency today for the severe weather system that affected parts of the state late Wednesday afternoon and today, and for the threat of …

[Barbour] The Governor's Primer on Mississippi Medicaid

March 21, 2005 If you or someone you love depends on Medicaid, you should read this. And if you are not on Medicaid, you are paying for its services with …

Death of a Partnership

The Legislature passed SB 2764, reorganizing the State Board of Health following Clarion-Ledger reports of broad failures and relentless attacks upon board Director Dr. Brian Amy by Sen. Alan Nunnelee. …

Bonds, Boards and the School for the Blind

Ah, spring—the season when a state lawmaker's mind turns to money. The Mississippi Legislature spent most of last week considering appropriations bills; lawmakers had until Friday to concur or invite …

Senate Joins House in Passing ‘Sudafed' Bill; Barbour Supports

The Mississippi Senate today passed a bill requiring that pseudoephedrine be sold by prescription only in the state. The drug is a key ingredient in both cold medicines and methamphetamine, …