Jackson Free Press

Instant Replay, College Football, Sept. 1

Delta State 27, Jackson State 15: The Division II Statesmen humble the Tigers. Doctor S warned you that this might happen.

Melton Asks Warner to Oversee Ex-Con Staff

At District Attorney-elect Robert Smith's victory party, Mayor Frank Melton said that Smith is one of his long-time "kids" who will now help him with the young men of Jackson …

BREAKING: House Speaker on GOP Hit List

The House Republican Conference officially declared war on House Speaker Billy McCoy today. The conference agreed this afternoon that GOP members will vote together as a group to elect a …

Audio of Melton and Smith's Remarks

"Robert, you're like a little brother to me. I love you and I'll always love you, and I had to distance myself from your campaign ...."

The Truth About Barbour's ‘Blind Trust'

Bloomberg News is still hot on Barbour's trail. Today, they reveal much more about his so-called "blind trust" in the lobbying firm that lobbied the state for Katrina-related contracts—it pays …

The Myth Of Separation

Photos by Ronni Mott

Young Abraham left his father Azar's house after losing all hope of teaching him about God.

The Cavalry Arrives

Robert Smith is getting a nice boost from the Supreme Court less than 24 hours into his successful run-off against former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson. Using $160,000 in …

Why today?

Coincidentally, by the way, Mayor Frank Melton was seen leaving Judge Yerger's chambers this week.

This is a serious question. Why did Supreme Court Chief Justice James Smith Jr. today appoint a special judge, directly by Judge Swan Yerger, to help the D.A.'s office prosecute …

Melton Presents New D.A., Kept Distance During Campaign

Citizen bloggers are reporting that a jubilant Mayor Frank Melton introduced Robert Smith, his choice for district attorney, last night at Smith's campaign gathering. In his remarks, made before Smith's, …

D.A. Peterson Concedes, Goes Home

With 98 percent of precincts reporting and Robert Smith leading by 1,183 votes, District Attorney Faye Peterson just conceded defeat in the Red Room at Hal & Mal's, saying that …

Live Blogging from Peterson Party at Hal & Mal's

Donna Ladd and Ronni Mott are blogging live from D.A. Faye Peterson's post-election gathering at Hal & Mal's.

BREAKING: Smith's Response ‘Blatant Lie,' Father Says

District attorney candidate Robert Smith held a press conference today—not inviting the Jackson Free Press—to respond to Freddie Patton, a father he features in a campaign ad blaming D.A. Faye …

Smith Supporters Vandalize JFP Racks

OK, Robert Smith told me repeatedly that he is not "Melton's candidate," but some overnight actions are not exactly helping convince me. This morning, we found an "Elect Robert Shuler …

UPDATED: Father Says Smith Campaign Ad ‘a Lie'

As the district attorney's runoff looms, challenger Robert Smith is combing the alleys of the criminal justice system, looking for people unhappy with Peterson's performance. One such foray produced a …

The JFP's Coverage of the Hinds DA Race - VOTE TODAY

Face-Off: Faye Peterson v. Robert Smith

Clarion-Ledger Endorses Faye Peterson

A hat tip to The Clarion-Ledger for endorsing Faye Peterson, and for substantive, real reasons. They were late on the D.A. race—not endorsing and barely covering it before the primaries—but …

State of the City: ‘Mistakes of the Heart'

Lots of determination, but no details formed the substance of Mayor Frank Melton's State of the City Address at the Alamo Theatre this morning. An emotional Melton, who is under …

BREAKING: City Budget $13 Million in the Hole

The city administration updated an earlier estimation of a $3.9 million budget deficit today at the 3 p.m. budget meeting. "The city is currently out of budget about $13.1 million," …

Why Peterson Needs to Stay DA

I didn't know Faye Peterson from Eve when she ran for re-election four years ago. I knew much was being made about the criminal "backlog" (that she inherited). I knew …

McMillin Endorses DA, Rumors Fly

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin endorsed Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson over Democratic challenger Robert Smith on Tuesday. McMillin announced his endorsement to the Jackson Free Press, saying he …