Jackson Free Press

Welcome, Mr. Whitaker

Just in case y'all missed it last week, The Clarion-Ledger's most recent publisher, John Newhouse II, has left his post at the C-L, and we're told, the employ of the …

CityBuzz [10.11.06]

Lott Calls for Bruce Stamp

Sen. Trent Lott has asked the U.S. Senate to issue a postage stamp commemorating the life of Sen. Blanche Kelso Bruce, who was the first African American to serve a …

Melton Trial: Jordan Rules to Allow Alcohol Testimony; Taylor Takes the Stand

In a major move, Judge Dan Jordan ruled this morning to allow testimony of Mayor Frank Melton's alleged alcohol consumption the night of the Ridgeway duplex destruction, as well as …

‘Evil Motive' Question Looms as Melton Trial Delayed

A federal judge agreed today to delay the civil rights trial of mayor Frank Melton and his former bodyguard, Michael Recio, until Jan. 5. Judge Daniel Jordan granted a last-minute …

City's First Female Police Chief Fired ... Again

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton decided Wednesday to remove Shirlene Anderson from her post as police chief of Jackson for what WAPT 16 News calls the second time. Following rumors posted …

Melton Pulls Reeves' Nomination

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton pulled his nomination Monday of former Rep. John Reeves, a Jackson Republican, for a Municipal Court position. Melton instead asked the council to consider putting Reeves …

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 …

As the Budget Turns

After several stalled attempts, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton presented an overview of his revised budget to the City Council at a Monday evening work session. The new budget, which must …

Melton Targets Homeless People

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton incited the wrath of advocates for the homeless when he used the city's emergency order to enforce a 10 p.m. curfew for the city's homeless population.

2006: The Year That Was (Nuts)

As we survey the top local news from this past year, we have to take a deep breath and feel a measure of pride. Time after time over the last …

Melton's Mixed Messages in 'Heinous' Case

Mayor Frank Melton doesn't have to write a check to two former Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics employees. Just yet.

Analysis: Passion Ruled In Melton Trial

Photos by Jaro Vacek

On April 26, a Hinds County jury acquitted Mayor Frank Melton and Dets. Michael Recio and Marcus Wright of all 11 charges they collectively faced for demolishing a duplex at …

Is Melton Endangering Young People?

A major issue that has emerged in Mayor Frank Melton's determination to carry weapons anywhere he goes is whether or not he is endangering the lives of young people. He …

BREAKING: Melton Jury Chosen

The jury in the first Frank Melton trial has been chosen—the 12 main jurors included six African Amerians, one Hispanic and five whites. Four are men. There are two alternates, …

UPDATED: Former JPD Chief Vance Running Against Beleaguered Hinds County Sheriff

Lee Vance, who retired as chief of the Jackson Police Department in December 2017 after 30 years on the force, has filed to run in the 2019 Hinds County sheriff's …

JFP Exclusive: Meet Witness Stephen Stamboulieh

See an archive of JFP stories and blogging on Frank Melton

Donna Ladd on Kim Wade Show Friday 5pm

Donna Ladd will sit in with Kim Wade on WJNT this afternoon (Sept. 15) from 5-6pm. There's probably no point in me saying what they plan to discuss...Tune in to …

'Live & Learn': Melton Faces the Effects of His Actions

On the first day I showed up to cover the federal trial of Mayor Frank Melton and his ex-bodyguard Michael Recio in downtown Jackson, the mayor sidled up to me …

2005 Year In Review, Part 2: To Hell and Back

The second half of 2005 turned out to be the most interesting six months any of us have lived through in a while. On the positive side, the city continued …

Mayor Re-instates, Discredits JPD Promotion Exams

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton announced today that the police department will again administer police officer promotion exams to officers currently serving in acting sergeant and lieutenant positions because the city …