Jackson Free Press

The Peacemaker?

The effortless July 5 council vote giving Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen the president's seat was a dramatic contrast to the council president vote of 2005, when Ward 6 Councilman …

Hello, and Goodbye

I've never been great at goodbyes. When I meet people I dig, I want them around. But I've learned that a life filled with interesting experiences and people does mean, …

City Releases JPD Crime Plan

You have to see this to believe it.

In December, the Public Eye made a public records request for "The Jackson Police Department's most current plan for fighting crime. If parts are unreleasable, state why and provide releasable …

Surprise, Surprise: Supreme Court Backs Barbour

Gov. Haley Barbour told us all that the Mississippi Supreme Court would overturn the lower court decision requiring him to follow statute in scheduling the special election to replace Sen. …

Councilwoman Robbed

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. An assailant, armed with "a sawed-off shotgun" came up to her and her husband on Saturday and demanded …

Levee Board Votes for Corps-Approved Plan

The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District voted this morning to move head with a levees-only flood-control plan endorsed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Flowood Mayor …

Why Not Answer the Question, Mr. Agnew?

Clarion-Ledger Executive Editor Ronnie Agnew has a truly absurd column out today. Once he gets through the crap in the beginning about Jim Hood bothering to talk to them on …

Senate Overwhelmingly Passes the Matthew Shepard Act. Cochran and Lott Vote ‘Nay'

This morning the Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass the historic Matthew Shepard Act, expanding federal hate crimes protection to include sexual orientation. The vote was 60 for, 39 against. Shamefully, …

City Council: Desperately Seeking Money

Administration Department Director Rick Hill told City Council today that possible solutions to the city's $3.4 million shortfall include increasing water and sewer fees, refinancing the city's debt, tapping the …

Why Tom Brokaw Was In Jackson — Airs Sunday, July 23

[verbatim from NBC] "TOM BROKAW REPORTS: SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL" TO AIR ON SUNDAY, JULY 23 AT 7 PM

New York, N.Y. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were images that shocked America and the world. Not just the damage caused by the storm, but the sight …

Day 1: Melton Jury Selected; Opening Statements Begin Tuesday

This story was substantially updated at 8:30 p.m. For further updates, see the comments below or scroll down in the story.

'Like a Baby on a Pacifier'

Mayor Frank Melton has refused to renew a contract with Washington lobbyists Winston & Strawn, LLP, ending 10 productive years of lobbying efforts for the city. The firm is the …

City Should Support, Not Control

Change is afoot in North Midtown. The neighborhood between Millsaps College and Mill Street has suffered from urban blight for over a decade, but new housing developments and a new …

BREAKING: Judge Green Recuses Herself

Judge Tomie Green has recused herself (PDF, 125K) from the upcoming Ridgeway trial, citing "recent improper and inappropriate contact with the trial judge and members of her family which makes …

Melton Wants All JPS Students Drug-Tested

WLBT is reporting:

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton wants students to be able to pass one test in particular... a drug test. Announcing his commitment to improve Jackson's public schools, Melton wants officials to …

Sutton Seeks Injunction Against Melton

BREAKING

Jennifer Sutton, the owner of a duplex allegedly destroyed by Mayor Frank Melton and his cohorts, has filed for a temporary restraining (PDF, 900 K) order against Melton and other …

Day 2: Many Objections, Eye Witnesses at Melton Trial

After Senior Assistant District Attorney Stanley Alexander finished redirect of Lawrence Cooper Jr. in the felony trial of Mayor Frank Melton Tuesday morning, Judge Joe Webster called a brief recess. …

Melton: Jail Bound?

It began with an interview. Last Thursday, Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin had more on his mind than re-election when he officially announced he would run for sheriff again. Following …

Mayor's Attempt to Rush Airport Appointment Thwarted

The Jackson City Council tabled confirming the appointment of local media mogul Wyatt Emmerich to the Jackson Airport Board after denying a request by Mayor Frank Melton and other councilmen …

Upper Level Attorney Claims Melton Intoxicated on Job

Photo: Upper Level owner Sandra Moore Johnson, left, and her attorney Sharon Gipson speak to reporters outside the club Thursday.