Jackson Free Press

Money, Medicaid and ... Money

The House and Senate addressed funding for state agencies last week, passing a number of revenue bills tapping into the state's projected $19 billion bank account. One of them was …

'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 …

Nightmare Symptoms

Say the acronym "PMS," and you're bound to react. Some use it as an excuse: "Oh, I'm just PMS-ing." Others use it as an insult: "What is it, that time …

Transcript of Frank Melton Remarks in Short Press Conference Wednesday

JACKSON CITY HALL—Mayor Frank Melton called a press conference for 10 a.m. today to address plans for Maple Street Apartments, "new and ongoing economic development iniatives" and "continued/long-term focus on …

It's Official: Mistrial in Melton and Recio Trial

- Kenya Hudson's Melton-Recio trial photos here.

Judge Questions Jurors as Deliberations Continue

- Kenya Hudson's Melton-Recio trial photos here.

Barbour Still ‘No' on Federal Funds

Gov. Haley Barbour reportedly renewed his criticism of the Obama administration's economic bailout package during the National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington, D.C. this past weekend.

Ode To Ms. Wilson

I had my first encounter with jazz—real jazz, the kind that washes over your body like a cool, gentle caress—when I was a high-school sophomore at Murrah High School. One …

The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Movie, "Varsity Blues" (9 p.m., TBS): A Texas high-school football program is the backdrop of teenage angst and antics. How much of the whipped-cream bikini scene can TBS show?

Don't Spill the Refried Beans

When I was growing up, taco night was not complete without a giant bowl of soft avocado mashed together with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro and surrounded by crunchy white corn …

[Herman's Picks] Vol. 7, No. 23

The Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music brings back the 17th-century dueling harpsichords with John Paul and Shawn Leopard Thursday, Feb. 19, in the St. James Episcopal sanctuary at 3921 Oak …

Witness Bought Crack at Duplex; Told Melton; Wasn't Arrested

JFP Coverage of Defense Witness Christopher Walker

Jackson Businessman and Wife Hospitalized, Doctors Killed In Head-On Collision

Stuart Irby was in critical condition this morning; Karen Irby was in serious condition.

University Medical Center officials confirmed today that they admitted Jackson business man Stuart Irby and his wife Karen after a head-on collision on Old Canton road around 10:30 p.m. last …

[Kamikaze] Show Up, Jackson

"Those that succeed are the ones that show up" is a mantra that I live by and practice. It is the simple premise that one's mere presence can be a …

McCoy Urges Barbour Against Cold Feet on Stimulus

Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy offered a public plea Thursday to Gov. Haley Barbour to accept federal money offered through a proposed congressional stimulus package worth more than $800 billion. …

Grover Norquist: ‘Obama Breaks Campaign Promise'

Certain folks around town -- let's call them "interested parties" -- seem occasionally to sign me up for various e-mail newsletter blasts without my consent. The casual observer would be …

When the Going Gets Tough

No doubt about it, these are scary economic times. Many people are losing jobs, some businesses are closing, consumers are holding tight to their dollars.

'How We Got Over'

Sadie Pettway's eyes grew wide as she inched closer toward the ominous water fountain at stage left. Her sister Nella stood anxiously behind her watching intently as Sadie pulled the …

Defense Cannot Use Prostitute Allegation Against Bodyguard

See JFP Melton Blog/Archive here.

Federal District Judge Dan Jordan ruled this morning that defense attorneys for Mayor Frank Melton and former bodyguard Michael Recio cannot use allegations of sexual misconduct by former bodyguard Marcus …

Harvey's Running For Mayor, Again

Former Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson announced his candidacy for mayor on Saturday. Speaking in front of the Jackson Convention Complex, Johnson pointed to achievements from his two mayoral terms.