Jackson Free Press

Week 6: Voter ID, Sex Ed, Government Secrecy

As last week came to a close, many 2009 bills met their death in the Mississippi Legislature due to the deadline for passing bills originating in their respective chambers.

Proposed Coal Plant Finds Opposition

Opposition is mounting against a proposed 582-megawatt coal gasification plant in Kemper County that could increase Mississippi ratepayers' utility bills by 15 percent.

Stop Secrecy in Mississippi Government

One of the ways to keep people ignorant is to control their access to information. Open any newspaper in the country, and you'll see stories about how Muslim fundamentalist clerics …

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 …

Melton-Recio Jury to Reconvene 9 a.m. on Thursday

U.S. Marshals escorted defense witness Christoper Walker, Frank Melton's former mentee, into the courtroom this morning before jurors arrived.

Wednesday's Starting Five

Tuesday's highlights: The Saints cut loose Deuce. ... The Majors mash MC. ... USM ends five-game losing streak.

Saints Release Deuce

It seems not even professional football is immune to the economy.

Earlier today, the Associated Press announced that the New Orleans Saints have released running back Deuce McAllister "in a move that reduced the team's payroll as free agency approaches."

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

JFP Coverage of Defense Witness Christopher Walker

Southern Miss Players Arrested

Police arrested two University of Southern Mississippi football players Sunday night in Hattiesburg, according to an AP report appearing on the Sports Illustrated Web site.

House Outlaws Traffic Cameras

The Mississippi House sent a bill to the Senate today that will effectively outlaw red-light cameras. HB 1568 will restrict local law enforcement's use of cameras to assist in traffic …

Mississippi Mourns Two Journalists

In recent days, two outstanding Mississippi women journalists have died.

Mildred Dearborn was the long-time editor of The Carthaginian until two years ago, when she suffered a stroke. Dearborn died on Feb. 11.

Senate Kills Public Records Access Bill

The Mississippi Senate shelved a bill designed to make public records more accessible to the public, according to The Greenwood Commonwealth,

Attorneys Meet over Melton Trial Rules

JFP Coverage of Defense Witness Christopher Walker

Mountain Dew Mouth

ABC's 20/20 is showing a special episode tonight at 9 PM CT called "A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains" which highlights poverty-stricken children of Appalachia. One of the many …

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 …

BREAKING: Judge DeLaughter Arraigned in Bribery Scandal

JFP coverage of DeLaughter and Peters

Nativist Lobby Makes Demands for Stimulus Bill

The Mississippi Business Journal reported yesterday that nativist lobby group FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, is pushing Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to include language in the economic stimulus …

Tearing Down the Wrong Walls

Out of all the disturbing things emerging in Mayor Frank Melton's trial this week, the worst to me has been Michael Taylor's testimony that he lived with the mayor for …