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Week 12: Cigarettes and Overrides
Legislators continued to negotiate a compromise on a proposed cigarette-tax increase Monday, as a Mar. 25 deadline loomed.
Fact-Checking the Speeches
The political speeches at the Neshoba County Fair are a time when politicians and candidates get on the stump to tout their achievements, take a few jabs at their opponents and occasionally forget to the tell the truth.
Mysterious ‘Better Jackson PAC' Revealed ... Sort Of
See: the JFP Election Blog for full election coverage + candidate interviews
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.
Medicaid Shortfall Filled?
Mississippi's Medicaid shortfall is solved for the moment, according to a statement released today by Gov. Haley Barbour. Thanks to a refund of approximately $58.9 million from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the state's Medicaid budget will be balanced for the 2009 fiscal year.
Taylor Testimony Creates Firestorm, Brings In Melton Drunkenness
Previous JFP coverage of Michael Taylor
Melton Came Within Two Votes of Conviction
Within days of coming within two votes of going to federal prison, Mayor Frank Melton revealed to the Jackson Free Press last Thursday for the first time publicly that he plans to run for re-election. "Yes," he replied when asked in his City Hall office if he is running for a second term. "I really want to stay close to the people," he added. Melton said that it took him three years to figure out what the job of mayor is about and that he's learned from his mistakes.
Wright: Recio Falsified Documents, Melton ‘Clearly Under the Influence'
'On the Road Again' with Melton and his Bodyguards
Jury Deliberations Resume 9 a.m. Saturday
Kenya Hudson's Melton-Recio trial photos here.
City Threatens Ridgeway Duplex Owner
City's letter to Jennifer Sutton (PDF)
Melton Defense Continues; Chris Walker Today?
JFP Coverage of Defense Witness Christopher Walker
UPDATED: Mayor Frank Melton ‘Still Alive,' Spokeswoman Says
UPDATE 12:10 P.M.: City spokeswoman Goldia Revies has released the following statement: "Mayor Frank E. Melton is still resting and will undergo tests today at St. Dominic Hospital. More information will be released as it becomes available. An emergency meeting of the City Council will be held at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers in order to ensure the efficient continuation of City business. The outpouring of prayers and support from concerned citizens in the interim is greatly appreciated."
Jury Back 12:30 Friday in Melton-Recio Trial; Verdict Today?
Read the JFP original breaking story on Ridgeway destruction here
Week 9: Parole, Pontificating and Parenthood
Unpopular parole and pardon decisions drew the ire of senators March 5, as they nearly approved requirements for greater accountability for the state Parole Board and the governor.
UPDATED: Two Lakes Supporters Helped Finance Defeat of Pearl Mayor
Fans of a controversial plan to develop the Pearl River had better luck installing a pro-"Two Lakes" mayor in the little town of Pearl than in the state's capital city this month.
Straitjacket of Straight Thinking?
The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees may be holding back its superintendent, but depending on whom you ask, that may not be a bad thing.
‘Encouraging News' on Water, But More Breaks Likely
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said today that the city has made significant headway in returning water service to the city, but he warned that more breaks will appear as water pressure rises citywide.
Jackson Business Round Up
The success of last month's "Downtown After Dusk" event in the courtyard of Underground 119 has secured a new tradition in Jackson. Julie Skipper, one of the organizers, said today that the event will not conflict with "Fondren After Five" in the future. The next "Downtown After Dusk" will take place May 13 starting at 5 p.m. in front of the new Congress Street Bar and Grill on the corner of Congress and Amite Streets. The event is sponsored by Downtown Jackson Partners, the Jackson Convention and Visitor's Bureau, YP Alliance, Jackson Downtown Neighborhood Association, Underground 119, Entergy and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. "The event is a way to get people to support business owners downtown and get people to stay downtown after work," Skipper said. "We were overwhelmed in a good way, it was a great, diverse crowd. ... We were expecting 300 people, and 600 showed up."
Lies, Damn Lies and ‘Dangerous' Rankings
Heard that Jackson is one of the "most dangerous" cities? Read the fine print.
Fondren Makeover; Sushi and More
A new upscale sushi restaurant is set to open this December on Capitol Street. Wasabi Bistro is a collaboration between owner Lina Lynn, who also owns Ding How Asian Bistro in Ridgeland, and two newcomers, attorney Tami Lynn Munsch and Ronnie Isaac. Munsch and Isaac are helping design the bistro's menu and bar offerings.