Minority Jobs, MDA at Center of Special Session DebateSeveral black representatives have expressed concerns today that a proposed funding bill to bring 1,800 jobs in the state will overlook minorities. In a special session Gov. Haley Barbour called for today, the Mississippi Legislature will vote on $175 million …
Sargent Plans for Future of JPSInterim Superintendent Jayne Sargent will only be at Jackson Public Schools for six months to a year, but she is working on technology and curriculum changes that will help the school system in the future.
Legislators to Decide on Project FundsIn a special session tomorrow, the Mississippi Legislature will vote on $75 million in bonds and incentives for two technology plants to open in Mississippi.
Putting a Price Tag on Voter IDThe debate surrounding voter ID in Mississippi has focused on political and historical arguments, rather than funding. While its proponents have lauded voter ID as essential for preserving the democratic process, opponents have claimed it is an effort to discourage …
Getting it RightJannette White, 51, has lived on the same plot of land on Smith Robinson Street in the Virden Addition for the majority of her life. In 1987, White built a house next to her mother's house so that she could …
Pick Better BattlesJackson city government could be a prime example of democracy in action. The Jackson City Council and the administration of Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. could see their roles as they are designed, working hand-in-hand within democracy's intentional system of checks …
[Kamikaze] Stop Waiting; Start WorkingIn past columns I've spoken about what has been coined the "savior complex," the tendency of a group, party or race to expect one individual to be the answer to all that ails it. It's the thought that by electing …
Lewis Prepares for the FutureA party atmosphere filled the Convention Complex Friday night as supporters celebrated the victory of Tyrone Lewis, set to become Hinds County's first black sheriff since Reconstruction.
DuPree Aims to WinHattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree proved that grass-roots organizing matters more than cash when it comes to winning the Democratic Party nomination for governor. Now, many voters are wondering about the likelihood of DuPree winning the governor's race against Republican Phil …
Meeting Focuses on Crime SolutionsLocal law enforcement officials, justice advocates, clergy members and Jackson residents came together last night to discuss solutions on tackling crime in Jackson.
Lewis Campaign Manager Arrested Sunday for DUIClinton police arrested Aaron Banks, Sheriff-elect Tyrone Lewis' campaign manager, Sunday night for driving under the influence. Banks was charged with first-offense DUI after he was involved in an accident on Clinton Parkway in which alcohol was present, said Don …
Fashion and FootballA new boutique, now open in Canton, is bringing more fashionable clothing options to plus-size women in the Jackson area.
AG Unveils Website to Protect ConsumersMississippi Attorney General Jim Hood unveiled a new state website yesterday to protect consumers against counterfeit merchandise.
State to Receive $8M From Tobacco SuitJackson County Chancery Court Judge Jaye A. Bradley issued a ruling yesterday requiring Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. to pay an additional $8 million to the state.
Council Spars with Mayor on BudgetJackson City Council members and Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. are caught in a power struggle over passing the city's budget for fiscal year 2012.
Bonds Fund Jackson-Area ProjectsThe state Bond Commission gave several Jackson-area projects the go-ahead last week, paving the way for a much-anticipated civil-rights museum downtown.
Hosemann vs. Dems?Members of the state's Democratic Party claim they were sideswiped Aug. 16 when Republican Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann issued a press release that the party had failed to file election results from the Aug. 2 primary, which were due …
Light a CandleThe killing of Mr. James Craig Anderson in Jackson in June seems to have precipitated a number of questions that can, in my opinion, be answered by revisiting our state's history.
DuPree Makes HistoryHattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree won the Democratic nomination last night for Mississippi Governor—making him the first black to receive a party nomination for governor since Reconstruction.
Chairman BryantLt. Gov. Phil Bryant 56, took his place on the far right of his Republican opponents on stage and thanked his wife, mother-in-law and voters for making his campaign possible. He was dressed neatly, without overdoing it, for the lively …
University Place Thriving; Job MoneyMississippi is restarting a job program that gives businesses subsidies to hire new employees. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds the STEPS 2 program, which stands for Subsidized Transitional Employment Program and Services.
Runoff Elections TodayHattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree and Clarksdale businessman Bill Luckett, both Democrats, face each other in the governors race while Republican Lynn Fitch, of Madison, and state Sen. Lee Yancey, of Brandon, face each other in the treasurer's race.
Runoffs Prolong PrimariesAs voters head to the polls for runoff elections Tuesday, several Hinds County positions are up for grabs, and incumbents are under fire on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.
The JFP Interview with Johnny DuPreeJohnny DuPree makes clear that he is a city man. DuPree, 57, has served as Hattiesburg's mayor for almost 10 years and wants to take his municipal know-how to the state level. He is one of two Democratic candidates, so …
Hundreds March to Heal and DenounceCommunity organizers and leaders see the Aug. 14 vigil for James Craig Anderson as the first step toward community healing and racial reconciliation.
Welcome to the Cluster PluckIt's been a busy summer for Craig Dubow, CEO of Gannett Co., the parent company of The Clarion-Ledger and the Hattiesburg American.
Simulation Builds RespectIt's almost the end of the month, and a family is trying to decide how to stretch their money to buy groceries. One family member doles out a few bills, explaining that they have to spend it a little bit …
An Open Letter to the Greater Jackson CommunityWe, the members of the board of Jackson 2000, extend our hearts and thoughts to the family and friends of James Craig Anderson, and we join the rest of the community in sharing the pain and sadness they must feel, …
Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant 56, took his place on the far right of his Republican opponents on stage and thanked his wife, mother-in-law and voters for making his campaign possible. He was dressed neatly, without overdoing it, for the lively …
Johnny DuPree makes clear that he is a city man. DuPree, 57, has served as Hattiesburg's mayor for almost 10 years and wants to take his municipal know-how to the state level. He is one of two Democratic candidates, so …