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Take My Hand

I was not about to lie down in a body imprint left in the grass no matter how much the artist encouraged me. Looking at the impression of a fallen body in a bed of violets was enough for me to feel raw. I didn't want to feel more real than that. At least not on that Sunday afternoon.

Strenuous Liberty

I saw an earth-shattering tweet yesterday. The Fairview Inn in Belhaven was tweeting the link to their blog post heralding the Freedom Riders' anniversary. So what, you might respond. It's just a nice hotel doing good marketing.

Council Agrees to $1.8 million Contract, Rehires Lobbyist

The Jackson City Council reversed its opposition to a $1.8 million contract with international corporation Johnson Controls Inc. yesterday after hearing evidence that the company had no role in bad air-conditioning at Thalia Mara Hall.

A Great Ride

After nine years with one company, I got a pink slip. It was inevitable. The company had been sold several times, and with each takeover, my department's budget and staff shrank. Nonetheless, when the day arrived, it was a blow. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and related fields, I knew finding a job to replace the one I lost would be difficult.

Creative ‘Coworking' Comes to Jackson

Creative Distillery hasn't quite finished setting up its new office on the third floor of Banner Hall. A few walls are still awaiting paint and an empty corner in the kitchen needs a refrigerator. But Melia Dicker points to high ceilings and big windows that will make the new space an environment to encourage creativity.

Lewis Prepares for the Future

A 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.

Lessons of Spencer's Death

Awareness has a huge role in making Mississippiand the U.S.a safer place for women. Created in 2006, the Attorney General's Office Domestic Violence Division, works with the entire judicial system to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic abuse.

Alabama, Apes and Adam Perry

I recently had a chance to sit down with Adam Perry, account and distribution manager for the Jackson Free Press, to talk about his first novel, "Boxing Gorillas." The story is a well-paced and fun read that deftly blends elements of suspense, comedy and action into an engaging romp through Alabama.

Meeting Between the Lines

Three Jackson Public School Board members may have held an illegal meeting last week. JPS Board member H. Ann Jones said she witnessed a Chastain Middle School assistant principal tell board member Sollie Norwood that board members Delmer Stamps and Ivory Phillips wanted to speak with him in a separate meeting room during a public forum regarding the district's search for a new superintendent.

Politics Plaguing Entergy Audit

Republicans in the Mississippi Senate could kill a House bill that would merge the Public Service Commission, which elected officials run, and the Public Utilities Staff, which is operated by governor-appointed staffers. The House of Representatives Public Utilities Committee passed a bill last week moving the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff back under the supervision of the Public Service Commission. As the Jackson Free Press recently reported, Commissioner Brandon Presley and others complain that the separation has inhibited the Commission's ability to correctly audit power company Entergy Mississippi and how it imposes rates on Mississippi consumers.

Moore Demands 'Cover-up' Evidence from DA

In response to several desperate motions filed by Sharrod Moore's defense attorney requesting that the DA provide "any and all evidence in his possession regarding a police cover-up," Hinds County Circuit Judge Swan Yerger is delaying the capital murder trial of the 30-year-old, who has now been indicted twice for allegedly killing Jackson police officer Robert J. Washington in 1995. The original trial date was Sept. 15; Yerger has not yet set a new date.

Recio Demoted; McMillin Confirmation Set for Dec. 10

City Councilman Marshand Crisler and Leslie McLemore confirmed today at a special council meeting to approve the city payroll that Melton bodyguard Michael Recio is no longer an assistant chief and is back working in the mayor's office. Neither Melton or Recio would comment to the Jackson Free Press about the demotion.

Council to Vote on Police Chief Today

The Jackson City Council is holding a confirmation vote today at 2 p.m. on Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin as Jackson's next police chief even as some Council members are complaining that the mayor has not provided adequate documentation for the appointment.

Spring Break Lunch with the Mayor

[verbatim] The City of Jackson's Safe Neighborhood and Youth Development Division will host "Lunch With the Mayor in the Park" at Lake Hico Park on Thursday, March 19, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Area youth on spring break are invited to eat a picnic lunch with Mayor Frank E. Melton and experience educational programs presented by the Jackson Fire Department and the Solid Waste Division's "Go Green" initiative.

Unions: Watch Your Politicians

In 1948, America stepped out of a world war with an economy still glowing from the explosive heat and an emerging middle class that promised great things for the world. Fueled by the optimism, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Dec. 10 Human Rights Day, in honor of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948, by the United Nations General Assembly.

Week 3: Cigs and Cells

Now that House Speaker Billy McCoy has named committee chairs, the House is going into overdrive regarding bill production.

Where's the Money

The state Legislature is still rumbling over money issues and executive power this week. The Senate passed Senate Bill 2495 last Wednesday, a bill that would grant Gov. Haley Barbour the selective power to cut the budget of some state departments up to 10 percent, without having to cut all departments by 10 percent.

City Approves Financial Contract, Drug House Demolitions

Atlanta-based Malachi Financial Products Inc. will be the city's new contracted financial adviser to guide it through financing of its general fund debt in hopes of saving $27 million over the next five years. City council members approved the contract last night in a 6 to 1 vote.

Lumumba Defends Minority Contract Push

Instead of pushing for an investigation of Council President Frank Bluntson's use of city employees during last night's Jackson City Council meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Chowke Lumumba defended his push for minority contracts.

Johnson's Chief Appointees Get Mixed Reviews

One day after Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced his nominees for Jackson Police Chief and Fire Chief, many city officials and employees are waiting to form their opinions. Johnson's appointees require approval from the Jackson City Council before taking office.

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