Anti-Corruption Laws Strong Overall
Mississippi is sixth in the nation for government transparency and accountability, even as our campaign-finance laws need strengthening, a recent report found.
William VanDevender
Native Jacksonian William VanDevender grew up outdoors, hunting and fishing whenever he got the chance. But after graduating from the University of Virginia in 2008, he found a job that took him away from his first love.
Community Events and Public Meetings
Town Hall Meeting March 31, 10:30 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church (500 N. Farish St.). The topic is "Why Vote? What Are the Issues?" The event includes a presentation from the NAACP at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon and open discussion from 1-2 p.m. RSVP by March 25. Free; call 601-355-7858.
Dedmon Hearing Set for Wednesday
A hearing for Deryl Dedmon has been set for this Wednesday. Dedmon is charged with the capital murder of James Craig Anderson in what prosecutors say was a racially-motivated hate crime.
Quietly, Ds and Rs Kill Workers' Comp Bill
Thanks to a House Democratic caucus that remained unified combined with support from several Republicans, HB 555 died yesterday, and was killed off for good this morning when it came up for reconsideration.
Enviros Challenge MDA on Drilling
Environmental groups want more time to study the effects of opening the Mississippi Sound to oil and gas drilling.
Eyes in the Sky
Jackson police have a new set of eyes in the sky to prevent crime, deter speeding on city roads and maintain crowd control during big events.
Dr. Jasmin Chapman
Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center has served Mississippians since 1970, when it was established to help develop comprehensive health-care for poor and underserved communities in the Jackson area.
It's the Weekend!
Today, the Jackson Garden and Patio Show kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) and runs through March 18. Admission is $5 per day, children 12 and under free; call 601-919-8111. CS's hosts the St. Paddy's Parade Party and Pub Crawl at 3:30 p.m. The O'Tuxers with Mark Roemer perform. The Marching MALfunction and Second Line Stomp and Street Dance starts at CS's at 6:30 p.m. (trolley service from Hal & Mal's starting at 4:30 p.m.) and ends at Hal & Mal's. The Southern Komfort Brass Band, the Lucky Hand Blues Band and the Rumprollers perform. WOOD performs in the Red Room ($5). Costumes welcome; call 601-948-0888. The Gulf Coast Conference Wheelchair Basketball Championship opens with a banquet at 7 p.m. at Jackson Medical Mall, Center Stage (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Games are March 17-18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Walter Payton Center (32 Walter Payton Drive). $20 banquet, free games; call 601-918-5830. Tyrese performs at 8 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex. Tickets are $49.50-$54.50; call 800-745-3000. Guilt Ridden Troubadour plays at Ole Tavern. The Andy Hardwick Trio performs from 8-11 p.m. at Yellow Scarf Listening Room (741 Harris St., Suite E). Admission is $20, $35 for couples. Suite 106 hosts Free Your Mind with DJ Spre. Admission is $5. Need more options? See our Best Bets.
Mississippi Supreme Court Votes 9-0 to Send Kemper County Coal Plant Back to PSC
Today, the Mississippi Supreme Court reversed the Public Service Commission's decision to allow Mississippi Power to go forward with the Kemper County coal plant, in a 9-0 decision. The decision in this case, which was appealed to the Supreme Court by the Sierra Club, now means the plant will be returned to the PSC for further review. What follows is the decision release, followed by a statement by PSC commissioner Brandon Presley, who opposed moving forward on the Kemper County coal plant.
Unity at Ole Miss
Yet another Rebel basketball season led by head coach Andy Kennedy ended in the NIT last night, when Ole Miss lost to Illinois State 96-93 in overtime in Oxford.
CNN Highlights Perks for Barbour Trustys
CNN is now reporting that in his last days in office, Gov. Haley Barbour's staff helped two mansion inmate workers secure driver's licenses and that those prisoners, David Gatlin and Charles Hooker, had new cars waiting for them when Barbour set the men free with his pardon pen.
Corps: One Lake Plan Seems to Work
Gary Walker, project manager for the Army Corps of Engineers' Vicksburg district, told members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District this week that flood reduction appears does possible in a proposed one-lake development along the Pearl River. Walker said he expects the Corps to issue a letter to that effect by the end of the week
Under Darkness, Immigration and Abortion Bills Pass
Lawmakers, reporters, young pages and even a delegation of Jackson County Republican Women burned the midnight oil for a second consecutive night at the Mississippi House yesterday.
Maurice Bolden
Southern Miss has finally made the NCAA Tournament after missing it for the last 21 years. The Golden Eagles were placed in the East Region with the ninth seed.
Run It Like Mississippi
At a campaign stop in Pascagoula (where Gov. Phil Bryant endorsed his run for the presidency), Mitt Romney said that, "if the federal government was run like Mississippi, the whole country would be a lot better off."
Legislators Working Late
Lawmakers worked late into the night yesterday to pass several controversial bills. The end of this week is the deadline for members of the Legislature to vote bills out of the houses where they originated and send them to the other chamber for consideration.
Capital City Karaoke King
When Matt Collette started hosting karaoke at Martin's seven years ago, he thought it would be fun and a good part-time gig to make a little cash. In the process, he's learned a few things.
Lots of Shows, Lots of Memories
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, my wife, Catherine, and I recently bought and moved into a new home in Fondren. While unpacking, we stumbled upon our collection of ticket stubs from our years of going to concerts.
[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days
It's the best time of for basketball fans. Do you have the picks to win your office pool?