News

Subscribe

Last 24 Hours: Governor Hopefuls Do It Their Way

Republican candidate for governor Phil Bryant said he had no regrets at a cookout he hosted for supporters and volunteers Monday evening at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. He called the last days before the primaries the most exciting time in his political experience.

City Celebrates Biz Openings; Green Building

Jackson will see grand openings for a day care, Mexican restaurant, animal clinic and an online college this month.

Laketia Marshall-Thomas

Laketia Marshall-Thomas never intended to be a teacher. She went to Tougaloo College and then to Clark Atlanta University, where she graduated with a master's degree in organic chemistry. She planned to be a chemist, but a professor from Tougaloo College recommended her for a position teaching 7th grade math.

JRA Questions Old Capitol Green Garage Plan

Jackson Redevelopment Authority board members are questioning the first phase of the Old Capitol Green development while they wait on the developers to submit a proposal for JRA to help to finance a $27 million parking garage with adjoining commercial space.

A Reading List for Following the Debt Ceiling Drama

Congress has until Aug. 2 to raise the debt ceiling, the cap on the amount of money the Treasury can borrow to pay the government's bills. As the clock keeps ticking, you may still have unanswered questions. How dire could the consequences of not raising the debt ceiling be? What are the possible solutions? Here's a reading list to help you keep up.

Candidate of the Day: Lee Yancey

Sen. Lee Yancey, R-Brandon, claims to be the only candidate for state treasurer who has a voting record to study.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Parents & Kids Magazine's Back-to-school Pajama Parties. Children in kindergarten through second grade enjoy music, bedtime stories, goody bags and refreshments. Parents must accompany children. Pre-registration required. The first 100 registrants receive a surprise gift. Free; call 601-366-0901.

Water Boil Notice Still in Effect

The city of Jackson issued a precautionary boil-water notice after two water lines broke this weekend.

Dem Candidates A Minority at ‘Republican Woodstock'

Even though Democratic candidates are the minority at the Neshoba County Fair, many see the Republican-heavy grounds as a vital campaign stop to rub elbows with party supporters, media and even a few undecided voters.

How Building Green Helps Mississippi

Sustainable building can promote economic development and make life better for residents, according to an organization that is promoting "green building" in Jackson.

Candidate of the Day: Addie Green

In a campaign season when few Democrats and even fewer women are running for state office, African American grandmother Addie Green stands out.

It's the Weekend!

It's a beautiful night of jazz in Fondren that will involve all your senses. Jazz Night Live is at 7 p.m. at circa Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road). Jazz Beautiful with Pam Confer performs, and Pam Confer also celebrates her birthday with cake, a toast and a perfume giveaway. See, hear, taste, smell and feel the night. Why limit yourself to Fondren? After the jazz, catch some other live acts in the JFP Music Listings.

Sales Tax Holiday Begins Today

Back-to-school shoppers will get a boost this weekend during the state's sales-tax holiday.

The tax holiday started just after midnight and continues through midnight on Saturday. Shoppers will save 7 percent on eligible items.

Candidates Reject ‘Career Politician' Label

Political candidates walked a fine line Wednesday at the Neshoba County Fair, trying to persuade voters that they were neither inexperienced nor—a harsh indictment—a "career politician."

District 70 Race Ends With Primary

The race for District 70 this year will again end in the Democratic primary. The race carries some small entertainment value; former Hinds County public defender Matt Eichelberger dropped out in June.

Lynn Fitch

Lynn Fitch, 49, hopes to become the next treasurer of Mississippi. One of three GOP candidates, she faces Lucien Smith and state Senator Lee Yancey. If victorious, she would then face off against Democrat Connie Moran and Reform Party candidate Shawn O'Hara. She has a business administration bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Mississippi.

Haley Barbour Speaks at Neshoba County Fair (Verbatim Speech)

*Remarks as prepared*

Thank you. Today I will give my last speech at this Fair as Governor. Marsha, who has had to sit through all but one of them, is being patient enough to sit through this one, too. Not because she is dying to hear it, but because she genuinely appreciates, as do I, the warm hospitality of the people of Neshoba County and the Neshoba County Fair, one of America's great institutions.

Johnson Announces Raises; More Public Safety

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.'s proposed budget address resembled an Oprah Winfrey talk show yesterday when he announced that all city employees will receive a 2 percent raise on Jan. 1, 2012.

A Different Brand

Hinds County makes sense to planning consultant Tripp Muldrow. He lived in Baltimore in the 2000s, and while many residents had given up on the city and moved away, a dedicated group of citizens were determined to stay.

Keeping Kids Off the Streets

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and the Jackson City Council are advocating for a facility in the city to house minors who are not serious offenders as a solution to curbing teen violence this week.

A Fair Policy?

If you serve at the will and pleasure of an elected official in Hinds County or the state, you have signed on for a job without protection if you are fired.

Clones Take Lieutenant Governor's Race

The race for lieutenant governor consists of only two serious candidates this year—both Republicans: state Treasurer Tate Reeves and Gulfport Sen. Billy Hewes.

2011 Voter Guide

With state primary elections on Aug. 2, the general election on Nov. 8 and national elections in 2012, it is important to know when, where and how to vote. Read on to learn more about how you can help change society with your choices.

Challenging No-Bid Contracts

Ron Williams, 52, is a Republican candidate for governor and a vocal critic of what he claims to be state agencies' preferential treatment of contractors who donate to politicians.

Modern Woman

Take a visit to Vikki Mumford's campaign website for Hinds County Circuit Clerk, and you get the feeling that she isn't messing around. To demonstrate her tech-savvy abilities, Mumford's website includes video, audio endorsements and a side-by-side comparison of her and her opponent, Barbara Dunn.

Running for Supervisor

by Adam Lynch

Doug Anderson

Lady with a Plan

Peggy Hobson-Calhoun is quick to talk about her accomplishments over the last 19 years as a Hinds County supervisor. She began her term as the county's first elected female supervisor in 1992, and since then has made the county's infrastructure and economy her top priorities.

Williams: Politicians Benefit from Contracts

Ron Williams, 52, is a Republican candidate for governor and a vocal critic of what he claims to be state agencies' preferential treatment of contractors who donate to politicians.

Why the PSC Race Matters

Few people attend the monthly meetings of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, outside of utility company officials and their host of attorneys. Generally, when the talk is about electricity, gas or telecommunications, eyes glaze over.

Megan Voos

Almost eight years ago, Megan Voos found herself at a crossroads. She finished a lengthy term as a youth pastor in the San Francisco Bay area but was unsure of what to do next. Then, a friend's 8-year-old child told her, "You should move to Mississippi with us." She gave it a try, planning to stay for one year. The city of Jackson captured her heart.

Blogs

Video