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Clarion-Ledger Publisher Explains 20 Layoffs

Following a directive from its corporate owner, Gannett, The Clarion-Ledger laid off 20 people Thursday—7 percent off its already-depleted staff—in addition to freezing the positions open from recent resignations. Three of those positions were in the newsroom, a source inside the paper tells the Jackson Free Press.

Sen. John Horhn to Announce Run for Mayor Friday

[Verbatim statement] December 31, 2008, Jackson, Mississippi - John Horhn will announce his candidacy for Mayor of Jackson on Friday, January 2, 2009, at 12:00 noon at the corner of Raymond Road and McDowell Road in Jackson. Horhn's campaign will focus on economic development, housing and community development, education, crime, and replenishing the city's infrastructure. He plans to conduct a series of town-hall-style meetings for the purpose of listening directly to citizens' concerns and desires for Jackson's future.

DA Re-Indicts; Defense Alleges Bad Cop Work

This is an updated version of a story originally published July 4, 2008.

JUST IN: Wilson Pleads Guilty to Murder in Teen Death

More details as they develop ...

Toice Wilson today pled guilty to murder in Hinds County Circuit Court after the prosecution refused his request yesterday to plead guilty to manslaughter in the beating death of Tawana Sandifer, 15. Judge Swan Yerger than sentenced him to life in prison.

Domestic Violence Expert on Radio JFP

Sandy Middleton, director of the Center for Violence Prevention, will join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer today—Friday, Nov. 30—at noon on WLEZ-FM 103.7. In the wake of another domestic murder of a young woman, allegedly by her by-then-ex-boyfriend, we will discuss the horrifying issue of domestic abuse and violence in Mississippi, one of the most deadly states for women. The show streams live at http://www.wlezfm.com; we will post an audio file later today. Please join us, and post questions and comments under this post during the show.

Johnson Says Data Prove Crime Dropped While Mayor

Verbatim from Harvey Johnson:

JACKSON, Miss. (May 4, 2009) – Harvey Johnson, Jr. will attend The SafeCity Take a Tasty Bite Out of Crime event this evening at Highland Village. Johnson is committed to making Jackson safe for all citizens as a part of his vision for the City and has said that creating a Crime Victims Unit will be a central element of his plan to reduce crime. Johnson offers the following data to support his record as being the only candidate to actually deliver on his promise to reduce crime in Jackson.

Jury Complaint: ‘Curious and Serious' Development

- Listen to MC law professor Matt Steffey on today's events

Delbert Tries to Hose More Felon Voters?

[verbatim statement from Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann]Jackson, MS—Our current Constitution excludes certain felons from having the right to vote. These include criminals convicted of murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, false pretense, purgery, forgery, embezzlement or bigotry. Yet, there are hundreds of other felonies in which the right to vote is not taken away. The Mississippi Legislature has begun to debate this issue.

Big Fix Rig Needs Cats to Spay This Week

If you have a cat that needs to be fixed—you know who you are—the Big Rig Fix is doing low-cost spays and neuters in Jackson five days a month, and are in town this week (May 1-3) with not enough cats to fix. They can do up to 40 cats a day, and right now only have six scheduled for Saturday, and none for the other days.

Willie Morris Library Opens Today

The brand spanking new Willie Morris branch of the Jackson-Hinds Public Library opens today at 10 a.m. at 4912 Old Canton Road. Willie's wife (and JFP senior editor) JoAnne Prichard Morris will be in attendance at the dedication ceremony, as will his son, David Rae Morris.

Melton Back In Hospital

[Verbatim from city] Mayor Frank E. Melton was admitted to the hospital after a routine checkup revealed that minor surgery was needed to correct a complication. The Mayor is expected to remain out of the office for the remainder of the week to recuperate.

NEW Online Petition: Support Local Media Now!

We have just posted an online petition where you can sign on—and choose to have an e-mail sent directly to the management of the Clarion-Ledger, telling them that you value independent media and do not appreciate how they have tried to control our distribution. Thanks for your support!

Gannett v. Local Media; What You Can Do

Extra, extra! The JFP's Goliath Blog launches, as the independent media's battle against the Gannett Corp. is heating up. Jackson media are reporting and analyzing the scheme, and media consumers are weighing in to support local media. Read and view the link WLBT story and video. View results of WLBT poll here (as of May 20, running 76 percent against Gannett).

Middleton and Ladd Discuss Chick Ball on WLBT

More information here on the 2008 Chick Ball.

Sandy Middleton, the director of the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl, and JFP editor Donna Ladd will appear on WLBT's noon show Tuesday to talk about the 4th Annual JFP Chick Ball on July 19 that will benefit the center's work in helping victims of family violence. This year, the Chick Ball is trying to raise enough money to buy the center a "freedom van"—a new van in which they can transport the families in need. Members of the public can donate cash to the center, prizes and gift certificates for the silent auction, or donate time to help with the Chick Ball. (Just Monday, a $3,000 check arrived in the mail from a local businesswoman.)

We Have a Dream ... Still

Today, the official Martin Luther King Jr. day, is a great day to watch and hear Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Enjoy.

Obama Signs Order to Close Gitmo; End Torture

The New York Times is reporting:

Honoring Dr. King: Toward Justice in Mississippi

Jacksonian Martha Bergmark, who runs the Mississippi Center for Justice here, has an inspiring call to action (especially for social-justice attorneys) printed at MSNBC.com/Newsweek today, in honor of Dr. King's birthday today:

Crossroads Festival Winners Announced

Monday update: We're pleased to announce that "Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?" won the Audience Choice Award this year.

CBS Poll: Obama Won Undecided Voters in Debate

Per Mark Ambinder at The Atlantic:

CAUTION: More Pet Food Recalled

Del Monte is now on the list of recalled pet food. The long list now includes Pounce Cat Treats, Meaty Morsels and Jerky Dog Treats.