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Feds to Scrutinize State Stimulus Spending
Federal officials will train a close eye on how Mississippi spends its share of the federal stimulus package.
Bond Commission Grants City's $6 million Bond
The standoff between the city of Jackson and members of the State Bond Commission over $6 million in interest-free loans for city water infrastructure repairs seemingly has ended.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Rick Whitlow
Former Houston Rocket Rick Whitlow has had his fingers in a little bit of everything. Whitlow made a name for himself as a TV and radio news and sports personality in Jackson. These days the insurance agent maintains a presence in the community, and has worked as executive director of the SafeCity Watch.
After the Storm
Reacting to skyrocketing post-Katrina insurance costs on the coast, the Legislature passed HB 1500, which bolsters the state's Wind Pool Insurance Association by $20 million. The money is collected from taxes on statewide insurance premiums.
Wildlife at Risk
Because of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast, 33 National Wildlife Refuges are currently at risk. The spill in the Gulf has affected more than 65 miles of shoreline, and threatened 400 species of wildlife.
JPD Goes Reality TV
Jackson's 14 homicide detectives are about to get a taste of the limelight. As early as next month, field producers for the cop show "The First 48" will begin following the Jackson Police Department for its reality TV depiction of murder investigations. The city's legal department is currently finalizing a one-year contract with the show, after City Council approved JPD's participation last week.
Minor Bribery Conviction Overturned
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals partially overturned the convictions of Mississippi attorney Paul Minor and former judges John Whitfield and Walter "Wes" Teel.
Another Reprieve for Pallets
The Jackson Historic Preservation Commission voted Tuesday to save A-1 Pallets on Mill Street from city wrecking balls.
Convention Center At Risk?
In 1995, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and local business leaders managed to convince legislators to authorize more than $17 million to build the Telecommunications and Conferencing Center, now due for a ribbon-cutting in a couple of weeks on Pascagoula Street. Johnson had fought to promote the idea of the Telecommunications Center to the state Legislature, which often shied away from dispensing money for capital city projects. The project began with numerous false starts, including stalls over the building's location. One failed proposal suggested using the dilapidated King Edward Hotel as the home of the center.
City Faces More Budget Woes?
The Jackson City Council agreed to transfer $250,000 in forfeited drug money to the police department's budget in a Dec. 18 meeting. The money will finance uniforms, generators for precincts, police gear and an attorney who will provide legal representation "directly to the police department," according to Administration Director Rick Hill.
Recycling Crime
U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate has put the clamps on an effort to change a new state law regulating the metal-recycling industry. The law specifically demands scrap buyers keep all scrap purchases on their property for three days, so authorities can check it as potentially stolen merchandise.
Mayor Presents Budget Revisions
After months of delays, the mayor's administration finally handed over budget revisions to address the city's $3.9 million budget shortfall.
She's Got A New Attitude
In a surprising move last week, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck stepped away from her usual role as the governor's mouthpiece to come out in favor of a cigarette tax.
Stokes Delays ‘Slumlord' Ordinance
Members of neighborhood advocacy group Mississippi ACORN are growing impatient with City Council's decision to postpone a vote on a proposed rental housing ordinance.
The Millennials' First Recession
The financial crisis is blowing toward Jackson, and the Millennial generationpeople ages 18 through 29is taking notice.
BREAKING: GOP Rift Hurts Hinds Primaries
Hinds County Republican Party Chairman Pete Perry said a rift between his administration and that of his predecessor, Ken Avery, complicated the Aug. 7 primary with staff shortages, long waits and some crossover voting.
Stokes: A Bought Man?
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton assured council members Monday that Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes would support placing Leland Speed in an unpaid consultant position with the Jackson Redevelopment Authority despite Stokes' contentious relationship with Speed.
A Broken System Expands
Hinds County Supervisors surprised some onlookers at the Aug. 7 supervisors' meeting by producing more money for the Raymond Detention Center. Supervisors voted 4-to-1 to approve $481,000 to expand the recreation yards at Raymond, with only Doug Anderson voting no. Supervisors hope the expansion will meet national standards on recreational space and allow a higher inmate count, possibly bringing in 132 extra beds.
Contractor, State Trade Blows
The State of Mississippi wants Hinds County Chancery Court Judge William Singletary to dismiss a suit launched against it by multi-national corporation Utility Management Corp.
GO Zone Deadlines Coming and Going
Local governments in southern and central Mississippi must begin using federal funds for disaster recovery by the end of the year, according to Gov. Haley Barbour. Barbour recently sent a letter to the 39 cities and counties that received a combined $41 million in GO Zone Community Revitalization grants, setting a Jan. 1 deadline for projects to start.