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Jackson has Lowest Average Gas Price

In a survey of gasoline prices released by the company Lundberg Survey earlier this week, Jacksonians currently pay the lowest prices at the pumps, nationwide. With the average price across the country at $2.49 a gallon, capital city drivers are paying around $2.22.

House Passes Jackson Sales Tax Increase

The Mississippi Legislature has passed a bill designed to give the city of Jackson additional funds for road repair and additional police and fire fighters.

FEMA Extends Housing Deadline

March 1 was to be the deadline when victims of Hurricane Katrina had to leave the temporary housing provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. After nearly five years, some 2,500 people on the Mississippi coast still call FEMA trailers "home."

Ole Miss Tweets for Energy Savings

The University of Mississippi—Ole Miss—has teamed with Jackson company SmartSynch as part of its "Red, Blue and Green" initiative, moving the university toward energy sustainability, which includes water and energy conservation, waste minimization, recycling and more. SmartSynch is in the process of connecting their "smart" meters with social networking tools, including Twitter, Facebook and RSS, to allow the school to monitor and analyze energy consumption, providing a basis for changing behavior and realizing energy savings.

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Bell Denies Responsibility

Robbie Bell says she was not home on Trawick Drive when her son, George Bell III, raped and then bludgeoned Mary Heather Spencer with a flashlight the night of Sept. 10, 2007. So says her response to Linda Francomb's lawsuit, filed July 23.

State Unemployment Tops 10 Percent

More than one out of every 10 Mississippians was officially unemployed in July—138,100 individuals—according to new data released by the state Department of Employment Security, with the state's unadjusted rate hitting 10.5 percent. Three counties reported jobless rates over 20 percent—Jefferson, Holmes and Clay—while two others pushed toward that high-water mark. Claiborne and Noxubee County reported a 19.1 percent and 19.5 percent unemployment rate, respectively.

Some Soldiers Ineligible for GI Benefits Under New Bill

For many people, having access to GI benefits after serving their country is a primary factor behind joining the service. But some guard members are finding out that they're not eligible because of a glitch in the new GI bill.

Barbour Signs Children First Act

Yesterday, Gov. Haley Barbour put his signature on Senate Bill 2628, also known as the Children First Act of 2009.

Mississippi Special Session Starts Friday

It's official: Gov. Haley Barbour has called state lawmakers back to Jackson for another special session to deal with the 2010 state budget. The session begins on Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m.

Cold Case Advocate to Meet with Holder

Alvin Sykes, longtime advocate for the victims of civil rights era cold cases, will meet with the nation's "top cop," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, to discuss the Department of Justice mandate to solve those cases and bring the killers to justice.

DeLaughter Trial Rescheduled

Federal District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson has granted a motion for continuance to suspended Hinds County Judge Bobby DeLaughter. The trial, originally scheduled to begin April 6, is now set for Aug. 17, 2009.

Filmmaker Grant Deadline Extended

The Mississippi Film and Video Alliance (MFVA) has extended the deadline for the Emerging Mississippi Filmmakers Grant program until March 27, 2009. The purpose of the grant is to help develop emerging Mississippi film/video artists as the next generation of Mississippi's legacy of storytelling.

Barbour Will Veto Eminent Domain Bill

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour will exercise his veto power today regarding eminent domain, reports WAPT.

Jackson Clinic on Alert

The Jackson Women's Health Organization is on high alert today after an assassin gunned down Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider in Kansas yesterday. The Jackson clinic is the only place in the state of Mississippi that provides legal abortions.

Governor Leads Southern Energy Conference

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour joins Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens today in Biloxi to lead a two day energy summit titled "Southern Energy: Abundant, Affordable and American." according to the Sun Herald. At the same time, the Southern Growth Policies Board, chaired by Barbour, meets regarding energy-related economic development.

Extreme Makeover Coming to Jackson

Producers of the ABC television show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," are seeking deserving Jackson families to feature on the show. To be eligible, a family must own their single family home and be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives.

Jackson Police Arrested City Employee at Parade

During Saturday's Mal's St Paddy's Parade in downtown Jackson, one of the seven people arrested was a city employee with close ties to Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, reports WAPT:

New "Dirty Dozen" Foods List Published

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing useful information and resources to consumers, has published their fifth edition of the now-classic "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides."

Daniel McMullen

Eighteen-year FBI veteran Daniel McMullen is the new special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI's Jackson Division, moving from his most recent position in Los Angeles where he was SAC for criminal matters. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller appointed McMullen to replace SAC Frederick T. Brink, who recently retired.

Jackson Zoo Debuts Baby Chimp, MoJo

Beginning today at 1 p.m., visitors to the Jackson Zoo will be able to see its newest addition, a male chimpanzee named MoJo, born March 8. Mojo has been indoors with his mother, Missy, since his birth.