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Several Independents Running for Jackson Mayor
Next Tuesday, June 2, Jacksonians will go to the polls once again, this time for the general elections and all the marbles in the races for mayor and council seats. Former Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., who won the Democratic runoff election May 19, will face four Independent candidates:
Barbour Hosts Small Business Forum
Gov. Haley Barbour will host a small business forum at the Jackson Convention Complex tomorrow from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. The topic of the forum will include how health care and energy affect small business, reports WAPT.
This Weekend: Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs' Memorial
The 45th Annual Mississippi Martyrs' Memorial Service and Conference takes place this Saturday and Sunday in Neshoba County. A one-mile "March for Justice" kicks off the event, in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King's 1966 march in Philadelphia. The march begins at 10 a.m. at the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church on Carver Avenue, and ends, as it did 43 years ago, with a rally at the Neshoba County Courthouse.
Nissan to Expand Canton Plant
Despite declining auto sales worldwide, Nissan announced plans today to expand its Canton, Miss. plant to produce a new commercial vehicle, according to a release:
Tornados Result in One Death
Eugene Dixon Jr., 36, of D'Iberville drowned around 2:30 a.m. when flood waters swamped his vehicle. Police discovered his body hundreds of yards from the vehicle, reports the Sun Herald.
Weekend Happenings
Save Saturday night for the animals at Jackson Zoo's annual Zoo Party. This year's theme is "Malaysian Magic," and proceeds from the event go to the restorations and expansion of the zoo's Asian area. This year's co-hosts are the JFP's own Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer. A dozen of Jackson's finest restaurants will be serving their best; True to Life will be providing the tunes, and between the silent auction and raffle, you're sure to take home a treasure.
FBI: Crime Dropped Nationwide in 2008
The FBI released its Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report on Monday, stating that violent crimes dropped by 2.5 percent nationwide, and non-violent property crimes saw a 1.6 percent decline last year. Overall, this is the second consecutive annual drop in the crimes reported.
Fiat Signs Deal with Chrysler
When the US Supreme Court told plaintiffs yesterday that they did not prove the court needed to intervene, they removed the final obstacle for the company's partial sale to Italian automaker Fiat. This morning, the deal was signed, giving new life to the storied American brand.
Court to Rehear Seale Case Thursday
See full JFP coverage of the Dee-Moore case.
Legislators Honor Lasalle
The Mississippi Legislature honored soul singer and Belzoni native Denise Lasalle today with a "resolution saying she had made a 'lasting impact' on rhythm and blues music," according to the Associated Press.
Johnson May Pull the Plug on ‘First 48'
Also see: JFP June 10, 2009 Editorial: 'First 48': This Is Transparency?
Health Department Prepares for Swine Flu Vaccine
Every year, about 36,000 Americans die of flu-related complications, according the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. This year, swine flu joins the more common, older flu strains that become more prevalent during the school year, when spreading illness becomes a bigger issue. The CDC has announced development of a swine flu vaccine, and the Mississippi Department of Health is getting ready to provide flu shots beginning sometime in October, reports the Sun Herald.
Budget Shortfalls Greater than Anticipated
Mississippi Legislators are on their way back to Jackson to begin the extended 2009 session that kicks off tomorrow. Topic No. 1 on the agenda is the state's budget for 2010.
Supreme Court Disbars Former D.A. Peters
The Mississippi Supreme Court has permanently disbarred former Hinds District Attorney Ed Peters by accepting the law license he turned over to the Mississippi Bar Association in January. Peter's action cames as a result of an ethics complaint against him. Bar General Counsel Adam Kilgore told the Jackson Free Press earlier this year that Peters turning in his license amounts to an admission of guilt.
House Approves Draft Budget
The Mississippi House passed the first draft of the $5 billion state budget for the coming year on Tuesday, according to an AP report appearing on News Channel 3, WREG Web site.
Second Special Session Starts Friday
Gov. Haley Barbour plans to call a second special session of the Mississippi Legislature for Friday, reports NEMS360. The session, which will begin at 10 a.m., will deal with funding for the Public Service Commission and the Public Utilities staff.
Town Hall Meeting in Jackson Tonight
Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's Democratic congressman from the state's Second Congressional District, will host a town-hall meeting in Jackson tonight. The meeting, providing an opportunity for constituents to get their questions answered about the health-care reform measures being debated in the U.S. Congress, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Stringer Grand Lodge, 1072 J.R. Lynch St. in Jackson.
Governor Signs Jackson Sales Tax Bill
Wednesday evening, Gov. Haley Barbour signed SB 3268 into law. The bill authorizes the City of Jackson to impose a special 1 percent sales tax to raise much-needed revenue for police and fire protection, and road and sewer repairs.
City Council Forums Begin Tonight
Jackson ABC affiliate station, WAPT, is co-sponsoring several forums/debates for Jackson City Council candidates beginning tonight and running through April 30. The schedule, according to the WAPT Web site is:
Thompson Schedules Health-Care Town Hall Meetings
In an effort to give Mississippians an opportunity to discuss the proposed health care reforms currently under debate in the U.S. Congress, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of the state's 2nd Congressional District has scheduled a town-hall meeting in Jackson. The Aug. 24 meeting will be held at the Stringer Grand Lodge, 1072 J.R. Lynch St. in Jackson, starting at 6:30 p.m.