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Barbour Cheers Economy, Chides Obama
In his final State of the State address yesterday, Gov. Haley Barbour offered optimism about Mississippi's economic recovery, as well as criticism of President Barack Obama and the federal government. Citing a string of new manufacturing projects in the state, Barbour said the state is "well prepared to make a major leap forward."
Former Inmate: Youth Prison Was Hell
The Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility is failing to rehabilitate and is actually endangering the lives of its juvenile inmates, advocates and former inmates told state lawmakers today. Members of the House Juvenile Justice Committee heard a litany of complaints against the state-funded, privately operated prison, ranging from inadequate educational services to misconduct and physical abuse by prison staff.
New Openings; Fondren Parade Planning
The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership will celebrate the grand opening of Paco's Margaritas Mexican Grille at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13. The restaurant is located at 6340 Ridgewood Court Drive in Jackson and is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday 11 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 601-487-8388.
Pickering Seeks 2011 Re-election
State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that he will run for re-election in 2011. Pickering, who won the auditor's post in 2007, succeeding Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, was among a handful of politicians considered potential candidates for lieutenant governor.
‘It's Like A Dream': Scott Sisters Celebrate Freedom
Also see: Let My Daughters Go
Blues Marathon Growing Boon for City
When 2,000 people swarm Jackson streets tomorrow morning, they'll be bringing dollars and a growing sense of prestige to the city. Saturday's Mississippi Blues Marathon is only the fourth year for this event, but it represents a long evolution.
Scott Sisters To Be Released Today
Also see: Let My Daughters Go
Scott Sisters Story Goes Viral
After languishing in obscurity for 16 years, the story of imprisoned sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott received its 15 minutes on the national stage last week after Gov. Haley Barbour ordered their life sentences indefinitely suspended.
2011 Mississippi Legislative Preview
The Mississippi Legislature returned Jan. 4, and many legislators are not looking forward to the kind of cuts facing state departments. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is looking at a shortfall of more than $30 million this year, which could easily mean the closing of some mental-health institutions in the state, delivering more mental-health patients into county jails and state prisons.
A More Collegial Council
At 33, Marcus Ward is already a veteran of Jackson city politics. From 2005 to 2009, he served as chief of staff and director of intergovernmental relations under former Mayor Frank Melton. Now he is considering a run for the Ward 1 City Council seat, which Jeff Weill is vacating to become a Hinds County Circuit judge.
Solar Panel Plant To Open; New Downtown Cafe
A California solar panel company plans to build a new production facility in Hattiesburg, Gov. Haley Barbour announced today. The company, Stion, produces high-efficiency thin-film solar panels at its headquarters in San Diego. Barbour called on the Mississippi Legislature, which convenes today, to pass a $75 million loan, along with other tax and workforce-training incentives, to facilitate the project.
Mississippi Art Funds Under Knife
State funding for the arts will likely drop next year, but grants to artists will remain largely the same, said Mississippi Arts Commission Executive Director Malcolm White today.
The Year In News
This year will be over in a few hours. Here's a look back on some of the big news events of 2010 in Jackson and Mississippi.
Kidney Not Sole Condition for Sister's Release
UPDATED: This story has been updated to reflect information from the NAACP's press conference this morning.
Barbour Suspends Scott Sisters' Sentences
cover story on the Scott sisters
Hayne Reviewing Hinds Autopsy
Steven Hayne may have built a name--and notoriety--for himself with prosecution-friendly autopsy testimony, but it was a defense request that may bring him into a Jackson murder case as an independent expert.
JFP Freelancer of the Month: Bryan Flynn
A layoff became an opportunity for Bryan Flynn to do what he loves. Two years ago, Flynn, 33, lost his job as a grocery manager for Walmart. With his wife's encouragement, Flynn started playtowinthegame.com, a website for his musings and analysis of professional and college sports. Since August, Flynn has been a regular freelance contributor to the Jackson Free Press.
Bodega Opening; Unemployment Slightly Up
Residents of downtown Jackson will soon have an option for grocery shopping nearby. Bodega, a combination grocery store and deli, is set to open by Thursday of this week, co-owner Gwin Wyatt told the Jackson Free Press today.
More Room At the Inn
While plans for a convention-center hotel remain in limbo, downtown Jackson is seeing plenty of hotel development on a smaller scale. Last week, a team of developers that included several Jackson businessmen presented the Jackson Redevelopment Authority with their vision for a 100- to 130-room hotel and residential building at Court and Lamar streets.
Digital Divide
As omnipresent as the Internet has become in most people's lives, the "digital divide" separating those with regular, fast Internet access and those without persists. By the mid-1990s, the "digital divide" had become a concern for policy makers.