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Drastic Change
A working mother of five children, Monique Davis has been both a have and a have-not. When her husband worked for Verizon in Washington, D.C., the entire family received health coverage through his union, the Communications Workers of America.
There's Oil In Them Trees
In a special session Aug. 27, the Mississippi Legislature passed a $45 million bond issue that will allow the state to loan $75 million to KiOR, a Houston-based startup that converts biomass into a crude-oil substitute.
UMMC Unveils Obesity Center
Visitors to the Jackson Convention Center during last week's Global Obesity Summit could be forgiven for a little mirthless laughter.
Pearl River-Related Bills
Legislators introduced a number of bills during this year's legislative session that would have had some bearing on Pearl River flood control, although a few of the measures are dead.
A Sordid History: Manhunt Leader Has History of Violence
The man who allegedly led a group of armed white citizens assisting in a search for a black burglary suspect in Sumner had a history of taking the law into his own hands.
A Delta Manhunt, With Booze and Guns
Federal authorities are investigating an Aug. 20 incident in which armed white citizens, using a military vehicle, helped search for an unarmed black burglary suspect in the Delta.
Melton Faces Cop's Suit
Fresh off an announcement of his re-election campaign, Mayor Frank Melton received two signs last week that his legal woes are not over. Jackson police officer Robert Watts filed a civil suit March 3 in Hinds County Circuit Court alleging that Melton had him transferred after he cooperated with the FBI in Melton's federal case.
Deuce Faces Drug Suspension
New Orleans Saints running back and Jackson businessman Deuce McAllister faces a possible four-game suspension for testing positive for Bumetanide, a drug on the NFL's list of banned substances. The drug is a powerful diuretic that professional athletes sometimes use to lose weight, but it can also be used to mask the presence of steroids and other drugs.
‘Where the Glitch Is'
Bill Gowan wants to make his temporary post on the Hinds County Circuit Court more permanent. Currently serving as a special circuit judge, Gowan hears serious drug and violent-crime cases investigated and prosecuted by the Jackson Enforcement Team, a federally funded program.
Providing Structure
Bill Skinner didn't expect to be a youth court judge. A former Jackson police officer and Hinds County Justice Court judge, Skinner wanted to hear adult criminal cases when he won a seat on the Hinds County Court in 2006, but senior county court Judge Houston Patton assigned him to the youth court.
Medicaid Deal Just In Time
State legislators were poised to pass a Medicaid agreement Tuesday evening, ending a months-long impasse over funding and removing the last major obstacle to a state budget, one day before a new fiscal year began.
Feds to Scrutinize State Stimulus Spending
Federal officials will train a close eye on how Mississippi spends its share of the federal stimulus package.
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.
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.
Melton Trial Delayed, 'Evil Intent' Issue Back
A federal judge has postponed the mayor and his bodyguard's trial for two months. What issues are on the table?
‘Always a Coach'
It's not hard to tell that Brent Southern is a coach. Peppering his conversation with phrases like "when the whistle blows" and "read all the angles," the attorney describes the Hinds County Court position he is seeking as a coaching job—rewarding but with long hours.
Young Gun: Toby Barker
At 28, Toby Barker first-term representative, looks closer in age to the blue-blazered pages ferrying bills across the House floor than he to some of the more grizzled legislators around him.
Traversing the Merit-Pay Thicket
Over the next five years, Oak Forest Elementary School will be on the vanguard of a nationwide experiment in school reform. The south Jackson school is one of 10 in Mississippi chosen to participate in a pilot program that will change the way the teachers are paid.
Money Games
Mississippi leaders experienced a rare moment of agreement last month on the frequently rancorous topic of education funding.
Generator Mix-Up Could Cost $25,000
A mix-up between contractors and Hinds County officials could cost county taxpayers $25,000. The county enlisted Kossen Equipment Inc. in December 2009 to install an emergency electric generator for a radio communications tower near Terry and Springridge roads in Byram.