Barbour Announces Alternative Coast Housing
[verbatim statement] Governor Haley Barbour today announced additional information regarding the state's Alternative Housing Pilot Program that was granted more than $280 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Under this plan some FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes would be replaced with more sustainable alternative housing, which Mississippi's plan identifies as Park Models, Mississippi Cottages, and Green Mobile units. The Governor's Office is hosting meetings this week with local and state officials of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties concerning the program.
Why Won't Ledge Identify Press Releases!?!
OK, this practice has long bugged me, but now it's really driving me crazy. Now that The Clarion-Ledger is turning its newspaper into "information centers," they are posting press releases throughout the day under the header "breaking news headlines," with a few actual news updates mixed in. OK, that's tricky enough, but when you click to the press releases, they do nothing to actually tell readers that they are press releases. They don't say "verbatim," they don't mark them "press release." They just post them with a byline that reads: "The Clarion-Ledger." No, it's not written by "The Clarion-Ledger"; it's written by a PR flack and then pasted in. I don't have a problem with them posting releases (if they actually have substance or relevance), but why the deception on the fact that they are just press releases!?! This is about as far from good, or civic, journalism as you can get. Do they think we're idiots out here?
Democrats May Deny Funds for Iraq Surge
The Associated Press is reporting: In a blunt warning to the White House, congressional Democrats said Monday they may seek to deny funds for the type of short-term troop buildup that President Bush is expected to announce for Iraq Wednesday night. As Democrats began their first full week in the congressional majority, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would "look at everything" to wind down the war effort, short of cutting off support for troops already deployed.
Juvenile Justice Group Applauds Edmonds Decision
Following is a verbatim release appauding the Mississippi Supreme Court's decision to order a new trial in the murder conviction of then-13-year-old Tyler Edmonds, accused of helping his half-sister pull the trigger to help kill her husband. Notice the part where the state medical examiner determined that two fingers pulled the trigger—although the murder rifle was never recovered. Hmmm.
Monticello Mayor: No Payments for Jackson
Mayor Dave Nichols II of Monticello has a letter in The Clarion-Ledger today opposing the move to pass a PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) bill for the capital city. It reads in part:
Jackson Gets New FBI Head
... and he seems to have a pretty impressive resume. Bets are that he'll stay busy in these parts:
Fred Brink, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and 21-year FBI veteran, today was named the new special agent in charge of the FBI's Jackson Division. Brink is coming to Mississippi from his post as special agent in charge of the FBI's special operations division in New York. Link
Rep. Leonard Morris Out of Surgery, Still Critical
The Associated Press is reporting: State Rep. Leonard Morris, D-Batesville, remained in critical condition Friday, a day after having kidney surgery. A spokeswoman for the University of Mississippi Medical Center said a tumor was removed. Lawmakers who had spoken with Morris before the surgery said the whole kidney was supposed to be taken out, but it was unclear whether that was done. The hospital would not release more information without the family's consent. [...]
Wired Bloggers Picking Apart Jackson Spycopter
After the JFP's Adam Lynch wrote the only article that actually raised questions about Jackson's new helicopter, apparently purchased by Jim Barksdale and flown by his business partner's son, Coyt Bailey, a Wired magazine blogger picked up our story. Now, the citizen journalists over there are picking it apart, raising some very intriguing questions. Be sure to note the FAA regulations that they're discussing. Please post any comments under Adam's original story so the Wired bloggers can see them, too.
Barbour Doesn't Support Minimum Wage
No kidding, eh? Check out his reasoning, as reported by The Clarion-Ledger today:
The Ugly Death of Saddam Hussein
The New York Times is editorializing today about the gruesome way that Saddam Hussein was executed—and what that means for both the U.S.' reputation and the Iraqi people:
Bill Minor on the Willie Morris Library
I just ran into Mr. Minor's column about the Willie Morris library dedication. And I'm honored that he repeated what I told him at the dedication in it. The Jackson Free Press is also honored that Mr. Minor has offered us the use of his long-time desk in the media room in the Capitol this legislative session. We'll do our best to deserve to sit in it!
Where the 'Southern Strategy' Belongs
You have to watch closely, or you might not pay any mind to earth-shattering statements heard these days in Mississippi. For instance: "Mississippi will not take a back seat to anyone. We've made progress, and we're going to show it to the world."
Americans Want Higher Minimum Wage, Stem-Cell Research
The Associated Press is reporting that as Democrats take over Congress this week, a large majority of Americans are supporting the party's primary goals:
AAN Awards Diversity Grant to Melishia Grayson
The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies announced today that JFP intern and columnist Melishia Grayson is the recipient of a 2007 diversity grant. Melishia will report, write and blog 20 hours a week for the JFP, focusing on state and city issues. She will be part of the JFP's expanded legislative team at the State Capitol for the 2007 legislative session. Melishia is a 2005 graduate of Lanier High School where she was student body president. She is now a Jackson State University sophomore studying mass communications. This is the third diversity grant the JFP has received from AAN; the first two went to Ayana Taylor, a graduate of Tougaloo College and now a contributing editor of the JFP, and photographer/filmmaker Thabi Moyo, a graduate of Howard University who now works with the Crossroads Film Festival and the Canton film office.
A ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission' for Mississippi?
What do y'all think?
Rev. Ross Olivier of Galloway mentioned an article written recently by my former professor and mentor Howard Ball about the need to establish a "Truth and Reconcolition Commission" here. I hadn't seen the piece; here it is. (And thanks to Dr. Ball for quoting me and the JFP in the piece.
Legislature to Pass MAEP Today?
More details as they develop ...
The word out of the Capitol is that the Legislature's first order of business today—the first day of the 2007 session—is to pass the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. This would be a major victory for public-education propopents who have fought Gov. Haley Barbour and his legislative followers tooth and nail to get MAEP fully funded.
Melton's Bahamas Trip Still Haunting Him
How 'bout them apples? (And what a testament to the puzzle a couple of blog entries can unlock!)
Remember way back on March 3 when we first told Jackson on a JFP blog posting that Melton seemed to be bound for the Bahamas right in the midst of all his drama about catching Vidal "The Most Dangerous Man in Jackson" Sullivan? (A roommate of a staffer was on a plane with him to Dallas and called us from the airport there; then a person with the city told us he was headed to the Bahamas, thus setting off this whole travel-gate narrative.) The Clarion-Ledger did a good job of follow-up that weekend and found him in a hotel in the Bahamas with his two bodyguards. Then he told a Ledger reporter he would "cream" her if she did the story. Well, now the story is back on the front page of the Ledger because Melton threatened to expose City Council travel expenses after they challenged his unauthorized temporary employees this month. And guess what? His travel expenses are the most expensive—and he seems to have never reimbursed the city for his bodyguards' ritzy stay in the Bahamas.
President Ford: Iraqi War, WMD Story a ‘Mistake"
Bob Woodward did an interview with President Ford in 2004 that was embargoed by the former president until after his death. It is published today in the Washington Post, along with recordings:
AG: ‘Sneaky' Insurance Cos. Wrong to Delay Katrina Suits
[Verbatim statement from Jim Hood] "State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, Farm Bureau, USAA, and Nationwide have caused many people on our Coast to wait a year and three months for a decision on the validity of the water exclusionary clause. Now, thanks to Judge Senter, a second federal judge has agreed with me and told the insurance companies that they were wrong in trying to delay the case in federal court. I have been in discussions with several of these companies with the aim of trying to resolve these issues without the expense and time of litigation and I am hopeful that other companies will come forward and do what is right toward the policy holders. I urge every policyholder and insurance agent in Mississippi to call or email their insurance company and tell them to work with us on a settlement to help our fellow Mississippians on our Coast!
Sen. Horhn Announces Historic Pocahontas Rest Stop
[verbatim statement] Dec. 28, 2006—Eight years of effort finally paid off. State Senator John Horhn announced today that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has allocated $1.9 Million and begun construction to reestablish a rest area on US Highway 49 just south of the Pocahontas Indian Mound. Benefiting both nearby residents and visitors, the facility will also boast an interpretive center, a small museum, picnic facilities and a jogging trail. Senator Horhn was aided in his efforts by residents of the Pocahontas Community Homeowners' Association.
Fraud, Katrina Contracts Could Waste $2 Billion
The Associated Press is reporting on staggering waste and loss of funds due to no-bid and fraudulent contracts, especially to Republican supporters, after Katrina, as well as how few minority-owned firms got contracts due to Bush's initial waiver of contracting requirements:
Nanny Hunt a ‘Slap' for African Americans
The New York Times has an interesting piece about the difficulties well-to-do African Americans can have getting quality child care in the U.S.:
Merry Christmas & Happy Kwanzaa from the JFP Staff
Todd, Donna, Stephen, Renee, Jakob, Darren, Brian, Natalie, Adam, JoAnne, Herman, Ronni, Casey, Pat, Korey and the other JFP contributors wish you all a safe and thoughtful Christmas and Kwanzaa week. May you all experience peace and prosperity in the new year.
Fired Principal Alleges JPS Supe Sexually Harassed Him
WAPT is reporting: Jackson Public Schools has fired the principal of Chastain Middle School on Wednesday morning, citing missing money and poor performance. But Principal Michael Ellis said he was dismissed for another reason. Ellis filed a complaint that Superintendent Earl Watkins made unwanted sexual advances to in the form of phone calls and text messages.
Gifts Losers Don't Give
It's only days until Christmas and—this is the point where a lot of people really screw up. If—like me—you haven't quite finished your shopping (or started), you might be tempted to run to a mall and grab anything that looks like a gift. Don't. This is how people end up with useless appliances and way too many golf accessories they'll never use.
At Least I Know I'm Free
I had a religious experience in Hal & Mal's the other night.
Jill Conner Browne: Victory on Toys for Katrina Kids!
Our good friend Jill Conner Browne just sent this update out to her list about how efforts of many of you and others are making a big difference in the lives of kids on the Coast this Christmas. She sent out a plea for toys that we posted a couple weeks ago. Bless everyone in Jackson and beyond who helped out.
This is a NEWS Headline, Ledger?!?
Look at the kind of crap that is helping beef up the "news headlines" over on Gannett's local "information center," now that the Ledger is, uh, moving beyond the idea of doing newspapers. Folks, this is a press release posted verbatim in the breaking news area—and note that it is not tagged as a press release or a "statement" or as quoted "verbatim," as we do when we put press releases (about important stuff, but I quibble) in the Noise section.
Loome: Politicians Misrepresenting MAEP Formula
[Verbatim from Nancy Loome] There has been a good deal of political posturing surrounding the Mississippi Department of Education's announcement of the updated MAEP figures. Rest assured that the negative comments you hear are, indeed, political posturing. The final projected MAEP costs were approved this morning (Friday, December 15, 2006) by the State Board of Education. Those figures came in at approximately $33-million below the Department of Education's initial estimate (about a 1% difference in the education budget).
Supreme Court: City Can't Call Duplex a ‘Drughouse'
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that the Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld the order that city officials cannot refer to the Ridgeway Street duplex, allegedly demolished by Mayor Frank Melton and his entourage, as a "drughouse." The decision is a blow to the defense, which is trying to defend the mayor and his bodyguards' actions by claiming that the private home was a "drughouse" or a "crackhouse."
Rev. Ross Olivier, Jesse Robinson on Radio JFP Friday
Tune in Friday (Dec. 15) at noon for the second beta version of Radio JFP on WLEZ, 103.7 FM. We have amazing guests this week—Rev. Ross Olivier of Galloway Methodist and bluesman Jesse Robinson! Host Todd Stauffer, and guest hosts Donna Ladd and Brian Johnson, will discuss the latest news—yes, Melton will come up—and provide a weekly wrap-up of the news and a look-ahead to interesting events and music for each weekend—as well as play samples of songs of artists performing over the weekend. Be sure to tune in every Friday!
Melton Hires Judge Accused of Sexual Harassment
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting the latest chapter in "As the City Spins":
Jackson, We Still Have A Problem
It's been a tough week or so over at Frank Melton's house. First, we broke the news online on Dec. 4 that the young man he is accused of mentoring into helping destroy a Ridgeway Street duplex was arrested for armed carjacking (link). The last time Michael Taylor—who lived in Melton's home until a few weeks ago, was arrested, in late 2005, he was 16 and accused of robbing a barbershop at gunpoint. Then on Aug. 15, the mayor drew the felony for Taylor because investigators say Melton and his bodyguards told him to use a sledgehammer to destroy private property.
BREAKING: Another of Melton's ‘Boys' Arrested
WAPT is reporting that Jeremy Bibbs, who lives with Mayor Frank Melton when he is not in college, has been arrested for carrying a gun on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Junior College in Wesson, where he is a running back on the football team. Bibbs, who is being held at the Copiah County Detention Center, has lived with Melton since he was arrested for selling 3.9 grams of crack cocaine in August 2003. He is a former football star at Northwest Rankin High School.
Gannett Plans to Shrink Dailies; Target Older Folks
Interesting poop about the Gannett Co.'s plans for its daily newspapers. (Remember that Gannett owns The Clarion-Ledger.) It seems that they plan to shift their strategy from producing print newspapers and move more online into their "information centers." More interesting to me is their plans for their papers—shrink them and target older folks. (Isn't this happening already?)
Dailies Aren't Telling Citizens What They Need to Know
Ain't it the truth? We're surrounded by evidence of this problem, as discussed by Governing magazine. This is a good story, and very thought-provoking. It starts out:
Join the JFP for Southern Fried Karaoke Saturday
Join Donna and Todd for the third annual holiday edition of Southern Fried Karaoke this Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 9 p.m. in the Hal & Mal's restaurant. Good singers *more* than welcome. Bring your hats and other appropriate props; seasonal sparkles and sequins always welcome.
Judge Revokes Melton Teen's Bond
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Judge Swan Yerger has revoked the bond of Michael Taylor, a mentee and housemate of Mayor Frank Melton, in an armed robbery charge brought in late December 2005 because he is a danger to the community. The case has been on Yerger's docket for about a year and has not yet been brought to trial—and Taylor was allowed to stay free even after reports of his role in helping the Melton and his entourage commit felonies on Aug. 15. The Jackson Free Press broke the story on Dec. 4 that Taylor was arrested for an armed carjacking on Nov. 18 and is in the Hinds County Detention Center.
Silly Little Editorial About Melton in Ledger Today
It's really amusing to watch The Clarion-Ledger squirm over their annointed choice for mayor. Today, they start their hand-wringing editorial about Frank Melton with this:
Know a Jackson cartoonist who does strip called "Social"?
If so, we're looking for him. We have his portfolio, but no number, and really want to talk to him.
Please Help With Presents for Katrina Kids
Dec. 4, 2006—Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne just forwarded us this e-mail. Everyone, please do what you can to help these children get presents this year; drop-off info in Jackson and Oxford is included at the bottom:
Baker Report: Bush Iraq Policy ‘Not Working'
Now, here's a surprise. Bush and Cheney's Iraqi War has not worked. They have underreported the level of violence in Iraq. They need to try a bit of diplomacy. The situation is "sliding toward chaos." With 2,900 American troops dead, and tens of thousands of Iraqis killed in Bush's little "mission accomplished" foray, could we not have reached this conclusion a long time ago? This is infuriating. I'm so sick of morons and liars running our country (city and state, for that matter, but that's a different rant):
UPDATED: Ridgeway Minor Arrested for Armed Carjacking
Also see Schwindaman's cartoon story: Adventures of Above-the-Law Man!
What is Hampton TALKING About?!?
OK, The Ledger's David Hampton has really wigged out this time. In his column about crime today, he divides all of us Jacksonians into two offensive categories. Don't get too excited trying to figure out which of these extremes you fit into. Enjoy the money quotes:
David Banner, Kamikaze on Talk Radio Monday A.M.
[From Kamikaze] Banner and I will be on the morning show at 97.7 WRJH on hot talk at 9 on MONDAY talking about the controversy (both Banner's and the Millsaps incident). You guys should tune in and call in with your opinions. Spread the word.
16-Year-Old Arrested for Cross Burning
Police have arrested a white 16-year-old in Byhalia in North Mississippi for burning a cross in a black family's yard.
AG: State Meth Laws Curbing Problem
[verbatim from AG's office]Since Mississippi's Meth Law went into effect just over a year ago, meth lab seizures have gone down 65%, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. The new law passed by the Mississippi Legislature restricted access to Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredients in the manufacturing of Crystal Meth.
Lawyers Debate Why Blacks Lag at Major Firms
All you great legal minds out there might want to chew on this New York Times story a bit. It discusses the debate among lawyers about why law firms are having trouble retaining black attorneys and why so few are making partner. Talk among yourselves:
Willie Morris Library Opens Today
The brand spanking new Willie Morris branch of the Jackson-Hinds Public Library opens today at 10 a.m. at 4912 Old Canton Road. Willie's wife (and JFP senior editor) JoAnne Prichard Morris will be in attendance at the dedication ceremony, as will his son, David Rae Morris.