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State's First Legal Distillery Opens
Beginning Wednesday, May 19, Mississippi liquor stores will offer a truly local spirit. Cathead Vodka, the first legally distilled spirit in the state, goes on sale this week, after a …
Cuffs at Capital City?
Jackson Public Schools is looking into allegations that security guards at the district's alternative school have been punishing students by handcuffing them to chairs, bathroom railings and a gymnasium pole.
Poet's Progress
Plain spoken and impassioned, poet Nikki Giovanni's body of work is a testament to the power of words to fulfill and inspire.
Hinds Director to Retire after 48 Years
Hinds County's Director of Emergency Management Larry Fisher announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of October. Fisher said he would work until Oct. 31 to see the …
Legislature Opens Today At Old Capitol
Mississippi lawmakers will convene today at 11 a.m. for the beginning of the 2009 regular session. On a celebratory note, legislators have agreed to open the session at the Old …
Barbour Calls for Prudence Amid Lagging Revenue
State tax collections fell below already lowered expectations in July, Gov. Haley Barbour announced yesterday in a statement urging state agencies to be cautious with their budgets.
School Board Violated Lesbian Student's Rights, Judge Says
A federal judge ruled today that the Itawamba County school board violated Constance McMillen's free speech rights when it canceled a prom after she asked permission to bring her girlfriend …
Crime Reports Mixed: Jackson Crime Stats for Oct. 19-25
Major crimes in Jackson last week stayed level with numbers from the previous week, according to a report released today at a Jackson Police Department command staff meeting. Officers reported …
JPD Adding Officers By End of Year
Read this week's crime report
Jackson Violent Crimes Drop Again; Property Crimes Increase
Major crimes rose slightly last week in Jackson, with a drop in violent crime offset by a rise in property crimes, especially house burglaries. According to statistics released at a …
Barbour Bleeds Education
After largely dodging cuts during the 2009 legislative session, public education in Mississippi absorbed the brunt of a new round of budget cuts that Gov. Haley Barbour announced Thursday.
Opposition to University Mergers Strong
Gov. Haley Barbour's proposal to merge some state universities continues to draw ire. On Nov. 20, students rallied at Jackson State University to protest Barbour's suggestion that the state's other …
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.
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 …
Communication, Please
Melvin Priester Sr. believes better communication can make the Hinds County judiciary more efficient.
City Fights Wastewater Order
The City of Jackson has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to stay an Aug. 12 court order requiring it to transfer its wastewater treatment contract to a new provider.
Frank Melton
Melton's Intent at Issue in Trial
When Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's trial for civil-rights violations begins Nov. 12, one of the key battlegrounds will be the mayor's intent. Prosecutors must prove that Melton intentionally destroyed the …
Jonathan Larkin: The Exit Interview
The Jackson Public Schools Board that Jonathan Larkin served on for almost eight years is a far cry from the board's current, collegial incarnation. Larkin, 55, served from 2002 until …
Stopping the Swap
Hinds County's interest-rate swap won't always be the gift that keeps on giving. The fancy financial derivative deal has brought the county $4.4 million over four years thanks to historically …
STEPS: Barbour's Good Idea?
A new Mississippi program that will use federal welfare funds to help hire new employees has many policy analysts excited. The Subsidized Transitional Employment Program and Services, or STEPS Program, …
