Jackson Free Press

Ex-Felons Fight for Right to Vote

Twelve years ago, Yvonne Kennedy, a Democratic member of Alabama's House of Representatives, began a campaign to re-enfranchise ex-prisoners in the state after they had served out their sentences. At …

Green Rules Against Ballot ‘Ball of Confusion'

Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green heard arguments Thursday on a preliminary injunction against the distribution of a November ballot that would place the U.S. Senate race between Roger …

PERS Commission Report Delayed

Public employees and politicians anxious to see recommendations from a commission studying the Public Employees' Retirement System will have to wait a while longer.

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 …

State Tax Revenues Down Again

Mississippi tax collections for October were behind estimates for the month by 6.74 percent, or $28.5 million, Gov. Haley Barbour stated yesterday. For the year to date, the first four …

Tyner Accuses Barbour of Gambling Ties

From a Tyner statement, quoted by the Magnolia Report: "'Somehow, Mr. Barbour believes it is morally sound to expand gambling nationwide, even within miles of our state's border, but we …

Bryant says Miss. Should Avoid Aid to Startups

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant says it's too risky for the state to invest in startup companies like failed solar equipment firm Twin Creeks.

We the People with ID

State Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, a GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, held a press conference on the steps of the capitol this morning, requesting Gov. Haley Barbour to call a …

Barbour Postpones Medicaid Transition

PR from the Governor's office:

(Jackson, Miss.) -- Saying that a litigation (sic) had confused 50,000 Mississippi Medicaid recipients beyond repair, Governor Haley Barbour said today he would postpone the state's efforts to transition those …

House Approves Eminent Domain Limits

The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday restricting the use of eminent domain. The measure is similar to a voter initiative scheduled for the 2011 ballot and a …

Mississippi Energy Policy Institute Formed

Gov. Haley Barbour has announced the formation of a group dedicated to coming up with energy policy for the state. The group, the Mississippi Energy Policy Institute, will be part …

Fourth Time's A Charm?

In a session rivaling all others this year in terms of brevity, state lawmakers approved $14 million for Baxter Healthcare in Cleveland July 15 in less than two hours. The …

Commissioners Deny Barbour's Influence

Mississippi Sierra Club Director Louie Miller says that a letter from Gov. Haley Barbour to the Public Service Commission asking it to approve an experimental coal plant in Kemper County …

Magnolia Bar Wants Black Judge

The Magnolia Bar Association says it is examining the process by which Gov. Haley Barbour will select a replacement for convicted Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Bobby DeLaughter this month. …

Gettin' Pumped?

The $220 million Yazoo Backwater Area Project, which involves installing a huge pumping station to drain 66,945 acres of Delta wetlands, horrifies many environmentalists, who say the 60-year-old endeavor is …

Harrison Asking the Right Barbour Questions

Up in Tupelo, Daily Journal reporter Bobby Harrison is asking the right questions, as opposed to the ridiculous posturing coming out of The Clarion-Ledger's Sid Salter. He writes today about …

Barbour Comparison Off the Mark?

Gov. Haley Barbour made national news again this week by comparing health-care reform—as envisioned in the U.S. House and Senate—to the horror of the Jonestown massacre. Speaking as chairman of …

Momentum Gaining Momentum?

Tempers flared for the first real time on the floor of the Mississippi House of Representatives May 26 as lawmakers argued over an amendment by Rep. Bennett Malone, D-Carthage, to …

Crisis: Medicaid Games Come to a Head Today

Haley Barbour's phone numbers: 359-3150, 359-3150, 720-8733, 359-3150. Call now.

In an editorial today, The Clarion-Ledger writes: "The solution to the current Medicaid funding crisis is to take $200 million from the tobacco trust fund and approve a cigarette tax …

The Truth About Barbour's ‘Blind Trust'

Bloomberg News is still hot on Barbour's trail. Today, they reveal much more about his so-called "blind trust" in the lobbying firm that lobbied the state for Katrina-related contracts—it pays …