Jackson Free Press

The UAW is making unionization at Canton's Nissan plant an international effort.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History has put out a flyer touting the economic impact the planned 2 Museums Project will have on the economies of the state and its capitol city.

The flyer says the Mississippi Development Authory's tourism division estimates that the two new museums will welcome approximately 180,000 visitors annually, creating $17.1 million in tourism expenditures, 231 direct tourism jobs in the three-county region with a $6.3 million payroll, 92 indirect jobs with a $3.3 million payroll and contributing $1.2 million to the state general fund.

Even before the museums open, it continues, MDA estimates the construction of the two museums will toal $50 million in brick and mortar impact, 500 direct and 275 indirect jobs totaling $37.2 million in payroll and add $2.4 million to the state general fund.

If those numbers are accurate and the state has a place to share it's history at the end of the four-year project, it should be worth the $70 million in bonds the state has already passed to begin construction.

The groundbreaking is set for 9 a.m., Oct. 24, 2013, at 200 North Street in downtown Jackson.

The Secretary of State reached a $4.7 million settlement with Morgan Stanley, after a years-long investigation into the Ridgeland branch office following complaints from customers who had investment accounts with financial representatives there.

Morgan Stanley did not admit or deny the Secretary of State's allegations but has agreed to pay the over $4.2 million back to investors, the majority of whom hold accounts in Mississippi. Additionally, Morgan Stanley will pay $100,000 in penalty fees to the state as well as $400,000 for the costs of the investigation.

“This is a significant settlement which is a culmination of hard work by the Division on behalf of investors,” Secretary Delbert Hosemann said in a press release. “It exemplifies the important investor protection role the Agency serves to safeguard our citizens through fair regulation and enforcement and hopefully deterrence.”

The fund Morgan Stanley must set up by next month to settle their dues with investors impacts 259 accounts--194 of those accounts are in Mississippi. Hosemann's office is sending letters to those Mississippians affected by the settlement so that they can participate in the fund and get their money back.

Since we wrote our stinker quote earlier this week pointing out Rep. Steven Palazzo's hypocrisy over not supporting federal Sandy aid (after begging for Katrina aid), he has thankfully flipflopped:

A Republican congressman from Mississippi who voted against the first round of Hurricane Sandy aid is now voting for the second round after having toured storm-ravaged parts of the Jersey Shore and Staten Island.

Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), who represents Mississippi's Gulf Coast, will now be voting for the $51 billion in federal aid for New Jersey and New York residents, The Staten Island Advance reports. Palazzo, who had requested federal funds for the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, toured the areas hard hit by Hurricane Sandy following his vote last week in opposition to expanding the federal flood insurance program by $9.7 billion to pay for those affected by Sandy.

First there was Bill Clinton. Then there was Barack Obama. Then came Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Now there's former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

OK, maybe not in that exact order, but all of these elected officials eventually evolved to become–for lack of a better and less condescending word–accepting of same-sex-loving people.

The latest, Musgrove, penned about his change-of-heart today at the Huffington Post.

He writes: "My evolution on LGBT adoption came from intensely personal reflections on my own life. What is sad to me is that my understanding of this issue did not come until after I had left office and no longer had the power to right this wrong. This reality weighs heavily on me to this day."

Portman, who had been a foe of marriage equality, has a gay son and publicly reversed his position last week. Musgrove also said he agrees with Portman's new stance on gay marriage.

As you can see from this story by R.L. Nave, Hal White is an institution in the Jackson area. He is half the team that created Hal & Mal's three decades ago—the site of so many good times, so many new and old connections, and so much activism for great causes. Jackson would not be Jackson without the efforts of Hal White, and his brother, Malcolm. (This newspaper was even planned sitting at their bar.) And so many are grateful for his wonderful culinary creations, including his popular gumbo. (I, as a vegetarian, just appreciate him allowing me to order my special onion ring po-boys over the years.)

Over the weekend, Hal suffered a brain aneurysm and has endured three surgeries since at St. Dominic's. He is surrounded by loving friends and family, and his larger friend and support base is essentially holding a social media vigil, sending prayers up for his swift recovery.

The Jackson Free Press sends love and prayers to the White family, along with thanks for everything they've done for us and the city over the years. You got this, Hal.

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2013/mar/26/11074/

Check out these new music releases for 6/25...

Break out the seersucker, Gov. Phil Bryant has called a special session of the Mississippi Legislature for Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

The Medicaid program is set to expire on July 1 if lawmakers do not renew it. The House will take up the Medicaid reauthorization bill first; then it goes to the Senate.

Here's the full release from Bryant's office:

JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today issued a proclamation calling lawmakers into a Special Legislative Session at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2013, to authorize and fund the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 Regular Legislative Session without passing certain laws that regulate the state agency responsible for running Medicaid and without providing that agency funding to pay for medical services received by Mississippi’s Medicaid beneficiaries.

“It is unfortunate that Mississippi taxpayers must bear the expense of a Special Session because some lawmakers chose to make a political point during the Regular Session instead of acting responsibly to conduct state business at the appropriate time,” Gov. Bryant said. “I urge the Legislature to act immediately upon convening to authorize and fund the Division of Medicaid. Taxpayers should not have to pay for days of political showmanship, and Medicaid beneficiaries deserve to be freed from the uncertainty that has been thrust upon them.”

R&B Fest Day 1 Recap...

In WAPT's online video they don't identify the Jackson-area creek (is it Town Creek?) that turned into a "raging river" after today's rains, but one look at the video does force me to wonder out loud about the water quality of any lakes or riverwalk projects that we end up developing for downtown Jackson.

Jackson has many impermeable surfaces with oil, grit and other residue (not to mentioned trash, street drainage, etc.) that rush off to the creeks and Pearl.

I don't know the answer, but this visual at least suggests it would make sense to ask the question. Does still water somehow run cleaner? Am I judging this murky mess too harshly?

ON one had, the Pearl often looks pretty when you glance at it over the Lakeland bridge, and I've canoed it in the past and felt the water was clear and clean.

But the video doesn't make it this creek water look too appealing. Any river geeks have thoughts?

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2013/sep/24/13833/

Yahoo! Sports has picked up a story from the Ole Miss student newspaper The Daily Mississippian that details the homophobic actions of at least 20 students, including members of the Ole Miss football team, during a play on campus in Oxford.

From the DM Online's story by writer Adam Ganucheau:

According to the the play's director and theater faculty member Rory Ledbetter, some audience members used derogatory slurs like “fag” and heckled both cast members and the characters they were portraying for their body types and sexual orientations. Ledbetter said the audience’s reactions included “borderline hate speech.”

The play was "The Laramie Project," a play about the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was gay. Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson were convicted of beating Shepard and tying him to a fence where he was left to die. Both received consecutive life sentences.

In a move that contradicts the plethora of hats flying into the mayoral ring this week, Jonathan Lee posted on his Facebook page last night that he is not running in the mayoral special election (news broken on Twitter by Ross Adams of WJTV). It was rumored that Lee, a favorite of the business community in his run for the office last year, was interested in running again but was on the fence. We also understand that the business community has been conducting a poll to determine where it will put its collective support, but are not aware of findings at this point.

Ross Adams reported yesterday that 10 candidate packets had been picked up at City Hall. So far, Harvey Johnson Jr., Antar Lumumba, Melvin Priester Jr. and Tony Yarber have officially announced or will today. The Associated Press reported last night that Sen. John Horhn will officially enter the race Wednesday. Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon says she is considering a run and will decide by week's end. We will post other candidate information as we receive it (send to [email protected] or [email protected]).

Here is a screenshot of Lee's statement announcing that he is not running.

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2014/mar/11/16342/

Precious Martin, a prominent Jackson-area attorney, died yesterday in an accident. His 10-year-old son remains hospitalized, according to media reports.

WAPT reported that Martin was riding a four-wheeler Sunday evening near his home in the Bridgewater subdivision when the vehicle flipped several times.

Martin's son, Daniel, was taken to University of Mississippi Medical Center, where his condition was unknown as of this morning.

Martin handled part of a $1.2 billion class-action lawsuit against the federal government for denying USDA benefits to African American farmers between January 1983 to January 1997 and other civil-rights cases.

An Edwards native, Martin was part of a high-profile legal family that includes his younger brothers Kenya, Deshun and Warren Jr., who are triplets.

Martin's wife, Crystal, is a staff attorney at his Jackson law firm and was formerly the attorney for the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.

Martin was also an ally of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, who is from the neighboring town of Bolton, and was a donor to Democratic political causes and candidates.

Unknown Hinson & Billy Joe Shaver

Good news out of Oxford, Miss., just now. Legislative hopeful Cristen Hemmins and The Oxford Eagle are reporting on their Facebook pages that the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to stop flying the Mississippi state flag until the Confederate canton is gone.

Per The Oxford Eage's Facebook Post:

"The Oxford Board of Aldermen have voted to remove the current Mississippi state flag from all city buildings and approved sending the state Legislature a resolution requesting the state flag be changed."

More than one person posting under the Eagle's post used the word "pansies" to refer to the aldermen. Robin Gittemeier Ware, who works with FNC Inc. Professional Services, commented underneath: "What we have here is a bunch of pansies afraid of "offending" someone. Everyone is offended by something but a flag never killed anyone."

Another commenter, Matt Sessums, took an irreverent approach in response to such posts: "Imagine how crazy some of these people will be when they name Obama as Chancellor."

What's in a name?

Well, a rebranding of the local the mass-transit system, JATRAN, got under way quietly with a press release from the city this morning.

The Transit Services Division wants public input on what to rename the authority. The public-comment period last through October. Citizens can vote through on online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ST7X9ZZ.

From the survey, you can suggest your own name (e.g. "Jumpin Jack Flash," "The Ripper," or some such) or pick from one of these pre-fab/suggested names:

• Jackson Jazz • Jackson Area Express • Jackson Metro • Pearl RiverRunner • CityBus • CityLink • Beat • Blues • CAT (Capital Area Transit) • GoJackson • JBus • The J • Magnolia Ride • The Ride

The results of the survey (which, face it, will probably be Jumpin Jack Flash) will be shared with the Jackson City Council at their Tuesday, November 17, 2015 meeting.

According to the city, "the person who suggests the best name for JATRAN and is approved by City Council will receive a special prize." (Editor's note: should be free bus rides for life).

Happy voting.

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2015/sep/30/23114/

As Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither Stamps pointed out this week, the folks behind Johnny T's Bistro and Blues has done what people have been sitting around waiting for the city, state and a procession of developers to do for years: Giving people something else to do downtown, on Farish Street.

This weekend, joining F. Jones Corner in the Farish Street Historic District, is 540, located upstairs from Johnny T's.

A grand opening comes Oct. 24 for Jackson State University’s Alumni Homecoming After-Party and will feature DJ Moneycure.

According to a release, 540 features "an elegant bar, performance stage, VIP seating and a stunning hardwood dance floor that beckons the trendsetters, progressives and explorers of downtown nightlife."

In addition, the lounge includes a "panel of wall-to-wall mirrors and the intricately placed lighting, coupled with the modern black and chrome furniture."

540 is also available for hosting contemporary wedding receptions, corporate events or charity fundraisers. Hours for 540 are Friday and Saturday 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; the space is also available for private events Sunday through Thursday.

http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2015/oct/21/23325/

From the office of the Mayor Tony Yarber:

Motorists are advised of road conditions on the east bound lane of Woodrow Wilson Drive, heading toward Interstate 55. There was a break on a 36-inch water line in the area. The City's team is assessing the condition of the site continuously to keep it safe for motorists. However, if possible, motorists may want to select an alternate route.

An emergency declaration was signed to expedite the process of securing a consultant for design and construction. That process can take up to several weeks, but we’re now finalizing an agreement with an engineering firm to begin design work.

The water main has been left active because it is serving critical facilities. At the same time, city engineers are working to design the repair, which is more involved because of the location, the materials for the pipe and the laying conditions. This project requires a custom built new pipe as the break occurred on a 36-inch water line constructed in the 1960s. The repair cannot be made in house. The pipe needs to be encased, requiring engineering design and a contractor.

The City's team is assessing the condition of the site continuously to keep it safe for motorists. As soon as the design is completed, the city will receive quotes to get a contractor mobilized to make the repairs.

Rep. Kimberly Campbell, D-Jackson, will leave the Mississippi House of Representatives by the end of May. She broke the news on her Facebook page last night, announcing that she had accepted the role of state director of AARP in Mississippi.

Campbell represents District 72, which includes parts of northwest Jackson, and she served in the House for almost nine years. In her Facebook post, Campbell said she was leaving on he own terms. Parts of Campbell's Facebook post is reproduced below:

"Having held Vice-Chairman roles under both Democratic and Republican leadership in the House, I have been committed to working across partisan lines to better all of the citizens of MS. However, there are seasons we all find ourselves. This is my season for change. My work at the State House is complete. It's time to release the reins for someone else to have an opportunity to serve and lead District 72. I will ALWAYS love the citizens of House District 72. But when God says, 'move'... You must heed his call! There are some offers, you just CANNOT refuse! I'll be resigning from the House of Representatives by the close of May."

In light of Rep. Todd Akin's lunatic comments this weekend about "legitimate rape," other extremist statements about women's health issues are emerging from members of Congress. Take this video of Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., slamming Planned Parenthood in support of an effort to de-fund the organization. In it, Nunnelee states:

In this resolution not one dime or womens’ health or family planning health funding is reduced. It simply says those dollars cannot go to Planned Parenthood. This is an organization that has protected those who prey on our children and has protected those who have raped our granddaughters.

Raped our granddaughters? WT...? We have called Nunnelee's office to find out what he was talking about. Our best guess is that he is referring to accusations by the right that Planned Parenthood protect older statutory rapists who prey on under-age women.

Of course, that would be especially ironic if so, considering that Nunnelee worked with Rep. Akin, Ryan and other House Republicans to redefine the definition of rape to "forcible rape" to make it harder for teen girls to get abortions, especially in the case of statutory rape.

So, is this really about protecting our granddaughters, Rep. Nunnelee—or forcing teenagers to give birth to babies of their rapists of whatever age? Mississippi rape victims, and their parents, eagerly await your response.