Jackson Free Press

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them:

1. The City of Jackson spent close to a half-million dollars this week as part of its ongoing efforts to update its technology systems, many of which are old and outdated and need upgrading; other systems need to be completely overhauled.
2. Although a preliminary autopsy report ruling Jonathan Sanders' death a homicide, caused by manual asphyxiation, came as no surprise to his friends and relatives, they hope it is the first step towards justice.
3. The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the roadmap and guide to programs and support in the state. The coalition runs the state's domestic-violence hotline and helps direct men and women to resources that are nearest to them to receive help.
4. This year, David Archie is back on the campaign trail hoping that the votes—at least those that don't prove too apathetic—line up in his favor.
5. Representatives for state workers are decrying proposed budget cuts to state agencies that House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Herb Frierson, R-Poplarville, asked for two weeks ago.
6. A year quietly in the making, a funky boutique hotel recently announced for the Fondren neighborhood is about more than giving out-of-towners a place to crash for the night, said project developer Roy Decker.
7. Butterflies by Grace Defined by Faith began as a way to encourage people to put an end to domestic violence. Eva Jones started the group to encourage people to talk more about domestic abuse and what can be done about it.
8. Jackson native Jesse Houston recently announced the addition of Andrew Allen as chef de cuisine at his restaurant, Saltine Oyster Bar.
9. Mississippi candidates had a July 10 deadline to file campaign finance reports. Here's a glance at how much money the statewide candidates reported raising and spending through the end of June.
10. Hinds County Chancery Judge William Singletary ruled against a lawsuit that former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove brought last year on behalf of 21 school districts, including the state's second-largest district, Jackson Public Schools.

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