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Donna Ladd

Stories by Donna

Frank Melton

UPDATE: Mayor Melton Released from Hospital

Goldia Revies just released a statement saying that Mayor Frank Melton has been discharged from St. Dominic Hospital, and that he expects to spend the next few days resting. "I'm …

AG: Entergy Admits to Over-charging Mississippians

[Verbatim from AG Jim Hood] Jackson, MS - After months of denials, Entergy Mississippi has now admitted to overcharging Mississippi ratepayers for power, and to engaging in part of the …

Fondren After 5 Today 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

It's a gorgeous day to head to Fondren today after 5 p.m. for the monthly art and shop walk. Many galleries, shops and other businesses will be opening with free …

Politics

Rep. Childers Praises Efforts at PAYGO, Controlling Earmarks

[Verbatim from Childers] Washington, D.C. – Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS) today applauded the House and Senate's efforts to increase government fiscal responsibility and transparency. His praise came in response to …

Good

Fund Set Up For Hamer Family, Fire Victims

Kirk or Lenora Hamer-Flakes

Authorities say that the fire that destroyed the home of the late civil rights hero Fannie Lou Hamer, reported here Monday, was caused by a space heater that was left …

Catholic Charities Announces Multicultural ‘Migration Week'

[Verbatim statement] Jackson.- Catholic Charities, Inc.'s Immigration Clinic will celebrate National Migration Week on Wednesday January 21, 2009 at St. Peter's Catholic Church located at 123 N West St from …

AP: Feds Seize $425,000 from Ed Peters

AP is reporting:

Federal authorities have seized $425,000 from a former district attorney linked to the most sweeping judicial bribery investigation in Mississippi in years. While no formal charges have been made public …

Jackson Roll-Off Dumpster Day Saturday, Jan. 10

The City of Jackson Solid Waste Divisions will hold its next Roll-off Dumpster Day - Saturday, January 10, 2009. Residents can take yard debris and other household items to one …

Frank Melton

Council Wants to Subpoena City 1099s

The question of city hires—who they are, especially—has come up again, pitting Council against Mayor Frank Melton's administration.

Jackblog

Valentine's Job Cuts Coming to Clarion-Ledger?

As if it hasn't been bloody enough with The Clarion-Ledger—which has cut 25 percent of its positions in the last few months, as well as shrunk news coverage—the Gannett Blog …

Drew Brees Named NFL's Best Offensive Player

The Associated Press is reporting that AP has named New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees its 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year:

Best of Jackson

It's Best of Jackson month!

OK all, the votes are in, and the ballots are (almost) counted. There are perennial winners, and there are big surprises, in our annual readers' poll on the best businesses, …

Politics

Al Franken Wins Senate Seat by 225 Votes

Politico is reporting that Al Franken has won the Senate race against Republican Norm Coleman.

Business

Travis Childers on Heartland Acquisition

[Verbatim from Rep. Travis Childers] Washington, D.C. – Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS) released the following statement regarding ProVia Door's successful purchase of Heartland Building Products in Booneville, Infinite Building Products …

MEMA: Prepare for Severe Weather Threat in Jackson

Also see: Jackpedia: Weather

[Verbatim from MEMA] PEARL — MEMA Executive Director Mike Womack is asking residents to be prepared for the possibility of severe weather over the next 24-36 hours. The National Weather …

Jackblog

JFP Increases News Coverage, Adds Reporter

The Jackson Free Press is pleased to announce that starting today, Jan. 5, we are increasing our daily news coverage, and welcoming a new reporter to our staff. Ward Schaefer, …

Good

Bishop's Martin Luther King, Jr. Event Features Catholic, Muslim Speakers

[Verbatim] The Catholic Diocese of Jackson will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Celebration at 3:00 PM Sunday, January 11, 2009 at St. Peters Cathedral in downtown …

Business

Barbour: Toyota to Honor Commitments

[Verbatim from Gov. Barbour] Jackson, Mississippi -- Governor Haley Barbour announced today Toyota will honor financial commitments made to the state and local entities even though the company has delayed …

Education

MPB Announces Rainbow Contest for Young Writers and Artists

[Verbatim from MPB] Kids, get ready to write and draw! Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) invites kindergarten through third graders to participate in the 15th Annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and …

Politics

Rick Whitlow Announces Mayoral Platform

Today, Rick Whitlow released a detailed 2009 mayoral campaign platform. "This is the platform from which I will work should I decide to run for the Office of Mayor in …

Politics

Sen. John Horhn to Announce Run for Mayor Friday

[Verbatim statement] December 31, 2008, Jackson, Mississippi - John Horhn will announce his candidacy for Mayor of Jackson on Friday, January 2, 2009, at 12:00 noon at the corner of …

Tease photo Frank Melton

Melton's Complicated History with Maurice Warner

One of Mayor Frank Melton's favorite mentees was murdered on Christmas Day. The JFP explores the mayor's history with Maurice Warner.

Frank Melton

Judge: Melton Trial Postponed Until Feb. 2, 2009

Over the objection of federal prosecutors, Judge Dan Jordan has announced that the trial of Mayor Frank Melton and bodyguard Michael Recio has been postponed until Feb. 2, 2009 due …

Frank Melton

BREAKING: Judge Won't Rule on Melton Health Today

Full JFP Melton Archive/Blog

District Court Judge Dan Jordan's office has confirmed that he will not rule on Mayor Frank Melton's ability to stand trial next week until Wednesday morning. According to an order, …

Jackblog

The GOP's 'Barack the Magic Negro' Flap

As if the Republican Party didn't need something else to divide it; the reaction to this will go a long way toward separting the wheat from the chaff. CBS News:

Ronnie Agnew: Clarion-Ledger ‘Reducing News Space,' Sections

In his column today, Clarion-Ledger Executive Editor Ronnie Editor announced major changes in the statewide, Gannett-owned newspaper starting tomorrow, including shrinking news "hole" (space for coverage), dropping the TV supplement …

Frank Melton

Long-time Melton Mentee Killed

I returned to Jackson today to the staggering news that Maurice Warner was murdered on Christmas Day. Warner has been very close to Mayor Frank Melton for many years. I …

Chokwe Lumumba to Run for McLemore Council Seat

[Verbatim statement] Friday, December 26, 2008, --- Jackson, MS - The Committee to Elect Chokwe Lumumba will hold a press conference on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 10AM at the …

Jackblog

A Mortgage Crisis of Bush's Making

The New York Times had the must-read story of the month Sunday, dissecting how the policies of Bush and friends created the deep mortgage crisis we're facing today:

Business

Entergy Caught with Hand in Louisiana Cookie Jar

[Verbatim, December 23, 2008] Jackson, MS--Attorney General Jim Hood announced today that the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) has found an Entergy affiliate guilty of the same illegal conduct that …

‘Fall from Grace': Joey Langston Sentenced to 36 Months

Folo has good updates, including his statement:

Jackblog

Sign of the Future? Gannett Detroit Paper 3X Week?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Detroit Free Press, the Gannett-owned daily newspaper in Detroit, Mich., is likely to scale back home delivery to three times a week. …

Barbour Announces New Coast Housing Effort

Under fire for diverting federal funds away from low- and middle-income housing for Katrina survivors, Gov. Haley Barbour today announced a new housing plan for public-sector employees on the Gulf …

Jackblog

URGENT: Good Samaritan Center Needs Help NOW

Please read and do whatever you can do, folks:

[Verbatim] Dear Friends, The economy is hurting donations and Good Samaritan Center is challenged right now. In addition, Christmas is almost here and our social service staff has been busier …

MEMA: Ice Storm Headed to NW Mississippi

See [[Snow & Ice]] on Jackpedia for safety and driving tips.

[Verbatim from MEMA] PEARL – As a blast of Arctic air threatens northwest Mississippi with frigid temperatures and freezing rain, MEMA Executive Director Mike Womack is reminding residents to be …

Jackblog

Ho, ho, ho! Help the JFP Food & Toy Drive!

All, please remember that the JFP is collecting canned foods (or other non-perishables) for Stewpot and toys for Mississippi Children's Home Services. Also, gently worn or new children's coats are …

Jackblog

What a Tragic Way to Play a Game

Not long after we started the JFP, a man who had worked in the public domain in the state for many years warned me about something: "You'll have all sorts …

JPS and Hinds Dismissing School Early

Jackpedia.com: How to Drive in Snow and Ice

Politics

Michelle Obama's Slavery Roots

A fascinating story in The Seattle Times starts out:

Business

Former Banker Now VP at Highland Village

[Verbatim from Highland Village] Guy Boyll III has been appointed Vice-President of Operations for Highland Village in an announcement today by the retail center. Mr. Boyll has nine years of …

Jackblog

Gannett's ‘Career Builder' Layoff-Tax Break-Gate

Over on the Gannett Blog, Jim Hopkins has The Clarion-Ledger's home office on the defensive after he reported that the company laid off hundreds of Career Builder workers after getting …

Barbour Among Governors Getting Suspicious Letters

The Associated Press is reporting that Haley Barbour and five other governors—of Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, Rhode Island and Montana—received letters containing powder today; tests have found so far that the …

Jackblog

Be a Santa's Helper for Jackson's Kids: Here's How

Remember, you get back from the universe what you give, especially in tough times. This December, help a needy child by donating toys to the Mississippi Children's Home Services. See …

Jackblog

Bush's New ‘Hood Barred Non-Whites Until 2000

Raw Story is reporting that George and Laura Bush's new neighborhood in Dallas barred non-whites (except servants) until eight years ago:

Jackblog

Ignorant Fools Pushing Obama Citizenship Rumors

With the country facing problems of epic proportions, dumbass conspiracy theorists who have nothing better to do are pushing the debunked theory that Barack Obama is lying about his U.S. …

Jackblog

Dear Dog Owners: Your Pets Are in Danger

A little beagle with a blue collar on Arrowhead Drive in Fondren is going to die soon. I hate to be so blunt, but whoever owns that dog is irresponsible, …

Jackblog

Orley Hood Among Laid-off Clarion-Ledger Staffers

Update: Associated Press is reporting that Orley Hood is among 11 employees laid off today at The Clarion-Ledger, joining 20 unfilled jobs that were eliminated. The Clarion-Ledger has dropped from …