mattjohnsontv.blogspot.com

Reporter Reel

Reporting

Check out my latest reporting work in the posts below.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Mississippi Snow

Its snowed in Mississippi!!! Yes, about an inch actually. It's the second measurable snowfall here in about 9 years. In the two years I've been here, we've had traces of snow. It certainly felt like home! This was a few weeks ago now, just finally getting the fun video posted. Hope you like it!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

I'm Live with Miss State Running Back Anthony Dixon

I got a rare opportunity to do a little sports work this week in interviewing the Conerly Trophy winner. It's the annual award given to Mississippi's best college football player. The likes of Jerry Rice, Brett Favre and Walter Payton have all come from Mississippi. Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon is likely headed to the NFL. Most predict he'll get drafted in the 2nd round. I got to interview him live after winning the state's most prestigous award.

I Talk Favre on Turkey Day

Here's one of the more fun segments to my Thanksgiving newscast at 9 p.m. I got to have a little fun with a Minnesota story involving Brett Favre!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Letters Take us Inside a Criminal's Mind

Its been awhile since I've had some reporting work to share. Since my new gig, I have been anchoring the new 6:30 show, but I will still do some reporting. Here's my latest, it's a special report about a local man who threatened to kill the president. He sent us the same letters he sent his judge, Obama and his attorney's. In my latest story, I read the letters and share them. You've got to see it!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Live at Murder Trial

A Jackson public school teacher is convicted of murder. I'm live just a few hours after the sentencing. See my latest live report. I didn't actually put together a normal story today due to some other stuff I was working on. Enjoy.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Metro Bus Drivers to Strike

Hey all! Here's my latest story. Three of our area's largest counties have bus drivers going on strike. It was breaking news I first posted on our website. See how parents are reacting. More than 12,000 parents don't know how their kids will get to school.

Monday, October 12, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: One Still Hospitalized After Two Weekend Fires in Same Apartments

Jackson Fire investigators are scratching their heads after two weekend fires in the same apartment complex. I spoke with a victim's son and the apartment manager. Nine tenants are displaced, five were hospitalized. The apartment manager says she thinks she knows who started the fires.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: City of Jackson Pushing to Ban Dangerous Dogs

Here's my latest live reporting from just outside the station where we constantly see stray dogs running loose. I highlight the city's latest effort to get rid of dangerous dogs.

ON-AIR VIDEO: State Fair Kicks Off; I'm Live!

Hey all! I'm taking advantage in light of some of the changes at FOX 40 News. We have the ability now to do live reports in the field. The state fair is underway and it's a good time. See my most recent story here. It features some conversational, fun live reporting with animals involved. You've gotta see it. I really felt like I was in my element!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Two College Students Die in Wreck; I'm Live at the scene.

Hey all! Here's a sad story, but a good live element to it. Check it out. Two local college cheerleaders die in a Friday wreck. I update the story Monday night as the school mourns its loss. I'm live at the scene. You'll see two hits here. UPDATE: AUDIO ISSUES, WORKING TO RESOLVE. CHECK BACK AT 10 p.m. Thursday.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: 2011 State Budget Already in Trouble

Just when we thought it was all over, Mississippi's budget battle is back. Just a few months after finally passing a 2010 spending plan, hearings are underway for 2011. Check out my latest story below. Look for more Thursday night. Remember, you can watch me anchor live on www.fox40now.com/livestreaming. I'll be filling in Friday, then anchoring my normal show Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m. central.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

NEW VIDEO: Construction Boom Gives Hwy 18 Hope

Sorry it's been so long since I posted! I'm trying to get better about getting stories up here. It's just a little added work to the daily grind, but I do it for you guys! Here's my latest story about new construction on one of our major thoroughfares here. Scroll down for one of my weirdest stories yet in the next post.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Mouse Infestation Shuts Down Local Business

One of the weirdest stories I think I've done. It's a rare one, indeed. Apparently some mice snuck into a local Family Dollar store and so the state shut the store down. Watch a fun one.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Mississippi Civil Rights Leader Remembers Kennedy as Close Friend

In the 1960's, Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evers was killed outside his Jackson home by a racist white clansman. (Depicted in "Ghosts of Mississippi...rent it...great snapshot of Jackson, Mississippi history.) His brother Charles is still living. I sat down with him one on one as he reflects on the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy.

The Kennedy's played an integral part in helping race relations and poverty in Mississippi. (As I'm learning in my current reading of Robert Kennedy's biography.) The Evers and Kennedy families are very close. Charles Evers was actually with Bobby Kennedy the night of his assassination at an L.A. hotel and became close friends with Teddy Kennedy in the aftermath.

This all hits kind of close to home for me to, as I've taken an interest in the history of the Kennedy's since I won the Robert F. Kennedy journalism award and met Ted and Ethel Kennedy (Bobby's widow) in 2001.

Check out my latest story below.

Below that, you can watch my full interview with Evers. He has some candid words about his experiences that you history buffs would love! He's met Bush, Regean, Nixon, Obama, John, Bobby and Ted Kennedy and so many others.


Here's the full interview with Evers:

Friday, August 7, 2009

Vicksburg Mayor Addresses City's Hydrant Problems

In a follow up to my Vicksburg fire hydrants investigation, the city's new mayor addresses concerns over worn water lines the former fire chief says need replacing.

ON-AIR VIDEO: New River City Mayor Faces Challenges

The city of Vicksburg gets a new mayor. He replaces a long time incumbent and shook things up by naming a new police chief and fire chief. I ask how he'll deal with a lot of big issues he faces...all with new faces in the city's top posts.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Health Care Debate Hits Home

The health care debate we've been hearing so much about in Washington hits home to Mississippians. For the first time since the debate started, I put a face to the issue.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Cost of Running Government Higher Than Ever

For whatever reason, unknown, the cost of running government was higher in Mississippi this year than ever before. I went back to a local coffee shop to see what taxpayers thought of extra legislative sessions and delays costing big bucks. It was a fun, real world way of looking at a complicated story.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Governor Criticizes Obama Health Care Plan

Mississippi Republican Governor Haley Barbour is one of the utmost opponents of President Barack Obama. Barbour, at the state's biggest summertime gathering--the Neshoba County fair--sent his message loud and clear. "Obama Care" he says is a job killer. I spoke with the governor up close and personal after his fiery speech. Check it out in my latest summer political fun. More in the next story below.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Mississippi Fried Politics

It's Mississippi's Giant House Party--every summer thousands get together to stay in campers, motor homes and temporary houses for a week. It's bigger than the state fair, it's the Neshoba County Fair. Everyone comes...including top state politicians, for fried food, music, animals and of course...some Mississippi fried politics. Check out my latest story as I break who's running for 2011 governor. I can never get away from this stuff!!!




Friday, July 24, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: No Accountability on Hydrant Problems

After six months, three cities and hundreds of fire hydrant problems, I took my findings to the state's rating bureau. They urge cities and counties get their hydrants working, but if they don't, there's no one really holding the departments accountable. My digging continues as I put pressure on area chiefs to get something done.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: FOX 40 News Investigates Jackson Hydrant Problems

Here's one of my better ones...it's my Jackson fire hydrant investigation. I've been to two other cities and now it's time for the big one. I found hundreds of hydrants not working like they should and dozens dry. Check it out in my very latest piece.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Hinds Sheriff Squashing Litterbugs in New Pitch

Our local sheriff is cracking down on litterbugs. I went on trash patrol as the sheriff unveiled his new campaign targetting litterbugs. It's called, "Only 'Trash' Litters." It's a pretty fun one. Enjoy! And don't litter!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

New Post: My Debut on the Competition

Check out my debut on the competition. I was part of a "celebrity" ice cream scooping contest this weekend at the Jackson zoo. Channel 3, the NBC station here interviewed me as someone trying to knock of their anchor, the defending champ in the contest. It's pretty cool...then scroll down to see my "lighter side of news" video, including some funnies from my Saturday newscast.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: The Lighter Side of News

Hey all...check out some of the lighter side of the news from this Saturday. I took part in a celebrity ice cream scooping contest this weekend. Don't know how many people actually know of me or our station, but it was a lot of fun to get out in the community...just part of my job. Enjoy that and more from some updated anchoring!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Bus Accident Kills Teen, Injures 27

This one's a bit of a montage...it includes a story I wrote and edited this weekend and a promotion featuring me...then some chat. Enjoy!

Friday, July 10, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Total Budget Finally Passes

The final pieces of Mississippi's budget battle finally come together after months of contentious debate. My life has consisted of this and only this the last few months, so I, like lawmakers am relieved. Check it out in my latest story.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Breaking Down the Process: What It Takes to Pass A Budget

This is one of my favorite stories in a really long time...lawmakers passed a budget already...you can see that story below. Before they did though, in a fun, featurey story, I broke down the process staff has to go through to get a budget passed in time. It's entertaining and informative...featuring the "SchoolHouse Rock" cartoon we all watched growing up. Check it out below!

ON-AIR VIDEO: Budget Finally Passes With a Few Unresolved Issues

After months of hard work, Mississippi's budget deadline has come and gone. Lawmakers passed a nearly $6 billion spending plan, funding every state agency expect a few minor details. It's a relief, but it's not over yet.

Monday, June 22, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Lawmakers Reach "Initial Agreement" on State Spending

I broke the story this weekend...while anchoring, too...of state leaders reaching a tentative budget deal. With about a week to go til the fiscal year ends, they're under a lot of pressure to get it done quick. It's not over yet, but Saturday was a major breakthrough going forward.

Fiery Friday Frustration on Budget

Mississippi's budget battle rolls on. After major progress all week, frutrations mounted again Friday. Check out some pretty fiery, emotional interviews. To hear more of negotiators and the Governor sounding off...click here.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Hospitals Hurting Amid Budget Delays

Mississippi lawmakers still haven't figured out a budget and now hospitals are hurting. I break down how delays in passing an '09 budget impact health care. Check it out in my latest story.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Budget Negotiators Make Major Concessions

In the third of my Budget Countdown stories...budget negotiators on both the House and Senate sides of the Mississippi Legislature have made major concessions. Once they got the right numbers reported to them, the two sides realized they're closer to agreeing than they thought. See more Budget Countdown below. This is one of three brand new stories.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Budget Delays Impacting State Paydays

In the midst of Mississippi's budget delays, state employees wonder whether they'll get paid in time or if they'll have jobs at all. In his first ever interview, I sit down with the man who cuts state checks. Check it out. It's part of my ongoing "Budget Countdown" til the July 1 deadline for lawmakers to pass a budget before the new fiscal year starts and government could shut down.

ON-AIR VIDEO: State Leaders Close to Budget Deal

This is the start of my FOX 40 News Budget Countdown. We're counting down the days til the all important July 1st budget deadline. If state leaders don't reach a deal by then...the new fiscal year starts with no money for the state to run! The consequences would be dire. Over the next few weeks I'll be doing budget related stories almost every day until a budget passes. Check them out here. I also have a special "Budget Battle" section on our station website at www.fox40now.com. There are exclusive full length, web only videos there as well. Go to the home page and click on the "Budget Battle" tab or just click here.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Budget Delay Could Lead to Car Tag Hike

Exactly what we need during these tough times...the cost of car tags could go up thanks to budget dealys in the Mississippi Legislature. Mississippi already has one of the highest ad-valorem taxes in the nation and now it could get even worse. See my latest story to see why.

Friday, June 5, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Matt Johnson Questions Governor on Budget Holdup

Check out my montage of tough questions on Governor Haley Barbour. Yes...the same Governor I did the plane story on. Now questioning him on a budget holdup. I'm not exactly making friends, but that comes with the job. Someone has to hold our leaders accountable!

ON-AIR VIDEO: Lawmakers Battle Over Budget Late Into the Night

This is a new technological phenomenon in the business--and also a lazy way of doing something live. We can go live via the internet on skype. It's webcam over the internet that is live through the phone. It's complicated, but it works. Right now we still don't have the ability to be actually live...so this is the second best option. It's lower quality video and sound, but it works. This is a compilation of my work from the capitol Wednesday night as budget negotiators failed to reach a compromise on state spending. I ended up working til 1:30 a.m. Midnight was the deadline to pass a budget and the Legislature didn't do it...as far as what that means for taxpayers...see my next story below. You'll also see me questioning state leaders.

ON-AIR VIDEO: FOX 40 News Questions Governor Over Budget Holdup

Mississippi lawmakers failed to reach a state budget compromise before the deadline at midnight Wednesday night. The result...a costly special session Mississippi can't afford. I questioned the governor on the holdup in a complex...but interesting story. State employees and teachers are worried they won't have jobs. Its less than a month now before the fiscal year starts and no budget. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Friday, May 22, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Viewers Comment on "Frequent Flyers"

Here's what people are saying about the stories. The video is not quite how I wanted it to turn out, but okay anyway.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Frequent Flyer Investigation: Part Two

Here's part two of my "Frequent Flyers" investigation. This is by far the more powerful of the two pieces in my opinion. This exposes the Governor using the state planes for personal use. Check it out. Its definitely the most investigative and exposing story I've done.

ON-AIR VIDEO: Frequent Flyer Investigation: Part One

Here's part one of my investigation into Mississippi state officials' use of the state plane. It was part of a two part series that aired the final two nights of American Idol...our biggest ratings since our inception. Enjoy! Let me know what you think. These stories took more than a month of making phone calls, emails, requesting documents, interviews, shooting, writing, re-writing and editing. Not a lot of days off as I prepared these investigations all in the midst of my regular work!

Monday, May 4, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Mississippi Takes Swine Flu Precautions

The Swine Flu we've all been hearing about is not in Mississippi yet...as of Sunday night. Schools, though are taking precautions in case the virus does spread here. Check out my latest reporting from Friday...randomly including my coloring skills. Enjoy.

Friday, April 17, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Governor Calls Stimulus Summit

Mississippi is trying to figure out how to use the Obama administration's economic stimulus cash. Mississippi will get $2.8 billion. I spoke with a couple top state leaders about the money at Thursday's stimulus summit.

Friday, April 10, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Firefighters Laud Safe Cigarette Law

Mississippi joins 15 other states to outlaw "unsafe" cigarettes. Check it out.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Film Festival Highlights Mississippi Talent

One of the southeast's biggest film festivals is this weekend in Jackson. Check out a preview in my latest story!

Friday, April 3, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Tornado Couple Finds Mementos Miles Away

A Magee couple who lost their home in last week's tornado has some more of their precious mementos back thanks to an unlikely scavanger. Check it out in my latest story! We finished shooting it at 7:42 p.m. We were an hour away from the station. I picked some soundbites, voiced my part and edited the whole thing all in an hour on the laptop computer while we were driving back to the station. It was intense, but got on the air just in the nick of time. The miracles of television!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Pearl A Dumping Ground for Dangerous Dogs

As surrounding cities ban pit bulls and other dangerous dogs, the city of Pearl is seeing a lot more of them. I go on patrol with animal control officers about the problem. Glad my dog is a good one!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: No Government Money for Storm Survivors

Storm survivors won't be getting help anytime soon from the state or federal governments in the wake of a devastating tornado in Magee, Mississippi. I ask...why?

Friday, March 27, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Survivors Pick Up Pieces in Tornado Aftermath

A tornado rips through the tiny town of Magee, Mississippi. This story has been all over the national news all day Thursday. More than 60 homes destroyed and about 20 people injured. Certainly, this is one of the biggest, saddest stories we've had since I've been here. I've done a lot of stories like this before, but this one is one of my better ones...let me know what YOU think. Check it out below.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Cigarette Tax Hike Dies

The bill to raise Mississippi's cigarette tax hike dies in a joint committee between House and Senate leaders. Months and months of tax talks reach a dead end...now Mississippi's money crunch is likely to get even worse because of the lack of revenue the tax could bring in. On the other side, opponents fear it wouldn't raise that much more money because it would deter people from smoking. Check out the debate in my latest story...shot just 45 minutes before air Wednesday night. That's called a fast turnaround on a tight deadline.

Friday, March 20, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Budget Brackets; How Taxpayers Want Mississippi Money Spent

Check out my "budget bracket" story. In the spirit of March Madness, I see how Mississippi taxpayers want to spend their money by using a hoops example. It's one of my more creative ones. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Cigarette Tax Hike Close to Becoming Reality

Check out my latest story from the state capitol. Mississippi is close to raising its cigarette tax. The move comes just as congress has enacted a federal hike. I sat in on the joint committee who is deciding Mississippi's fate.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Fire Hydrant Investigation Part 2

Check out part two of my fire hydrant investigations...this time I go to Brandon, where I just moved to. I found a couple dozen hydrants needing repair, but it seems the city is doing something to fix them up.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Small Town Sheriff Dies at 60

Hey all! Here's my latest reporting work. The sheriff of one of our outlying counties died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 60. He had a history of health problems, but the news still came as a shock to folks in the small county. He was in good spirits the day before at work. This place was 2 hours away, so I had to write, log my interview sound and edit all in the laptop in the car on the way back to the station--that's technology at it's best! Check it out!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Stuckey's Re-Opens

The Stuckey's gas station where an 18-year old store clerk was murdered is back open. It's been a long month of grieving for the family. Now, the re-opening gives them strength. It's a FOX 40 News update. Check it out in my latest story!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Live is Back!

After some time away due to a mini-vacation and illness...I'm finally back posting new stuff to my site. For now...check out my brand new weekend newscast anchoring above. Look for new reporting later this week!

Monday, February 16, 2009

FOX 40 News Now Streaming Live

Our FOX 40 News at 9:00 newscasts are now streaming live on our wesbsite every night at 9:00 p.m. online at www.fox40now.com. You can click the "live streaming" bar on the home page to see our entire show as it happens and you don't even have to be in Jackson! Wednesday through Sunday I'll be on there if you want to watch live! I've also posted a streaming link on my site...just click on the FOX 40 News icon to the right of this post. Of course you'll see all my work here within hours after it airs anyway.

Friday, February 13, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Accused Teen Killer Captured


This is my new "story slideshow" feature

Now--An update to a story I did last Friday--Investigators have arrested a suspect they believe shot and killed an 18-year old convenience store clerk. The suspect faces capital murder charges. In an emotional interview, I got the mother's reaction to the news that her son's accused killer is behind bars.

Click below to see the news story that aired...then...

Click here to see my entire interview with the mother via our website. It's about 5 minutes.



ON-AIR VIDEOS: Baseball and the Recession: 2 stories I hope are a hit

It turns out even baseball isn't recession proof. Our Mississippi Braves minor league team is taking a bit of a hit during these tough times. Check out my latest story below!



In case you missed it...another baseball story. Click below to see my story about baseball card shops barely surviving the recession. Economy and baseball...my new beat!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Code Red: Investigation Reveals Faulty Fire Hydrants

This is my first FOX 40 News investigation. It's about fire hydrants not working like they should in one of our outlying counties. It's about 4 mintues...but took more than a month of work...so I hope it's worth it!!! I think it's one of my better ones. This is journalism at its best. Enjoy.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

NEW ANCHOR VIDEO: Check out my latest anchoring from this weekend!

Hey all! Check out my latest anchoring videos posted above from this weekend. Coming soon, I'll have a couple new stories posted, including my first FOX 40 News investigation.

Monday, February 2, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Saturday Anchor Newscast

I figured it out! Check out my Saturday Anchoring above!

Coming soon: Anchoring Video

Hey all. I'm having issues uploading my anchoring from Saturday. I'm trying to figure out how to get such a large file up here. I'll get it posted as soon as I can. Check back later today to see if it's up. In the meantime...check out my apartment story from Friday, posted below.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Apartment Vacancies Up in Mississippi

Just like fewer folks can afford houses in this tough economy, the same is true for apartments. FOX 40 News found that less people are able to rent their own apartments, and instead are resorting to roommates to help foot the bill and split the costs. Hmmm...wonder where I got this idea?

Friday, January 30, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: Gas Truck Overturns; Forces Evacuations

This story was brief, and a bit unconventional, it's what we call a look-live WHIP. Basically, it's just me pretending to be live and putting some video and interviews with it. It was a nothing story really, but I had to make something of it. Not very visual or breaking, but news nonetheless. A gas truck overturns, causing evacuations. Check it out.

ON-AIR VIDEO: FOX 40 News Goes Back to the Capitol to Track Down Lawmaker Pushing for Pay Raise

As promised, I went back to the capitol Thursday to try and get a comment from the state representative pushing for a pay raise during an economic recession. I had no luck...again. She threatened me...to see how it went down and what she had to say...check out the video box above!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

ON-AIR VIDEO: State Rep.Wants Raises for All Elected Officials

One state lawmaker wants to give all elected officials pay raises in the midst of an economic recession. The idea doesn't sit well with most. I tried tracking down the woman who proposed the idea, but got the runaround. It's the first video taken straight from our air! Notice, it's the version from our 10p.m. re-broadcast on our sister station. Enjoy!

Monday, January 26, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: FOX 40 News is on the air!!!


It's been about a year in the making and finally, FOX 40 News at 9 is on the air. We launched our nightly 9p.m. newscast this Saturday. I'll be beginning anchoring next weekend. I've already been reporting this weekend. For now, our newscasts will be on our website at FOX40NOW.com--click on "video on demand", then find our latest newscast updated each morning. I'll be posting my latest stories here on my site with my new video feature. I can take any clips that air, save them and post them here...so starting later this week, you'll see the actual version that aired on TV just hours after it airs. I'll put my stories plus anchoring clips. Check back soon. For now, check out the past 5 or so videos from the last few weeks that I finally got around to posting.

VIDEO INCLUDED: State Senators Freeze Their Own Salaries

Mississippi--being the poorest state in the union--is in an economic crisis. It's so bad, the state Senate is voluntarily cutting its own budget. It means freezing staff salaries, no senator raises and senators may even have to pay their own gas! It's a story I broke and no other media has reported it. Check out one of my most recent video stories!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Man Threatens Obama Assassination


Here's a recent story of a local man arrested for threatening to kill President Obama. I was at the Federal courthouse...where cameras aren't allowed inside, but outside we yelled questions to the guy from the street...it's as close as police would let us go. I also got my hands on the affidavit that explain why he wanted to do it. Check it out. No web story again...just click the video above.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Teen Dies in Wreck; Mother Speaks to FOX 40 News

These are the stories that are so tough to tell. A 16-year old died in a wreck Friday. He was with three other teens. Two are okay...one is in critical condition with a fractured skull. They weren't wearing their seat belts at the time. I spoke with the 16-year old's mother Sunday in one of my first stories ON AIR at FOX 40 News at 9. Look for more to come soon, including in studio shots and anchoring videos!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Senate Passes Voter ID Bill



Hey all! More politics today. Being in the state capitol...it's a big deal around here. The Senate has passed a bill that would require voters to show a picture ID at the polls. It's an idea sparking a little controversy. Check it out in one of my recent stories! No web version here, just click on the video link above.

VIDEO INCLUDED: FOX 40 News Previews A Busy Week at the State Capitol


Hey all! Check out this new feature I learned! There's no website story for this...but you can watch the TV version in the video box above. Look for more videos like this soon. Very soon, you can see me in the studio, too with the fancy FOX 40 News logo and all...even some of me anchoring next weekend! Enjoy!

Monday, January 12, 2009

VIDEO INCLUDED: Bryam Man Indicted on Child Sex Charges

This is a scary story. Alghough the guy hasn't been convicted, he's been indicted on child sex charges for apparently having sex with his granddaughter, who is under 12. He's 70 years old. It's sick...but it's a pretty good story about the neighborhood and what they're doing about it. I confronted the man charged with the crime. Hear what he has to say in my newest video story!

VIVIDEO INCLUDED: Mississippi's Economy to Highlight '09 Captiol Talks

Like the rest of the country, Missisisppi is in deep trouble financially. Being the poorest state in the country, we're not immune to the nationwide recession. I preview the 2009 legislative session at our state capitol and see how leaders hope to make ends meet this year.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Young Fans Celebrate Ole Miss Football Victory


The new year started with a bang for Ole Miss football fans with a surprise over Texas Tech. I talked to some young fans as they watched the historic game. Gotta love kids. Check it out.