VIDEO INCLUDED: Jackson Man Escapes House Fire, Sister Reflects on Damage

A sad story this Saturday, just a couple days after the holiday. A man escapes a house fire near downtown Jackson. The home had been in the family for decades. The man's sister told her story to FOX 40 News. Check it out in my latest VIDEO STORY!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Small Businesses Offer Deep Discounts to Keep up with Box Stores

The day after Christmas and all through the house, small businesses struggle. The rhyme stops there. Small businesses are increasingly having to offer more major discounts to attract customers from the big box stores, especially in a rough economy. Check out my video story and see the sights and sounds inside the store!

VIDEO INLCUDED: Holiday Workers Just Happy to Have a Job

It was a holly jolly holiday at FOX 40 News. I worked another Christmas, but didn't mind. I actually got to do kind of a fun story. As you might imagine, it's not easy finding news on a holiday as nothing is open for business and there's not really anyone to talk to, but I think this story suffices. I just went out and literally tried to find a story. Here's the result. Check it out and Happy Holidays everyone!

Playing Catch-Up

Hey y'all! It's been a few weeks since I updated by website, but after a nice Thanksgiving at home, I'm back to work and it's busy, busy, busy. All of our stories now are full "packages", interviews, sound and all. I've just posted 6 NEW VIDEOS! Check them out. The Christmas tree one is my favorite. Enjoy and be in touch!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Pearl River Reaches Flood Stage

After all the rain over the last week (three straight days of it), the Pearl River, which runs through Jackson and south to the Gulf, is flooding. No one is in any real danger, but the pictures are still pretty incredible. Check it out in my very latest VIDEO story.

VIDEO INCLUDED: TV Signals To Be Cut Off For Test

Mississippi is getting ready for the digital transition by showing viewers what they'll see if they're not DTV ready. Coming up, all Jackson area TV stations will go to snow for 5 minute periods over the next few months. I spoke with one of our engineers about the change.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Ice Threat Looms as Snow Ends

Yes, it snowed all the way down here in Jackson, Mississippi Thursday. What a mess! We got about an inch, but just 45 miles south of there, they got 10 inches! It's unheard of around here. We haven't had measurable snow here in 11 years. My story focuses on the after snow preps for ice. Check out one of my latest VIDEO stories!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Christmas Tree Sales Steady Despite Recession

I think this is one of my better ones in quite awhile. I went to a Christmas tree farm south of Jackson where the economy isn't stopping folks from celebrating the season with a good old fashioned family tradition. Check it out! I think you'll really like this one!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Homeless Struggling Even More in Economic Recession

Times are tough for everyone right now, most of us know it first hand. Those who are even less fortunate, still struggle even more now. I spoke with a homeless man in this latest VIDEO story.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Jackson Zoo Moving Quickly in Security Upgrades

After two separate dog attacks on animals at the Jackson Zoo, the zoo is upgrading security. Check out the VIDEO!

VIDEO INCLUDED: 85-Year Old Man Saved From House Fire

An odd and heroic story in rural Mississippi. An elderly man accidentaly starts his house on fire...by trying to start the furnace...with gasoline. He didn't know better than to get out...find out how he escaped the blaze by watching my latest VIDEO story....last one for awhile since I'm heading home!!!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Mississippi Catfish Industry Sinking

I think this is one of my better stories in a long, long time. Mississippi is the catfish capitol of the world...really. We raise 60% of the nation's catfish...it's huge for the local economy. But right now in economic tough times...the industry is drying up. Check out this brand new VIDEO story!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Wild Dogs Kill Gazelles at the Jackson Zoo

A sad story out of the Jacskon Zoo. Wild dogs killed two baby gazelles after somehow sneaking inside the gates. The gazelles were just 6 months old. Police and animal control have yet to find the dogs responsible. Check out this new VIDEO story!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Restaurants Struggle in Sour Economy

Restaurants are among the many industrys suffering from the nation's economic crisis. In Mississippi, restaurants are the state's largest minority employer. Because of high food prices and fewer people going out to eat, restaurants are being forced to cut staff and employee hours. Check out my latest VIDEO story!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Gas Prices in Limbo: How Low Will They Go?

Gas prices are in limbo...just how low will they go? Check out my latest VIDEO story. We are starting to do normal, full video stories now...we call "packages". You'll be seeing more and more of them! Enjoy!

Lt. Governor Weighs in on Election Issues-VIDEO INCLUDED!

Hey all...more from election night in today's post. The first story is the Lt. Governor weighing in on the election--issues and concerns to be addressed for the next election.

Also, notice in the big "My Videos" section at the top of my page, I've added a compilation of my Election '08 coverage in case you missed any. Just click the big play button above. Enjoy!

Election Night in Mississippi: 6 Videos Included!

Hey y'all. Election night in Mississippi was a long one. I ended up puting in about a 15 hour day. I posted 6 different videos all under the same story. I covered the U.S. Senate race that I've been following all along. Sen. Roger Wicker (R)--whose party I was at--beat former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) by a ten point margin. Just follow the link by clicking the picture and then check out "related content" on the fox40now.com story for all 6 videos.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Church Fire Injures Firefighter

Just as I was about to leave for the night on Sunday at about 9:30, reports of a church fire came over our scanners. I grabbed a photographer and hustled out the door and we were the first at the scene of a church fire. First, it was heavy smoke, then the steeple was in flames. No one was inside, but a firefighter was injured. He seemed to be doing okay when we left. Check out one of my more interesting VIDEO stories here in Jackson. You'll see me at the scene of the fire and our fancy new name graphics!

VIDEO INCLUDED: U.S. Senate Candidates Share Campaign Trail

It's just 10 days til the November election and Mississippi's U.S. Senate race is getting national attention as one of the three closest races in the country. Saturday, I spoke one-on-one with both candidates in a rare scenario where the two were campaigning in the same place...the Jackson State University homecoming football game. Check out my interviews in this brand new VIDEO story.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Economic Concerns Parking Football Fans

The economy is in a huge slump...that's obvious. I found out how the economy is impacting travel to high school football road games. Even thought gas prices have fallen considerably, football families are still having to cut corners during tough times in order to make sure they can attend their kids' games. Check out the video!

LIVE Update

Hey all!

It's been a month, I know. I'm finally getting around to updating my page. Below are 3 new video stories to check out. It's been a frustrating few months, but we are closer to getting on-air and I'm optimistic. It looks like equipment should finally be coming soon. Enjoy the website for now! Love you all.

-Matt

Secretary of State Weighs in on Election Concerns

I spoke one on one with Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann recently about his concerns going into the upcoming elections. I caught up with him just before a group was meeting to discuss reforming Mississippi election laws. Check out my interview in this VIDEO story.

VIDEO INCLUDED: Elderly Voters Rally in Jackson

I spoke with some elderly voters at a Jackson nursing home this past week. Don't forget about the older folks this election season. Their concerns of social security and health care are certainly ones they'll consider when selecting our next president. Check out this new VIDEO story!

VIDEO INCLUDED: Congressional Leader Stumps for Obama in Jackson

U.S. Congressman James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina stumped for Barack Obama in Jackson this past weekend. I didn't get to speak one on one with him, but did talk to voters who attended the rally. Check out this newly posted VIDEO story.

Meeting a TV Icon

The best part of debate week, perhaps was meeting former NBC Nightly News anchor, Tom Brokaw. We were in Oxford on the campus quad, known as "The Grove" at Ole Miss where many media elite were hanging around. I caught up with Brokaw as he was heading to the MSNBC set to appear for pre and post debate coverage. He was a bit hasty and understandably busy, but he did stop for a picture with me. It was pretty cool to meet one of my TV idols! See below for a busy week of stories, including videos!

Debate Week: MS Democrats Rally in Oxford, VIDEO INCLUDED!

Check out my video story where I interview former MS Governor Ray Mabus and other Democrats as they rallied in Oxford the night before Friday's debate.

Debate Week: My one on one with Howard Dean, VIDEO INCLUDED!

Check out my full one on one interview with Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. You may remember him as a 2004 presidential candidate. I pulled him aside for about 3 mintues. See the story for my one on one dialogue with the Democratic Party's leader.

Debate Week: Student Republicans React to McCain Drama, VIDEO INCLUDED!

Hey all! I'm back after a very busy debate week! I had tons of fun in Oxford, Mississippi where Barack Obama and John McCain faced off in the first presidential debate. I was on campus almost every day this past week doing stories for freelance and for FOX 40 News and fox40now.com. This first story includes VIDEO of me interviewing Republican students about the possibility that John McCain wouldn't show up. It's pretty fun stuff. More to come.

FULL VIDEO STORY! Football Field Danger

Hey all! It's been awhile. Once again, I'm a bit behind on my website. I apologize. Check out my latest story, with full video story just like the old days! I think you'll enjoy this one. It's the most real TV story I've done in a long time. Our sports crew made me aware of some dangerous field conditions at a Jackson high school football field. Players have been injured due to a consistent muddy sinkhole mess at one field. Check it out!

General Election Kicks Off

Monday marks the official start to the general election season and Mississippi's Republicans and Democrats are ready for a fierce fight. I spoke to both parties Sunday. No video today, but more to come. Check back Wednesday for more new content.

Mississippi Waiting on Federal Disaster Relief

No video this time, sorry. Because we are only online now, I don't always do videos. Look for more soon, though. Mississippi is looking for financial help from the federal government in response to damage left behind in our southern counties from Hurriane Gustav. It finally stopped raining here today! Its very wet still, though. Look for a new video tomorrow as I head to the Jackson State University football game and check out the impact of the stadium's new leaders.

VIDEO INCLUDED! FOX 40 News Tours South Mississippi Storm Damage

VIDEO INCLUDED! Check out one of my most in depth videos with me, interviews and more! I toured storm damage left behind from the affects of Hurricane Gustav. I toured with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. It's good stuff, one of my favorite so far. I hope you enjoy it!

Mississippi Republicans Shed Light on Convention

Like I did with the democrats, I'm finished profiling local republicans at their convention in St. Paul...home! Check out some of their pictures they shared.

VIDEO INCLUDED! Inside FEMA Operations Center

Here's one of the first looks of me in a video story for quite awhile. I hope to be doing more like this soon. This story takes you inside FEMA's local operations center at the MEMA (Mississippi Emergency Management Agency). This is where John McCain visited Sunday. It is the state emergency operations center which is buzzing as disaster looms.

Governor Briefs Media on Gustav Sunday

Governor Barbour addresses media Sunday. Check back here for the latest on the local affects of Gustav. http://www.fox40now.com/ has all of the several storm related stories affecting the Jackson area if you want to know more.

Governor Briefs Media on Gustav Saturday

Mississippi governor Haley Barbour is holding daily briefings over the weekend as Hurricane Gustav threatens the Gulf coast.

Supplies Run Low As Gustav Approaches

Hurricane Gustav is approaching the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Because of Katrina fresh on people's minds, they are buying essential supplies and gas way ahead of time. I got a first hand look.

Update: Mississippi Democrats Arrive in Denver

In a follow up to my story from the other day, Mississippi's democratic delegates have arrived in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. The convention kicks off Monday and I'll be providing updates throughout the week. My stories will give readers an up close, local look at the convention. Check back Wednesday for my next post as I'm off Monday and Tuesday.

Mississippi Reacts to Obama's VP Pick

Sen. Joe Biden was announced as Sen. Barack Obama's vice presidential pick Saturday. Mississippi Republicans were quick to respond to the presumptive democratic nominee's pick. Mississippi Democrats fired right back. Check out today's local reaction to Obama's selection.

Mississippi Democrats Headed to Convention

Mississippi Democrats are headed to Denver for next week's Democratic National Convention. I spoke with a couple local democrats and will follow their week via pictures and phone interviews. Check back to get an inside look at what local Mississippi leaders are seeing and experiencing in Denver.

Fay Headed Toward Mississippi

Tropical Storm Fay is in Florida and moving straight west toward Mississippi. This is hurricane country, so we are bracing for just lots of heavy rain this weekend into early next week. Fay dumped close to 30 inches on Florida. By the time it reaches Jackson it will probably dump up to 6 inches. Today, I talked to MEMA (Mississippi Emergency Management Agency) about their preparations. There should be video for this story, but we've been having some technical problems. Hopefully by the time you see it the video will work.

Welcome!

Welcome to the brand new "Matt Johnson Live." Here you can see some of my recent work along with photos, a slideshow, a poll, story links, and much more to come.

Please feel free to comment and tell me what you think!

More Medicaid Mess

Mississippi's Medicaid program is still a mess. The governor's cuts are set to go into effect in less than two weeks. Hospitals fear the affect of the cuts. They are running out of time to file legal action to block the cuts. I'm all over this complicated story. It's not as thrilling as a video story would be, but for now, that's what I've got. Enjoy.

Playing Catch Up

Hey all...it's been awhile since I've updated the blog. It is a sign that I've been busy, busy, busy at work. We're still working hard to get on the air very soon, but I don't know exactly when. Check out my updated web stories over the last few days including some videos! We are able to edit more extensively now, so you may be seeing more edited pieces. Most likely they won't be the full video stories you're used to seeing, but it's something. Also, feel free to comment on the stories.

I've also added a few new features, including a new template, poll, slideshow and photo captions. Look for more changes soon! Tell me how you like the new look!

Citizens March to "Stop the Violence"

This story is a little older, but I never posted it up here. Jackson has a major crime problem. We've had something like 48 murders this year so far. We had 57 all of last year. Fortunately, I live in a good neighborhood, but they're not all that way. I marched with a group of people last weekend through some areas where people were murdered. The group is hoping to get the word out to help "Stop the Violence." This story includes a brief video, more to come later this week when I edit a full video as part of our practice in learning to edit.

State to Hear Citizens Sound Off on Tax Changes

As mentioned in my previous entry, Mississippi is considering a major overhaul of the state's tax system. Click here to read how it will affect taxpayers.

State Report Recommends Cigarette Tax Hike

Mississippi is considering sweeping changes to the state's tax system. Among them is a proposal to double the cigarette tax. It's currently just 18 cents/pack. The funds would help fund various health programs, mostly Medicaid, which is in desperate need for cash. Click here to read the story.

Vandals Target Foreclosed Homes

Mom gave me this story idea. Vandals are targeting foreclosed homes in the Jackson area. When the homes sit vacant--for weeks at times--vandals take aim. The result is that realtors have a tough time selling the homes. Who wants to buy a vandalized home? Vandals aren't the only ones doing damage, though. Often times, the homeowner--knowing they're getting their home taken away due to foreclosure--will strip everything they can from the house before they leave. It's a problem Jackson realtors don't deny. Click here to read the story and see video of a local realtor walking me through the home.

New Polls Show Tight Mississippi U.S. Senate Race

Check out my latest political piece. I did some digging and found new polling numbers in the heated race for Mississippi's U.S. Senate seat. The former Governor, Ronnie Musgrove (D) is facing interim U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R). I've been doing several stories and will be doing many more with both campaigns as election night (Nov. 4th) nears. The Mississippi U.S. Senate Race is expected to be one of the closest in the country this election cycle. Click here to read my story.

State Health Lab Likely Won't Close

The Mississippi Public Health Lab--run by the MS Dept. of Health--got into trouble a while back for improper lab testing procedures. The feds threatened to close the lab by the end of this month, but that may not happen now. Click here to find out why.

Heated Medicaid Debate Comes to an End

The debate over Mississippi's Medicaid mess has finally ended--at least for now. I was at the state capitol all day Monday chasing down lawmakers in their various meetings on fixing the funding shortfall. The democratic led House and the republican led Senate (supported by the governor) have been in major disagreement on how to fund Medicaid. The special session ended Monday, but not without a little drama. This is a complicated topic to cover, but I enjoy the challenge. Click here to see Monday's story.