downtown Tupelo Archives

#162: Vanelli’s Bistro moving closer to opening – 09/15/16

September 15, 2016 by Chris Kieffer Leave a Comment

Almost two-and-a-half years have passed since Vanelli’s restaurant closed after a tornado damaged the iconic eatery. Its rebirth as Vanelli’s Bistro in downtown Tupelo is on the horizon.

Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid (11:30) joins Derek and Brad on today’s show to talk about the new-yet-familiar restaurant that plans to serve pizza and salads. An official opening has not yet been announced, but owner Voz Vanelli has been testing out the kitchen and food and says it will open soon.

Also on today’s show, Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (19:30) discusses a new website from the Secretary of State’s Office that will allow voters to update addresses and other information online rather than going to circuit clerks’ offices. Will the new Y’all Vote website build momentum for other initiatives proposed by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, such as online voter registration and early voting?

M. Scott Morris (29:29) reviews “Sully,” and Derek (35:22) highlights the weekend entertainment scene – Down on Main, Pied Piper celebration, Bodock Festival and more.

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#138: Pathway to the Elvis Birthplace – 07/20/16

July 20, 2016 by Chris Kieffer Leave a Comment

City leaders gathered in downtown Tupelo on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail. The $11.5 million project took 2.5 years to complete and connects the Birthplace with downtown Tupelo. Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid (5:34) joins Brad and guest co-host Emma Kent to talk about the trail’s completion, its potential impact and the reaction of downtown business owners.

Also on today’s show, Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (14:05) discusses the case of the “demon chipmunk.” Members of the Mississippi Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday on whether House Speaker Philip Gunn should be required to slow down the speed at which a computer reading application reads bills on the Mississippi House floor. Gunn has set the machine to such a high speed that its sound has been compared to that of a “demon chipmunk.”

Food editor Ginna Parsons (26:09) breaks down this week’s food section – Seafood Junction, marinated citrus olives, oven-canned tomatoes and more.

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#135: Coalition of pastors and leaders voice concerns – 07/13/16

July 13, 2016 by Chris Kieffer Leave a Comment

Regardless of the outcome of the inquiry into Antwun “Ronnie” Shumpert’s death, a newly formed Coalition of Concerned Pastors and Leaders aims to tackle what it sees as long-term issues. That includes a mistrust it says many in Tupelo’s black community have toward the police department. Daily Journal local government reporter Caleb Bedillion (6:40) recently spoke with the the coalition and joins Derek and Brad to talk about the group’s goals and what it sees as possible larger solutions. Those include asking the city to create an independent citizens’ review board to investigate complaints against the police, implement more community policing practices and remove the state flag from municipal property. The group also hosted a prayer vigil on Monday at the Temple of Compassion and Deliverance to foster community healing.

Also on today’s show, Daily Journal reporter Zack Orsborn (16:08) talks about a new event that will be held downtown on Friday to encourage more shopping and bring people back downtown following prolonged construction.

Plus, Brad (30:40) has the wackiest crime reports of last week, and food editor Ginna Parsons (23:39) breaks down this week’s food section – garlic matchstick fries, strawberry pizza and a story about why Ginna is no longer allowed to fry.

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