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No Pomp, Lots of Circumstance

Today marks my last day of online classes at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where I've spend the last three years studying graphic design. I won't fly to Pittsburgh next month for the graduation ceremony, but I'll be pleased as punch when my associate's degree arrives in the mail.

Gray Signs Contract with JPS

Jackson Public Schools finally has a new superintendent. Dr. Cedrick Gray signed a contract this morning to take over as superintendent effective July 1.

Nick Hanauer's 'Controversial' TED Talk–Tax the Rich?

Then it's interesting to look around you at the economy and think... Huh.

Available in its entirety on YouTube, Nick Hanauer's 6-minute TED talk has proven controversial because TED doesn't want to post it. While some call it "political," it may simply be a clear, concise refutation of the idea that the "rich" are "job creators" that ought not be taxes. It's particularly poignant when you see where middle-class salaries have gone over the last 30 years of our Great Trickle-down Experiment, and where effective tax rates are.

Sagging Pants: Unsightly, sure, but illegal?

The City Council in Columbus passed an ordinance this week banning sagging pants, the Clarion-Ledger reported. The ordinance is a revision to the city's current indecent exposure policy and carries a penalty between $75 and $250.

WTF, Rep. Nunnelee?!?

Who ARE you, and why would you do such a thing, Rep. Nunnelee, considering you come from state where domestic abuse is such an epidemic? I mean, Haley Barbour lets brutal domestic murderers go free early, and now you go against bipartisan support for a bill that fights domestic abuse? Seriously? What kind of message does this send to abusers back here in your home state?

8th Annual JFP Chick Ball Set for Saturday, July 28, 2012

The 8th Annual JFP Chick Ball is raising money to help the Center for Violence Prevention start a rape crisis center. Center Director Sandy Middleton chose the focus for this year's fundraising effort because sexual assault is an epidemic in Mississippi, and far too resources are available to help the victims. As always, the JFP Chick Ball will be a fun and funky event with a cover charge of only $5 for men and women 18 years of age and older. Once inside, you will find all sorts of fun ways to help raise additional funds, including the city's best silent auction with well over 100 gift packages and art by local artists to bid on. In the past, the JFP Chick Ball has funded a new mini-van for the center, raised start-up funds for the area's first (and subsequently very successful) batterer's intervention program, set up a legal fund to help families escape abuse and funded rural programs around the metro area.

National Bicycle Month Events

May is National Bicycle Month, and local organizations are planning a series of events to raise awareness of the need to make Mississippi more bicycle friendly.

Gov. Bryant Signs Biz Bills

Let's say a meteorite crashed to Earth and landed on the Jackson Free Press' offices, resulting in a broken pinky toe on my left foot. According to a new state law, it would be up to me to prove to my bosses that I wasn't high as a kite when said celestial projectile descended on Fondren.

Earle Banks to Run for State Supreme Court

Rep. Earle Banks announces candidacy for Mississippi Supreme Court

State Rep. Earle Banks, D-Jackson, just sent out a press release announcing his intention to run for Mississippi Supreme Court Justice in District 1, which Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. now represents. Here's the full release:

GOP Mad at Suggestion Mississippi is Anti-Gay

Some Mississippians are incensed at North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue for comparing her state's recent successful ballot initiative defining marriage as between a man and a woman to Mississippi -- whose Constitution also defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Help Lavaree Jones get life-saving surgery

Rickey Cole just sent out this call for help. Please do what you can. Verbatim:

We are having a Radio-Thon on WMPR-90.1 FM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. to raise money to help Lavaree Jones receive life saving heart surgery. As you may know, Lavaree is a pioneering Jackson business woman, Democratic political activist and community organizer. She has served the Jackson and Hinds County Community for over 30 years as a real estate professional, and active community citizen.

Boil Water Notice in West Jackson

The city has issued a boil water notice for about 150 people in west Jackson. Here is the announcement, verbatim:

Rev. Jesse Jackson an Honorary Hinds Deputy

There's a new sheriff in town. Well, technically there's a new Honorary Deputy Sheriff Chaplain in town -- and his name is the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. The Hinds County Sheriff's Department posted 30 photos on its Facebook page of the longtime civil rights leader's swearing in as an honorary county cop yesterday.

Bridge to Close

A bridge on Robinson Road Ext. will be closed for two days this week. From the city, verbatim:

Traffic Alert – Temporary Bridge Closure

Make Lemonade

How many people knew that tomorrow is Lemonade Day in Jackson? Children around the capital city will have lemonade stands set up as a way to learn about business and entrepreneurship. (Temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees tomorrow, so hopefully the demand for lemonade will be high.)

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