[Stiggers] Survive, Thrive, Stay Alive
Brother Hustle: "Newt the Ging-Grinch said this about poor people and children: 'Really poor children in really poor neighborhoods have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works. So they literally have no habit of showing up on Monday. They have no habit of staying all day. They have no habit of "I do this and you give me cash," unless it's illegal.'
[Hales] Death of the College Dream?
For the past two months, Americans have struggled to figure out what exactly the Occupy Wall Street movement is about. Who are the protesters? What do they stand for? What is their agenda? Many have asked these questions, but no one has seemed to produce a solid answer.
The JFP Interview with Heather McTeer
Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer, 35, isn't afraid to challenge herself. She completed the St. Jude Marathon years after doctors said she'd never be able to run due to an old injury. Her motivation has inspired others in the Delta, identified as one of the unhealthiest places in the nation, to exercise.
PERS Commission Recommends Three-year Freeze on COLA
Verbatim from Gov. Haley Barbour's office:
Verbatim: PERS Study Commission Releases Recommendations for Strengthening Pension Fund
Stand Up Big
When I shook his hand, I knew instantly that Larry Jackson wasn't a full-time comedian. His enormous paw, covered with callouses and cuts, swallowed my hand. In fact, he's only a comedian on the side. He maintains bridges and drains for the city of Jackson at his day job.
Making a Place
Author Lalita Tademy describes Mississippian Lynne Bryant's debut novel "Catfish Alley" (New American Library, 2011, $14) as being "In the tradition of 'The Help,'" by Kathryn Stockett. True, both Mississippi authors have white women as central characters and black women struggling against racial hatred. Both novels have multiple perspectives. That's where they diverge.
With Friends Like This
When I read the subtitle of this book—"Blues Tourism and the Mississippi Delta"—I thought it looked to be a winner. A book that offers pointers on blues promotion is greatly needed.
JRA Faces More Hotel Hurdles
CORRECTION: This is an updated version of the story referencing the law firm of Balch and Bingham. In an earlier version, we had the firm's name incorrect. We apologize for the error.
Graham Defiant in Auditor Probe
More than five months since receiving a demand from Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering, Hinds County District 1 Supervisor Robert Graham has not paid the $45,736 the auditor said Graham owes the state.
Gene Moore
Gene Moore is a chaser of dreams and determined to do what he can to leave the world a better place. In 2003, he left his position as the news director for WJTV-12 to start his own business, T-KAM Video Production.
Barbour: Don't Marginalize Women
I'm not sure what Gov. Haley Barbour is "running" for now--vice president? chief of staff?--but I was dismayed to read about his recent speech in which he focused on how churches and church leaders need to help stave off "illegitimacy" in Mississippi.
Can We Learn from the Hotel Morass?
As the city administration and the Jackson Development Authority scramble to close a convention-center hotel deal filled with "complexities" (as JRA member John Reeves put it), the situation should make the rest of us wonder: How can we avoid being in this place again?
Overtime Kerfluffle Causes Council Detour
City Council members took a detour from the agenda this morning to discuss the millions of dollars the city spends on overtime pay each year.
They're Crafty
They say that handmade gifts mean so much more to the recipient. They also mean a lot to the artists who craft the items as well as to the local economy, especially now. The Mississippi Craft Center Gallery in Ridgeland, and others like it around the country, is having a banner sales year.
Carl Jackson
On Dec. 8, recording artist Carl Jackson joined more than 30 other local performers featured on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The trail, similar to the 140-member strong Mississippi Blues Trail, celebrates Mississippi's rich heritage of country music legends and chart toppers. Jackson's marker unveiling will take place during the annual "Home for Christmas Concert" at the Strand Theatre, 118 South Church St. in Louisville, Miss.
City Mulls Bond Deal
The City Council and city attorney have thick stacks of documents to review detailing the deal the Jackson Redevelopment Authority worked out to build a convention center hotel.
Clinton Municipal Court is an Angel
Victims of domestic violence have a strong resource in the Clinton Municipal Court.
Presidential Pardons Heavily Favor Whites
White criminals seeking presidential pardons over the past decade have been nearly four times as likely to succeed as minorities, a ProPublica examination has found.
Community Events and Public Meetings
7 p.m., "Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellness" Seminar, at New Destiny Christian Center Church (Wind River, 405 Briarwood Drive, Suite 301). Topics include the fundamentals of good nutrition and healthy weight loss methods. Chiropractor Dr. Billy King Shaw and nutrition counselor Pastor Joyce Handy are the speakers. Free; call 601-301-2046.
Creative ‘Coworking' Comes to Jackson
Creative Distillery hasn't quite finished setting up its new office on the third floor of Banner Hall. A few walls are still awaiting paint and an empty corner in the kitchen needs a refrigerator. But Melia Dicker points to high ceilings and big windows that will make the new space an environment to encourage creativity.