The No-Name Problem
When feminist leader Betty Friedan passed away in February 2006, traditional and online media were flooded with stories from women who were affected in some way by her 1963 book, "The Feminine Mystique." Scholarly eulogies attempted to explain or contextualize the book's significance to the American feminist movement. My favorite assessment came from the feminist blogger Echidne of the Snakes, who emphasized Friedan's role as "name-giver."
Ivan Rider Drives ‘Daisy'
Director Ivan Rider returns to Jackson to direct "Driving Miss Daisy" at New Stage Theatre.
Hood vs. Simpson
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent Steve Simpson accused each other last week of conflicts of interest.
The JFP Interview with Steve Simpson
When Stephen Simpson stands over you with his 6-foot-7-inch frame, you might want to think twice before disagreeing with him. The Republican will tell you that "it's easy being on the right side," and makes no apologies or excuses for his position on issues. Perhaps it's his boisterous confidence that has aided his career as he progressed from attorney to circuit-court judge and Department of Public Safety commissioner.
Strong Opinions
Addie Green has strong opinions about life's basic necessities. She is running for a seat on the Public Service Commission, she said, because water, phone and sewage bills are too high. The PSC approves utility-rate increases, answers complaints from the public, and decides whether utility companies should construct new facilities and who should pay for them.
Being Proactive
Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey was traveling when he called for this interview. As he was talking about his family—Kathy, his wife of 27 years, his son, Hunter, and his daughter, Kaitlyn—the call dropped. When he called back, Posey feigned indignation at the bad cell phone service and blamed it on Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley, before laughing and admitting he was still in his Central District.
Council Demands Farish Audit
Despite a recommendation from the city's legal department, Jackson City Council members voted at its meeting last night to conduct an audit of the Farish Street Entertainment District.
A Security Requirement with No Teeth?
In less than a month, convenience-store owners in Jackson's city limits must hire security guards if their business is open from midnight to 5 a.m.
Tamu Green
Tamu ("sweet" in Swahili) Green speaks with enthusiasm and conviction about his vision for Mississippi. Like a proud parent of a star athlete showing off his trophies, he walks between unopened boxes in his new office in Ridgeland. He describes how the computer equipment and robotics gear will be used for young people.
Convention Center Hotel to Become Reality?
Jackson City Council members finally got the details on a proposed convention center hotel Monday night at a council work session.
STEPS Makes a Comeback
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security has funds available for its Subsidized Transitional Employment Program and Services, a program that provides wage subsidies to employers who, in exchange, provide a paid hourly wage and a transferable work skill to workers.
Greg Grimes
Greg Grimes has already dealt with a stray-cat problem this morning. He's also looking at someone's water leak. As the city of Jackson's constituent services manager, he takes complaints from residents and solves their problems.
Hood Announces Guide for DV Victims
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood announced a new information guide for domestic violence victims at a press conference yesterday.
Calhoun: Jails Becoming Mental Health Centers
Hinds County wants help dealing with a rising population of incarcerated prisoners who suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues. The board of supervisors passed a resolution today formally asking legislators to support the development of a "behavioral health treatment court collaborative" in the 2012 session.
Bright Future
Despite the recent high-profile bankruptcy of Solyndra, a solar panel manufacturer in Fremont, Calif. that was backed by a federal loan guarantee, proponents of solar power in Mississippi said the state is poised to take a leading role in alternative energy.
Rickey Cole
Rickey Cole's political activism started at the age of nine when he would help his parents put up signs supporting Mississippi's first female treasurer, Evelyn Gandy.
Community Events and Public Meetings
Project Homeless Connect Week. The theme is "Paving the Road to Self-Sufficiency." At Smith Park (302 Amite St.), the homeless service fair is from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 20, and the concert is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 21. The art show and reception is from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 22 at Stewpot Community Services (1100 W. Capitol St.). The homeless conference is from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Galloway United Methodist Church (305 N. Congress St.). Free; call 601-960-0335.
Stion Opens in Hattiesburg
The city of Hattiesburg celebrated the opening of a new solar-panel manufacturer last week.
Sept. 19, 2011
Fondren Blows a Fuse
Entergy is on the scene repairing the pole now.
Two loud explosions rang out in the Fondren business district just before lunch; the culprit, it seems was a semi truck taking out some power lines behind McDade's Market in the Woodland Hills shopping center.
Simpson Defends Ethics of Consulting Contract
Attorney General Jim Hood's re-election campaign is accusing opponent Steve Simpson of using his former position as commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to secure his current consulting contract with a national driver's license kiosk company. In response to media inquiries about the contract, Hood's re-election campaign manager Jonathan Compretta said that Simpson awarded a contract to L1 Identity Solutions days before he stepped down as commissioner.