Assistant Chief: Avoid Driving in Weather
The Jackson Police Department reported low crime figures in some precincts throughout the week of Feb. 1 to Feb. 7, but police are gearing up to deal with any potential hazards resulting from expected snowfall this week.
An Early Valentine's
Although this was written before Valentine's Day, it serves its purpose for the occasion. As a writer (I use that term loosely), I have found that when a moment hits you to write, you do everything in your power to write. The below piece was written in my head one November night last year. LK was away in Kentucky, and it was our first time away from each other for an extended period of time. I "wrote" the piece in my head as I stood outside. Amazingly, I got the pad and pen out and was able to capture the moment.
Speed to Turn Over Property, Calls Ethics Issue ‘Moot'
Jackson businessman and Levee Board member Leland Speed is donating a portion of the property that spurred charges of an ethics violation to Mississippi College. Speed told the Jackson Free Press this morning that he is donating his interest in a family-owned property that borders the Pearl River floodplain to quell any possible concerns over his ethics.
Stephen Holder
After several of Stephen Holder's friends died from HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, he wanted to raise money and awareness about the disease to help save the lives of others.
Bill Expands Mississippi Gun Rights
In a near unanimous vote, the state Senate passed a bill yesterday that will allow Mississippi hand-gun owners to walk into restaurants and parks with their weapons, reports The Commercial Appeal. The Magnolia state joins Tennessee in attempting to expand the rights of handgun owners.
Race Relations…What a Headache
Youth Media Project
Tolerance is a limited, quick answer, but doesn't address the entire situation. At the end of the day, our process of trying to reach new levels of conversation are the true product that we need. This is something else I learned: sometimes process is progress. We work to communicate, not fully understanding what will lie at our conquest's end. As an artist though, I feel as if I must help capture and transform each moment of this progression so that the truths of each moment are not lost.
Precocious Strings
Fifteen-year-old Nathaniel Smith eagerly leads me upstairs to his second-floor bedroom in an expansive ranch house nestled in rural Brandon. Opening a white case, he produces a sleek, antiquated mahogany cello, made in 1896 by Vincentius Postiglione.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Men's college basketball, Ole Miss at Mississippi State (8 p.m., Starkville, ESPN or ESPN2, 97.3 FM, 105.9 FM): This game could be good for what ails both the Rebels and Bulldogs. Unfortunately, it seems to bring out the worst in both squads.
[McLaughlin] Lovers Unite
The people who go out of their way to make life better for others inspire me. With Valentine's Day approaching, we should celebrate our lovenot only for each other, but our love for our city. Let's strive to see the bigger picture, especially when pettiness comes between us. I've learned that it's our setbacks that make success and victory sweet.
Protecting Women, Battling the Budget
Jackson state Sen. David Blount has pushed through three bills strengthening domestic-violence laws and protecting victims of abuse.
Eyes Wide Shut
About four years ago, a colleague invited Myra Ottewell, a native Jacksonian and teacher in British Columbia, to speak to his class after they viewed "Mississippi Burning," the 1988 movie about the murders of civil rights workers Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner in Philadelphia, Miss.
Pearl River-Related Bills
Legislators introduced a number of bills during this year's legislative session that would have had some bearing on Pearl River flood control, although a few of the measures are dead.
Hands Off the Levee Board
We weren't surprised to learn that supporters of the Two Lakes Pearl development project are pushing the state Legislature to take more control of the local Levee Boardreconfiguring the appointees so that the board might finally support the controversial project that can't seem to get "yes" for an answer. The move isn't subtle.
[Stiggers] Tuning the Toyotillac
Mr. Announcement: "Live from the Clubb Chicken Wing Multi-Purpose Complex, G-SPAN (the Ghetto-Satellite Public Affairs Network) presents a brief press conference held by Big Deacon Jones, chairman of the deacon board, head mechanic and company spokesperson of Rev. Cletus' Car Sales Church.
[Wilkes] Why I'm a Feminist
Feminism. Why is this word considered so foul coming from the mouths of men? It seems like nine times out of 10 when I use this word in a conversation with another man, a thick blanket of awkwardness falls over us.
A Day in the Life of a Private School Kid
Youth Media Project
7:23 AM: Arriving at school, I remember it is Senior Skip Day, and park in the farthest area of the Junior parking lot, rather than at the gym where the Sophomores are supposed to park. I walk about what seems four miles to get to the library and print off my Chemistry lab worksheets, and then remember about my Hamlet test, which starts in eight minutes.
What Did You Have For Breakfast?
Youth Media Project
It's an embarrassing and tedious process filling out financial aid forms. It makes me want to send an e-mail to these schools saying, "My mother is my only source of income, she works in retail, and I live in Mississippi. Can't you just believe I need the money?!"
I Hear You Don't Have a Religion/Denomination/Highly Complicated System of Beliefs that exclude…
..several types of people, so that means you must like it hot...
Disclaimer: I realize that half of what I've said is not accurate, and is biased. I don't claim to be a religious guru and I am not without prejudices. I'm just somebody still trying to figure it out and would appreciate it if people would allow me to.
Our Heads Have Out-Grown the Crown, But Have We Grown to Wear It?
Youth Media Project
We are the trailblazers for the next generation. We are the ones who will impact our communities and help shape and mold their atmosphere. The only just way to do this, is to humble ourselves and get out into the community and SERVE. Having my brothers' back does not only apply to Morehouse, this is a concept that should be embedded into the minds of all.
Little Love for Levees
The meeting room for the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board in Flowood filled with rancor Monday, Feb. 8, after the board learned that the state Legislature may vote to dilute its authority to make flood-control decisions for the metro area, clearing the way for the controversial Two Lakes development plan to come back to life.