Gingrich Recycles 1990s Message for Jobs Creation
Republican and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appeared at a local "jobs summit" yesterday, blasting Washington politicians for being clueless about how to spur job growth. Gingrichand his messagehasn't changed much over the last decade when his party rode an anti-Democratic sentiment into House and Senate dominance. The continued strength of his party later allowed the GOP to dominate all three branches of government, including the White House, with the election of George W. Bush at the turn of the century.
It's the Weekend
The place to be tonight is Hal & Mal's for the Winter 2009 Chick Jam. The fun kicks off at 8 p.m., with performances by Fedora Welty, Party Dots and Law School, and you'll find lots of cool photography and art on display and for sale. Admission is a single Lincoln (a mere $5), but you need to be over 18 to play. Proceeds go to the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl. Call ShaWanda at 601-362-6121 ext. 16 for more info, or visit the Chick Ball Web site.
Wade Overstreet
Wade Overstreet is passionate about improving the quality of life for children and families in Jackson. As the new development director for Operation Shoestring, Overstreet, 36, is in charge of raising funds and communicating the mission of the organization, a non-profit providing services for the inner-city community including after-school programs, parenting classes, summer camps and a food pantry.
Governor Announces More Budget Cuts
In the wake of yet another disappointing state revenue report, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour announced another $54.3 million in budget cuts yesterday, and expressed remorse that he could not impose more cuts under current state law. The announced cuts include a $19.2 million slash in Medicaid reimbursement rates which will not go into effect until February thanks to a law that does not allow Barbour to reduce rates until February.
Gingrich to Speak at Millsaps
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will carry his jobs summit to Millsaps College today at 4 p.m. Gingrich's Web site describes the event as "a real jobs summit," to rival President Barack Obama's jobs summit held at the White House today.
Dr. Ed Thompson
Dr. F.E. "Ed" Thompson was a leader in improving the health of others. Thompson, 62, held the post of Mississippi's health officer, from 1993 to 2003, and again from 2007 until his death Tuesday of colon cancer.
Jackson Violent Crimes Drop 18 Percent Last Week
Violent crimes in Jackson decreased by 18 percent last week, along with an overall 3 percent decrease in all major crimes, according to statistics released at a Jackson Police Department command staff meeting this morning for the week ending Nov. 29. For the year to date, violent crime is down 9.8 percent, while property crime is up slightly at 1.2 percent. Jackson has seen 38 homicides this year to date, compared to 66 by this time last year.
Unity Conference Gets Underway
"Building Bridges Through Diversity: One Goal, One Vision" is this year's theme for the fourth annual Unity Conference, sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. The conference, which starts tonight at 7 p.m. with a book signing reception and photo gallery, continues through Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Cabot Lodge, Millsaps (2375 North State St.).
[Kamikaze] Spread the Projack Love
I'm what you call a ProJack. I steadfastly support anything in Jacksoncommunity, music and business. If you operate or reside firmly within this city's borders, I pray for your success.
Winter Chick Jam
After the success of our first Chick Jam in the summer, the Jackson Free Press is hosting Winter Chick Jam on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. with performances by folk band Fedora Welty, punk rockers Party Dots and indie-rock band Law School.
Driving Ol' Dixie Down
This might be remembered as the year they drove ol' "Dixie" down.
Funmi Folayan Spencer and Brad Franklin
Over a period of eight years, Funmi "Queen" Folayan Spencer and Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin realized that they were as good for each other as they are for Jackson.
BTW Birthdays
Yeah, you guessed it, my birthday's in December. It's on the 21st to be exact, which sometimes falls on the first day of winterthe shortest day of the year.
Now is the Time to Give
This holiday season, don't forget about the animals.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
High school football, MHSAA 1A Championship, Durant vs. Mount Olive (7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MPB): Mount Olive lost five games in the regular season, but the Pirates won when it counted.
Do the Right Thing and ... Report
As I proofread this week's cover story about the stories mainstream media won't cover, I thought back to the first year of the Jackson Free Press.
Need Audience Members for the 1st Taping of New TV Talk Show
JFP Nation, Some of you arent aware that I have new TV talk show airing on Comcast channel 14 (JSUTV23) in January. Ive entered into a partnership with my alma mater to produce a slick new News and current events talk show to attract a new demographic to their network. Think Meet the Press meets Bill Maher meets TRL.
Schimmel, Nolan Confirmed for JPS Board
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.'s two new appointments to the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees became official Nov. 25 when the Jackson City Council confirmed both with unanimous votes.
Easy On Community Colleges?
In a budget proposal that suggested drastic consolidation of the state's K-12 school districts and public universities, Gov. Haley Barbour was noticeably less adamant about changes to the state's community college system.
Whose Line Is It, Anyway?
News footage from the last nine months fills a television screen with quick cuts from image to image. A dancer moves across the stage in curious confusion. A figure in white emerges, weaving his way toward and around the dancing woman.