[McInnis] Behind the HBCU Merger
Don't be fooled into thinking that Gov. Haley Barbour's recommendation for merging the state-funded HBCUs is about the current economic crisis.
Opposition to University Mergers Strong
Gov. Haley Barbour's proposal to merge some state universities continues to draw ire. On Nov. 20, students rallied at Jackson State University to protest Barbour's suggestion that the state's other two historically black universities, Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State, be merged into JSU.
Big Budget Wars
Gov. Haley Barbour is in crisis mode. The state is up against a $715 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2011, by his estimates, and another $500 million shortage in fiscal year 2012.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?
OK, as we all anticipate a great Thanksgiving meal or two or three, let's take time to give thanks for what we have. What are *you* grateful for? Please share below.
Sweet Obscura
After years of drawing comparisons to fellow Scots and the sweet-pop band Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura is becoming the indie-pop band to watch.
[Herman's Picks] Vol. 8, No. 11
After stuffing yourself with turkey, you might be ready for a strong drink and loud music to wash all that family time down.
JPS Weighs Bullying Policy
The bullying got so bad that LaShron Cooley's daughter began to feel physically sick before school. As a sixth-grader in the International Baccalaureate Program at Northwest Middle School, the girl was teased for being bookish and sticking out. Her mother is from Detroit, and some classmates accused her daughter of talking "white."
Curnis Upkins
Curnis Upkins, 27, knows what he wants. He wants his neighborhood to support the kind of diversity found in thriving communities. Serendipitously for him, he gets paid to create opportunities for his community to flourish.
Insurance-Reform Bills Big on Change
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had a lot to be proud of at the end of October when the House released a new and improved bill to reform health care and health-care coverage. The 10-year $894 billion package, she said, would expand coverage to more than 36 million Americans.
Mississippi Invitational in its Last Week at MMA
The show was recently reviewed favorably in the industry magazine Art in America.
After this week, the 2009 Mississippi Invitational exhibition is history. This year's exhibition is the seventh such survey of Mississippi art, including a variety of works from a diversity of artists. Selected by New York based-based curator Peter Plagens, the exhibition features artists including Duncan Baird, Cleveland; Brent Fogt, Jackson; Marita Gootee, Starkville; Philip R. Jackson, Oxford; David Lambert, Jackson; Annabelle Meacham, Senatobia; Christopher Miner, Jackson; Mathew Grant Puckett, Jackson; Lee Renninger, Gulfport; and Amanda Sparks, Jackson.
Lies, Damn Lies and ‘Dangerous' Rankings
Heard that Jackson is one of the "most dangerous" cities? Read the fine print.
More Trouble for Yazoo Pumps
Last week, environmental groups pounced on an August lawsuit filed by the Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners over the federal rejection of a plan to drain the southern portion of the Mississippi Delta.
Latasha Willis
Today we honor one of our own: new JFP event listings editor Latasha Willis. The best way you can honor Latasha? Send your events calendars for the next three months to her by next Tuesday, Dec. 1 at [e-mail missing].
[Balko] A New Trial for Cory Maye
Mississippi's Court of Appeals affirms a right to a local jury.
Need Your Winter Arts Preview Listings ASAP!
I am currently working on the Winter Arts Preview, which will include events from Dec. 9 to Mar. 9. If you have any events that you would like to include, please send them to me as soon as possible by emailing {encode="[email protected]" title="[email protected]"} or adding your event to jfpevents.com. Even if you just have the date of the event and do not have all of the details yet, send it to me anyway, and you can always contact me later with any updates or changes. If you send an email, be sure to include any high-resolution photos you may have. Don't delay; do it today. Thanks!
Hinds to Receive Federal Transportation Funds
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced yesterday that Hinds County will receive $1.425 million to replace pavement on Siwell Road. The road is a key link in the 18-mile corridor connecting the Interstate 20 Norrell Road interchange to the Interstate 55 Byram-Clinton corridor, according to a release.
Three JPS Schools Make Highest Grade
Three Jackson elementary schools received the state's highest rating according to new data released this morning by the Mississippi Department of Education. Those elementary schools, Power APAC, Davis Magnet and McWillie, received "Star School" ratings, the highest possible under the new state accountability system. All three schools are home to special programs or curricula: Power APAC houses a performing arts program, Davis Magnet offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, and McWillie offers Montessori instruction.
New Breast Cancer Guidelines Spark Controversy
Last week, two separate groups released new recommendations regarding cancer screening for women. On Nov. 16 the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reversed decades of previous recommendations regarding mammograms to detect breast cancer. Then, on Nov. 20, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released their new guidelines for Pap smears, a procedure for detecting cervical cancer. Both sets of recommendations raise the age when women should begin getting tests, and increase the time between regular testing.
Ricky Moore
Ricky Moore will retire from his position as Hinds County's assistant director of emergency operations on Nov. 30. Moore, a Jackson native, has held the post for 20 years, and his retirement, which he announced Nov. 6, comes after he was passed over for promotion to the top spot with the county's Emergency Operations Center.
Public Meetings and Community Events This Week
4 p.m., Jackson/Hinds Library System Board of Trustees meets at the Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The trustees will discuss matters concerning the local library system. Free; call 601-968-5825.