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Jackblog

Judge June Hardwick: I Haven't Quit or Been Fired

"I've not resigned and not received a termination letter," June Hardwick, a Jackson municipal judge, told the Jackson Free Press this afternoon. Hardwick, whom Mayor Chokwe Lumumba appointed to a judgeship in 2013, was responding to rumors on a local blog that she had stepped down from her post last …

Jackblog

AFA: Cartoon's Depiction of Black Jesus 'Blasphemous'

Kanye might not be here to argue about his facial features or to convert atheists into believers. But it appears that the American Family Association is. This morning, the Tupelo-based conservative mass-media machine sent out a press release alerting its followers in 26-point bold font that the Cartoon Network is …

Jackblog

Report: Ole Miss Should Rethink Symbols, Create Top Diversity Post

Today, University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones released the following recommendations regarding diversity and inclusion: Action Plan on Consultant Reports and Update on the Work of the Sensitivity and Respect Committee To: All Who Love The University of Mississippi From: Dan Jones, Chancellor Aug. 1, 2014 In the summer of …

Politics Blog

WLBT: Quentin Whitwell Retiring Oct. 31

Jackson Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell will retire this fall, WLBT reports. Whitwell told WLBT's Cheryl Lasseter today that he would submit a letter of resignation to the city clerk; the resignation would be effective Oct. 31, the station said. Lasseter: "Whitwell cites family commitments in Oxford and increasing demands …

Jackblog

Lee Vance Named JPD Chief

The following is a press release from Mayor Tony Yarber: Mayor Tony Yarber on Friday, Aug. 22, announced Lee Vance as Jackson’s new police chief, saying his experience in law enforcement and commitment to community collaboration made him the right person for the job. “He has proven leadership and respect …

Jackblog

Dow Jones: Miss. Offers Little Bang for Bucks

Only one other state delivers less bang for the buck for residents than Mississippi, a new poll from Dow Jones-owned MarketWatch shows. The poll looks at taxes that residents pay compared to the quality of services they receive. Although Mississippi's tax bills are relatively low—averaging $6,210 per year—our "residents get …

Music

State Fair Music Lineup Announced

Here are the dates for the performances for this year's state fair. October 1- Thompson Square October 2- Ginuwine October 3- Blue Oyster Cult October 4- Rhythm & Blues Event: King Edward October 6- Hinder October 7- Marshall Tucker Band October 8- The Charlie Daniels Band October 9- The Spinners …

Politics Blog

Amile Wilson Throws Hat in Jackson Ward 1 Ring

Editor's note: In the interest of full disclosure, Jackson Ward 1 city council candidate Amile Wilson formerly wrote a column and has worked as a freelance photographer for the Jackson Free Press. Dorsey Carson, the other Ward 1 candidate who has officially announced, is an attorney for the JFP. Below …

Jackblog

Federal Judge Dismisses Oakley Training School Lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate has dismissed a federal lawsuit over conditions at Oakley Youth Development Center. According to a press release, Mississippi Department of Human Services officials credit the ruling with the agency's efforts to "better the conditions for all youth adjudicated delinquent and assigned to Oakley through Mississippi …

Jackblog

Report: Jackson State a Top 20 HBCU Value

Verbatim press release: For the eighth consecutive year, U.S. News has produced a ranking measuring the quality of the undergraduate education at historically black colleges and universities. In order to be on the list, a school must be currently designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an HBCU. To …

Jackblog

TedxJackson Speakers Announced

The speaker lineup for the first TedxJackson, taking place Nov. 6 is out. Here they are: Marina Bers, Professor at Tufts University, co-founder of KinderLab Robotics George Bey, Professor of anthropology, researcher of Mesoamerican archaeology Joel Bomgar, Founder and chairman of Bomgar Jill Connor Browne, Author and humorist, Queen Boss …

Politics Blog

Richard Sellers Latest Entry to Ward 1 Race

Here is the full, verbatim release on Sellers' candidacy: Jackson is moving forward, but without strong conservative leadership on Jackson City Council the strides we have made will come to a halt. Jackson must be the thriving capitol city Mississippi deserves. Considering Jackson’s needs, and after much prayer and discussion …

Jackblog

T.I. "The King" Gets The Key (to the City)

Verbatim release from City Hall: The City of Jackson is pleased to announce that Clifford “T.I.” Harris will be in Jackson, MS on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 to raise awareness on key issues with youth in the metro area. T.I. will be delivering a message wrapped around the basic principles …

Jackblog

NPR: Eric Holder to Announce Resignation

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is stepping down, National Public Radio is reporting. Holder is the nation's first African American AG and one of the longest-tenured members of first-black-President Barack Obama's cabinet. According to NPR: "Two sources familiar with the decision tell NPR that Holder, 63, intends to leave the …

Jackblog

SCOTUS Action Spurs LGBT Activists in Mississippi

The Human Rights Campaign issued the following statement on today's U.S. Supreme Court decision declining to hear several marriage equality cases before the court: HRC Mississippi committed to advancing fairness and ensuring justice across Mississippi WASHINGTON, DC—Today’s Supreme Court action provides momentum for equality work across Mississippi, and reinforces the …

Jackblog

Dem U.S. Senate Hopeful Travis Childers Defends Anti-Amnesty Pledge

Last week, former U.S. Rep. Travis Childers became the first Democratic congressional candidate to sign a pledge to protect American workers. The move brought criticism from some Democratic-leaning not so much because of his stance against amnesty for undocumented people—a position he has held going back to his days in …

Politics Blog

Ashby Foote in Ward 1 Contest

Ashby Foote sent the following verbatim news release: Today, Ashby Foote announced his campaign for the Ward 1 Jackson City Council seat vacated by Quintin Whitwell. “I want to make Jackson stronger: a stronger Jackson economy, better working infrastructure, and safer streets and communities,” said Foote, President of Vector Money …

Jackblog

Rep. Andy Gipson Caves on Gay Marriage; Our Work Here is Done.

Twice this week the unthinkable has happened in Mississippi. First, Ole Miss rallies back and upsets the Crimson Tide. Now, Republican state Rep. Andy Gipson is acceding on the issue of marriage equality. Gipson, a Baptist minister and attorney from Braxton, told the Clarion-Ledger for a story today: "I am …

Jackblog

Carroll Waller, Former Mississippi First Lady, Dies

The following is a verbatim press release about the death of former First Lady Carroll Waller. She was the mother of Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller: Former Mississippi First Lady Ava Carroll Overton Waller, 87, of Jackson, died Tuesday, October 28, at Manhattan Nursing Home after a lengthy …