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Mayor to Hold Up Sales Tax Hike?
Last session, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a referendum vote for a sales tax increase to fix city streets and improve public safety, but Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. says that …
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Mobilizing the Hip-Hop Generation
To anyone who watches MTV all day—where P. Diddy, Ja Rule and Nelly dominate the screen flashing fancy cars, gold chains and an entourage of scantily clad women—political empowerment and …
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Community Events and Public Meetings
UMC Blood Drive., at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.). Mississippi Blood Services will take donations. Please bring ID. Call 888-902-5663. Donate at these locations and times:
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Fixin' the Burbs
We hear and read a lot about the hidden costs of sprawl, for example that the average American now spends 443 hours behind the wheel every year, the equivalent of …
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Hitched
With the End in Mind
Once two lovebirds decide to spend the rest of their lives together, lots of planning for the wedding and the reception must begin. It's easy to run into mental and …
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Jackpedia Quiz: You Are A Jacksonian If ...
Remember the controversial list, "You Are a Jacksonian If ..." that we published two years ago? It was a throwaway piece, but it got all sorts of chatter going on …
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The Ledger's Co-Dependency with Frank Melton
One wonders where The Clarion-Ledger edit-boyz came up with this lead to their editorial berating their mayor for doing, pretty much, exactly what he indicated he would do during the …
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The iPhone arrives…In June
You've got to feel as sorry as you possibly can for the richest man in the world. After all, here's Bill Gates on Monday, giving the keynote address at the …
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In a First, Black Voter Turnout Rate Passes Whites
America's blacks voted at a higher rate than other minority groups in 2012 and by most measures surpassed the white turnout for the first time, reflecting a deeply polarized presidential …
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City & County
Downing: The Man With the Answers
Ponto Ronnie Downing, self-proclaimed "Jesus freak," is running for the Ward 3 City Council seat on the Republican ticket.
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National
F.A.Q. on U.S. Aid to Egypt: Where Does the Money Go, and How Is It Spent?
Questions about the United States' aid to Egypt have intensified in the wake of last month's military coup. More than 1,000 Egyptians have been killed in the last week, most …
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JFP Interview: Annell Smith - Woman With A Mission
April 27, 2005 Annell Vaugh Smith is the elusive third Democratic contender for mayor—a determined woman who is showing up for candidate forums and just answering questions without a lot …
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Gun Debate Revives Questions About Self-Defense
In the weeks since the Connecticut school massacre, some of the most intense debate has swirled around how to keep guns from criminals without infringing on the ability of lawful …
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Politics
DOSSIER: Shanda Yates' Win in Mississippi Inspires Voters, Teaches Lessons
If the last week has proved anything, it's that people in the U.S., in Mississippi and especially in the Jackson metropolitan area are excited about a political newcomer, Shanda Yates, …
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Crime
'Never in This Courtroom': Allen Trial Twists, Turns with Accuser Absent
Over the last two days, the prosecution tried hard to convince a Hinds County jury that President Ben Allen mishandled public money while leading the Downtown Jackson Partners business improvement …
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City & County
Two Ways to Take Over a School District
If Gov. Phil Bryant does not agree to a rumored-but-still-quiet deal with the Jackson mayor and a large philanthropic foundation to provide a third option, Jackson Public Schools will face …
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Civil Rights
Trump, Bryant Stooping for Nervous White Vote
You can't make it up. The governor who is fighting to enact an anti-LGBT law in Mississippi is working diligently to get the Ku Klux Klan's choice for president elected …
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Cover
Single in the Capital
Up until a year ago, I complained that there is nothing to do in the Jackson area. What I've discovered, though, is that there is a lot more to do …
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Here are (some of) the Groups, Organizations, People Opposing House Bill 1523
By adreherThe Senate passed House Bill 1523 on March 30, which would allow certain elected officials, businesses and religious organizations to not offer services based on their religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Although the bill's proponents say it protects individuals from government discrimination, its critics say the bill actually allows discrimination based on religious belief. Read about the full debate here.
Below is a list of organizations that oppose House Bill 1523:
Mississippi Economic Council, the state's Chamber of Commerce
The Mississippi Economic Council has updated its overall policy on diversity and opposes HB1523. Full statement below:
“As the State Chamber of Commerce for a state that has proven its hospitable and business-friendly approach, MEC opposes efforts that would intentionally or unintentionally prevent Mississippi businesses from implementing and enforcing non-discrimination policies or that would limit diversity and inclusion impacting their customers and employees. HB 1523 conflicts with this policy."
IBM "IBM is disappointed by the Mississippi legislature's passage of H.B. 1523, because we believe this legislation with permit discrimination against people based on their marriage status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
"IBM encourages Governor Bryant not to approve H.B 1523, and will continue to support passage by Congress of the Equality Act, which would provide federal non-discrimination protection to all Americans."
AT&T
"AT&T supports our freedom of speech and religion just as vigorously as we oppose discrimination. Legislation that permits discrimination against any of our employees or customers conflicts with our core values. Our position on discrimination is simple; we oppose it."
Levi Strauss & Co. "We believe that treating all people equally and fairly is good for business, and discrimination has no place anywhere. #NoOnHB1523"
Mass Mutual Tweet: "Diversity is a core value @massmutual. We encourage Gov. @PhilBryantMS to keep MS open for business and veto #HB1523."
Lance Bass Tweet: "An anti-LGBT bill in Mississippi is dangerously close to becoming law. Take action with me & @HRC to say #NoOnHB1523 hrc.org/Mississippi"
Statement: "Mississippi is my home—I was born there and grew up there. My husband Michael and I frequently travel back to Laurel to spend time with family. However, the state we know and love is under attack by hateful lawmakers who want to legalize discrimination. If they have their way, on our next visit, Michael and I could be kicked out of a hotel or refused emergency shelter in a storm just because of who we are. That does not sound like the Hospitality State. We are better than this bill, and I urge my fellow Mississippians to join me in calling on Governor Bryant to veto HB1523 when it reaches his desk." Read Diana Bass, Lance's mother, testifying to her church about learning that her son was gay: http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/apr/30/diane-bass-testimony-her-church/
ACLU of Mississippi
Executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi Jennifer Riley-Collins released this statement today:
"The ACLU of Mississippi is deeply disturbed that the Mississippi State Senate passed …
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Cover
Democrats: The Mayor or the Businessman?
Bill Luckett and Johnny DuPree, Democratic candidates for governor in Mississippi, resembled long-time acquaintances more than they did political opponents during a debate at the University of Mississippi July 6.
