Donna Ladd | Stories | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

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Donna Ladd

Stories by Donna

Jackblog

Johnny Dupree's Win and ‘Redneck-Blackneck Politics of the Deep South'

In a new piece on Salon.com, writer Steve Kornacki argues that Democrats are pretty washed up in the Deep South, Johnny Dupree's historic victory notwithstanding. He writes:

Alert: Trees Down and Traffic Lights Out; Use 3-1-1 to Report More

The city just issued this verbatim statement:

Motorists are urged to proceed with caution in the areas where trees are down and residents should stay away from any downed power lines. Motorists should treat intersections where traffic …

Jackblog

For One Moment: A Black-White Role Reversal

This morning, I woke up to more of the usual-suspect comments under this story: Crime Perception Hurts Jackson Economy. Apparently, I had wigged out the white-guy chorus that always wants …

Jackblog

Attend a Vigil this Sunday to Denounce Murder of James Craig Anderson

Here is the verbatim press release:

We're thrilled to hear that a diverse group has come together in the metro—include Pine Lake Church, the NAACP, Beth Israel and New Horizon Ministries—to honor James Craig Anderson, who …

Jackblog

Bringing Civility Back to Online Conversations

Here is what the Des Moines Register told readers today:

It was predictable. Allowing anonymous free-for-alls in online newspaper comments—in a way papers never would do in print—is about to go the way of the Hummer. The Des Moines Register, …

Jackblog

What do you think of ‘The Help'? About race progress in the state and Jackson?

Now that "The Help" has officially opened, it's getting massive national attention. (Just follow hashtag #thehelp on Twitter to see responses.) We're also getting calls from national media wanting to …

Jackblog

Should Sheriff McMillin Challenge Election Outcome?

Friends,

Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said on his Facebook page today that he is challenging the outcome of the Democratic primary, which Tyrone Lewis has now officially won:

Pearl River

McGowan Funding Initial One-Lake Study

The Pearl River Vision Foundation is paying for the initial study of a one-lake flood-control development along the Pearl River, the group's founder John McGowan said today. "We're going to …

Jackblog

White Rankin Teens Accused of Race Murder

CNN has a shocking report today, including surveillance video of Rankin County teens accused of killing James Craig Anderson in a race murder in June. Warning: Video contains disturbing scenes.

Jackblog

Crime: How to Prevent It?

Last night on Facebook, I saw some folks posting about the awful crimes we've seen in Jackson of late, including the Lanier High School student, may he rest in peace. …

Justice

James Ford Seale Dead in Prison; Helped Kill 2 Black Teens in 1964

James Ford Seale, 76, has died in prison in Terre Haute, Ind., where he was serving three life sentences on federal kidnapping charges in 2007, the Associated Press is reporting. …

Jackblog

Barbour Declares Budget Victory for ‘Both Republicans and Tea Party'

Gov. Haley Barbour just issued a verbatim statement about the debt deal: "The Budget Control Act is a major victory for conservatives both Republican and Tea Party. It is not …

Jackblog

Will the Debt Deal Spell Disaster for the U.S.?

Paul Krugman explains in his New York Times column why we could be facing economic disaster as a result of the obsession over slashing spending:

Jackblog

Candidate Sandridge Says Jackson Threatens Madison ‘Way of Life'

Here is the full write-up:

In his bought campaign write-up in The Northside Sun this week, Madison County Sheriff candidate Mark Sandridge amps up the anti-Jackson rhetoric that brought him massive criticism in May when …

Jackblog

Cult of ‘Objectivity' Is Destroying America

Anyway, here is some of what Krugman says. (Better late than never, I guess.):

So-called media objectivity is destroying our country, The New York Times' Paul Krugman is telling us on his blog. I've been warning about this he-said-she-said approach to journalism for years …

Haley Barbour Speaks at Neshoba County Fair (Verbatim Speech)

*Remarks as prepared*

Thank you. Today I will give my last speech at this Fair as Governor. Marsha, who has had to sit through all but one of them, is being patient enough …

Books

Rising and Converging

"Grace" is one of those words I struggle with. There are the simplistic, surface definitions like charm or loveliness. I tend to find it a complicated word, though, filled with …

Talk

McGowan Reveals New Lake Specifics

Jackson oilman John McGowan said Monday that his latest lake plan will cost about $150 million and require the use of eminent domain to "condemn" some property into a "public …

Pearl River

Lake Developers Detail Plan, Hope for Corps Blessing

A Jackson oilman who has long lobbied for ambitious development along the Pearl River in Jackson is hoping that the U.S. Corps of Engineers will give at least an initial …

Jackblog

The JFP Chick Ball is TONIGHT, Will Honor Hero Police Officer

JACKSON, MISS. – On Saturday, July 9, Jacksonians from all walks of life will unite to celebrate women and support the fight against domestic violence and at the seventh annual …

Jackblog

Yes, We're Still Taking Donations for the July 9 JFP Chick Ball—Donate Until July 8!

We hope you'll be a part of the biggest JFP Chick Ball ever on July 9, 2011, at Hal & Mal's (see http://www.jfpchickball.com). The silent auction is already huge; click …

Jackblog

2011 Chicks We Love Announced: Honor Them at Chick-A-BOOM Reception at JFP Chick Ball!

Every year, the Jackson Free Press honors a slate of fabulous Jackson-area women who are making a difference in our community and who are just plain lovable. Last year, the …

Jackblog

‘Men of Character' Live Auction to Debut at JFP Chick Ball on July 9

Here are the "Men of Character":

In addition to the best and most chic silent auction around, the 7th Annual JFP Chick Ball will feature a live auction of Jackson "Men of Character" at the fundraising …

Jackblog

Musical Line-Up Announced for 2011 JFP Chick Ball - July 9

Chick Ball Main Stage - Red Room, 6 to midnight

The musical/performance line-up for this year's JFP Chick Ball on July 9 at Hal & Mal's will be as follows:

Jackblog

UPDATED: Chick Ball Donations Piling Up; Here's Who Has Donated So Far ...

With the JFP Chick Ball less than three weeks away and the deadline to make the big Chick Ball gift/silent auction guide (in the July 6 issue of JFP), the …

Jackblog

Win a HUGE Trophy! Take the Chick Ball Challenge Through July 6. Here's How ...

CALLING ALL GROUPS TO TAKE PART IN THE CHICK BALL CHALLENGE TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

JACKSON, MISS. – Jackson-area schools, colleges, churches, civic organizations, businesses and neighborhoods are called to unite in a friendly rivalry to put an end to domestic violence in Mississippi as …

Jackblog

JFP Chick Ball Celebrates Women and Works to End Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 3, 2011

On Saturday, July 9, Jacksonians from all walks of life will unite to celebrate women and support the fight against domestic violence at the seventh annual JFP Chick Ball.

Jackblog

Take the Chick Ball Challenge!

Take the Chick Ball Challenge! Get together a group -- as few as two and as many as 20 people -- to raise money and gather gifts and art for …

Person of the Day

Gov. Haley Barbour

"To the Freedom Riders yourselves, our state does celebrate and thank you for your courage, your commitment, your suffering and your sacrifices of 50 years ago. We apologize to you …

Books

Growing Great Writers

I firmly believe that anyone can be a good writer. Writing leads to clear thinking, and reading and writing feed each other. Don't give up on yourself or your child, …

Cover

Good Ideas

Families are at the heart of everything we do. They serve as a witness to our lives, support us when we fail and remind us of where we came from. …

Jackblog

Madison Sheriff Candidate Bashes Jackson in Disturbing Ad

This dude, Mark Sandridge, shouldn't be elected dog catcher after this expensively offensive–and inaccurate–campaign ad. Shame!

Jackblog

Are white men in trouble? Newsweek explores their plight.

There's a fascinating feature in Newsweek right now about the effect the recession is having on middle-class, formerly well-off white men. Here's just a chunk; what are your thoughts?

Justice

Fannie Lou Hamer

Last Sunday, my partner, Todd Stauffer, and I set off on another of our weekend road trips that take us wherever we end up. This time, we landed in Ruleville, …

Jackblog

Understanding Mr. Melton: Go See 'A Soldier's Play' at New Stage

Last night, Todd and I went to New Stage Theatre to see "A Soldier's Play" (the play that the film "A Soldier's Story" was based on). Folks, this is a …

Jackblog

Do you know an amazing teen? Tell us for Young-Young Influentials!

Do you know an amazing high school aged student?

Someone who demonstrates characteristics of high personal character and integrity, perhaps using this strength of character to be resilient in the face of extenuating family circumstances, or in overcoming significant …

Books

Teresa Nicholas

I've never met writer Teresa Nicholas, but I'm getting to know her quite well. My buddy JoAnne Prichard Morris (who is also an editor of the Jackson Free Press) strongly …

Jackblog

Why do people move to/stay in Jackson?

OK, I promised. Here is the next user-generated list in our quest to educate ourselves about why people leave/stay. Please add your reasons (or reasons you've heard people give whether …

Jackblog

7th Annual JFP Chick Ball July 9, 2011—Save the Date!

The JFP Chick Ball committee is busy collecting sponsors and silent-auction donations, as well as reaching out for more volunteers and committee members. (This year, we're starting a "rooster" support …

Jackblog

Giving credit where it's due

I've been quite critical of some posts on the Downtown Jackson Partners blog in recent days as in-depth discussions about why people stay/leave Jackson have unfolded on our website. But …

Jackblog

Why do people leave Jackson?

OK, I have an idea. Let's try an experiment. Let's start a list of the various reasons, positive or negative, that people might move out of Jackson proper. You can't …

Jackblog

Drama and hysteria don't change the world

After getting sucked into a couple different JFP conversations about the (over)reaction to recent Census numbers (the most recent one here), I've been thinking a lot about drama and the …