Dallas South Newswire Nathan Daschle, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, contacted Fox News CEO Roger Ailes today to demand that his news division add a formal disclaimer during segments about the 2010 election to inform viewers that Fox’s parent company provided an unprecedented $1 million contribution to defeat Democratic governors in 2010. The letter goes on to state: “For the first time in history, your organization is openly and proudly supporting the defeat of Democratic governors with an unprecedented political contribution of $1 million to the Republican Governors Association. In fact, your company provided the single largest corporate contribution to our opposition…. As you are well aware, the stakes could not be higher in the 37 gubernatorial races this election cycle.” Mr. Roger Ailes Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fox News Channel 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 and VIA EMAIL Dear Mr. Ailes, For the first time in history, your organization is openly and proudly supporting the defeat of Democratic governors with an unprecedented political contribution of $1 million to the Republican Governors Association. In fact, your company provided the single largest corporate contribution to our opposition. In the interest of some fairness and balance, I request that you add a formal disclaimer to ...

Originally posted by TMZ Staff (Courtesy Nicki Fertile) Brian Oxman tells TMZ he is filing a wrongful death lawsuit today against Dr. Conrad Murray for unspecified damages in connection with the death of Michael Jackson. The lawsuit does not name AEG, though Oxman has alleged the company that produced "This Is It" was at least partly responsible for Jackson's death. According to the suit, "Mr. Jackson believes there are other parties responsible for Michael Jackson's death but has not yet gathered sufficient information regarding their potential liability or responsibility."  The suit says the complaint will be amended when sufficient info is gathered. TMZ obtained a copy of the complaint, which will be filed in federal court this morning. In the complaint, Joe alleges Dr. Murray withheld vital information from the doctors and EMTs who were trying to save Jackson's life -- information that he had administered Propofol. The complaint -- much like the intent to sue document TMZ first broke -- states that Murray tried to "clean-up the scene" before EMTs arrived. The complaint alleges Dr. Murray felt he could change his story -- from Jackson had no drug problem, to Jackson was addicted to Propofol -- because he kept no medical records, as required by ...

By Lorrie Irby Jackson - Reporter After twenty years, six studio albums, multiple hit singles and years of touring around the world, some bands are ready to kick back, count up the royalties and call it a day. But that’s not exactly the case for Mint Condition. Not only is the St. Paul, MN-based quintet performing a series of summer dates (including their show at Dallas’ TBAAL on Saturday), the band is putting the finishing touches on new material and remains enthusiastic about maintaining their momentum in today’s turbulent music industry. In fact, according to multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, Stokley Williams, now is the perfect time for them to get their groove back. [caption id="attachment_4769" align="aligncenter" width="365" caption="(L to R) Rick Kinchen, O'Dell, Jeff Allen, Lawrence El, and Stokely Williams"][/caption] “We have our own unique lane. People are rediscovering soul, and figuring out where to go find it. Everything is cyclical,” Williams says by phone while preparing for the Houston and Dallas dates. “Folks love the real music and then they forget about it due to all of the other distractions out there, so now may be the time for people to discover us again," he said. "We’re blessed to be ...

By Lorrie Irby Jackson - Reporter If you’re under the impression that Barack Obama’s election is proof of a post-racial and equal America, Mario Van Peebles has news for you. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same, and in his searing, insightful documentary, Fair Game, which is re-airing on cable network TV One Sunday, Apr. 4, examines the unique and insidious issues that have persistently affected the African-American Diaspora through discussions with a diverse array of professionals, Black scholars, and other prominent entertainers (ranging from Drs. Alvin Poussaint and Cornel West to Chris Rock and Ice Cube). While the film drops harrowing statistics plaguing the black community---the education and achievement gaps, the disproportionate incarceration rates and the diminishes presence of fatherhood--- it also speaks to hope and healing for those willing to make an effort to help themselves and others. In a recent chat, the 53-year-old actor and director, who just finished work on the upcoming film, "Black, White and Blues," explained how the past affects the present, where the new generation can point their skills to keep jobs in the new millennium and how watching shows like ABC’s “Lost” can create a better nation. Lorrie Irby Jackson: I enjoyed ...

Friends and colleagues were blowing me up this morning asking me if I had seen Erykah Badu's Window Seat video shot in Dealey Plaza.  I now see what all the fuss was about.  You will to when you watch Ms. Badu giving us a different view of Downtown Dallas.

I heard Mary J. Blige's latest song on the way in to the office this morning and of course I was hooked instantly.  I knew that Angel would have the goods on her site and she's got the single "I Am" up for your listening pleasure. Listen to "I Am" now at Concrete Loop Mary J's "Stronger" keeps getting pushed back, but it's now slated to hit stores on December 22nd.

Is Ludacris the leader we've been looking for? Chris Bridges a.k.a Ludacris is offering a refreshing image for an art form that has seemed to lose its way over the last decade.  This past weekend he made the circuit, promoting his foundation and asking for a new look at philanthropic leadership.  This 4 1/2 minute video is worth the time. Good Look Luda.

A few months back a friend of mine sent me a text to ask if I was listening to the Rickey Smiley Morning Show.  He said they were talking about some bill making its way through Congress that might cause black radio to go out of business.  I tuned in to some of their discussion, but ended up going to my computer to really do some research on HR 848 also known as the Performance Rights Act of 2009, which was the topic of discussion. Check the initial Dallas South post on HR 848 from May 13, 2009 So to the best that I could tell, it seemed like the Rep. John Conyers sponsored legislation is intended to help artists obtain royalties for music played over terrestrial radio.  I noticed that my local Congresswoman (Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson) was a co-sponsor of the bill so I immediately called her office to get their take.  They were doing their own research so I didn't get anything from them that morning.  Congresswoman Johnson later withdrew her support of the bill. Click here to view House Performance Rights Act - HR 848. I didn't see what was so bad with Conyers efforts and why it was such ...

(Thanks in advance for your help Fam...Shawn P.) Dallas South News has launched a campaign to gain 100 new members before the end of the day on Friday. As most of you know, our mission is to utilize technology, social media, and journalistic principles to empower and inform underserved communities.  We are a nonprofit news organization that relies in part on contributions from our readers to help us cover important stories as they pertain to Southern Dallas. [caption id="attachment_714" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Carla Lacy interviews Carlton Cooper with Jerome Sheffield on the Camera"][/caption] This week we look to add 100 names to our current list of supporters.  We ask that anyone reading this post visit our Donation Page and join our cause by making a secure online contribution. While details of our membership plan are being worked out, those who sign up prior to Friday will receive free admission (first come first serve) to our initial "Meet the Editor" event next month (Guest to be announced soon). You may also mail a check payable to Dallas South News to our newsroom at 1409 S. Lamar Ave., Suite 609 Dallas, TX  75215.  No amount is too small (or too large). [caption id="attachment_716" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="DSN Intern ...

This is a message that was sent to friends from Andreas Hale, former Executive Editor of Music of BET.com.  I am posting this message with his permission.  Hat tip to Paul Porter of www.IndustryEars.com. To friends, colleagues and those that should know, As of today (September 8, 2009) I am no longer the Executive Editor of Music at BET.com. Upon entering the position at BET I said that I needed one year to see what really went on inside the belly of the beast. I needed 365 days to sleep with the enemy and infiltrate the system. One year to see if they REALLY wanted change at BET. As someone who has been critical of BET for many years, it surprised many that I would leave my post at HipHopDX last year to take a position at BET. But it was an opportunity I absolutely had to take. I could no longer be critical of this company without accepting the opportunity to change it when given. Although I was hired to bring about change, I was systematically shut down. I wasn’t hired to make noise, I was hired to be silenced. The truth of the matter is that everything that you thought was wrong with ...