MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1997
NASHVILLE – The hundred-million-dollar question on Tennessee’s Capitol Hill these days is whether the state can save that kind of money by privatizing its entire prison system, as Nashville-based Corrections Corp. of America is asking it to do. Backers of the idea have estimated the state could save a whopping $100 million by letting CCA manage its 21 prison facilities, housing more than 13,500 inmates. That estimate seems improbable, however, in light of the state’s own budget numbers and in light of comparative studies between the Cca-run South Central Correctional Center and its state-run twin, North West Correctional
Center. Today, an attorney for CCA is expected to deliver a draft of a proposed amendment to the state’s corrections law, which would allow the state to request proposals to manage all of the state’s prison population — something no state has ever done.
50 years ago — 1972
The Black Panther Party yesterday endorsed Representative Shirley Chisholm for president. In line with the Panthers’ new course of “establishment” politics, the announcement made by Huey P. Newton, cofounder of the party, called on “every Black, poor and progressive” person in the country to help elect her.
75 years ago — 1947
Counting on the generous support of Memphians, the local campaign for Greek War Relief will begin Thursday with solicitations by mail. The goal is $40,000 here with $12,000,000 to be sought nationally. George Cotros is chairman of the campaign, which has 18 prominent Memphians as sponsors. 100 years ago — 1922
ST. LOUIS – Rev. James N. Crutcher has filed suit for divorce, alleging that his wife refused to attend services conducted by him and publicly ridiculed his services.
125 years ago — 1897
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Legislature met yesterday to consider building a new State Capitol.