A lot of people in AAN are asking that question this evening as reports of flooding and chaos in New Orleans fill the news. Unfortunately, there is no good answer as communication along the Gulf Coast has been crippled in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But one thing is clear: It will be weeks, if not months, before the paper is back on its feet again. Fortunately, we have learned the whereabouts of at least three Gambit staffers. Editor Michael Tisserand, managing editor Shala Carlson, and arts and entertainment editor David Lee Simmons, and their families, are all staying with friends 130 miles west in Lafayette. Tisserand has agreed to write something for AAN about his experience. We hope to be able to post it on both of our Web sites tomorrow afternoon.

Continue ReadingWhat’s Going on With Gambit Weekly?

Ron Tierney's latest Deets Shanahan mystery sees the Indianapolis-based detective "investigating the disappearance of a pregnant, unmarried drug company employee," according to this report in the Indianapolis Star (second item). The Star notes that Tierney's book has already received "a warm write-up in Booklist magazine."

Continue ReadingFormer NUVO Editor’s New Book Hits Shelves

Executive editor Tim Redmond says his paper has obtained documents that "include a May 27, 2005, draft of a merger agreement between Village Voice Media and New Times." According to Redmond, "the draft calls for the creation of a new company controlled by a nine-member board," with New Times owning 62 percent of the new venture and controlling five board seats, and VVM retaining the rest. New Times owns 11 AAN papers and VVM owns six.

Continue ReadingBay Guardian Report: Documents Detail New Times-VVM Merger Plans

North Dakota's Cass County will not have to reimburse John Strand's legal bills, reports In-Forum. Strand, publisher of High Plains Reader, sued the county in February 2003 over the planned destruction of an old jail. The county then filed a countersuit, claiming damages caused by the demolition's delay. In June 2005, a jury declared that neither Strand nor the county should collect damages. Following the jury's decision, the judge in the case ruled that the county's demolition of the old jail was legal. Last week, the same judge denied Strand's request to compel the county pay his court costs. In-Forum says the ruling "end(s) the legal wrangling" in the case.

Continue ReadingCounty Not Liable for Alt-Weekly Publisher’s Legal Costs, Judge Rules