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ON THE ISSUES: What's In A Health-Care Plan?

For many Mississippians, the issue of health-care costs are central to the question of health-care availabilityor, more specifically, the lack of it.

The JFP Interview with Eddie Fair: Numbers Man

Tax collector Eddie Fair says he runs a tight ship at the Hinds County Tax Collector's office. He boasts he's increased production and efficiency and can bring the same kind of high standard to the Jackson mayor's office.

UPDATED: Government Ignores Own Bio-Lab Safety Studies

Alert: The government's deadline for comments on the bio-lab facility is Monday, Aug. 25. See below for contact info.

Hinds County DA Alleges Racism in Courts

Even as Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith is alleging racism in the Hinds County Justice system, his African American predecessor says that it was her job to find a way to work within the parameters set by judges.

Here We Go Again

It may not count as much of an October surprise, but Republicans are thrilled that a New Jersey Supreme Court decision has returned gay marriage to the headlines, according to a piece in the New York Times today.

Soul "Godfather" James Brown Dies at 73

CNN is reporting the following:

"ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his agent said. He was 73. Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45 a.m. Monday, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music. Longtime friend Charles Bobbit was by his side, he said.

DA and AG Dismiss Case Against Robbie Bell

Attorney General Jim Hood

[Verbatim statement from the AG's office] "The criminal case against Robbie Bell was dismissed today for lack of evidence in the case. The decision was made by both the Hinds County District Attorney's Office and the Office of the Attorney General after an exhaustive investigation and finally, discussion with the victim's family."

Melton Admits 'Failure' on Crime Issue

Download audio of Melton press conference on 12.30.08 (.wav, 15.42MB)

City Money Out of Jackson's Hands?

Senate Bill 3268, which Gov. Haley Barbour signed into law March 11, authorizes the city of Jackson to hold a referendum vote on whether or not to approve an additional 1 percent sales tax increase. It is expected to annually generate at least $21 million, 70 percent of which is designated for road repair and 30 percent to hire and maintain police and firefighters.

Mayoral Candidates at Jackson State

You still have time to get to Jackson State University for a mayoral discussion forum this morning. Here are the details, per JSU:

Melton To UMC: No Thanks

The University Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility that has undergone more than $335 million in new construction and renovations over the last 10 years. Now the university can throw $200,000 back on the pile.

Community Events and Public Meetings

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization meet weekly during the football season and have access to meals, fellowship and the chance to listen to speakers from around the country. This week's speaker is former NCAA coach Ronnie Cotrell. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-955-5293 or 601-506-3186.

Soft Drinks and Soft Bellies

Mississippi Department of Education board members last month voted to forgo a school vending policy banning all soft drinks—even diet versions—in favor of a national plan devised by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Alliance plan, which includes input from groups from the American Heart Association to soft-drink vendors, allows soft-drink vending machines a presence on school property until 2009, with no cut-off point whatsoever for diet drinks.

The JFP Interview with Carolyn Meyers

Carolyn Meyers was born a tinkerer. The worst spanking she can remember was the consequence of her taking apart a clock radio her mother had just bought.

Fun and Games: The Moral Matrix Test

The Moral Politics quiz is sort of like the Political Compass test, except that it focuses on more meaningful questions--and gave me what feels like a much more useful, accurate answer. Try it out! Everything is neatly hyperlinked, so you can figure out what all of the different categories mean and so forth after taking the quiz. My results below. Please share your own results in the Comments field!

Obama Depicted on a Food Stamp

Yes, on a food stamp, with his head attached to a donkey's body and surrounded by fried chicken, watermelon, ribs and Kool-Aid. See for yourself:

Animal House Politics

Good Lord: Do we have a bunch of children running these campaigns? The state Republican Party has launched this silly anti-Musgrove Web site, registered to the state College Republicans at 415 Yazoo Street. (The site doesn't contain any links; only quotes lifted from longer media stories.) If these boys aren't careful, they're going to convince me to vote for Musgrove, yet, even in the wake of that "10 Commandments" mess.

‘Killing Ourselves with Convenience'

On a Sunday afternoon at Lumpkin's BBQ on Raymond Road, a predominately African American crowd dressed in formal suits and dresses fill their plates from a buffet line. The restaurant's Sunday dinner features southern staples including fried chicken, beef brisket, ham hocks, collard greens, green beans and cabbage.

Best of Jackson 2003: Urban Living

The far-flung hair-cutting empire of Maurice's Barber & Style has shops in Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and at the Reservoir. Much like the barbershops of yore, it's a pleasant place to hang out, and they don't mind if you bring the kids (as long as you're a customer, naturally). Of course, there's a big difference between this and your grandfather's barber shop: Most of the stylists and many of the customers are women. But like any classic barber shop, there's plenty of good conversation, stress relief and counseling available at no extra charge.

2003: Urban Living

<b>Best Barber: Maurice's,

The far-flung hair-cutting empire of Maurice's Barber & Style has shops in Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and at the Reservoir. Much like the barbershops of yore, it's a pleasant place to hang out, and they don't mind if you bring the kids (as long as you're a customer, naturally). Of course, there's a big difference between this and your grandfather's barber shop: Most of the stylists and many of the customers are women. But like any classic barber shop, there's plenty of good conversation, stress relief and counseling available at no extra charge.

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