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Hood Responds to Hayne Criticism

Gov. Haley Barbour signed H.B. 1456 into law March 19, requiring that pathologists doing autopsies in Mississippi--in addition to the state medical examiner--hold American Board of Pathology certification. Such certification is the "gold standard" for pathologists operating anywhere in the United States, according to Commissioner Stephen B. Simpson of the state Department of Public Safety, the agency tasked with oversight of the state's crime lab and, at some point, the state's medical examiner.

A Long, Long Road

"Donna, you know what? I run Jackson," declared Mayor Frank Melton, scrunching his face up into one of his trademark snickers that are cute and creepy at the same time. "I do it in a weird way, but I run Jackson."

[Balko] The Government's License To Steal

In the February issue of "Reason," I wrote a feature story on civil asset forfeiture, the process by which law enforcement groups can seize property, usually in drug cases, sometimes without ever charging anyone with a crime. In particular, the article looked at the case of Anthony Smelley, who had $17,500 in cash taken from him during a traffic stop in Putnam County, Ind. Police never charged Smelley with a crime, but it took well over a year and several court proceedings for him to get his money back.

Gay in Jackson

Gay. I've never really understood that word. I mean, are we all supposed to be happy because we're in love with members of the same sex? If so, is that why some people choose to persecute us, because of our happiness, to prevent us from being happy?

Tale of Two Downtowns

What step to take next will be a huge question for 2003. We could be going nowhere, or at least a relatively short distance—after all, we're in a recession, Mississippi's telecom industry is "retrenching," and the prospect of war may change local and national goverment priorities significantly.

Ex-Felons Fight for Right to Vote

Twelve years ago, Yvonne Kennedy, a Democratic member of Alabama's House of Representatives, began a campaign to re-enfranchise ex-prisoners in the state after they had served out their sentences. At the time, Kennedy's crusade appeared little short of quixotic; in an era where politicians were made and broken according to their tough-on-crime credentials, who in their right mind would waste political capital arguing that ex-cons should have the right to vote?

Can Education Be Saved? More Cuts May Be Ahead.

Pontotoc County Superintendent John Simmons has been in his position for only two years, but already knows how strapped for money his county schools are. "Some of our history books are 9 years old," Simmons said. "We've had to raise local taxes, and to make up for the difference we cut about $500,000 last year (from our budget) and about $300,000 this year."

AP Interview: Ahmadinejad Pushes New World Order

Ahmadinejad presented an air of boredom when it came to the hot topic on everyone's mind — Iran's nuclear program and the possibility of impending war.

Walking with Mr. Meredith

F*ck you, n*gger!" It was Oct. 1, 1962, and James Meredith was finally a student at the University of Mississippi.

McCain Campaign Head Paid $2 Million to Stop Mortgage Regulations

The New York Times has the story of the day (of the campaign?):

[Cohen] Never Mind All That

It's official. The decision was made some two and a half years ago, but the first airings of the Bush campaign's television ads brought the strategy fully into play. The horrible events of Sept. 11, 2001 will be a central issue in the campaign to elect George W. Bush. The outcry from victims' families was fierce and immediate. Across party lines they saw the ads for what they were, a crass and opportunistic run on the deaths of their loved ones. Good for them. Monica Gabrielle, one of thousands of 9/11 widows, put it this way: "It's a slap in the face of the murders of 3,000 people. It is unconscionable." My sentiments exactly, Mrs. Gabrielle.

Clinton Rocks the DNC with Speech

"We simply cannot afford ... someone who will double down on trickle-down," Clinton said.

Debate Highlights Party Loyalties

Photos by Adam Lynch

Republican State Auditor Phil Bryant and Democratic Rep. Jamie Franks sparred before a modest crowd of about 200 at Biloxi's Saenger Theater last Wednesday. The event was more a locked-down forum than a debate, with no chance for rebuttal. With only eight harmless questions, the candidates avoided touchy topics like commitment to the governor or the $55 million beef plant fiasco.

Cold Weather and New Storm Add to Victims' Misery

Shivering victims of Superstorm Sandy went to church Sunday to pray for deliverance as cold weather settling in across the New York metropolitan region — and another powerful storm forecast for the middle of the week — added to their misfortunes and deepened the gloom.

Mentally Ill in County Jails

The Clarion-Ledger has an important story today about how mentally ill people who have not been charged with crimes are being held in the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond. (I'd tell you who wrote it, but there's no byline on the story as of this posting. Sorry.)

Psychiatric Service Dogs

I put off blogging about this for a couple of months, so I think now is a good time to discuss it. I originally heard about this when I caught an episode of The Dog Whisperer. The dog's name was Sparky, and he was there to help a woman manage her panic attacks while she was away from home. She was scared to leave the house before she got Sparky. Hey, they have service dogs for people with seizure disorders, so why not? If you've ever had a severe panic attack, you know firsthand how similar it is to a seizure.

Something to Hide, Mississippi?

The Jackson Free Press recently submitted an information request to the city of Jackson for some fairly modest figures.

Hardwick: ‘A Grassroots Approach’

In her first political race, Jackson City Council candidate June Hardwick says she wants to put power back in the hands of the people.

Shameless Self-Promotion

Here is an interview C.A. Webb did with me for his Coversations zine. (I have no idea if he's provided this link. If he has, there's two of them...so sue me)

A Funny Thing Happened To Me Downtown Last Friday….

...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! Attended the Blocktober Halloween Party on Congress St. and had a blast. No one got shot, stabbed, robbed, raped, assaulted, or any of the like. Whats still frustrating is the fact that residents of the Plaza building and organizers of the event got more of those dirty looks, strange emails, and snide remarks about the "safety" of downtown. Of course, not being privvy to the REAL statistics we're still being held hostage by the perception of out-of-control crime in downtown. Especially when in actuality its the safest place in the state. I was disappointed to hear that the Southern Starz Talent Show(that was supposed to have 10 week run at the Alamo theatre) had to relocate because contestants complained that they didnt want to come downtown. Despite the fact it wasnt dark at 7pm and there were two JPD officers outside the event every week. SAD! Whats even sadder is that citizens are apparently dont even feel safe WITH police presence! Its as if they feel the criminals will just mug you right in front of them. AAARGH!

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