1. Half of New HIV Diagnoses Are in the South
When we think about HIV/AIDS in this country, we often label it a Northern, urban area or big city problem.

More and more data, however, is showing that AIDS affects many people living in the South, especially rural areas. Not only are AIDS deaths in the U.S. the highest in the South, but, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly half of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. are centered there, too. And cities topping the CDC’s list of highest rates in the entire U.S. include Miami; Atlanta; Memphis, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; New Orleans and Charlotte, North Carolina. [MORE]

2. Sanford Police Chief Fired Over Handling of Trayvon Martin Case
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee was fired from his post Wednesday after months of harsh criticism stemming from his failure to arrest George Zimmerman following the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

“After much thoughtful discussion and deep consideration for the issues facing the city of Sanford, I have determined the police chief needs to have the trust and respect of the elected officials and the confidence of the entire community,” city manager Norton Bonaparte said in a statement. “We need to move forward with a police chief that all the citizens of Sanford can support. I have come to this decision in light of the escalating divisiveness that has taken hold of the city.” [MORE]

3. Biden: Romney Out of Touch With “Ordinary” People
The vice president says Mitt Romney is “an honorable man” but criticizes him for not understanding what’s happening to middle-class Americans. [MORE]

4. Casting News: Jamie Foxx, Idris Elba, Chris Rock Vying for Intouchables Role
The fight for the lead role in The Intouchables sounds like a match up better than Paquiao vs. Mayweather.

The New York Post reports that Idris Elba, Chris Rock and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx are all eyeing the lead in Paul Feig’s remake of the French hit The Intouchables. While Elba’s and Foxx’s dramatic acting chops have been proven many times over, Rock is transitioning into more serious roles with his turn in Julie Delpy’s upcoming indie 2 Days in New York. [MORE]

TAGS: 2 Days in New York, AIDS, Atlanta, Bill Lee, CDC, Charlotte, Chris Rock, FLORIDA, George Zimmerman, HIV, IDRIS ELBA, JAMIE FOXX, Joe Biden, Julie Delpy, Memphis, MIAMI, Mitt Romney, New Orleans, North Carolina, Norton Bonaparte, Orlando, Paul Feig, rural areas, Sanford, South, Tennessee, The Intouchable, The New York Post, Trayvon Martin, Vice President