Jackson Jambalaya

 JJ is going to post some tidbits of history from the life of Leland Speed over the next few days.  Today starts with Commerce Park, a development that showed the hope coursing through Jackson's veins once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.  He was one of the best things to ever happen to Jackson. 

Is it a case of market manipulation or lucky coincidence? Investor Bill Ackerman warned Covid-19 would end America "as we know it" as he strongly recommended shutting down the entire country for a month in a CNBC interview on March 10, 2020:

 The theme of Sunday Sermon today is "The customer is always loved." If you didn't make it to church, enjoy this 1991 sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard.

Nice, propitiatory (there’s that word again) State of the State address by Gov. Tate Reeves last week. He spoke of Mississippians’ grit, pride and faith. He talked of his personal goal to cultivate more empathy. “We must love our neighbors as ourselves,” he said. “Above all we have to understand that every Mississippian – every American – is on the same team.”

 Some of y'all liked the Nightwish music posted the other night so stick your ears in front of this fire hydrant.

 Two teens were killed on West Street by Mitchell Avenue in the Veterans Stadium area. 

 The Mississippi Museum of Art's exhibit of Impressionist Masters exceeded expectations in a Covid-19 world. 

 Leland Speed's obituary and funeral arrangements are posted below.

 Congressmen Michael Guest, Steven Pallazo, and Trent Kelly issued the following statement.

The Scourge of Wall Street, Matt Tabbai, shined a spotlight on Wall Street hypocrisy today on his website.  He points out how short-sellers have flipped from Wall Street bastards to the Wall Street elite who must be protected at all costs.

 The Junior League of Jackson issued the following press release. 

 Mississippi Restaurant mogul Robert St. John appeared on Fox News this week to urge Congress to pass an aid for restaurants package. 

Here is a tip for a local reporter:

Niya Hopkins filed for divorce from her husband, Hinds County Supervisor David L. Archie in Hinds County Chancery Court Wednesday.   The filing occurred two days after Ms. Hopkins family held a press conference accusing Mr. Archie of abusing his wife.  However, She has not filed charges against her husband.

 It appears Robinhood teamed up with Little John today to fight the his Merry Men.  The Gamestop story has gone viral.  

 Leland Speed passed away yesterday.  Many accolades were reported in the last 24 hours but instead of adding to them, JJ will simply present Mr. Speed in his own words.  The Light of Speed covers more than a few topics from Mr. Speed's childhood to the building of the Rez to the rescue of Jackson to race.  Enjoy.

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch warned President Joe Biden against overreach in a letter signed by her and five other Attorneys General today. Check out the letter posted below.

 Insurance Commish Miguel Chaney issued the following statement. 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Cursed in life, cursed in death, even the shade of Cedric Willis is cursed as it wanders while his killers roam free. 

 Leland Speed passed away today. Mr. Speed fought ALS over the last 14 months.  He was a great man and will be missed. 

 Well, well, well.  It appears a medical marijuana bill did drop after all.  Senator Joey Fillingame (R-Red Rocks)  submitted SB #2767.  The Street Committee said after November legislators were working behind the scenes to come up with a "good" medical marijuana bill.   Is this it? The 88-page bill is posted below.  Yours truly will be tied up this afternoon so feel free to dig through it and post your observations in the comments.   Enjoy.

Check out this week's recipe posted below. 

Some of the restaurant world’s greatest food items have come from mistakes, near mistakes, the need to use by-products, and items that were— at one time or another— headed for the trash can. 

 Heeeeeeeeere we go again.  Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David L. Archie stands accused of abusing his wife.  WJTV reported yesterday: 

 Earlier this month, a gentle, intellectual giant died and it’s likely that few among her university colleagues and friends in Douglasville, Georgia knew they were in the presence of a Hall of Fame athlete.

Want something different to listen to? Prepare yourself for a little band called Nightwish.

 Jackson City Council President issued the following statement. 

Governor Tate Reeves presented the annual State of the State address. The video and transcript of speech is posted below.

 JPD tweeted the following statements today: 

Governor Reeves has proposed doing away with the individual income tax. If passed, this would eliminate about $1.9 billion of tax revenue annually, or more than thirty (30) percent of tax revenue to the state. Before taking such drastic action, we must first logically and deliberately determine what we need each component of government to do, and how much is needed to fund it. Then the state can look at innovative tax reform measures to fund what is required in the fairest way with user fees or flat taxes.

 A homicide took place on I-220.  WAPT reported: 

 The ammo market is afflicted with the worst.shortage.ever.  Common rounds such as 9mm practice ammo are going for up to a dollar a round while retailers limit purchases. Buyers are scouring websites at 3 AM in the hopes of scoring some rounds. The CEO of leading ammo manufacturer Federal Premium tried to shed some light on the shortage and what firearms enthusiasts can expect in the near future. 

Amazingly, 74-million Americans voted to re-elect President Trump! What is wrong with these voters? The smartest people on the LEFT are calling for “reprogramming” or “reeducating” those who voted for and still support Trump! Why? 

Scrubbed due to 30 knot winds.  Yesterday's Transporter1 mission is posted below.

Watch the SpaceX SN9 (not to be confused with Sn1 or Sn2) launch streamed live below.

 Bill Maher torched Trump, the Waffle House Brigade, and believe it or not, California in this recent monologue.  I could provide more of a preview but that would spoil the fun.  Enjoy. 

 Moderna issued the following press release about its Covid-19 vaccine: 

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Former Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith is representing Dwan Wakefield, Jr.  Wakefield is serving 35 years for Accessory after the Fact in the murder of little Kingston Frazier, kidnapping, and auto theft.  

 Just another day in the City with Soul.....

CORRECTION: JJ totally botched this one.  Totally.  There is a third section to this bill that places a deadline of 90 days on the Lieutenant Governor.  The Governor has 90 days to fill a vacancy and if he does not do so, the Lieutenant Governor has 90 days to make the appointment.  If no appointment is made, the appointment reverts back to the Governor. 

A Republican State Senator  is trying to limit Governor Tate Reeves's power to appoint agency heads that require Senate confirmation.   State Senator David Parker (R- Banana Republic) filed SB #2196.  The bill states: 

The owner of Metrocenter didn't back down but fired back at former employees and an investor who sued her in a rather colorful interview. WLBT interviewed Ms. Sanders Friday: 

 How does one deal with evil and suffering?  The late Dr. Frank Pollard wrestled with that age-old question in this 1991 sermon. If you didn't make it to church, consider this sermon to be your make-up class.  Enjoy.

 When is the last time you used the word “schism?”  Oh, it’s not in your daily vocabulary. Well, since we’re living in one it should be.

 Will the Governor continue to run Medicaid? Smarting from a humiliating loss to the Governor in court, Mississippi House of Representatives Pro-Tem Trey Lamar wants to take the Division of Medicaid away from the Governor. 

 The city of Clinton issued the following statement. 

 Kiss this!

 A real classic returns to the movie theatre next week in the amazing colors of black and white.

 It was literally a year ago when Emily Seiferth-Sanders announced she bought Metrocenter for $10 million.  JJ and WLBT did some digging and voila, we discovered she had been convicted of fraud several times in schemes that sounded eerily similar to the Metrocenter project.  However, this being Jackson, no good deed goes unpunished.  WLBT viewers gave the tv station hell on Facebook and that is putting it mildly.  See how well their comments have aged.  Yours truly's comments are in italics. 

 Surprise, surprise, suuuuuuuurprise.  It appears the owner of the Metrocenter Mall might be  pulling something shady after all.   Metrocenter employees have not been paid while an investor sued the owner for fraud. WJTV reported last night: 

Relationship with 16 year old.

The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Some thieves decided to have some fun at the expense of The Bean on North State Street recently. 

 Two State Senators tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.  Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann announced the two cases on the floor of the Senate today.  He said quarantine notices will be sent to several State Senators. 

 Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement. 

The barbers are brawling in Madison.  Barber Mike Land asked a Madison County Chancellor to force several of his former barbers to either put up the shears or pay up to him after they allegedly violated their non-compete agreements. 

 Ag Commish Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

Shutdowns have become a mantra among some during the pandemic.  However, do shutdowns actually work? A Stanford University team of researches asked that question and determined shutdowns have little effect on containing Covid-19.

 Collection of all posts about Lamar Adams case.

The SEC and Butler Snow settled for $9.5 million in the Lamar Adams case.  SEC Receiver Allyson Mills submitted a motion for settlement to U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves on January 11.  The settlement agreement and motion are posted below. 

 Enjoy this week's recipe that is posted below.

Whenever I am visiting a new town, for business or pleasure, I always go down to the front desk of the hotel in the early morning and ask, “Where is the best local breakfast joint? I want to go to the place where the old guys are reading the newspaper and arguing over politics and sports.” It never fails that every time I visit “that” place in a town, I get the “feel and character” of the town. 

 At noon today with the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, Democrats will control the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives and narrowly the U.S. Senate.

 Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith issued the following statement. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 All's well that ends well.  JSU Head Football Coach Deion Sanders got his boombox back today: 

 The Hinds County Board of Supervisors issued the following statement. 

Electricity is something we take for granted.  You flip the switch and the lights come on.  But that is not the case at Grand Gulf now and that suggests trouble and higher electricity bills for Entergy customers across Mississippi.  Entergy Mississippi customers are paying for power neither received nor even generated.

 The folks at SEC Shorts passed out final grades today.  How did your team do?

 It's been three years since Percy King and another man were murdered in King's front yard. 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Jackson State University Head Football Coach Deion Sanders wants his boombox back:

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Governor Tate Reeves is hosting a press conference right now.  It is live-streamed below.

 Matchbook Monday is back for one day only.  Yours truly dug up a few matchbooks that provide a glimpse into Jackson's past.  Feel free to add your stories or any information about them in the comments section as you enjoy these blasts from the past. Readers can email copies of any old matchbooks to kingfish1935@gmail.com.  Can't believe no one has a Sam's Westside matchbook.  A shame Swenson's didn't have one - or did it? Enjoy the ones posted below.

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch assumed her office a year ago yet she has still not sued to recover $101,829 from Canton Municipal Utilities former employees and commissioners.  State Auditor Shad White issued several demands to repay the funds for an improper severance payment and credit card payments. 

January 20, masked protestors marched in the streets of Washington, D.C, and according to a NBC reporter on the scene, rioters “armed with cameras and bricks” were breaking store windows. Thousands of police officers dressed in riot gear confronted them with flash bang grenades and pepper spray. The reporter said this “chaotic scene” was just outside the perimeter of the inauguration zone and parade route. Across the nation similar protests and rioting broke out when Donald J. Trump was inaugurated our 45th president in 2017.

 Anyone want to take a guess what happened thirty years ago tonight? 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement on Facebook: 

Did scientists "re-wire" the Covid-19 virus to make it more transmissable? Did a lab accident create the pandemic? Author Nicholson Baker asked such questions as well as many others in the current issue of New York Magazine.*   If you need a looooooooong read on a lazy Sunday, this article is it.   Fix a drink, light up a Fuente Maduro, and read away.  Mr. Baker opens:

 If you can't make it to church today, enjoy a fine sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church (Jackson) in 1991. 

Insurrection in the world’s greatest democracy. What a way to start the New Year!

So have we learned any lessons? I fear not.

 Ag Commish issued the following statement. 

 This is never fun.  Hope the driver is ok. 

 You guys want to know when there are good deals online so here you go.  Johnston & Murphy actually has a pretty good sale for its better shoes.  Want to buy some Goodyear welts on the cheap? Look no further than the website. .  

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement. 

 JJ is able to provide you an inside look at how Mississippi legislators are trained.  Once elected, a brand-spanking new newb attends an orientation course at the Capitol. One brave soul recorded a video used to teach legislative math to the capitol frosh and leaked it to this website. Enjoy.  

Key finding: Kids don't transmit virus to adults in schools

 The American Academy of Pediatrics reports transmission of the Covid-19 virus rarely occurred in North Carolina schools.  The peer-reviewed study was conducted by researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  Some highlights of the study are:

or do as I say.....

Congressman Bennie Thompson sure has been making a bunch of noise about prosecuting Senators who voted against President-Elect Joe Biden's certification.  WLBT reported January 11:

 JPD issued the following statement. 

Jeff Good issued the following press release and video. 

Every fan base has that guy as SEC Shorts will show below. 

CALL CENTER #: 877-978-6453

Demand for Covid-19 vaccines overwhelmed the state's ability to schedule vaccines.  Thankfully, help is on the way.  MEMA Director Greg Michel said scheduling problems should be fixed within 48 hours as capacity is expanded.  

Other Crimestoppers bulletins are posted below. 

Crimestoppers issued the following statement and video.

 Sal & Mookies is moving to The District at Eastover.   

What happens when Whoaaaa Nelllie meets The Voice?

 Dr. Ed Barham died of the Covid-19 virus.  He was the Chairman of the Mississippi State Board of Health.  His obituary is posted below.  It is indeed a celebration of life. 

  UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statements.

 Governor Tate Reeves got the Covid-19 vaccine today:

 Since the Mississippi Bar will not post attorney discipline on its website, JJ is performing a public service.  Posted below are the disciplinary actions taken against wayward lawyers in 2020.  JJ obtained the actions through a public records request. 

Check out the recipes posted below. 

In my 40-year restaurant career I have been a part of 22 new-restaurant openings. Three of those were at the beginning of my career and were for other people’s restaurants. The other 19 have been restaurants I currently own or have owned. 

No real surprise that Mississippi Second District U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Bolton, voted to certify the nation’s electoral vote. By that act of Congress, the Democratic lawmaker’s party returned to power in the executive branch of the U.S. government in the form of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

 JPD issued the following statement. 

 Some really cool space stuff, you know, that science thing, is taking place on the Gulf Coast this weekend.  NASA announced:

 Governor Tate Reeves is providing an update on Covid-19 vaccinations.  The presser is streamed below.

Facebook censored Ron Paul yesterday.  Did he say elections were stolen? Nope. Did he defend those who got violent last week at the Capitol? Nyet.  Did he spout Covid-19 conspiracy theories? Nein.  All the former Congressman did was question Big Tech censorship in a column he wrote and linked on his Facebook page.  For such thought crimes, Facebook locked him out of his own Facebook page for "violating community standards."  Read the entire column posted below and judge for yourself.  

 The National Audobon Society issued the following statement. 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 Just another damn fool riding around with his gun....

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Another state made the mistake of following the CDC guidelines for Covid-19 vaccine distribution. The result? Vaccines are wasted in storage or thrown out.   The Baton Rouge State-Times reported yesterday   reports:

 A gentleman threw his hat in the ring to face off against Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.  WJTV reported:

Congressman Benjamin Thompson wants TSA to place any American who participated in the riot at the Capitol last week to be placed on the no-fly list.  He issued the following statement:

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following press release. 

 The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached on how to build a bigger heart in this 1991 sermon. He also had a few things to say about churches that only focus on growth.   If you didn't make it to church, JJ is bringing church to you.  Enjoy.

Surprise! The state’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) needs more money. 

 Need a new rabbit hole? Look no further.  Check out the 3 Years Apart Youtube channel.   Some people like their Hallmark Christmas movies, the Kingfish likes his music reaction videos.   An uberdad exposes his two kids, 16 and 13, to music from the 60's through 90's and records their reactions.  Nothing like good ole family fun combined with great music or an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo that "will blow your face off." 

 Governor Tate Reeves released a list of additional private clinics that will provide the Covid-19 vaccine.  The list is posted below.

The President will have to find something else to fuel his Twitter addiction.  Twitter suspended the President's account: 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 The alleged racial disparity among Covid-19 cases and deaths in Mississippi has disappeared.  Blacks now comprise 33% of Covid-19 cases and 41% of deaths in Mississippi.

 The Cipher beat another rap.  The Attorney General withdrew an indictment against William "Napoleon" Edwards.  Mr. Edwards is a community activist and Facebook personality who uses the nickname "The Cipher." 

 Editor's note: This column was submitted Sunday, before the events that took place Wednesday.  Sometimes events have a way of getting ahead of submitted material.

If there were voter fraud in the election, and the media not only didn’t report it but claimed there was no evidence of voter fraud, then was there voter fraud in the election? For the past 20 years, the answer has depended upon which party won … until this year. 

 Apparently wearing a mask and maintaining distance isn't enough for some people....

 Mississippi State Veteran's Home residents are going to get their Covid-19 vaccines Saturday. 

 U.S. Attorney Miguel Hurst issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following statement. 

 Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker issued the following statements.

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture Andrew Gipson submitted this guest column.

The year 2020 will certainly be a year that will not be forgotten. Our usual way of life became any anything but normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, one thing remained the same – our farmers never stopped farming. They continued working to provide the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.

Minorities not getting vaccine

Mississippi ranks second to last in Covid-19 vaccination rates.   The CDC reported on its website only Kansas has a worst record.   Here are the bottom 5:

Madison-Rankin District Attorney Bubba Bramlett issued the following statement. 

 Expect road shutdowns to happen again in Jackson.  Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said his no-chase policy prevents JPD from pursuing drivers who shut down the interstate Friday night.  The Mayor defended the police at his Monday press conference.

In a year in which it seems the headlines are filled with endless negative and controversial news stories, I thought it might be a nice break in the action to report on a few positive activities that occurred in 2020.

President-elect Joe Biden’s choice of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary should bode well for Mississippi farmers whose agriculture production value was $7.35 billion in 2020.

 Just another night in Memphis, Tennessee....

 State Auditor Shadrick Blanc issued the following statement. 

Miln (allegedly) once attacked Douglas w/shovel. 

 DeShwan Douglas went home yesterday after he posted a $75,000 bond.  The Rankin County Sheriff charged Douglas with first degree murder in the shooting death of Chris Miln. 

 Millsaps College and Chism Strategies issued the following statement.

Veterans who live in State Veteran's Homes will get their Covid-19 vaccines. Sometimes a little media coverage is not a bad thing.  WAPT reported last night:

 and that face is a little green Leprechaun.  The folks at SEC Shorts are back.  They even brought the plucking of the violins along for the ride.  Enjoy.

Elderly to get vaccine next week. 

 Governor Tate Reeves is speeding up the distribution of Wuhan virus vaccines to seniors.  The press conference is streamed live below.

 Mississippi's military veterans can't get the Covid-19 vaccine if they live in a State Veteran's Home.  Mississippi VA Executive Director Stacey Pickering said CVS is responsible for delivering the vaccine to the State Veteran's Homes but has not yet done so. 

Thirteen remains an unlucky number for PERS, as the "thirteenth check" doubled in only ten years.  PERS paid $751 million to retirees in 2020 for a cost of living adjustment that is not a cost of living adjustment, sabotaging all efforts to fix the retirement system.

This column was submitted by Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann. 

 Last year, the Legislature provided computers to every Mississippi student, increased connectivity to unserved areas, provided additional ICU bed capacity, and contributed to the cost of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, cities and counties, and much more.

 Meanwhile, here is a picture of some more foolishness that took place on Ridgewood at 9:00 AM recently.

Didn't make it to church? No problem as JJ brings church to you.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached on forgiveness in this 1991 sermon. Enjoy.

As the old melancholy year passes, the cynical mind struggles to see hope and good cheer coming in the new year.

 Be sure and notice how nonchalant everyone is. 

Updated with new video. 

 Just another night in Antar's Jackson....

Woman does the 55 Twerk

 Can't be too careful, especially in a gun store as someone found out the hard way today at Van's. 

 Mississippi State and Tulsa got into a big ole brawl after the Armed Forces Bowl yesterday. The two teams got into a shoving match before the game after the Tulsa players surrounded the Bulldogs during warmups.

 JJ is a little late to the party but posted below is a copy of a fine levied against the late Chris Miln for simple assault against Deshwan Douglas.  The two Bay Park neighbors got into a fight Tuesday.  The 19 year-old Douglas shot the 54 year-old Miln to death.   Douglas is charged with murder. 

 JPD issued the following statement.