Jackson Jambalaya

 All things, good and bad, must come to an end. 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 If you want to see some of the seamy underside of Jackson, check out Karterpound's Instagram page.  Our man posted yet another video of some um, shenanigans in the hood.  

Life tends to deliver milestones in clusters, never spreading them out at a leisurely pace, but stacking them up all at once. This week is no exception. On Saturday, my daughter is getting married—a once-in-a-lifetime event. Then, two days later, I board a plane to spend the next eight weeks working overseas. It’s not ideal timing, but that’s the nature of my life. In the coming months, I’ll host six trips across Europe—Spain, Tuscany (twice), a Tuscany trip I call Tuscany 2.0 where I host guests who have already travelled with me in Tuscany but with all new adventures, Holland/Belgium, and England/Scotland. Some of these trips I’ve done before, some are newer variations, but I love what I do, no matter how many times I do it. And while those familiar streets, piazzas, and villages bring me joy, my mind isn’t on travel at the moment. It’s on something far bigger.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Empty coolers on grocery store egg product shelves, dramatically higher prices when you can find eggs, and angst and dread among those who make their livings in Mississippi’s robust poultry and egg industry – that’s the new reality.

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

 The tyranny of the trans movement reared its ugly head in Maine when a state representative lost her right to speak and vote after she dared speak out about a trans male/female who demolished the female competition in the state championship track meet.  

A Madison County woman faces over $10,000 in fines for contempt of court after she failed to turn over  required documents in her divorce case.  However, she blames her former lawyer, Bridget Todd, for failing to keep her informed in what is becoming a familiar story.  Ms. Todd gained prominence for her representation of Carly Gregg last year.  

A Rankin County college student was allowed to plead guilty to cyberstalking after the prosecution withdrew his indictment for sexual battery of a minor and statutory rape last year.  

 Well, well, well. It appears the Mexican drug cartels are not too happy right now.  The New York Times reported Sunday: 

 Madison police arrested Thaddeus Clayton Cochran today and charged him with trespassing and contempt of court. 

 The horror stories about the Jackson office of the United States Postal Service are true.  

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

Local media personality Barbie Bassett took her shot at her former employer, WLBT.  WLBT said thank you, very much, now we will take our own shot.   The two sides will continue to war as a recent settlement conference failed. 

Credit: Vicksburg Daily New

 Jacksonian John Zehr created a poll for the Jackson mayoral election online.  Feel free to go vote.

Pete Perry authored this post.  Given the recent flareup over early voting among our elected officials, JJ thought it might spur debate if someone presented the case against early voting.  

 Meanwhile over in Texas.....

Is it ok to be rich? Is it all right to have ambition? What about things? Is it ok to want things? What do these questions have to do with the Sermon on the Mount? Watch the late Dr. Frank Pollard's 1997 sermon posted below to get the answers to these questions and more. He will also explain what the Sermon on the Mount has to do with being a clown.  Enjoy. 

Are they auditioning in Washington for a Saturday Night Live skit?

 You wanted it, you got it.  Posted below is the Clarksdale Press Register editorial that generated so much controversy.  Enjoy.  

Some JPS teachers squalled about school closures at the Mayoral candidate forum held at Duling Hall last weekend.  As they complained, the candidates bobbed and weaved as everyone tried to avoid dealing with reality.  Perhaps it's time to educate these "educators" as well as our would-be leaders with some simple math. 

 An Ole Miss student is fighting back against an online scandal she says never happened.   

Last week, Mississippi lawmakers finally stumbled into the 21st century and decided that adults—yes, grown-ups—should be allowed to buy wine online. 

 Some Mississippi Valley State University men's basketball games might, might, be implicated in a gambling investigation.  ESPN reported: 

Life teaches us that all things are related.  OK, maybe they aren't, but I did get you to read this far and consider looking a bit more into my foolishness.

Electricity appears to be the currency of the future for economic growth, and this could put Mississippi at an advantage.

Update: The victim was 12 years old.  

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

 The city of Jackson will pay for golf carts stolen from the municipal golf course.  

Hinds County Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin dismissed with prejudice Clarksdale's lawsuit against the Clarksdale Press Register yesterday.   Judge Martin drew national attention when she ordered the newspaper to remove an editorial criticizing Clarksdale elected officials they claimed was defamatory.  

Don't miss the 2025 College and Career Savings Art Contest deadline! Applications are due this Friday, February 28.

 Denise Frazier's dog fetish landed her in prison for a few years.  

Some people judge towns by their population. Others point to school systems, parks, water and air quality, or thriving local businesses. But to me, the character of a town is best measured by its small, independent restaurants and cafes—the places that stand the test of time. They’re more than just places to grab a meal—they’re where stories are told, friendships are built, and communities connect.

 No, this food fight didn't involve the State Auditor as it took place inside City Hall yesterday.  

 UMC is transferring services from the Jackson Medical Mall back to the main campus on North State Street. The medical center announced its plans in a flyer distributed to state legislators recently.  Some services will remain at the medical mall. 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement.

Correction: The post erroneously reported Jayveon Murphy was one of the suspects. 

Two knuckleheads sit in the Raymond Detention Center after they tried to kill a Hinds County deputy and her children last week.  

Highlights: 

The city of Clarksdale wants to take its ball and go home after suffering national embarrassment last week.  

Tripped his way to conviction 

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

 A mink killed four Amazon parrots at the Jackson Zoo last week.  

Credit: Alexandria Zoo

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding is regular briefing right now.  The press conference is live-streamed below. 

A Madison County woman is suing  attorneys Bridget Todd  and Richard Roberts for legal malpractice after her divorce was thrown out because a required form was not filed.  Ms. Todd achieved prominence for representing 14 year-old Carly Gregg in her murder trial.  

 The Byram Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following statement. 

 JJ brings to you every week a sermon from the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church, one of the finest preachers to ever grace Jackson.  Speaking with wit and clarity few possess, he says more in a 15 minute sermon than those who preach hour-long stem-winders.  In the 1997 sermon posted below, Dr. Pollard delves into the story of how Christ used the Samaritan well to break down barriers among race, sex, and religion.  Dr. Pollard even worked in some Jerry Clower.  Enjoy. 

As the dragon and his beast wreak havoc at the national and international levels, political spats in Mississippi seem mild. Interestingly, the ones making news are all Republican on Republican.

Pearl police charged a Byram firefighter with gratification of lust.  

Let's get ready to ruuuuuuuuumble.   Jackson4Jacksonians' Fabulous February Mayoral Face-off is set to begin.  It is live-streamed below.  Yours truly will live blog the debate so tune in below. 

According to the White House website, in his first few weeks of office President Trump has begun to make America safe again “ending Biden’s catch-and-release policies, reinstating Remain in Mexico, building the wall, ending asylum for illegal border crossers, cracking down on criminal sanctuaries, and enhancing vetting and screening of aliens.”

 Live tomorrow at Duling Hall: Steel cage match, no time limit, no rules, losers must leave town. 

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement. 

Update: The school has been cleared and all restrictions are lifted. 

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Two competing tax plans are being considered by the Mississippi legislature. The House plan, published in January and voted through already as HB1, offers to eliminate the state income tax. The Senate this week published their rival proposal.

Can't get that a particular cabernet sauvignon because it is not the "state list'?   Tired of visiting lovely California wineries and finding out you can't get their wines shipped to Mississippi even if they are not the "state list"?  Be frustrated no more as Mississippi caught up to 47 other states that allow direct shipments of wine to consumers.  

Just thinking about the pain of the prep work required to make it.

A traffic stop in Pearl turned into a bit of mayhem for a few minutes.  

 The Ridgeland Police Department issued the following statement. 

It's Mardi Gras season and you know what that means.  Randazzo's King Cakes are back at Nandy's Candy.Want the real thing? Swing by and get one. Available flavors are cream cheese, traditional, and a limited amount of pecan praline, blueberry, and strawberry.  You can call 601-362-9553 to reserve one as well. Enjoy.  

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is making a major announcement right now.  The press conference is live-streamed below. 

 The city of Clarksdale managed to get a Hinds County Chancellor to remove a newspaper's critical editorial from its website in a secret hearing held Tuesday.  

 The infamous Hotel O will soon be coming down after the city of Jackson jumped through all the necessary hoops and hurdles.

 The Mississippi Museum of Art issued the following statement. 

The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA)proudly recognizes the outstanding creativity of Mississippi students as part of the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards presented by Atmos Energy. As the regional affiliate for the program’s art division, MMA continues its longstanding commitment to supporting and showcasing the talents of young artists across the state.

 Who says downtown doesn't have entertainment? 

Update #2: The Lieutenant Governor issued the following statement: 

Thank you all for the kind words and prayers. I was dehydrated and am feeling fine now. I am grateful for Mississippi’s phenomenal medical professionals and am ready to go back to work tomorrow. Lesson learned: Stay hydrated.

Update #1: State Senator John Horhn told WAPT the Lieutenant Governor got up and walked to his office.   

Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman. Just collapsed in Senate chambers. An ambulance is en route. He is conscious. More information will be reported when available.  

These days, emotions are running high. One minute, I’m in my truck thinking about our restaurants or the travel business, and the next, a song comes on, and I’m blinking back tears. Not over business, not over projects—over something much bigger, and way more important.

 The list of lawsuits filed against forestry con-sultant Jeffery Taylor keeps getting longer and longer as more landowners claim Taylor ripped them off while acting as their forestry agent.  

Both the Mississippi State Senate and the Miss. House of Representatives have passed measures designed to increase funds to maintain the state’s roads and bridges. The plans differ in that under the Senate proposal, an additional 3 cents per year for 3 years (9 cents total by 2027) indexed for inflation. Senate leader estimated the increase would generate about $212 million a year for MDOT.

 ShamsidDunce strikes out again.  WAPT reported: 

 A picture taken from dash cam video of a shootout on Lakeland Drive shows a suspect pointing a pistol at a Flowood police officer.  

 State Agriculchah and Commerce Commish Andrew Gipson and State Representative Missy McGee ( R- Crescent City Grill) are having a bit of an online spat over what else but a cellphone tower.  

 Secretary of State Michael Watson issued the following statement. 

 Is artificial intelligence making us well, less intelligent? 

 Did the EPA funnel taxpayers funds to Cooperation Jackson?  

 Rachel Vanderford authored the following press release for UMC. 

Lorenzo Boyland of Pearl has been struggling with dental pain ever since the metal filling in his tooth dislodged two years ago.  

 A Madison County grand jury indicted Britton Butler for no less than eight counts of child exploitation on February 3.  

 The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following statement. 

 The Capitol Police issued the following statement. 

Don't you love reading those long-winded prayers people post on Facebook when people ask for prayer? Instead of a simple "prayers sent", someone posts something that screams look at me instead of just acknowledging the request.  Too harsh? Well, Dr. Pollard discussed the hypocrites who emote long and loud prayers in the 1997 sermon posted below.  "Hypocrites" as used in the Sermon on the Mount, he preached, meant those who loved to be seen instead of current use where someone doesn't practice what he well, preaches.   Watch below to see Dr. Pollard discuss hypocrites and the rest of his sermon on the Sermon on the Mount.  

As politicians focus on, complain about, and try to dictate college curriculum, more should tune into the depth and breadth that college instruction provides.

 Well, a little war broke out between the Governor and a couple of legislators over what else but...... early voting.   

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

Legendary NFL Coach Vince Lombardi famously quipped, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” In the long run, how do people measure winning and losing over a lifetime?

A Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper stands accused of sexual battery.  

JJ wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day....

The legislature is trying to make it harder  for squatters to find a home in Mississippi after the Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill that will make it easier to prosecute squatters as well as phony realtors.  

This post was originally published in April 2013. It is one of the funnier videos ever published on this website.  

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

The news about Mississippi just keeps on getting better!

The Canton Municipal Executive Democratic Executive Committee rejected the candidacy of a convicted felon who tried to run for Ealdorman.  

As many as you can carry home from Uncle Zachariah's orchard!

You are in a real treat in the latest Empower Mississippi podcast.  Grant Callen hosts none other than former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.  Yup, Haley is back to discuss his views on the current political scene.  Fix yourself a Maker's Mark and enjoy. 

 An independent autopsy determined Dau Mabil's death was not a homicide. 

Pracon Global Investment Group issued the following press release. 

Tonarri Moore is going to federal prison for four years.  Moore pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm a year ago in U.S. District Court.  The court docket states: 

 JPD arrested Malcolm Phinesee and charged him with arson and several other crimes after a house burned down on Reddoch Drive Monday.     

 Well, well, well, this is certainly a unique coincidence.  

In the 1990s, I was at a statewide board meeting for the Mississippi Restaurant Association, and during a discussion about tourism, I mentioned the Hattiesburg Zoo in my hometown. That got some laughs. “Hattiesburg has a zoo?” they scoffed. Some of them chuckled like I’d just suggested we start promoting Hattiesburg as the next great beach destination.

Update (11:45 AM): The city received the samples yesterday and submitted the report to MDEQ today. 

"We are getting closer to the finish line," said Jackson City Attorney Drew Martin as he provided an update on the demolition of the infamous Hotel O to the Jackson City Council yesterday.

Kudos to Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney for advocating for the elimination of his elective office by changing it to an appointive one in the interest of “taking the politics out” of the regulation of the insurance industry in the state.

This post is a paid advertisement. 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Rick Springfield, yes, the Rick Springfield is coming to Brandon along with some other blasts from the pasts on May 31.  

A shootout took place at the intersection of Hanging Moss and Northside Drive this morning.  

 Northeast Jackson has a firebug.  Surprisingly enough, the arsonist is a residentially-challenged individual.  The following post and photos appeared on social media: 

 The Jackson Democratic Executive Committee rejected the mayoral candidacies of Keyshia Sanders and Ali ShamsiDeen.  Ms, Sanders is a convicted felon while ShamsiDunce could not prove he lives in Jackson. 

 Daveon Reed flunked out of the Hinds County Catch & Release program.  

 McNeese State Basketball Coach William Wade noticed his team was somewhat tired in the middle of basketball season.  So what did he do? 

The Hotel O stands strong on I-55 North as a middle finger to Jackson.  Although the City Council approved funding the demolition of the building, nary a wrecking ball has appeared on the premises as the city lags behind on getting MDEQ approval for the teardown.  MDEQ issued the following statement last week: 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Get ready, Hardy's  Jim Bob World Tour is coming to Brandon.  Red Mountain Entertainment announced: 

 The Big Game, make that the Super Bowl, is today. It is a rematch from two years ago as the Eagles try to upend the Chiefs.  Las Vegas favors the Chiefs by 1.5 points.  However, we can't go by Vegas when analyzing this game but approach it from an environmentalist perspective.  

John 3:16. Often recited,  often mocked,  and often seen at football games, it is probably the best known scripture in all the Good Book.  What does it actually mean?  The late Dr. Frank Pollard took up the question but instead of preaching just about that one verse, he tied it into the rest of chapter 3, the story of Nicodemus, a good man who sought truth.   Enjoy the 1997 sermon posted below.  

“Double, double toil and trouble.”

 JJ brings you a blast from the past: The Old Tyme Deli's Irv Feldman.  

 SEC Roll Call Greatest Hits, anyone? 

During his first run for president, Donald Trump promised to build a wall to keep immigrants from crossing our southern border illegally. This time around President Trump vowed a massive deportation operation of millions of immigrants who had entered illegally.

When fiction becomes truth......

Jackson Mayoral candidate Ali ShamsiDeen might have a problem getting on the ballot for the Democratic primary in April.  

The Ridgeland Police Department issued the following statement. 

Our state is now completely surrounded!  Tennessee has just passed an Education Freedom Act, meaning that every single surrounding state is a school choice state.

 There might be only 20 people running for Mayor of Jackson instead of the 22 who qualified last week.  WLBT reported: 

 I came upon a Facebook post recently questioning how many people died from polio.  Actually, it asked (in a rhetorical manner not designed for a response) if polio actually killed anyone as the person justified a stance against vaccines (not the C-19 one, all of them).  Fortunately, JJ is more than happy to answer that question. The polio virus killed 641 people in Mississippi, many of them children.  

No, it's not a Ruben sandwich, but Arnold Ruben would be happy to eat a serving of this one.

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 At least no one got shot, right?

A fight is brewing in the Mississippi legislature over a pesticide "protection" bill.   

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 A bill that would have clipped the State Auditor's wings is dead after it died on the State Senate's calendar yesterday. 

 The Order of the Sisters of Rukia, otherwise known as the Jackson People's Assembly, had a few choice words for the public corruption indictments of Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. 

 Posted below are the 2023 and 2022 campaign finance reports for Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. He did not submit them to the Municipal Clerk until January 31, 2025.  

 The city of Pearl issued the following statement.  

CHICAGO— This city has been a part of my life for the past thirty-five years. It’s a city that holds a special place in my heart, not only for the food but for the people and the memories that have shaped my career in hospitality. Since I started writing this weekly column 26 years ago, I’ve been asked countless times for restaurant and hotel recommendations, not just in Chicago but across the country and especially in Europe—Italy being the most requested.

 The Tupelo Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff's Office issued the following statements. 

In a move his administration says is aimed at impeding the flow of illegal immigration and fentanyl, President Donald Trump on Feb. 1 announced the imposition of tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico – some of the nation’s top trading partners.

 Insurance Commish and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's 2024 campaign finance report lists five $10,000 payments the FBI claims were bribes.  The report is posted below.  The alleged bribes are the chief piece of evidence in the Mayor's indictment for public corruption.

 A bill stripping the State Auditor of some of his powers to investigate fraud passed a Senate Committee. The bill is called the Mississippi Corruption Act, appropriately named as it seeks to protect the corrupt.  

Rachel Vanderford authored the following press release for UMC. 

 Two words: Led Zeppelin

Clinton Mayor-Elect William Purdie issued the following statement. 

Mayor files campaign finance reports 

The Mayor is holding his regular press briefing right now.  It is live-streamed below. 

 Country music star Gavin Adcock is coming to Brandon.  Red Mountain Entertainment announced: 

 Will the Mississippi Legislature ban cellphones in schools? 

Amazon will spend $16 billion on two new data centers currently under construction in Madison County. The original investment was $10 billion. Yahoo News (courtesy of Bloomberg News) reported:  

 Why can't we have nice things? Check out exhibit A, the Kroger on I-55 North. 

 What did Leon Trotsky, Josef Stalin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Lee Harvey Oswald all have in common?  Tying these infamous men into his sermon on the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount, the late Dr. Frank Pollard mourned how they went to church as young men yet turned away because of the hypocrisy and shallowness they saw.   Indeed, Stalin studied for the priesthood until he became disillusioned.  

“Shad White is one perplexing politician,” wrote Greenwood Commonwealth Editor and Publisher Tim Kalich on January 17th. “He is smart and capable. He appears to be honest and dedicated to public service. But he sometimes lets his temper get the best of him.”

 Radio Strongman KIM Waaaaaade opened his campaign today at A Complete Flag Source.  Promising to turn Jackson's cap around, he spelled out what he would do if elected Mayor of Jackson.  The video is posted below.  Watch and fire away.  

Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher issued the following statement.  

Not only did Donald J. Trump win the office of President and JD Vance win the office of Vice President, but they and their modest administration have achieved more acclaim from Americans in seven days than anything Biden and Harris built back better in four years. That’s totally understandable considering all the things they were credited with rebuilding like inflation.

Socrates throws his hat in the ring!!!

 The Mayor qualified riiiiiight before the deadline today. 

 State Auditor Shadrack White issued the following statement. 

Wow!  What a start!  Donald Trump began his Presidency with a blizzard of Executive Orders.  He’s not holding back on advancing a conservative agenda. An emergency has been declared to secure the southern border.  DEI hires in the federal government are being fired.  The renewable energy boondoggle is over.  Mass deportations have begun. 

Engineer: Fire curtain wont' be installed until April

Thalia Mara Hall may not be opening anytime soon after it flunked the State Fire Marshal's inspection yesterday.  Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement: 

Can there be such a thing? This is America! Why not!

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

 David L. Archie qualified to run for Mayor of Jackson.  This race is turning into a damn monster movie. 

 Radio Strongman Kim Wade, yes, KIM Waaaaaaaaaaaade qualified to run for Mayor of Jackson today.  

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced he will qualify for re-election by the close of business tomorrow.   However, there is one small problem with qualifying: campaign finance reports.  The partisan Magnolia Tribune's Russ Latino spelled out the Mayor's dilemma in a penetrating analysis published this week: 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

The Empower Mississippi podcast dives into criminal justice reform this week.  Conservative activist Doug Deason discusses his work with Jared Kushner to get the First Step Act passed in this interview with host Grant Callen. The goal of their reforms is not to go soft on crime but to covert criminals into productive members of society when they are released.  Learn more in the podcast posted below. 

 Actually Mississippi fourth-graders are.  The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following press release on the state's performance on the NAEP tests.  

 There is reality and then there is reality as reported by the media.  Believe it or not, sometimes the two realities are not the same.  Exhibit A: Mississippi Today's coverage of the food fight between State Auditor Shad White and State Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman John Polk last week during a budget hearing.  

 Mary McPhoney's was apparently not the only Gulf Coast restaurant passing off foreign seafood as "fresh from the gulf" as shrimp testing of Biloxi restaurants revealed many were doing the same.  SeaD Consulting reported: 

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

The death last week of Patrick Hayes “Pete” Johnson of Clarksdale at age 76 brings to mind a very capable, affable and decent man whose life story chronicled an almost gothic illustration of how much Mississippi politics has changed over the last century – and then again, how much it really hasn’t changed.

 This little flashback popped up in Google photos memories today. 

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

A man identifying as a woman broke records in the 200m and 400m events at an indoor track meet in New York Friday.  Progress!

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Got to love it when good ole boys do good ole things, even in Ocean Springs.  GC Wire reported: 

Thalia Mara Hall to open Friday 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding his regular press conference.  The briefing is live-streamed below. 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement.

 A man kidnapped his girlfriend from the Nissan plant in Madison County.  Her body was found near I-55 in Holmes County.  

 Some teams just can't handle a bad report card.  

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Why was John the Baptist Great? The scripture says Christ referred to him as the greatest man who ever lived. Was it because he was a great speaker? Was it because he was a great prophet or lived a simple life? The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached in the 1997 sermon posted below he was great because of none of those things.  He was great because he knew who he was.  He was great because he knew where he came from.  He was great because he "knew who to point to."  Dr. Pollard explained we can be great as well.  

Congress is about to horn in on our tax cut debate. Up against Congress’ $4 trillion plus issue our $2.2 billion in tax cuts looks tiny.

 The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued the following statement. 

Every semester I lead my students in a discussion about ethnocentrism. The American Heritage Dictionary defines ethnocentrism as, “A tendency to evaluate other people, activities, cultures, etc. primarily from the perspective of one's own as being superior.”

 The Rose Anvil channel provides a much-needed public service.  Weston Kay literally cuts boots in half and dissects their innards. The dissection can be rather cruel to well-known manufacturers as their shoddy work is exposed.  Kay took on the Alden 403 "Indy" boot.  The boot has a cult following as it was worn by Indiana Jones, hence the nickname.  The boots start at $680.  Are they worth it?  Watch and see.  

The Mississippi Supreme Court issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi Insurance Department issued the following statement. 

 More candidates have qualified to run for office in Jackson's municipal elections this year. Read and weep. 

While the Mississippi media breathlessly covered the indictments of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Mississippi Today covered them as well but took a different approach, one that painted a rather unflattering picture of the FBI.   

 Sounds a little pompous to me but it is what it is.

 State Auditor Shad White and State Senator John Polk (R - Meat Market) squared off during a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting yesterday.  Tempers flared, fireworks erupted, and verbal fisticuffs ensued for nearly a half hour as they went at it.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Daniel Barrett authored the following press release for the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Will Jackson Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks get more time to fight his public corruption indictments? 

An Oktibbeha grand jury declined to indict a Mississippi State University football star for aggravated assault after (allegedly) injuring a fellow student through an unprovoked attack. 

 Some Christian Rock is coming to Brandon in June.  Red Mountain Entertainment announced: 

A bitter cold has settled into the Pine Belt of Mississippi this week, and it’s the kind of chill that makes you appreciate the sweltering days of August. Down here, cold weather feels like an event, something that calls for a hearty soup on the stove and extra layers by the backdoor. As the temperatures drop, I’ve found myself thinking about my daughter more than ever. Maybe it’s because the weather brings back a memory—a snow day, of all things. Or maybe it’s because we’re only weeks away from her wedding, and I can’t seem to keep my emotions in check.

 The weather can be hard on pipes.  Exhibit A: North State Street. 

After the last orchestra note fades and the final glasses of champagne are consumed at the inaugural balls, President Donald Trump’s meter will begin running by those on both sides of the contentious illegal immigration issue.

 The Justice Department (Northern District of California) issued the following statement. 

 A Madison County grand jury indicted four foreign nationals for the burglary of a Bridgewater home last year.  The victims own a fine-dining restaurant in Ridgeland.  The "burglary tourism" occurred while they worked at their restaurant.  

 This is a sight one doesn't see every day on Bourbon Street. 

 The Mississippi Supreme Court issued the following statement. 

 Check out the new trailer for season 2 of 1923.  It looks to be pretty good.  The only question is how many times will Taylor Sheridan appear.  

 Bill Maher went scorched earth on California politicians Friday night.  You can guess the subject.  

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement Saturday. 

 The re-opening of Thalia Mara Hall has been delayed to the end of January.   

 Paul Gallo passed away last night. Condolences to his family and friends.  Enjoyed listening to that booming baritone voice in the mornings for years even when he did take over the conversation. ;-). He will be missed.   SuperTalk Mississippi paid him tribute in a heartfelt memorial: 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Dave Chappelle opened Saturday Night Live last night.  'Nuff said.  

The Good Book says we are to be a light to the world.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached some Christians are a beacon while others are just fireflies, lighting up whenever it suits them.  However, what is light?  The New Testament mentions "light" 73 times but what does being a light mean? Dr. Pollard answers that question in the 1997 sermon posted below.  Enjoy. 

The tax train zoomed through the Mississippi House of Representatives. What Ways and Means Committee chair Trey Lamar calls “one of the most transformational pieces of legislation that this state has ever seen” got referred to his committee on Friday January 10th and passed out of the House the next Thursday.

 The Pelahatchie Police Department issued the following statement. 

Have you sensed a change? Remember the lead up to the 2024 election? Everybody was predicting how close it would be. Neck and Neck. Too close to call. Of course there were the usual claims and counterclaims, and fact checkers were canoodling to find just the right nuance to sway voters one way or another.

Update (2:50 PM): Cadence announced its systems were fixed.  Customer accounts are fully operational.  See statement at bottom of post. 

Cadence Bank is having um, system issues, the kind of system issues that won't allow it to accept deposits.  The problem began Wednesday.  Cadence sent this email to bank customers Thursday: 

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

Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes announced he will not run for Mayor. 

Will measles or polio make a comeback in Mississippi?  Mississippi led the national in childhood vaccinations for years.  However, a new law allows parents to exempt their children from required vaccines.  WLBT reported: 

How much do you imagine it costs to send a child to public school in Hinds County every year? $5,000 per year? Maybe $10,000? $15,000?

 Richard's Disposal managed to miss a few neighborhoods in Northeast Jackson yesterday yet again.  Good job, Richard's, good job.  

 Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, Jason White, issued the following statement.