Jackson Jambalaya

Latrice Rogers and her Taste Bar & Grill restaurant are back in court after a former employee sued, claiming she was fired after she complained a  Rogers relative (allegedly) tried to drug her.

 Comedian Matt Matthews is bringing his humor to Brandon next spring. 

 Who knew barber shop quarters could be so deadly? 

 Ole Miss and Notre Dame fans will get a kick out of this scene from last night.  

 Just another day in Jackson, Mississippi.  

How deep will the anti-science MAHA invasion penetrate into Mississippi? Can beleaguered state health officer Dr. Daniel Edney convince legislators to stay the course on vaccinations, fluoridation, pasteurization and other science-based health policies?

JSU's grievance against JXN Water is sputtering along in federal court. The word "sputtering" is used because U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate ordered JSU on September 23 to correct the memo it filed in support of the project. The docket states:

Whiteside attorney says sentence is legal, re-sentencing is not.  

The Lindsey Whiteside story is not fading away despite her conviction in DeSoto County Circuit Court of sexual exploitation of a child last week.  A federal grand jury indicted Lindsey Whiteside on Wednesday for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in sexual activity.  The indictment states:

Last week I read Senator (R-LA) John Kennedy’s new book, “How to Test Negative for Stupid – And Why Washington Never Will.” The title is taken from one of his many witticisms. He’s one of the few people in America who can get away using the word “stupid” due to his transparent persona. That, and the fact that his targets for “stupid” are mostly politicians and those who vote for them.

 Hattiesburg comedienne Mary Ryan Brown appeared on the podcast to talk about comedy, how she became a funny girl, and why Mississippi is like a rescue dog.  She also said something about how if there is a hell, it will have an HOA.  Enjoy. 

 Pimpin' comes easy to some people.  

During a standing-room-only meeting in downtown Jackson, Latrice Rogers — the entrepreneur known for her role on the Oprah Winfrey Network reality TV show the “Belle Collective” — read aloud the email addresses of residents who have complained about her one-year-old restaurant, Fondren Taste Bar and Grill.

 An Alabama father took his family on safari and had a close encounter with some dangerous wildlife. 

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

Actual white on white homicide takes place in Jackson. Stop the presses!

JPD issued the following statement and mug shot.  

 U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate admitted he screwed up when he issued an order loaded with phony citations generated by artificial intelligence.  Such misuse of AI has already ensnared two Mississippi lawyers and Butler Snow's Alabama office.  Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley directed the federal judge to explain why the flawed order ever saw the light of day and questioned if there was a coverup. 

It's time for another ZeroBear PolyBear recipe but first is an update on his great-grandson.  The Bear sent this update last week.  The little tyke took a little dip two weeks ago but has somewhat improved:

While the dithering Judge Andrew Howorth throws tantrums, the Justice Department arrested Lindsey Whiteside for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in sexual activity.  Desoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle announced the arrest this afternoon.

 None other than Zach Servis - yes, the Zach Servis, broke down the airport land deal for everyone to understand.   A certain crowd, driven by the Sisters of Rukia, has been screaming the Horhn administration was giving away airport land.  As usual, they spew their stupidity as they are incapable of understanding the basic facts of this deal.  Mr. Servis does a great job of explaining what went down this week in under two minutes.  Enjoy. 

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

The top members of the Lumumba administration liked to ride in style as they helped themselves to some mighty nice vehicles, all at city expense.  Check out their vehicle assignments. 

 It appears someone is spoofing the Jackson Academy Arrows using a little bit of AI.  

 Jackson makes December bond payment for JXN Water

The Mississippi House of Representatives Committee on Jackson Revitalization is meeting right now.  It will later address CMU issues with billing as well.  Representative Shanda Yates (I - The Speakeasy) chairs the committee.  The meeting is live-streamed below.  Jackson Mayor John Horhn will be the first person to address the committee. 

PBS's Darley Newman took her show Travels With Darley on the road to the Natchez Trace.  While traveling the Trace, she spent a day in Ridgeland.  Check out what she had to say as she went about town. 

 Rudy Warnock will remain in the Forrest County jail after U.S. District Judge Kristi Johnson denied his motion for bond today.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

Should the A.G. prosecute two Capitol Police officers? 

Although the Attorney General is prosecuting two Capitol Police officers for allegedly shooting Jalen Lewis to death in 2022 during a traffic stop, an expert witness claims Lewis rammed one police vehicle and tried to run over two officers as he tried to escape. 

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY — We were finishing dessert on the terrace last night when one of my Yonderlust Tours guests looked at the cap I wear most days and asked, “What’s that word mean?”

Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth threw quite the tantrum yesterday as he recused himself from the Lindsey Whiteside case, comparing the Desoto County District Attorney to Iran and North Korea. 

Six decades ago, it was evident that the promises of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would be difficult if not impossible to deliver without passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The VRA put some teeth in the CRA.

Sisters of Rukia gnash teeth

Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Southaven's Getwell Church fired Youth Pastor Lindsey Whiteside and promptly reported her to law enforcement after it discovered she molested a teen girl at the church last year.  

 Some Nazis decided to hold a little protest in The Fondren last night. 

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center graded as one of the worst hospitals in Mississippi in patient safety.  Although no Jackson metro area hospitals received A's, two received B's.  The Leapfrog Group surveys hospitals and grades them twice a year.   

 The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement. 

 The Ridgeland Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

$45,000. That is the wages of fraud for attorney Vanessa Price after a Desoto County Circuit judge busted her for using artificial intelligence to submit no less than 14 phony cases in a response filed with the Court as well as submitting phony invoices for damages.  

 State Auditor issued the following statement. 

 Posted below is the obituary for former Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston.  

It appears an internet tough guy followed Mr. Clay Edwards around the other night and bragged about it when he "caught" him.   

 Who says there is no Hope today? 

 The trench warfare between Blossom Apartments and JXN Water continues as they sue each other in the courtroom of U.S. Judge Henry Wingate. 

 Who stuck up for Lindsey Whiteside in court? Desoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton wants the public to know.  The District Attorney filed a little motion Thursday. 

Imagine the surprise many years ago in Snyder, Texas when oil was discovered on land owned by a church.  The church fathers waxed so eloquently on how they could now really support missions and carry out the Lord's work.  However, in the end, the church allowed the new-found prosperity to betray its calling as it closed the church to new members and split the proceeds among the members of the church.   Instead of thriving, the church dried up until it was no more, corrupted to the core as explained by the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church (Jackson).  Enjoy the 1997 sermon posted below as he preaches from Amos on such corruption. 

Last week Fox News highlighted the “Mississippi Miracle” proclaiming the state’s educational surge wasn’t magic but “the result of deliberate, state-led innovation that transformed early literacy from the ground up.”

 A stolen truck crashed on Kristen Drive in Northeast Jackson as it was pursued by police.  

What will Burl do?  

Is Lindsey Whiteside's sentence illegal? 

When I was young I liked to listen to the radio. We mainly listened to local stations that featured popular or country music. At night if you caught a good wave you could listen to a Cardinals game or rock and roll on WLS all the way from Chicago. Of course, radio stations had news and commentators. One of my favorites was Paul Harvey at noon on weekdays who always had something witty to say.

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

 Apparently not everyone is upset with the President's use of the National Guard in Memphis. Warning: Extravagant use of language NSFW. 

Commissioner Touts Safe State Fair

Attendance fell at the Mississippi State Fair this year.  Although the fair enjoyed attendance of over 600,000 people as recently as 2019, it was 482,000 in 2025.  It was the first time the fair saw attendance of less than half a million people outside of 2020, the Covid-19 year. Although the Clarion-Ledger blamed the pandemic for the decreased attendance, such is not the case when one looks at the numbers. 

Remember the tariff debates that dominated Washington just a few months ago?  For a while it was the only thing anyone seemed to talk about.

 Exhibit A in why Jackson should not get back its water system: The Kenneth I. Stokes town hall held this week. 

 Desoto County School Board member Michele Henley stood up for herself after District Attorney Matthew Barton accused her of supporting a convicted child-rapist.  Ms. Henley posted on social media: 

Need something something simple to cook and tasty to eat? Check out ZeroBear PolyBear's white beans recipe in downloadable format below.

 State Treasurer David McRae issued the following statement. 

 Another store bites the dust but it's not in Jackson. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

On this episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant Callen and Dr. Steven Skultety, Director of the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi explore the foundations of American democracy, the origins of rights, and why civil disagreement is essential to a thriving society. From natural rights vs. legal rights to the First Amendment’s protections, Dr. Skultety shares insights on political violence, the uniqueness of the U.S. Constitution, and how freedom underpins everything we value. A timely conversation for anyone who cares about liberty, governance, and the future of America.

 If anyone wanted proof there is a two-tier system of justice in Mississippi, one had to look no more recently than yesterday.  A coach and a youth paster convicted of child rape.  One black, one white.  One male, one female.  Teachers of youth entrusted by parents to care for their children.  Trust grossly betrayed.  Two different standards of justice meted out to the guilty.    

Willie Alexander, Lindsey Whiteside

 The University of Mississippi Medical Center issued the following press release. 

 Hinds County District Attorney issued the following statement. 

 Ag Commish Andy Gipson issued the following statement. 

Nothing like street theatre. 

At six years old, I wanted to be Darrin Stephens from Bewitched. He worked in advertising, came up with ideas, pitched them, and got paid for it. That seemed like magic. Somewhere around my preteen years, I decided being in a rock ’n’ roll band was the ticket. For a while it was architecture, then radio. I even thought about directing movies. Every dream had one thing in common: creating something new.

Some things are constant in life: Death, taxes, and Tim Bennett not paying his rent on Smith-Will Stadium.   Yup.  Once again, Mr. Bennett has failed to pay rent on the aged baseball stadium.  

Here are some troubling statistical facts that should concern every Mississippian, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or political loyalty – Mississippi has the highest rate of gun deaths in the U.S., the highest rates of gun homicides are in rural counties, and seven of the rural U.S. counties with the highest gun homicide rates are in Mississippi, according to the CDC.

Warning: Graphic & Violent Video  

Yesterday was a glorious day as the Gazan War came to an end and twenty hostages lived to see their families.  However, Hamas just could not leave things well enough alone.  

 Three Jackson apartment complexes paid their water bill or made payment arrangements. WLBT reported: 

 The University of Mississippi Medical Center issued the following statement. 

 Well that was quick.  Taste Italian Kitchen and Taste Bar and Grill settled their federal lawsuit.  They filed a joint motion to dismiss with prejudice today in U.S. District Court.   The motion states: 

 Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

 Which is the real Taste?   The owners of Taste Italian Kitchen accused Taste Bar and Grill of ripping off its name and logo in a federal lawsuit.  Taste Italian Kitchen operates restaurants in Ridgeland and Starkville while Taste Bar and Grill is on North Mart Plaza in Jackson.

 The Mississippi High School Activities Association recommends all high schools cease tailgating this year.  WAPT reported: 

Bigger Pie Forum Chairman Kelly Williams authored this post. 

 The city of Clinton issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

Join us in celebrating the next phase of the Museum Trail Greenway Downtown Jackson, breaking ground this year. The ceremony will celebrate the generous investments that made this work possible and the shared vision of a more connected and revitalized downtown.

 Capitol Police doing work. 

 What happens when the top teams get together? 

 Daniel "Dax" Owens may not be going home any time soon. 

 Several cars caught fire yesterday outside JSU's homecoming game. 

As hopes and fears for AI applications mount, can efforts succeed to keep this transformational technology from serving both?

 The Capitol Police issued the following statement. 

 The magic of Jim Henson returns as The Dark Crystal appears on the big screen tomorrow and Monday.

 Hattiesburg comedian Mary Ryan Brown appeared on The Jambalaya with the Kingfish podcast.  Although the podcast will be posted Tuesday, here is a sneak peek. 

Governor announced expectant mother killed.  

What should have been a night of fun turned deadly as shootings and homicides took place at no fewer than three Homecoming games in Mississippi last night. 

 The world is waiting to see whether President Trump’s 21-point plan will begin the ending of the war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. How many is that? Seven wars in nine or ten months? Is President Trump riding a white horse and ending multiple wars with a bow but no arrows? (Revelation 6:1-2)

 The fight for control of Jackson's airport will literally go to the judge.  

 Despite its best efforts, the Mississippi Department of Transportation can't keep the lights on the interstate at night.  WAPT reported yesterday: 

 Former Pearl Police Officer Christopher Lofton just can't seem to stay out of trouble.  

The Old Waverly Club issued the following press release.

 Drug dealer Kelarce McElroy will be staying in jail for quite a while after he allegedly tortured and killed an elderly man who was on a walker.  A Jackson Municipal Court set his bond at $1.6 million. 

ZeroBear PolyBear is on hiatus but he left us this recipe in a downloadable format.   Enjoy.

 HBO is going to take another stab at the Game of Thrones Universe as it released a trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.  Yup, the Dunk and Egg series is coming to the tele in January.  

Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

State Auditor Shad White appeared on the podcast. We discussed all kinds of groovy topics such as the welfare scandal, 2027 Governor's race, DEI,  scraps with the legislature, and the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination.  We even talk about why he doesn't audit Jackson, a common question on this website.  Enjoy. 

 Rotten trees tend to produce rotten apples.  Case in point: The spawn of the late Danny Owens.  

A federal grand jury indicted Rebecca Ivison of Jackson for a plethora of charges including money laundering, theft of government funds, and skimming from government rural housing loans.  The indictment took place after Ivison backed out of a plea bargain deal.  

 The Justice Department opposes reinstating Rudolphus Warnock's bond.  

 Yesterday was the second anniversary of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.  How badly do the Gazan Arabs want to kill Jews? Watch what this Fox News reporter has to say as he discusses his time in Gaza. 

Update: JJ verified with law enforcement the alleged incident happened at Rainbow Daycare in Florence.  

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 What did he know and when did he know it? Such questions about coverups are usually applied to politicians but the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is asking the same questions of U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate after he entered an order that misused AI. 

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement.

When I was a kid, the number sixty-five always carried one meaning— retirement. That was the finish line. My maternal grandfather retired at sixty-five after a long career at AT&T, and everyone treated it like the natural order of things. You worked hard, did your time, then traded in the briefcase for a gold watch and a fishing pole.

 Jackson wants its water system back.  Period.  

Several places across the country have claimed the mythical title as “the gold buckle of the Bible Belt” in asserting their faith or piety. From areas in the Southwest east to Florida and up through the Carolinas, cities and states have at various times claimed the title.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement on September 30. 

 MDAC Commissioner Andy Gipson issued the following statement. 

Yet another lawyer found out the hard way artificial intelligence is not so intelligent as a federal magistrate busted her for submitting a brief chock-full of bogus citations.  

 College football as we knew it is no more as it sits in the trash heap next to Blackberry's and cassette tapes. Jackson sports talk show host Bo Bounds talked with the Kingfish about NIL, transfer portals, and the future of college football.   The podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple.  Enjoy. 

Maddox Batson still needs a truck.   The teen sensation will appear at Brandon's City Hall in a few weeks.  

 Not everyone is enamored with the new regime in Jackson, as evidenced by one of the Sisters of Rukia recently on social media.  

 Rudy Warnock wants to get out of jail.  

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn wants to hire a police executive search firm to find the next police chief.  The agenda for today's meeting of the Jackson City Council states: 

 Ag Commish Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

The Goon Squad's ringleader struck out after the Supreme Court denied his appeal today. 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement.

 You never know what is going to pop up at a golf course. Right, Smiley? 

 The wheels of justice are turning down on the Gulf Coast as several people arrested for cock-fighting pleaded guilty to in federal court over the last two months.  

Renee Shakespeare's oldest son was murdered Saturday night in Jackson.  JPD issued the following statement: 

 Ir's rarely a quiet night in the E.R., is it? 

 The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce issued the following statement. 

 Keep the prayers coming, y'all.  Lil Samuel is still here.  ZeroBear PolyBear just sent this update on his great-grandson: 

 State Auditor Shad White explained on The Jambalaya with the Kingfish podcast why former Governor Phil Bryant was not prosecuted in the DHS scandal. 

 China just opened the world's tallest bridge.  Check it out.   

"Said the Robin to the Sparrow, "I should really like to know, 

It seemed more like a Saturday Night Live skit than stark reality. Picture 800 accomplished generals and admirals, leaders who rose through the ranks over their professional lifetimes to command the world’s greatest military forces, all gathered in one room. They have been summoned from strategic military posts around the world. On the stage lecturing to them is Secretary of Defense Brian “Pete” Hegseth, a former National Guard major, volunteer warrior, and Bronze Star recipient who rose to become a mouthpiece on Fox and Friends Weekend.

 There is still some life in the old Jitney #14 on Fortification Street.   Gabriel Prado's company recently purchased the property.  WLBT reported:

The embezzlement lawsuits continue to pile up against suspended Hattiesburg attorney Corey Ferraez. Posted below is one that was filed six weeks ago  in Forrest County Court.   What a tangled web we weave. 

Last week I discussed speech topics with my students. Oh, the drudgery! So, what is going on in my students’ lives? Not much. I asked them what issues they might be concerned about on campus. Scooters! That was the biggest issue on campus at the time. Have you tried to walk on a college campus with students on scooters zooming across imaginary lanes? How about driving on campus with even more scooters zooming in and out of traffic? Gen Z are also called Zoomers.

Out with the old, in with the new.....

 Smile, you're on Candid Camera. 

Veterans: Funeral is Sunday. See below for more information.  

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Good guys win a round.  Taxpayers money saved.  

JPD issued the following press release. 

 Here are the "C" ratings for Jackson metro area restaurants issued since July 1, 2025.  The Mississippi Department of Health inspects and grades each restaurant.  The department inspects the restaurant again within ten days after the "C" is issued.  More information can be obtained at the MSDH restaurant inspection web page.

 Shadow Robinson's son, Lennell Moore, Jr., was found guilty of possessing a machine gun yesterday in U.S. District Court.  

JJ is not going to post a ZeroBear PolyBear recipe this week but instead request prayers for his great-grandson.  The ZeroBear emailed several messages this week: 

 Posted below is the obituary for Nancy King.  May she rest in peace. 

Born in Hutchinson, Kansas in 1949 to Edna L. Paton and Maurice Vernon “M.V” Johnson Nancy was the youngest of three daughters. Her family later moved to Houston, Texas. As a teen Nancy worked part-time at Kegg’s Candy and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1967. She briefly attended Texas Tech University, but her plans changed after a blind date with Bill King. They married in August of 1969 and spent their newlywed years at Texas A&M until Bill graduated.

Update: Fortune is charged with: Expired Tag, Failure to Yield Right of Way, Improper Lane Change: Failure to Signal, Reckless Driving, No Proof of Liability Insurance, Disobeying a Police Officer, misdemeanor, Disturbance of the Family Peace, misdemeanor, Fleeing, felony 

She is currently being held without bond and will appear before the Rankin County Court Judge.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 What happens when two playboys try to be well, playboys? 

The Brandon Police Department issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi Parole Board done did it again and put a first-round draft pick in the world of crime back on the street. 

 Madison Timber Receiver Alysson Mills submitted her required 90 day status report to U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves on March 31.  The report documents her slog to recover funds for the victims of Lamar Adams.  The report announces trials are scheduled for April 2026 in the clawback lawsuits against UPS and Baker Donelson.  

 Are you too broke to get that Hellcat but want to do some street racing? Check out how this guy improvised on Jefferson Street as he lived life to the fullest. 

JPD issued the following statements. 

Mayor Horhn applauds action.  

Lieutenant Governor Gilbert Hosemann issued the following statement. 

Grant Callen sits down with historian Jere Nash, a Greenville native, retired political consultant, and co-author of award-winning books. Jere’s latest work, Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862-1877, offers a definitive look at a pivotal era. We discuss why Jere chose to explore Reconstruction, debunk common myths, and examine the era’s lasting impact on Mississippi’s racial and economic landscape. From the Emancipation Proclamation’s effects to the rise of the Black Codes, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and the 1868 Constitution, Jere unpacks the challenges faced by Black and white Mississippians in the post–Civil War era. Learn how Mississippi’s geography, demography, and economy shaped Reconstruction, why “40 acres and a mule” never materialized, and what lessons from this era apply to today’s racial dynamics. Tune in for a compelling conversation on history, policy, and Mississippi’s path to a brighter future. 

 U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III held a status conference this morning in U.S.A. v. Jody Owens, II et al in U.S. District Court.  

 It's not the Friday Night Fights but.......

“Since when is life about happiness? It should be about impact.”

 Jackson State University has no claim, no case, and no cause of action.  So says the Justice Department as it responded to JSU's request for Judge Wingate to allow the installation of water storage tanks on campus.  The project cost $7 million.  JSU filed a grievance with the Court after the Health Department stopped the project.  

The hard, cold truth is that trust in our nation’s institutions is at a historic low. We don’t trust each other, know each other, or particularly like each other.