Jackson Jambalaya

 Check out the live stream of Bacchus as the floats roll through right now.  

 Bill Maher had some fun at Taylor Swift's expense and cast a few brickbats at modern men Friday night.  Enjoy. 

Who am I? Why am I here? Why is God mindful of me? Why does God care about me? Simple questions whose answers are simple yet are not simple.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard discussed those questions as he preached from Psalm 8 in the 1998 sermon posted below.   Dr. Pollard kept this one short since it was Super Bowl Sunday.   Enjoy. 

Correction: The original headline stated the crime happened in Northeast Jackson.  Crestview Drive is by Meadowbrook Road.  However, the crime happened on Crestview Street, which is behind MBMC.  The press release states "Crestview Street."  However, there is no Crestview Street in Google Maps and it defaults to "Crestview Avenue", which is behind MBMC.  

The Capitol Police issued the following statement. 

The boom in manufacturing jobs President Donald Trump forecast last April has yet to loom much yet boom. “Manufacturers shed workers in each of the eight months after Trump unveiled ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs,” the Wall Street Journal reported this month.

The House passed HB #1404 yesterday.  The bill allows the prosecution of landlords who embezzle tenant's money meant to pay for utilities.  

 YouTuber Big Cactus decided to do what else but visit "the hood" in "the most dangerous city in the poorest state", otherwise known as Jackson, Mississippi.  Props to the local tour guide, Stunnah. Respect. 

 The law is cracking down on the La Cazuela restaurant on Fortification Street.  

 One can never have too much insurance.  

 The Jackson Police Department issued the following statement and video. 

The plot thickens in the story of the former Jackson Academy student killed during a home invasion at the Park at Inverness apartments early Sunday morning.  Thickens because the apartment was the home of a Jackson Academy student, thus making it less likely the crime was random in nature.  

 This post is a paid advertisement.

Update: Hinds County Circuit Judge Faye Peterson sentenced Johnson to life in prison plus ten years.  

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement yesterday. 

There is nothing like comfort food. Some foods are meant to be eaten whether there is bad weather or you are under the weather.  ZeroBear PolyBear was kind enough to provide us with his recipe for Smother Chicken & Taters in a downloadable format.   Fire up the stove and enjoy.  

 JPD issued the following statement. 

 Lafayette County Chancellor Robert Whitwell ruled Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss can play college football for one more year.  The video of Judge Whitwell announcing his ruling is posted below, courtesy of WLBT.  Judge Whitwell's  son played on the Ole Miss tennis team and his grandson is currently on the tennis roster.  

 The Jackson City Council is getting rather worked up about a bill to create a utility authority to manage Jackson's water/sewer system.  

 Yet another brawl broke out at where else but La Cazuela restaurant on Fortification Street last night. 

 The indictments continue to pile up against the Beth Israel arsonist.  

 Will Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss get an extra year of eligibility? Lafayette County Chancellor Robert Whitwell is holding a hearing on his lawsuit right now.  It is live-streamed below, courtesy of WLBT. 

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement and pictures. 

Check out the cool video posted below.  

Pearl Police Chief Nicholas McClendon issued the following statement. 

 The Clinton Public School District issued the following statement. 

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones posted a special Valentine's Day message. 

Sucker punches, stripping, pouring semen on the face and sharing it all on social media is the hell a 14 year-old Pass Christian High School soccer player suffered from his teammates several years ago.  While the young man tries to recover, his family seeks justice in court. If the complaint is to be believed, it is probably the worst bullying case ever reported on this website. 

 I had breakfast in bed this morning. I'm 64 years old and I'm not sure that's ever happened.

 We have us a new problem in Mississippi: fish stealing.  Seriously.  Agriculture & Commerce Commissioner Andrew Gipson announced on Facebook yesterday: 

In addition to a record, history more often than not provides a road map.

 While the Jackson City Council debated fining people or entities who drop off homeless people in Jackson.......

The Bulldog debate team was in action last week up in Starkville.  

Convicted child molester Lindsey Whiteside will remain on house arrest. Special Circuit Judge Jeff Weill denied the District Attorney's motion for resentencing but threw a curveball into his ruling.  

There is a debate on whether smartphones should be allowed in schools.  Lost in it all is the question of whether smartphones damage children's health.  Dr. Sarah Cremers, a leading ophthalmologist, warned in a letter to the Wall Street Journal children were suffering more eye problems due to too much time on the screens.  She wrote: 

 The Catch & Release Program is alive and well in Hinds County.  Exhibit A: One Harold Stiff. 

 Annie Oeth authored the following press release for UMC. 

 State Bean Counter Shad White issued the following statement. 

Update (4:15 PM): The Justice Department and MDEQ responded they do not take a position on the intervenor's expert report. 

Update (12:10 PM): Judge Wingate issued this order 20 minutes after the post was published.  The order states: 

TEXT ONLY ORDER directing all parties, including the ITPM, to respond to INTERVENOR-PLAINTIFFS SUBMISSION OF ALTERNATIVES TO JXN WATER,INC.S 2025 PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE [267], filed on 02/06/2026, at 6:02 PM CST. The parties must respond to : (1) the tardiness of this submission to the court; and (2) the contents of the Intervenor-Plaintiffs' proposal. These written responses must be submitted on the record by 5:00 PM CST this day, 02/09/2026. 

More hoops. Judge Wingate just does not want to make a decision.   

Original Post: Will he or won't he? U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate gave the intervenor Poor People's Campaign a chance to challenge JXN Water's proposed rate increase but the intervenors missed the deadline Friday. 

 The Legislature moved one step closer to banning cellphones in Mississippi schools last week. 

Update (2/9/26): Jackson Municipal Court denied Myles bond on the murder (felony-murder) charge and set bond at $150,000 for the burglary of an occupied dwelling charge.  

JPD issued the following statement. 

The great Lou Gehrig came up to bat.  It was the bottom of the ninth with the winning runs on base.  Yet like Casey, the great one struck out as the final pitch flew by him as his bat rested upon his shoulder.  He told the umpire he would give $10 to have that pitch back.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard used that story to discuss how the message of Christianity is one of second pitches and love.  It is a message that frees us from the strikeouts of our past while giving a future of love.   Enjoy the sermon posted below as Dr. Pollard preaches from 1 Peter in waaaay back in 1998.  

JPD issued the following statement. 

 Poor Speaker White. His omnibus school choice bill got short shrift in the Senate. His resort now appears to be name calling. “Senate leadership has aligned themselves with the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, the Mississippi Democratic Party, and the status quo,” he whined. 

 The newest thing in smartphones is the foldable phone.  Samsung and Google sell them and Apple is expected to soon jump into the fray with its own foldable phone.  There is just one problem. Foldables cost nearly $2,000, hence preventing their widespread adoption.  However, Amazon has the first Google Pixel Fold (256 gb) on sale for $559.  The 512 gb version is $599.  Google Pixel Fold on Amazon.

Credit: New York Times

 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold passed away.  The band tweeted: 

It appears La Cazuela had a little problem recently.  

 JPD issued the following statement. 

Progressives really are trying to fundamentally transform America from our foundation in the Constitution. They want us to be just like every other socialist nation on earth ruled by a totalitarian government. So far, only totalitarian states have survived socialism.

Some people are screaming what else but racism after a Wisconsin restaurant said it will not seat people drenched in the skunk smell of marijuana.  

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement yesterday. 

Update: Mayor John Horhn announced Brackney will be the next police chief. The City Council must approve her nomination. 

JPD will soon get a new Chief.  The Street Committee says the Chief will be......

 Things are thawing out but it's not yet time for spring.  What does it mean?  Fire up the stove and cook some Tex-Mex to warm up the taste buds.  ZeroBear PolyBear was nice enough to share his own Tex-Mex recipe in downloadable format.  Enjoy. 

Carolyn and Jason Voyles might have poked the bear when they sued Jackson Academy but the school woke up Mama Bear after it dragged the Voyleses through the mud as it sought to take the dispute behind closed doors. 

 Grant  Callen sits down with Dr. John Dixon, Executive Director of the Mississippi Charter Schools Association, to break down what charter schools are, how they differ from traditional and magnet schools, and who they are designed to serve. They discuss common misconceptions, charter school performance, what accountability should really mean in education, and why parent demand is one of the strongest measures of success.  The conversation also explores how Mississippi’s charter law could be improved. Posted below are the audio and video versions of the podcast. 

Post includes audio of Pittman's arraignment and detention hearing. 

Spencer Pittman wants to get out of jail.  The FBI arrested Pittman after he torched Beth Israel Congregation in the early morning hours of January 10.

 Nothing like a good customer, including one who pays for his snacks after taking a beatdown in the store. 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

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

Currently residing in the Rankin County jail, Jason Hulsman faces a plethora of charges as well as a motion to revoke his probation.  However, he can add one more problem to the ever-growing list as an insurance company accused him of stealing $58,805 of a mistaken overpayment.  

Will Judge Henry Wingate ever make a decision on JXN Water's proposed rate increase?  The U.S. District Court Judge held yet another hearing on the proposal.  The first hearing was held in April 2025.  WLBT reported: 

There are many intelligent ways to sell king cakes. Standing on a frozen sidewalk in Gulfport while the wind removes your will to live is not one of them. And yet. Twenty-eight degrees. Wind like a razor. A line of 125 people who didn't care. 

 Mark Wilson will miss his son's senior year of high school basketball at Hartfield Academy after he fouled out in Rankin County Chancery Court last week.  

Guy Hovis, the “other” Tupelo native whose singing talent captured national attention, passed away on Jan. 22 in Oxford at age 84. He rose to fame on the Lawrence Welk Show, combining humility, talent, enthusiasm, kindness, and generosity into a successful career and life.

Guy Hovis & Lawrence Welk

 Mississippi Speaker of the House Jason White issued the following statement about the Senate Education Committee's rejection of HB #2. 

 The Senate Education Committee killed HB #2 on a unanimous voice vote this afternoon.  The bill would create a school choice program in Mississippi.  

 State Representative Clay Mansell (R-N'awlins Grill) torched Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes about what else but Jackson's water system.  

January 2026 is the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Mississippi River freak winter flood. It was only the third such flood ever recorded. It flooded habitat inside the levees and along the river and caused the deer season to close early.

One of the accused Pop's Saloon shooters might not see the light of day again if Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens has his way.  

 The bums have set up shop over on Northview Drive.  Check out the images below.  Notice anything? 

20th Century Studios dropped trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 yesterday.   

 Be on the lookout for this dude, who tried to break into a house on East Northside Drive Saturday night. 

 PraCon Global Investment Group issued the following press release. 

Poking the bear means sometimes the bear pokes back and poke back the bear did as Jackson Academy struck back at Carolyn and Jason Voyles last week in Hinds County Court.  

 Get ready to have a good time. Country music legend Tracy Lawrence and his friends are coming to the Brandon Amphitheater in May.  More information is posted below.  

 The Forrest Police Department issued the following statement. 

 It is said a picture is worth a thousand words.  Well, here are a few million words about the devastation in Oxford if you want a better idea of how bad it is up there.  

 Derrick Coleman's son found out Madison don't play.  

Dunta and Darrius Palmer

We are made with instincts and desires, wild horses of a sort.  Some allow their wild horses to run wild.  Doing so often ends in a stampeded of personal destruction.  Some, such as the Buddhists, believe in killing the wild horses. The result is a zombie, devoid of all desire, much like a mosaic stripped of all color.  However, there is another way.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached about the Christian way, where the wild horses are bridled for good.  Enjoy the 1998 sermon posted below. 

 “Are we really going to be the Gestapo?” podcaster Joe Rogan asked. “‘Where’s your papers?’ Is that what we’ve come to?”

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 Mississippi Department of Transportation Commissioner Bradley White and Fox 13 Memphis are having a little disagreement.  Fox 13 reported: 

 The wokesters are trying to shut down a Dallas coffee shop chain after a manager quit and claimed on social media the company was serving coffee to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. WFAA reported: 

 Our favorite plaintiff is back in federal court with, surprise, yet another grievance.  At least this one doesn't involve the transmigration of souls as earlier complaints did. 

 Ashby Foote's mother passed away recently.  We offer our condolences to the Foote family during this time of grief.  Visitation and funeral service will be held at 1 PM today at Bellwether Church.  Mrs. Foote lived quite the life as described in her obituary posted below. 

It’s us against them. Another pronoun war. At least, that’s the way “us” always describes a conflict. “Them” is always everybody else. And, if you’re never “us” nor “them,” then you have to pick a side because there are only two sides to every coin and almost every pronoun war. 

 Brother Day issued the following statement. 

 Suspect son of Derrick Coleman, brother of Ladarien Jones

The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

Dunta and Darrius Palmer

 The campaign reports are filed.  Who has what? Keep reading. 

 It's been five years since we lost Leland Speed, one of Jackson's finest.  Instead of boring you with flowery words and cliche-ish platitudes, JJ will simply present Mr. Speed in his own words.  Enjoy. 

 We have us a horserace for Chancellor in Hinds County.   

 Will the Jackson State University get a new stadium? State Representative Robert Johnson (D- Springridge Road) wants the state to pick up the tab for some new digs.  

Over the past few years, Mississippi lawmakers have passed some critical conservative reforms. Last year, Mississippi became the first state in America to legislate to eliminate the income tax in 40 years.  In 2022, we implemented flat tax reform.  A few years before that, we passed important labor market reforms.  In 2024, we reformed school funding to get more money into the classroom. 

Today is Christmas Day for politicos in Mississippi as annual campaign finance reports are due to be submitted to the Secretary of State.  It gives prognosticators a chance to see who has raised what as the gubernatorial field comes into focus.  First up is State Auditor Shad White.  

 I-55 and I-22 in North Mississippi are now open.  

 Long winters mean long mornings and what could be better for a long morning than a breakfast casserole? The ZeroBear Poly Bear blessed us with his recipe for a bountiful breakfast.  Enjoy the recipe posted below in downloadable format. 

Some people really do F Around and Find Out. .  Exhibit A: A group of little bitches who thought they were tough.  

 First Consul Tate Reeves 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.  

U.S. Marshals arrested Jshontiez McClendon for shooting several people at Pop's Saloon early New Year's Day this year.  Unfortunately for Pops patrons, McClendon was free on bond after JPD charged him with shooting to death a mother and her unborn child two years ago.  Catch & Release is indeed alive and well in Jackson.  

 MDOC Commissioner Burl Cain won't have to face the possibility of going to jail after MDOC paid a judgement yesterday.  A Hinds County Court judge had held MDOC in contempt  last week and ordered a show cause hearing on why the Commissioner should not be incarcerated.  

 Assistant JPD Chief Vincent Grizzell is being forced out and is not too happy about it.  WLBT reported:

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued the following statement. 

 While North Mississippi suffers through an ice storm from hell, a young woman took it upon herself to help the workers enduring the elements as they work towards recovery.  

 Update (1/29/26, 8:00 AM): Governor Reeves said less than 100,000 lack power. 

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issue the following statement. 

 The Mississippi Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety issued the following statements. 

 Check out the latest tax returns for the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, One Voice, Mississippi Animal Rescue League, JSU Foundation, and Canopy Children's Solutions.  

 When our friendly little FBI agents came to down to do some bidness, they went looking for a lobbyist.  They wanted someone who can hook them up with the "movers and shakers" of Jackson.   Fortunately for them, Elliot Flaggs was more than happy to oblige. 

Drag racers might lose their vehicles if State Representative Shanda Yates (I-Whole Foods) has her way.

Marco had never seen a pine plantation.

 Toby Price got his job back.  The Hinds County School Board fired the Gary Road Intermediate School principal in 2022 after he read a book, I Need a New Butt, to his students.   He sued, lost, and appealed. WAPT reported: 

 As we’ve discussed in this column before, Congress has not adopted a comprehensive five-year Farm Bill since 2018. In states like Mississippi, there are few pieces of legislation that are more impactful, given this state’s $9.51 billion total agricultural production value and the jobs those activities support.

 It is all just a misunderstanding, right? 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following update on storm damage. 

 Tim Bennett paid his Smith-Wills Stadium lease. Yes, you read that correctly. The repeat Smith-Wills deadbeat paid his rent - after this website reported in October he missed the due date for his annual lease payment. 

 Empire issued the following update on winter storm damage. 

 Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith issued the following statement. 

Credit: Supertalk Mississippi

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement and report. 

 Do you believe in miracles of the ice variety? 

The Mississippi Power and Light Company issued the following update on power restoration. 

 Is there a culture of bribery in Jackson? 

 Break out the Strads.  Lindsey Stirling is a'coming to Brandon this summer. 

 A former Canton Detention Officer served several months in jail and paid $30,000 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to 54 counts of animal cruelty in Madison County last year. 

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, II issued the following statement Friday. 

 The Mississippi Department of Corrections issued the following statement: 

 "This isn't Seattle."  Ric Flair would be proud. 

"You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know and you are the guy who'll decide where to go. You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. About some you will say, "I don't choose to got there." With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to do down any not so good street."  The late Dr. Frank Pollard used this Dr. Seuss story to illustrate how we are what we consume.  In other words, garbage in, garbage out.   Using 1 Peter 1 13-21,  Dr. Pollard  preached how we must guard our minds.  If you can't get to church because of the weather, enjoy the 1998 sermon posted below. 

Can Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann do what so many government leaders have touted but failed to accomplish and actually reorganize state government? He has his Mississippi Senate looking to restructure state government and run it more like a business.

A Hinds County judge ordered MDOC to pay up or else he will consider throwing Commissioner Burl Cain in jail. 

Will ban hunting hogs with night-vision? 

A bill about dog-hunting stirred up quite the ruckus among Mississippi hunters this week. Representative Justin Keen (R-Outlaw Raceway) filed HB #828.  Posted below is the text of the short bill.  Fire away in the comments.   

Nothing like a homemade fire to keep one warm......

 State Bean Counter Shad White issued the following statement Thursday. 

 I only saw my Dad cry once. Seeing tears running down his face bothered and confused me. We were watching television. I was just an elementary school kid and hadn’t understood all that had gone on the week before. 

 Berry's Seafood & Catfish House posted this video on social media.  

 Madison County Court Judge Ed Hannan announced in an email to the Madison County Bar Association: 

 Make no mistake, the Mullahs of Iran are massacring their own people.  The Sunday Times of London reported January 17: 

 JPD arrested one of the two alleged shooters in the Pop's Saloon New Year's Eve shooting.  

The FBI had quite the view into Jackson's drug culture as confidential informants fed it information. Huggie Bear had nothing on these guys.

 Music sensation Luke Bryan returns to Brandon with a few friends.  Tickets go on sale January 30 at 10 AM.  

Credit: Rolling Stone

 Meanwhile at Sam's Club......

It appears we are going to be iced in this weekend. Perfect time for some good ole hamburger steak. Check out ZeroBear PolyBear's recipe below in a downloadable format.  If for some reason you can't download the recipe, send an email.

 The Mermaid Cafe posted the following announcement on social media:  

 Lord Protector Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

 What Yogi Berra said. 

 Corey Ferraez is a free man after prosecutors gave him a nice plea bargain deal. 

Credit: Hattiesburg Patriot

Podcast available in audio and video.  

Grant Callen sits down with Governor Tate Reeves for a wide-ranging conversation about the state’s growing momentum and what comes next. The discussion explores why Mississippi is climbing national rankings for wage growth, household income growth, and overall economic performance. He offers a candid discussion of labor force participation, why that measure matters, and how connecting more Mississippians to work remains critical to sustained prosperity. Don’t miss this episode!

Correction: JJ erroneously reported Judge Hannan is retiring when in fact he qualified to run for re-election. Apologies. 

Here comes the judge but who will it be?  We love having elections in Mississippi and this year is no exceptions as judicial elections are scheduled for November.  Although most incumbent judges in the Jackson metro-area are running unopposed, there are still a few surprises.  

 The trial of Ted Dibiase, Jr. will go on hiatus until February 23.   

 Empire issued the following statement. 

Dude truly you know what and found out. 

 Confidential informants provided the FBI with a window into the drug-dealing culture of Jackson.  

There was a kid from my hometown who had it all figured out at twenty-one. Charm, dreams, a family who loved him. He was also speeding down 4th Street at 90 miles per hour with his headlights off and three police cars in pursuit.

 The accused arsonist in the burning of Beth Israel synagogue will stay put right in the Madison County jail where he belongs.  

It is a strange and sorrowful thing to watch history come full circle like a stubborn ghost. On a cold January morning in Jackson, flames scorched the walls of the Beth Israel Congregation — Mississippi’s largest synagogue and a house of worship with roots dating back to the 19th century — reducing its library and administrative center to charred ruins.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

The fight between State Auditor Shad White and Attorney General Lynn Fitch is on today at the Mississippi Supreme Court.  Watch live at 1:30.

 A confidential informant claimed he paid Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes protection money of sorts, a claim Mr. Stokes called "Bullshit."

Has Jason Hulsman's luck finally run out? 

 It's report card time!!!

Note to readers: Apologies for not updating this story sooner.  JJ was unaware of Mr. Wellborn's death until last week. 

 Death rescued a Jackson attorney from prosecution after he shot two intruders at his rental property in Jackson.  

 The accused Beth Israel arsonist wants to get out of jail.  

Never let it be said former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba did not like to live life on the wild side, at least according to raw FBI reports.   

 Hope became a reality in Jackson Thursday as developer Gabriel Prado, Mayor John Horhn, and local bigwigs broke ground on the  $50 million Prado Lofts project on Meadowbrook Road. 

 Empire issued the following statement. 

Todd Higgins continues to be a menace to The Fondren.  Torching buildings, smashing windows, vandalizing homes are all part of his game.  JJ reported Friday he is a veteran of the Hinds County Catch & Release Program.  Check out the Fondren Firebug in action last month: 

The Mississippi Public Service Commission put on its Health Department hat and said water systems in Mississippi should stop adding fluoride to drinking water. 

Such is how a manager at the Downtown Cigar Company described Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and the rest of Jackson's municipal government to an undercover FBI agent.  The allegation was made in a sealed motion to dismiss filed by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens.  Owens owns the cigar bar. 

 Polk County (Fl) Sheriff Grady Polk left no doubts as to what he thinks about all the "scrums" taking place in various states over illegal immigration. 

All was well in Israel.  The milk and honey flowed, a chicken there was in every pot, and the good times  rolled.  However, Amos warned the children of Israel they mistook paradise for a prelude to death.  Amos is not exactly one of the more pleasant books in the Bible as it foretells a judgement of destruction for the Israelites.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard pointed out how the ninth book of Amos spelled out how Israel would be laid waste for its sin.  Yet, Amos leaves us with a glimmer of hope "when the reaper is overtaken by the plowman."  Enjoy Dr. Pollard's 1998 sermon posted below. 

On the first day of the 2026 session, the Mississippi Senate took a strong position against public school vouchers. “Vouchers are not on the table in the Senate,” Mississippi Today reported Education Committee Chairman Sen. Dennis DeBar, Jr., as saying. Later that day the full Senate easily passed two education bills locking in that position.

 The FBI investigated then Jackson-Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's relationship with lobbyist Quincy Merkuro.  

Posted below are the most recent tax returns for the MSU Foundation, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross Foundation, Hartfield Academy, and Ballet Mississippi.

 Who needs cable when you have the I-55N Kroger? 

 As Americans shift into prolific identity groups, the rest of us find ourselves rolling our eyes and shaking our heads a lot. “Why did he say that? Didn’t he know?” Social constructs excuse reactions that used to be more than inexcusable. Identity groups claim that their own rules exempt them from traditional, i.e. mature reactions. Group violence via demonstrations and riots has become the norm in our cities. The teams are divided into outraged citizens who demand their freedom of speech rights versus law enforcement officers and supportive citizens trying to maintain law and order.  

 Check out this video of a Karenicus Bitchimus in the wild.  Jim and Marlin would have been proud. 

Embattled Hinds County District Attorney accused the FBI of engaging in outrageous conduct to "coerce" him into accepting $125,000 in bribes for a Jackson convention center hotel development in a motion to dismiss filed in U.S. District Court Monday.  The motion alleges the Fibbies isolated Owens and kept him drunk for several days until he agreed to accept a bribe.  The Court sealed the motion after the government objected.  

Note: The House of Representatives passed the bill yesterday by a margin of two votes . 

Last week, House Speaker Jason White unveiled HB2, the Mississippi Education Freedom Act - the most exciting and ambitious advancement for school choice in our state in years, perhaps ever!

 The Fondren is plagued by an affliction.  However, the affliction has a name: Todd Higgins.  Higgins is not happy unless he is setting fires and tearing up houses, which he has been doing for years.   Unfortunately for the victims, he is a star pupil of the Hinds County Catch & Release Program. 

 We got us a cold snap coming this weekend so what else could be better than some of ZeroBear Poly Bear's creamy ground beef, mushroom, and spinach soup? Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is posted below in downloadable format.  Enjoy. 

 The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following statement. 

The Drag Racers of Jackson double down and posted more videos of their stupidity. 

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

 Secretary of State Michael Watson issued the following statement. 

Some people just can't take advantage of a good break.  Exhibit A: Jason Hulsman.  Despite getting a suspended sentence for shooting into an occupied dwelling last year, Hulsman might be going to prison anyway after he was arrested for a DUI.  

John Jason Hulsman

 A federal grand jury indicted Stephen Spencer Pittman for arson in the burning of Beth Israel Congregation Saturday.  The indictment states: 

Although the Mullahs killed thousands in Persia this year, such does not slacken their thirst for more blood as they continue to massacre their own people.  If you want to get an idea of the bloodshed, I highly recommend checking out Vlahad Online's Twitter feed.  Posted below are videos of what is taking place.  The videos and Twitter feed are graphic.  You have been warned. 

 This little incident purportedly took place recently on Medgar Evers Boulevard. 

 Brother Day issued the following statement supporting school choice on Facebook yesterday.

 Brother Dawn issued the following statement. 

 Iced tea has been called the house wine of the South. Rick Bragg once wrote that a glass of iced tea can tell you just about everything you need to know about where you are and who you’re with, and he wasn’t wrong. Around here, iced tea is just part of how things are done. It shows up early and sticks around.

 Check out what our little Brownshirt looked like after he burned both himself and Beth Israel Congregation Saturday.

As we’ve discussed in this column before, Congress has not adopted a comprehensive five-year Farm Bill since 2018. In states like Mississippi, there are few pieces of legislation that are more impactful, given this state’s $9.51 billion total agricultural production value and the jobs those activities support.

Who else but Stephen Spencer Pittman. Check out what the little Brown Shirt posted on Instagram the day he (allegedly) torched Beth Israel Congregation.

Mission Mississippi, a nonprofit organization committed to reconciling racial and ethnic differences, along with various denominations and congregations, is sponsoring a prayer gathering to pray specifically for our legislative leaders.

 The wheels of justice are moving swiftly indeed for young Stephen Spencer Pittman.  The Hinds County grand jury indicted Pittman for first degree arson - place of worship yesterday.  The indictment states: 

“Who you gonna’ believe? Me or your lying eyes.” Substitute Entergy’s spokesperson for Chico Marx, and you have the current gaslighting telling you don’t believe what you see happening in other states and what common sense tells you will happen here. Just trust Entergy not to raise electric rates for small customers to benefit Amazon’s data centers.

 Update: Scott adams passed this morning. 

Dilbert creator Scott Adams has been moved into hospice care.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Stephen Spencer Pittman will remain in federal custody after his initial appearance today.  The FBI charged Pittman with arson in the burning of Beth Israel Congregation Saturday morning . 

The Malco theatre in Madison is rolling back the clock as it rolls out a few gems this spring.  Check out the lineup.  

The FBI charged Stephen Spencer Pittman with arson in U. S. District Court today in the Beth Israel Congregation arson attack Saturday morning. The affidavit posted below tells the story, a story of thuggery and just plain stupidity.   Pittman confessed to the crime - after he laughed about it.  

 Beth Israel Congregation released security video of Saturday morning's arson attack . 

 Unfortunately, Saturday's burning of Beth Israel Congregation was not the first attack on Jackson's only synagogue.  The Klan bombed the facility six months after it opened in 1967 and the home of its Rabbi a few months later. Step back in time to see what happened way back when. 

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement Friday.

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" Robert Browning. 

 Beth Israel Congregation posted the following message on social media: 

Credit: Todd Starnes

 The Flowood Police Department issued the following statement and mug shot. 

"Let's look at this (grace) like this.  Eudora Welty can write a book in Jackson and it is acclaimed all over the world.  That's called talent.  There are people in our state who can sign their name to some papers and they will acquire businesses worth billions of dollars.  That's called capital.  The Wright brothers could take some bicycle parts, wire, metal, and canvas and build an airplane.  That's called genius. Michelangelo could take some brushes and paints and paint a beautiful thing on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. That's called art.  A mechanic can take a broken-down car and put the motor back together.  That's called skill. 

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

Even amidst a new legislative session and mid-term elections, Republican rumblings about next year’s elections grow as precipitous events loom.

Update: A suspect has been arrested.  Sources told JJ the suspect is a 19 year-old white male.  Security cameras captured him on video.  He allegedly burned himself and had to go to the hospital.  The Jackson Fire Department, ATF, FBI, and Homeland Security are investigating.  

A fire took place at Beth Israel Congregation this morning.   The Southern Jewish Life website reported: 

 Some ne'er do wells hit the ruins of Last Call Sports Bar & Grill yesterday.  The establishment posted on Facebook: 

 What a mess! Now we have to pick sides again. Now we have to blame the other side again for what they started. It is their fault, you know. If they hadn’t done that in the first place, we wouldn’t have had to fix everything that’s happened as a result. We told you so, and now we’re in a mess just like we warned about. And they’re blaming it all on us and not taking any responsibility for what they’ve done. Rinse, wash, and repeat.

 Mississippi's annual PGA tournament is no more.  The PGA issued the 2026 fall schedule today. 

 A Hartsfield Academy parent sued the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools after MAIS banned him from his son's basketball games.  MAIS banned several parents for the remainder of the basketball season after a confrontation between players, fans, and families at the end of the game. 

As we kick off 2026, the Mississippi Center for Public Policy is more energized than ever.  We are excited about the successes our state has seen – and we have a plan to build on that momentum with further free market reform!