Jackson Jambalaya

Correction: The original headline said the biker was killed.  JJ apologizes for the error.  

The Madison Police Department issued the following statement.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

A domestic abuser is on the lamb after Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeff Reynolds ordered his arrest.  Judge Reynolds found Cole Rowland guilty of domestic violence.  Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Rowland violated no-contact orders, violated the conditions of his sentence, and completely blew off the judge. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Public Works Director Dr. Charles Williams are holding a press conference right now on the Jackson water crisis.  The presser is streamed below.

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Jeff Good issued the following statement. 

In today's edition of Sunday Sermon, the late Dr. Frank Pollard preached on coming back from setbacks no matter how tough they are.  If you played hookey this morning, enjoy.  

 Faced with one crisis after another, Mississippi’s Governor and Legislature rise to the challenge with one consistent solution – cut budgets to cut taxes.

Where to start?

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Bill Maher stood up to the cancel culture last night.  A pity more aren't saying what he said.  Enjoy. 

The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill that will eliminate the state income tax while raising a plethora of sales taxes.  The bill will take a while to digest as it is nearly 400 pages long.  However, never fear, Jackson Jambalaya is here.  The JJ staff took a break from funneling and cooking pastalaya to break down this bill.  The analysis as well as the House leadership's talking points are posted below. 

 Some Oklahoma footballers figured being big and bad was enough to take care of these shrimps.....

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

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

The water crisis continues in Jackson.  Jeff Good and Dan Blumenthal issued this statement today: 

 The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following statement. 

 Ag Commish Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

Flyers will no longer be terrorized by so-called emotional support animals.  The Department of Transportation issued a new rule that  allows airlines to limit such animals to service dogs.  The airlines promptly took advantage of the new rules and implemented new restrictions.  The Department stated in a December press release: 

 Well, well, well, The Purge continues.  The Clarion-Ledger kicked the conservative comic strip Mallard Fillmore to the curb:

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement.

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement. 

Prosecutor: "This was a calculated execution of an entire shift"

Video of entire hearing posted below. 

A would-be cop killer will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Madison County Circuit Judge John Emfinger sentenced Edgar Egbert to serve six consecutive 35-year terms in prison today after Egbert pleaded guilty to six counts of attempted first degree murder. Egbert wounded two deputies and shot at four others with a full-automatic rifle in 2019.  Deputy Brad Sullivan is still partially paralyzed and blind in one eye . 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 The Landmark building in downtown Jackson flooded last week.   Well, to say it flooded is an understatement.  Watch the video posted below.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement.

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

It was a press conference for the ages as Kenneth Stokes called the Jackson Mayor "Lying Lumumba".  However, the Ward 3 Councilman was just getting warmed up as he said the Mayor was incompetent and had "a relationship with dope boys."  Make no mistake, this was Kenneth Stokes completely unvarnished and unleashed.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Mississippi won the daily double on American Idol Sunday night.  Calvin Upshaw of Marks and Canton's Hannah Everhart earned Gold Tickets to the next round on the popular show.  The 26 year-old Upshaw may have once been incarcerated but he didn't let that mistake hold him back as he wowed Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. 

 No matter where you drive in most of Mississippi in the next few weeks, you will encounter new and challenging potholes thanks to the Great Ice Strom of 2021.

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba had enough of Ward 3 City Councilman Kenneth Stokes and punched him in the nose at a press conference this afternoon.  This is probably the first time a Mayor stood up to the Ward 3 legend although all probably wanted to do so.  Watch for yourself in the video posted below.  Start at 3:30.

 Clarion-Ledger  "Top Editor" Mary Irby-Jones will be moving on to bigger and better things.  The "state newspaper" reported: 

Mississippi is enjoying a bit of good news on the Covid-19 front.  The number of Wuhan Virus patients requiring hospitalization or an ICU bed fell to its lowest level since October 16.   However, there are only 2 available ICU beds in the Jackson metro area. 

Hinds County Deputy Brady Hightower Butler attempted to shovel his way out of a problem with a suspect last week. 

Sometimes you think you are ready for the biggest moment of your life only to find....

 The Wall Street Journal reports the Covid-19 vaccines are bringing Great Britain some relief:

 A Northview Drive business is offering a $500 reward for info leading to the recovery of a stolen trailer.  Video of the theft is posted below.

 Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement last week. 

 Moss Point Mayor Mario King and his wife will plead guilty to fraud charges Wednesday in U.S. District Court. The couple established a bogus charity that was used to buy vehicles and pay off credit cards.  The Justice Department stated in a press release last year: 

Canton's Hannah Everhart made it to the stage of American Idol last night.  The precocious 17 year-old performed Johnny Cash's The Wayfaring Stranger in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.  Much hay was made about her strong resemblance to Katy Perry. Indeed, Ms. Perry asked her young Everhart "are you the country clone of me."  The nervous teen replied "something like that."  Watch the fun below. 

JSU Head Football Coach Deion "Prime Time" Sanders led the Tigers to victory on the gridiron today but his debut was spoiled by yet another incident of crime.  

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

It appears Marshand Crisler is back at the public trough for some more gummint grub.  The Jackson City Council approved on February 17 a $50,000 contract with his company to help reorganize the billing of the water-sewer department. 

 The late Dr. Frank Pollard begged the question in this 1992 sermon at First Baptist Church (Jackson).  Enjoy this week's edition of Sunday Morning Sermon.

My political godfather, the late Gil Carmichael, fought hard for a new state constitution. A key purpose was to strengthen the office of Governor. He called Mississippi’s chief executive “one of the weakest in the nation.” As one of the pioneers of the modern Republican Party in Mississippi, he would be aghast that the Republican controlled Legislature is actively considering two bills that would do the opposite.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement. 

 Medicare penalized UMMC and several other Mississippi hospitals every year for the last five years for patient safety.   All metro Jackson area hospitals except MBMC were fined in 2021 as well.  Medicare cuts reimbursements to hospitals that have high rates of readmissions or high rates of infections and patient injuries.   

 Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson issued the following statement. 

Mardi Gras might have been iced out but you have one last chance to get a little slice of Mardi Gras.  Nandy's Candy has one last batch of Randazzo's King Cakes available for sale in traditional and cream cheese flavors.  Phone reservations are welcome.   They freeze well too.  Enjoy. 

This post is a guest column submitted by Senator Roger Wicker.  

With Congress closing the books on impeachment, lawmakers are pivoting back to coronavirus relief, by far the nation’s most immediate priority. Competing proposals have emerged from both parties, and it remains unclear exactly what will be passed into law. But odds are improving that Congress will provide long-needed relief to our restaurant industry, which has been depleted like no other sector over the course of the pandemic.

 Hamil's is going to open today and tomorrow.  Don't believe me? Maybe these pictures of Mr. Bob clearing the parking lot will change your mind.   The thought of those ribs makes one wanna believe in something. 

If you haven't had enough of the ice yet, enjoy these videos of the winter storm that hit Mississippi this week.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

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

Are there good, bad, right, wrong, and evil in the world? Most would answer ‘yes,’ but we’ll never see universal agreement on which is what. We need some One to adjudicate that verdict.

Natalie Maynor posted a video of the 1951 winter storm on Facebook yesterday:

Drug only useful if taken at onset of infection. 

 It turns out hydoxycloroquine can be used to treat Covid-19 after all.  The American Journal of Medicine reported in its January issue: 

Vaccination event is postponed to a later day tbd.

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Check out the Lakeland Drive exit this morning:

 Rush Limbaugh passed away this morning after a long fight with lung cancer.  

Check out this week's recipe. 

Mississippi is closed today. As I type a winter storm has just passed through the entire state leaving a blanket of snow and ice. The people in the northern part of the state have had it much worse up there than we have down here in South Mississippi. Though everything, for the most part, is shut down in my hometown of Hattiesburg.

 Since many readers are stuck at home with nothing to do, check out this recording yours truly meant to post a looong time ago. 

In the 2020 election cycle, Mississippi voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a medical marijuana voter initiative as outlined in Initiative 65 over the express objections of the majority of legislative leaders.

Update (11 PM): Media reporting Blackouts ended for evening. 

Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley issued the following statement. 

 This video is nothing special.  Just some local kids having fun with their dad in the snow....

 Benjamin Thompson sued Ex-El Presidente Donald J. Trump in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. today.  You can guess what the subject of the lawsuit is.  It is posted below.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Cambell's Bakery owner Mitchell Moore created a Gofundmepage to help the longtime bakery:

 Comcast is still down so posting is limited. The Governor just announced on Facebook:

 Comcast decided to take a temporary snow vacation so this post will be an open thread. Fire away. 

 You just knew Gorilla Glue wouldn't escape the notice of SNL.  

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

Staying home from church because of Icemageddon? Don't worry as JJ has you covered.  Enjoy this sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard in 1991 at First Baptist Church (Jackson).  

Unintended consequences? Or a deep state conspiracy in Mississippi? 

That specter arose with bills introduced in the Mississippi Legislature to privatize Alcohol Beverage Control services and the operation of state parks.

 Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David L. Archie was arrested Friday for domestic violence.  Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeffrey Reynolds ordered his arrest after holding a probable cause hearing.  

 If you think the weather is going to be bad, flash back to Jackson around 100 years ago:

 JPD issued the following statement. 

 Mississippi's Senators issued the following statements. 

74! 74! 74!  Supporters of medical marijuana screamed that number during the debate over a Senate medical marijuana bill this week.  They claimed Initiative 65 got 74% of the vote last November.  There is just one problem with that claim: It isn't true.  

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement.

 Therese Apel is live-reporting a probable homicide on Archer Avenue, off of Savannah Street.  Her stream is posted below. 

Ex-Arkansas Razorbacks Head Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson opens up about Larry Bird.  Enjoy.

 Senator Roger Wicker issued the following statement. 

Campbell's Craft Donuts announced on Facebook it will close its doors Sunday.  Best wishes to a family that tried to make a go of it during the year of pandemic.

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Update (2/12/21):  Senate passes heavily amended bill in the wee, small hours of the morning. 

Update (12:33 AM): Med Marijuana debate begins.  

Update (12:01 AM_: Senate convenes.  Let the games begin. 

Update (11:48 PM): Senate adjourns til 12:01 AM. 

A medical marijuana bill died earlier on the floor of the Mississippi Senate earlier today buuuuuuuut it is coming back for a rematch.  Will it pass? Will the man from Arkansas get his way? Is the Senate on the take? Watch below at 11:45 tonight. 

His name was Erick Hambrick.  His name was Erick Hambrick.

The killer of Erick Hambrick is back on the street.  Read that sentence again.  The killer of Erick Hambrick is back on the street. Arkel Coleman did not even serve five years in prison while his victim sleeps forever in the grave.

 State Senator Angela Hill (R- King Cakeville) submitted the following guest column. 

but Legislature may rescue Madison County

Opponents of a proposed Madison County landfill on County Line Road enjoyed a temporary victory in their fight to stop the county from having a third landfill. NCL attorney John Brunini (Butler Snow) stated in a February 2 letter sent to MDEQ: 

 The House overwhelmingly passed a bill yesterday that strips the Governor's authority to operate the Division of Medicaid.  

 A Mason-Dixon poll reports Governor Tate Reeves approval rating is 56% while Mississippians still support former President Donald Trump.

The Wall Street Journal published Leland Speed's obituary Saturday.  To say he was known in the financial community is an understatement. 

 Crime is out of control because of.............

We took y'all on a Nightwish binge a few weeks ago.   Check out the band's first singer, Tarja Tarunen.  She blows away Sarah Brightman in this version of Phanton of the Opera. The opera singers slay the pop singers almost every time they get on the same field.  The metal riffs are a nice um, enhancement as well. Enjoy.

 A team of CDC scientists recommended reopening schools for in-person learning in the Journal of the American Medical Association in an article published on January 26.  The article cites a Mississippi study that reported schools are not superspreaders if mitigation measures such as masking and distancing are followed.  The article states:

 Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement yesterday. 

Check out this week's recipe: Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham

There are two types of honeymoons. The relational kind that one experiences as a newlywed, full of bliss and joy, and the foodservice variety one endures as a new-restaurant owner filled with stress and obstacles. In each case— whether it’s a long-term marriage, or a long-lasting dining concept— one hopes that the result at the other end is a successful one. 

 A JSU basketball player threw quite the little tantrum during Sunday's game against Southern University.

 The numbers are full of contradictions when one considers the future of U.S. Navy shipbuilding and the impact that industry has on our nation and state.

 Audubon Mississippi issued the following statement.

 Governor Tate Reeves announced 31 Mississippi Walmarts will administer the Covid-19 vaccine.  Will your Walmart carry the vaccine? Check the list below.

Murder suspect blessed by Judge Tomie Green in 2019 murder.

  JPD arrested Augena Funches yesterday. for the murder of Kiana Singleton on I-220 last month. She is ineligible for bond because she was out on bond for a previous murder charge.

 A Y'all Politics poll reports the Governor and Lieutenant Governor enjoy strong approval ratings among Republicans in Mississippi.  The poll was conducted among 600 voters in the 2020 Republican Party primary.  The poll also gave strong approval ratings to Governor Tate Reeves for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Take a look at who's running for what in Jackson.  Let the games begin.

 The Jackson City Council is holding a meeting right now on JPD morale.  You can watch it here.

Very few people are critical listeners or observers. Most see and hear whatever they expect and then move on. On the other hand, as a friend said years ago, you have to believe it, i.e. reality/truth, before you can see it. 

The hate is so strong with these two, it's a wonder they didn't kill each other during the show.  Fortunately, tension can make for some great music and in this case, it probably produced the best live version of this song.  Enjoy.  

Three thugs ambushed two thugs at a Woodrow Wilson gas station Saturday.  The result was the deaths of Christopher Lee and Justin Partee.  The video is posted below. 

Thinking of getting the Covid-19 vaccine but worried it will be a big hassle? Cast aside your doubts.  The Health Department created a speedy system for administering the vaccine  that is quite efficient.   To show how easy it is, The Kingfish got the vaccine Friday.

More than a few barristers read this website.  With that in mind, this post asks for their help.  A friend is enduring the first year of law school out of state.  Since y'all have been in the real world for more than a few years, what classes do you recommend for the second and third years of law school? Y'all are the ones who've had to go before the judges, write the briefs, and put up with troublesome clients.  What advice would you give for someone planning those formative years?  Serious comments only.  The facetious ones won't be approved. ;-)  Any advice is much appreciated.  Comment away. 

 It's generally not a good idea to prank an armed robbery for a Youtube video in public.  NBC News reported: 

 The Senate Committee on the Mississippi Constitution took all of two minutes to pass a resolution that will amend the initiative and referendum procedures in the Mississippi Constitution on February 1. 

and not a moment too soon.  Heaven knows we could use a laugh. 

The late Dr. Frank Pollard took on the Klan in this 1991 sermon. If you didn't go to church this morning, here is a chance to play catch-up. Enjoy.

“Have no doubt, algorithms can do all sorts of wonderful things. But, they cannot incorporate judgment or common sense into their processes.” So I wrote in 2010 about our growing dependence upon algorithms.

Court: State plays favorites during pandemic.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down California's ban on in-person church services although it ruled the state can limit the number of people attending such services.  The Wall Street Journal reported: 

 WLBT's Therese Apel called yesterday "Bloody Friday" after two people were killed and two children were shot.  Violent as it was, Bloody Friday was just another night in the 2021 edition of Jackson. Apel gave voice to her weariness in a Facebook video.

 Ag Commish Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

 Check out what New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell just did: 

What about Angelique? 

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch ruled all county and municipal candidates must meet residency requirements for at least two years.  However, the opinion did not mention a statute in direct conflict with the opinion.  

 Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement.

 Marsy's Law for Mississippi issued the following statement.

 Look who qualified to run for the Mayor of Magnolia.

 Will Senate approve? 

Massage therapists will no longer need a license in Mississippi if HB #1315 becomes law.  The bill abolishes the Board of Massage Therapy and all licensure requirements for massage therapists.   It passed the House yesterday.

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding a press conference on crime right now.  It is streamed below.

 Leftnenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement.

 An I know What Is Best for You gummint official got in it with Kevin O'Leary over the Gamestop shorts last week on CNBC: 

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

 It appears Hizzoner the Mayor gave the game away when discussing the proposed Belhaven community improvement district last night.  WLBT reported: 

 A defendant in the DHS scandal tried to plead guilty buuuuuuuuuut Hinds County Circuit Judge Adrienne Wooten had other ideas. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

 State Treasurer David McRae announced the MACS Art Contest for Mississippi children:

 Former Magnolia Mayor Anthony Witherspoon moved to Tanzania to start a tourism business.  The embattled former Mayor announced the relocation on social media: 

 More than a few people have said the government should put Chick-Fil-A in charge of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.  Well, a hospital in South Carolina actually did just that.  The State newspaper reported: 

 This week's recipe: King Cake Bread Pudding

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of the Beatles. Anyone who knows Beatles history knows that on July 28, 1968 the Fab Four took a break from recording “The White Album” and spent the entire day with two photographers travelling all over London on what is now referred to as the “Mad day out.”

 The Legislature moved one step closer to yanking control of the Division of Medicaid from Governor Tate Reeves yesterday.  

 Professor Howard Ball, the distinguished political science scholar, first came into my orbit on Friday, Sept. 10, 1976, when he was 39 and I was 17 during my senior year of high school.

Leland Speed appeared with me on WJNT waaaay back in 2012.  He talked about his tenure at MDA, education, flood control, the building of the Rez, and his father's reign as Mayor of Jackson. Enjoy.

 JPD is holding a press conference right now on gun violence in Jackson. The presser is streamed below.

Update (3:00 PM): There was definitely a kaboom. 

SpaceX is about to launch the SN9 vehicle.  The mission is streamed below.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Well this is interesting.  The nomination of MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath has been submitted to not one, but two committees.  

 There is apparently a reckless driver frequenting the Northside.  These accounts appeared on social media: 

 A pair of teen-agers are going to spend some time in prison after they pleaded guilty to robbing a group of high school students at gunpoint a little over a year ago.   Ziyan Hopkins pleaded guilty to conspiracy while Nicholas Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy and armed robbery in Madison County Circuit Court. 

Did a Wuhan lab accident cause the Covid-19 pandemic? Bill Maher discussed the possibility with really smart couple Brett Weinstein and Heather Heying on his HBO show Friday night.  

The new Los Angeles District Attorney did not oppose parole for a member of the Charles Manson family.  You read that correctly.  NBC News reported yesterday:

Few people today know it but Leland Speed was a revolutionary in the world of finance. Congress allowed investors to buy portfolios of commercial properties in the 1960's known as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).  REITs were considered to be money-losers before Mr. Speed came along a decade later.  Applying the business savvy that served him so well over the years, he transformed REIT's into a mainstay on the stock exchanges. 

The Mayor of Aberdeen stole from the public purse.  WTVA reported: 

 JJ found compelling video evidence that Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene might not be so crazy after all:  

 A reader on Northampton Drive sent in this tip about some crime in the area:

 Mississippi Energy Institute President Patrick Sullivan authored this sponsored post.

A local writer recently questioned Mississippi’s need for the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson. The writer cites the cost and duration of recent upgrades and outages at the facility as reason to question its economic benefits to Entergy Mississippi’s almost half million customers.