Jackson Jambalaya

 Sista Rukia and her cohorts are holding a mass rally for clean water in front of the Governor's Mansion in a few minutes.

David Lane escaped sentencing yet again.  U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate entered into the docket of USA v. David Luke Lane: 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba might get an assist from the EPA in his efforts to kick the state out of any bailouts for Jackson's water system.  Annie Snider reported in Politico last week:

EPA to sue city. 

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Jackson's water production continues to improve.  MEMA reported the Jackson water system treated 50 million gallons of water on September 23, the most it has treated in quite some time although it is only two-thirds of capacity.  The MEMA command incident report and Jackson statement are posted below.  As usual, the report contains a long list of repairs made to the plant.  System pressure is 86 psi. 

 The Oxford Police Department issued the following statement and mugshot. 

 It's usually not that hard to spot new money, right? 

 The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued the following statement. 

 If you missed church today, check out the sermon Pastor Dewayne Pickett presented at New Jerusalem Church two weeks ago.  Rest assured, it's not preaching for the week as he thundered against the wicked and those who seek to "starve us out in Jackson." 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Bill Maher defended real history against woke history last weekend on his HBO show.  It ruffled a few feathers but what are comedians for, after all? 

What seems to be a storm is actually the harsh wind used to produce the fruit.  Thus spaketh the late Dr. Frank Pollard as he preached on facing such storms with faith in this 1994 sermon.  If you overslept this morning, enjoy the homily.  

 Wow, Mississippi ranks 6^th nationally in “education freedom.” That’s terrific, right?

 Or idiot of the day.  What happens when someone gets caught cutting in line at Walmart?

WARNING: VIOLENT & GRAPHIC VIDEO POSTED BELOW!!!

Note: This post originally reported the student in the video was in a coma.  JJ obtained the information from what have been several reliable sources in the past.   Oxford police issued a statement two days after this post stating a Tyler Wright punched him in the head.  The victim struck his head on the pavement when he fell down.  Oxford police charged Wright with simple assault.  

 A video making the rounds in Ole Miss circles shows a student laying on the ground unconscious as blood streams from his ear while a group of young men laugh at his misfortune. 

Jesus. There. I said it. Out loud. Did I offend anyone? 

If you want to send a tip to JJ and really want to cover your tracks, download the Wickr app to your phone.  Wickr uses end to end encryption and the messages are set to blow up within a time period that is set by the sender.  Messages are not stored.  Wickr does not even have the encryption keys. It is used by dissidents living under authoritarian regimes worldwide.  Kingfish is Kingfish1935 on Wickr.  It can also be used on a laptop.  Of course, you can always send a good ole fashioned email (minus the rye) to  kingfish1935@gmail.com.

 Despite the return of water service as week ago.....

A UPS driver was convicted of malicious mischief and domestic violence after he intentionally gave his girlfriend an STD.  The police officer's affidavit states Narada Taylor did

This post was authored and sponsored by State Treasurer David McRae. 

September is College Savings Month. While I have written previously about Mississippi’s two college savings plans (MACS, which lets families start a savings account for as little as $25, and MPACT, which allows families to pre-pay for college tuition to lock in today’s rates), I wanted to dig further into why these programs deliver so many benefits to Mississippians.

 Check out this little bit of local art at Delta Muffler on North State Street. 

 Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

 There are many reasons that the phrase "There's no free lunch" usually is accurate, but there are ways to save money when it comes to wine -- and to say that this column ought to be called "Free Wine" isn't really a stretch.

 The Mississippi Supreme Court issued the following statement. 

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement to quell rumors about a possible child abduction: 

D.A. recommends 32 years in prison.  

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

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

Politico reports Congressman Bennie Thompson is trying to send $200 million directly to Jackson, bypassing state government: 

Davis pleads guilty.  DOJ press release at bottom of post. 

Former DHS Director John Davis will plead guilty to 5 counts of conspiracy and 13 counts of fraud against the government in U.S. District Court today.  Hinds County Circuit Judge Adrienne Wooten issued an order of nolle prosequi late Wednesday afternoon. The order states:

 Who are the "others"?

The Justice Department took a turn at bat in the prosecution of John Davis. A bill of information charges the former DHS Director on September 15 for conspiracy and theft of federal funds.  Several unnamed co-conspirators are mentioned in the bill of information.

The Jackson water system remained stable.  Pressure was at 85 psi yesterday. O.B. Curtis produced 37 million gallons yesterday, 74% of capacity.  The Fewell plant took a breather, producing only 11 million gallons.  Teams from various states continued to work on the plant.  Repairs and other tasks performed are posted below as is the city's update.  

 Good news? MEMA only spent $191,000 on equipment to get the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant back up and running.  Labor cost another $1,158,297. Y'all Politics reported Monday: 

 He came, he saw, he conquered.  Jackson's Lord Protector, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, served on a panel discussing infrastructure at the Smartcity Expo in Miami September 15.  

 I first came to the city sometime in the mid 1960s. My grandparents lived here. My father had recently passed away and my mother drove my brother me up to stay with her parents for a few weeks. They lived in an apartment building somewhere around 72nd and 2nd. All I remember about that apartment is that they had a balcony that looked just like the one in the opening credits of Green Acres. As a six-year-old, the two things that impressed me during that initial New York visit were that they were filming a movie on the street outside their apartment, and automats. I was amazed by automats, and that is probably the earliest memory I have of a restaurant of any kind. 

While American political discourse continues to careen to the poles of both ends of the partisan continuum, Mississippi’s current round of midterm congressional elections suggests nothing in the way of political realignment.

 The Mississippi Museum of Art issued the following statement. 

Ruth Cummins authored the following press release for UMC. 

Friday night’s football game ended early for Brian Washington, and it really hurt the Provine High senior.

Now it's JJ's turn to tell the REST of the story. 

Much has been said in the media about the Jackson water crisis by reporters who are experts on everything and knowledgeable about nothing.  They blame the flooding of the O.B. Curtis plant, white flight, racism, and a mean ole legislature that refuses to help Jackson.  Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba wasn't about to discourage such tales of woe as he sought to avoid any responsibility for the catastrophe that happened on his watch.  Well, perhaps it's time to tell the real story of how the Jackson water treatment system fell apart, media be damned.

 Netflix dared to take on one of the all-time classics, All Quiet on the Western Front.  Check out the trailer.  It won't replace the original but hopefully it will replace the 1979 color version.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency issued the following statement. 

 Ridgeland Municipal Court Judge Bob Camp set bond at $200,000 for Northpark shooter Za'lill Patterson at her initial appearance today.

 Attorney Robert Gibbs issued the following statement.

 Jackson water production increased yesterday as system pressure remained at 90 psi.  

In what can be only termed a miscarriage of justice, a killer was set free in Alabama after the District Attorney dropped the charges.  Unbelievable. 

Medical marijuana supporters submitted a petition to place medical marijuana referendum on the ballot in Ridgeland.

 Never let it be said the late Dr. Frank Pollard was afraid to take on tough topics in his sermons.  He preached on a subject fraught with risk: Raising children. Using the Good Book, he compared punishment to discipline, one driven by anger while the other is driven by love.  He mentioned something about letting kids find their own paths instead of living through them.   Enjoy the 1994 sermon. 

Ridgeland Police Chief Bryan Myers issued the following statement. 

 The Legislature will have more than $1.5 billion in extra General Fund money to spend next year, according to a report in Y’all Politics. That’s a big pot of extra money considering the total General Fund budget for the current fiscal year was $6.3 billion. 

A shooting took place at Northpark Mall this afternoon.  

 Just when you think the news of the Jackson water crisis can't get any worse, it does, right.  WLBT reported: 

 The Jackson water system continued to stabilize.  MEMA reported system pressure was at 85 psi while producing 49 million gallons per day.   

While reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001 and immediately following, many of us have relived our thoughts, emotions, and not a few resolutions. Those events spurred a large number of young people to go into civil or military service. Each of them took an oath of office that began, “I … do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same….”

 We are family.......

 A jury convicted Sweetie Pie's Tim Norman for hiring someone to kill his nephew today.  The nephew was murdered after Norman took out a fat insurance policy on him.  The docket states: 

 The owners of two dilapidated hotels are fighting the city of Jackson's efforts to shut down their hotels. 

 When is a woman not a woman?

 Well, well, well.  Look at it this way.  This will be great for JJ and bad for the city. 

It is no secret that it is hard to get through to kids at times.  Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons tried a new approach with students at the Greenville Fire Department Kids Academy.  Check out his video. 

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

Good news for Jackson!  Sources say Governor Reeves will announce the lifting of the boil water notice at a press conference in 20 minutes.  

 Jackson won a round in the fight against blight this week as  Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeff Reynolds shut down two dilapidated hotels Tuesday. 

 Correspondence at the Department of Insurance shows the Blue Cross- UMC battle raging behind the scenes while patients were screwed in the middle.  Y'all Politics obtained the emails and letters through a public records request and posted them.  Y'all Politics reported yesterday: 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 Surprise, surprise.  Hizzoner wants to replace the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant with a brand, spanking new plant.  Nothing like a new project to line pockets and pay off your pals, right.  Don't believe me? See the poster at Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumuba's town hall forum Tuesday night. 

 Rachel James-Terry authored the following press release for Jackson State University. 

Rita Brent is back and sold out. The multi-hyphenated comedian and Jackson State University alum has returned to the Capital City to host "Raised in the Sipp" Saturday, Sept.17, at Duling Hall. 

Jackson Deputy Public Works Director Marlin King resigned his position today. However, the former Public Works Director did not merely submit a resignation letter but instead called out former Deputy Director and occasional Class A operator Mary Carter  and provided the receipts. 

Jackson's water treatment system continued to stabilize yesterday. The system pressure was  89 psi. Water production was 46 million gallons, a negligible increase from the previous day.  The O.B. Curtis water treatment plant continues to operate at 50% capacity.  

 Ridgeland police are seeking to arrest Justin Cody Carr after he alleged shot several rounds in front of Walk-On's Sunday night.  

For the majority of the 23 years I have written this weekly column, the primary focus has been on food and restaurants. In 2011, a dozen years into my writing career, I spent six months overseas with my wife and two kids and the column morphed into a semi-travel column, at least during the times I am away from home base.

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement.

 The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce called for the creation of a regional utility authority to operate water/sewer service in Jackson's current service area in a letter to  city, county, state, and congressional leaders.  

In the interest of not “burying the lead,” let me note that although she never set foot in the State of Mississippi or cast her eyes on the alluvial fan of the mythical and mystic Mississippi Delta region, the late Queen Elizabeth II was by virtue of her investment portfolio the owner of a “mammoth” cotton plantation in Bolivar County, Mississippi.

We are going to get a decision and we are going to get it sooner than later.  The Mississippi Supreme Court approved the Jackson City Council's motion for an expedited decision in the "veto" case.  Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba opposed the motion but the Supremes threw his objection out with the trash.  The order is posted below.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 JJ reported August 20 the Lumumba Administration did not publish desperately needed Class A operator positions online as the water treatment plants suffered a severe shortage of such operators: 

A battle royale is taking place in Hinds County between the disgraced ob-gyn Dr. Walter Wolfe and a former girlfriend.  Kathleen Addison sued Dr. Wolfe in Hinds County Circuit Court in 2020, claiming he terminated three of her pregnancies without her consent even though he sired the children.  Circuit Judge Faye Peterson dismissed part of the case but Addison appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court in July. 

 Unlike the city of Jackson, MEMA is taking the bull by the horns and advertising job openings for the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant.  MEMA posted on its website yesterday: 

 The Jackson Cracker Barrel is temporarily closed. 

Mayor gives garbage contract update. 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding his weekly press conference.  The live-stream as well as MEMA and Jackson updates on the water system are posted below.

Madison County Circuit Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced former DHS Communications Director to serve 4 years in prison for a fourth-offense DUI on September 6.  

Many readers have been asking for a collection of all JJ posts about Jackson's water treatment system over the last few few years.  The Kingfish is more than happy to oblige and just finished it while watching Marshall beat Notre Dame.  We are Marshall, anyone? The page is divided into several sections:

Sometimes, having Hope is not enough....

 Meanwhile over on Melbourne......

 Sometimes handling one's own strengths is as important as handling weaknesses.   The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached on how pride leads even leaders to a downfall as they fail to ask for help in areas where they are strong.  Enjoy the 1994 sermon as he preached from 1 Samuel 13. 

Ancient citizens of Jackson can relate to Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner. Whether adrift at sea or aground in Jackson, Coleridge’s epic line applies – “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.”

 Doing shrooms is not exactly a good idea.......

Gold Coast Commodities issued the following statement in response to the indictment of two company officials. 

 Governor Tate Reeves announced some good news on Facebook: 

 Where do you find your political news? Newspapers, TV and cable news, the Internet, Facebook and Twitter, the liars table at Starkville cafe? Those seeking national and international news will more often than not find radically extremist political rhetoric mixed with a hearty dose of self-righteousness from most news sources today.

The EPA sent a team of investigators to Jackson.  NBC News reported tonight: 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba fired Deputy Public Works Director Mary Carter today.  Ms. Carter confirmed to WLBT she became involuntarily separated from the city of Jackson today.  

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement. 

Water production at the O.B. Curtis plant continue to improve as a team of experts continue to fix the long-neglected facility.   The plant produced 25 million gallons of water yesterday, half of its 50 million gallon capacity.  The Fewell plant produced 27 million gallons yesterday.  Pressure was at 87 PSI.  

 If you want a good laugh, watch this coverage of the Jackson water crisis on Breaking Points.  The Kingfish is a fan of the show but Krystal and Sagaar got duped bigly this time.   Social justice reporter Jordan Chariton fed them quite a bit of disinformation while the two "independent" journalists completely fell for it hook, line, and sinker.  Watch and prepare to laugh.  

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

 An epistle from the Chronicles of Marlin is floating around town.  It is posted below with a few redactions.   Enjoy it while it lasts because it is coming down after a while.  Enjoy. 

 Sometimes it's not a good idea to take your kid to court.....

The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

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

It's the last call for JJ's annual fund-raising drive.  Thanks for the support and reading the website for years.  JJ could not have made it this far without your support.  Even as JJ leads the way in reporting on the Jackson water crisis, the need for your support remains as strong as ever.  

 The end of an era is finally upon us.  Queen Elizabeth II passed away a little while ago.  Buckingham Palace announced announced on its website: 

 The media, including the local press, pushes the narrative that Jackson's water system crashed because the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant is old and "fragile," right.  The plant might be worn out from neglect but it is not old.  JJ got the receipts and posted them below. 

Jackson Update for today posted at bottom of post. 

Kumbayah was the theme yesterday as EPA Grand Poobah Michael Regan, Governor Tate Reeves, and Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba joined hands and preached unity at a press conference held at JSU yesterday.  EPA Administrator Regan inspected O.B. Curtis before the press conference.

 Zach New is selling his million dollar home in Bridgewater.  Nix-Tann Realty listed the home for sale yesterday. Yup.  While New Summit teachers went without pay and millions of welfare dollars meant for the poor were spent..... well, just look below. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said Jackson presented several plans to fix its water system to various authorities.  He urged the media to get copies of them.  JJ took him at his word and filed a public records request this morning.  The plans are posted below.  Feel free to read to your heart's content. 

There is one thing you don't do around Coach Prime and some knuckleheads decided to do it anyway.....

 Despite its name, there is a great deal of fat but little beef in the Mississippi Center For Public Policy's Fat Cat Report issued a few weeks ago.  The Jackson think tank went all Bud Fox as it bragged about bagging some fat cats to the media. Nothing like beating up on a bunch of good ole boys sippin' bourbon, lounging in $3,000 chairs, and smoking cee-gars, right?

MEMA and the city of Jackson issued updates on the Jackson water crisis.  The MEMA daily command incident report shows much work was done at the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant Monday.  The two water treatment plants are producing 42.5 million gallons a day, a far cry from the capacity of 70 million gallons per day.  The Health Department also awarded two much-needed provisional Class A water operator. licenses to former operators of the plant.  

 For the past 23 years I have written a 1,000-word column every Monday morning. Always early in the morning. I haven’t missed a week. Ever. I typically let the column sit for a day and then revisit it on Tuesday morning, catching things that need to be edited, sentences that need to be swapped around or eliminated, misspelled words, misplaced punctuation, and just general things I forgot— or remembered— that should be included in whatever topic I may be writing about on that day.

Like seemingly every other facet of American society these days, when it comes to both the national media and the state’s press, the assignment of blame for the City of Jackson’s water and sewer system woes falls into two distinct camps.

 The case against Kevin Camp collapsed in Jackson Municipal Court last week after the alleged victim dropped a simple assault charge against the attorney.  

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is briefing the media right now on the Jackson water crisis.  The pressure is streamed live below. 

 Check out this video about the Jackson water crisis from last week.  

Jackson's water treatment plants continued to implode as a stream of workers quit while those who remained worked to exhaustion.   A team of EPA and Mississippi State Department of Health representatives inspected the water treatment plants in March and reported their abysmal findings in July.  JJ obtained a copy of the report through a public records request.  It is posted below.

 You think you escaped the notice of SEC Shorts because your team played on a Sunday night, right?  Wrong!!!  

 Warning: The Lumumba Administration considers this post to be disinformation.

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba met with State Senators John Horhn, David Blount, Sollie Norwood and Representatives De'Keither Stamps, Zakiyah Summers, Hillman Frazier, Chris Bell, and Earle Banks Wednesday to discuss the water crisis.  The legislators represent Jackson.  Such a meeting is expected during an emergency such as the water crisis.  However, what was interesting was who accompanied the Mayor. 

 Governor Tate Reeves is briefing the media on the Jackson water crisis right now. The press conference video, MEMA command incident report, highlights, and a city of Jackson statement are posted below.

 What would happen if you could go back in time? The folks at SEC Shorts took on that question this week. 

 A Blueprint Polling poll gave both Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Governor Tate Reeves poor marks in handling the Jackson water crisis.  However, a majority in the poll did not approve of allowing Jackson to operate the water system. Brad Chism owns Blueprint.

Any sermon that includes a recitation of the song "I'm my own grandpa" from memory can't be all bad.  Using homespun homilies and humor, the late Dr. Frank Pollard preached on how to make a marriage work in this 1994 sermon.  Enjoy. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Good “Dads Matter” study from State Auditor Shad White emphasizing the tragic impact of fatherlessness on children, but he offered feeble solutions.

 Posted below is today's MEMA Incident Command brief on the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant. It provides the latest information on work at the plant. 

 The best Star Trek movie appears on the big screen next week for a grand total of two days so get your tickets while you can.  

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following press release. 

 President Biden raised the temperature of political rhetoric last week when he used the term “semi-fascism” to label those opposed to his policies. Biden said, “What we’re seeing now is either the beginning or the death knell of an extreme MAGA philosophy. It’s not just Trump, it’s the entire philosophy that underpins the — I’m going to say something, it’s like semi-fascism.” Later, Biden clarified his statement saying, “I respect conservative Republicans. I don't respect these MAGA Republicans.”

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Free free to share this post with the media. 

Note: This May 2021 post seemed appropriate for a Flashback Friday publication.  The media is running wild with the narrative that white flight - and later black flight - destroyed Jackson's finances.  Jackson's annual audits show such is not the case but hey, since when did the media care about getting the facts right? Throw in the fact that most reporters don't know how to read income statements or balance sheets and presto, you wind up with a distorted narrative.

 Jackson's coffers are almost empty thanks to white flight taking its money to the suburbs.  Such is the excuse national and local media make in explaining way Jackson's water problems.  However, such a blame game ignores reality.  Jackson gets more money than ever but managed to mismanage its water/sewer department into virtual bankruptcy. 

 Y'all Politics turned in a nice piece of work on the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant yesterday as it reported how bad things were at the bedeviled facility.  Frank Corder reported: 

Used 3-D printers to produce machine guns. 

The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 The O.B. Curtis plant still suffers an ammonia leak.   MEMA discovered Wednesday a valve at tank #1 was leaking ammonia.  The tank is 40% ammonia.  Repairs are underway and expected to be completed today.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Enrollment is now open from today, September 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023, for families who want to prepay college tuition for a child, grandchild, or loved one. This plan allows families to lock in today’s rates for future college tuition costs. 

 The Mayor might say he is trying to hire Class A water operators and other staff but the EPA tells a different story, right.  The Mississippi Free Press's Nick Judin reported EPA's frustrations as it tries to help Jackson: 

It's time for JJ's annual fund-raising drive.  Thank you very much for your support of Jackson Jambalaya and reading the blog for years.  Make no mistake, this website could not have made it as far as it has without your support.  You've donated money, provided tips, and helped when it was needed while JJ has made every effort to reward your faith.  

 Governor Tate Reeves is briefing the media on Jackson's water crisis.  The press conference is streamed below. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 A Hinds County grand jury indicted William "Napoleon" "Cipher" "Polo" Edwards for first degree murder in the death of Robert Davis.  Robert Davis was a leader in the Better Men Society in West Jackson.  The grand jury also indicted him for felon in possession of a firearm. 

Update (1:25 PM): The Mayor is staying home.  

What does one say? Seriously.  Tweeted Tuesday.

 Just a sign of the times in Jackson at 8 tonight.

 Meet one of the unsung heroes of the Jackson water crisis.  Joe Campbell posted on Facebook: 

Mississippi has spent $8 million so far while responding to the Jackson water crisis.  Governor Tate Reeves, MSDH's Dr. Jim Craig, and MEMA Director Mack McCraney briefed the media today on the state's response.  The video is posted below. 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Some good news for Jackson.

 A Rankin County grand jury indicted Tax Assessor John (no "L") Sullivan for three counts of sexual battery and one count simple assault on August 25.  The Attorney General is prosecuting the case. 

 Uh-oh.  Sista Rukia is going to be on CNN at 2 PM to milk this crisis for all she can. Let's guess what happens. She blames everyone and takes responsibility for nothing.  Think the CNN reporter will grill her on why her brother covered up the EPA order (as did some local media outlets) for a year?

 Just curious, how come none of the news media interview anyone from the other side? Why doesn't NBC make use of C.J. Lemasters and Anthony Warren? Just curious.

 Did flooding cause the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant to crash this weekend? If so, how so? The answer is yes and no.  

 The cities of Pearl and Gluckstadt issued the following statements. 

“To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” – William Faulkner

 “Work hard and be kind and amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien

 As a child I can remember my mother criticizing older men who kept hopping from profession to profession. In those days I probably thought, “Whatever I end up doing for a career, I need to do that, and only that, focus on it, and try to be successful.” 

 It is easy to read current social media posts and Tweets and conclude that American political division has never been stronger, farther apart and more distant from a reasonable path forward as a united nation than exists today.

Video is posted below. 

Governor Tate Reeves will hold a press conference any moment now.  It will be streamed live on JJ Instagram page. 

Update (8/31, 11:00 PM): Governor Tate Reeves and others addressed the media on Jackson's water crisis at a press conference held at the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant yesterday afternoon.   Some highlights are: 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is addressing the water crisis in a press conference that is streamed below.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Update (10:15 AM): Jackson Public Works Director Marlin King was reassigned this morning to another position.   

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement. 

 Let's take a break from you know what with the folks from SEC Shorts. 

 The Mississippi Supreme Court issued the following statement. 

Governor Tate Reeves is addressing Jackson's water crisis in an emergency press conference that is live-streamed below.

 Check out these photos taken at 4 PM today at the O.B. Curtis water treatment plant. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

Governor to address Jackson water crisis at 7.  

Five Jackson State Senators asked First Consul Tate Reeves to take action on Jackson's water crisis. 

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

Driver's Service Bureau closed in Jackson

Leftenent Governor Dilbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Phillipus Gunnicus Magnus issued the following statements. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba filed a notice of appeal with the Mississippi Supreme Court today.  Special Chancellor Larry Roberts ruled the Mayor can not veto a "no vote" of the City Council in July.  However, Hizzoner wants a rematch so here we go.  

 The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement. 

As expected, the markets punished the PERS porfolio as it suffered a -8.5% rate of return on its investments in fiscal year 2022.  It could have been much worse but some investments saved the day.    

 Want to guess what is coming to the theatre this weekend?

 It appears New Orleans might throw Richard's Disposal out with the trash.  The Times-Picayune reported Thursday:

 Sandbags are available at the parking lot of Christ United Methodist Church. 

Fun is sometimes forgotten while going through life.  The message was meant for children but the late Dr. Frank Pollard said it applies to all as well in this 1994 sermon.  Dr. Pollard even made the sermon more fun by keeping it to all of fifteen minutes as he preached to the children of his flock.  Enjoy the sermon if you couldn't make it to church this morning. 

Congress has begun paying more attention to counties whose poverty rates persist at 20% or more over a 30-year period. Forty-three of Mississippi’s 82 counties rate among these “persistent poverty counties,” according to the Congressional Research Service. 

 The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

 This South Park clip somehow seemed appropriate.  

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.

In Ecclesiastes Solomon wrote, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.” In Matthew’s gospel Jesus said, “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” 

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

 The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement. 

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

 Heidelberg's football coach performed his best redneck imitation of a British soccer fan at a Wayne County football game last night.  You can't make this up.  

 Not going to lie, this is almost painful to watch.   

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba fired away at his critics while discussing Jackson's water and garbage issues Monday.  The video of the presser as well as JJ's observations are posted below. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 The city of Jackson issued the following warning. 

 Y'all Politics and UMMC are engaged in a little bout of tug of war over some public records.  

 The sentencing of former JPD officer Anthony Fox in Circuit Judge Adrienne Wooten's court drew no small amount of controversy as she lectured the defendant and his supporters from the bench.  JJ took the liberty of transcribing her remarks and posting them below as some readers may not have time to watch a twelve-minute video.  

 The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement. 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following press release. 

 Check out Hanging Moss Creek by Jackson Academy yesterday. 

It is the birthday of the Mouth of Mississippi.  He may have died 24 years ago but his jokes are still alive.  Enjoy some favorites below.  

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

Warning: The Lumumba Administration considers this post to be disinformation. 

The Wall Street firm KKR* proposed to take over Jackson's water system last year in deal that would have raised rates in exchange for promises of millions of dollars to Jackson and much-needed repairs to its water treatment plants.  It is a rather interesting proposal because Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has been decrying any and all proposals to "privatize" Jackson's water system this year. Highlights of the proposal are:

 The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.

 A man shot Antonyo Esco to death at the Village Apartments Sunday night.   Esco was selling a gun to the suspect.  The suspect took the gun and killed him in true Terminator fashion. 

 If I carried a business card, there would be a lot of job titles listed on it— restaurateur, author, producer, columnist, writer, cook, designer, documentarian, show host, travel host, board member, manager, president, CEO, founder, and chairman of the board. But the most important job title I have— or ever will have, and it’s not even close— is “Dad.” Actually, “Dad,” if my son is addressing me, “Daddy,” if it’s my daughter. 

  Last week’s Mississippi Book Festival provided an opportunity to reconnect with old and dear friends in celebrating extraordinary writers like the late Willie Morris and Barry Hannah with people who knew and loved them – including Willie’s immensely talented son David Rae Morris, now an accomplished writer, photographer, filmmaker and documentarian in his own right.

 It's finally happened.  Top Gun: Maverick is finally available for streaming.  The theatre experience was so good I almost feel like a traitor for posting this.  

 Y'all Politics and UMMC are apparently going to have a little public records fight.  YP posted today: 

 This post is reprinted with the permission of The Taxpayers Channel in Greenwood. 

In court filings last week, bankrupt Express Grain put hundreds of individuals and businesses, including farmers owed money for their grain, on notice that it will be suing some of them to claw back money that EG paid them prior to filing bankruptcy for services and products sold to EG.

JPD arrested Corey Lepard Saturday for allegedly stabbing a 73 year old man to death for his motorcycle on May 26.   Predictably, Lepard was out on the streets after being convicted of arson and aggravated assault waaaaay back in 2019.   

 Former DHS Communications Director Danny Blanton pleaded guilty to felony DUI in Madison County Circuit Court yesterday.  It is his fourth DUI conviction. 

 Greyhound is going, going, gone.  Good job, Jackson. 

Check out this website and see if you notice anything missing.  Good luck on the snipe hunt.

Andrea Wright Dilworth authored this press release for UMMC. 

The UMMC Police and Public Safety Department’s behavioral response team piloted in February was so successful at de-escalating potentially violent situations that it has been implemented as a full-time, permanent fixture with double the number of officers.

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

On August 21^st, 2022, at approximately 10:00 a.m. the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Flowood Police Department that an injured male victim walked into their lobby and reported that he had been to an address located in the county to meet a female where he was assaulted, tied up and held at gunpoint.

 Just a humble little fund-raiser is all.

 Haddox Reid  Eubanks Betts PLLC bade farewell to its digs at One Jackson Place as it moved to Ridgeland over the weekend.  The CPA firm announced on Facebook August 5: 

 KIM Waaaaaade discussed Lyin' Lumumba and Jackson's water problems as only he can do.  Whether or not you agree with him, you will be entertained.  

Russell Brand and respected journalist Matt Taibii took on how the media moves to a more authoritarian model instead just reporting the news.  Something about not trusting the audience so censorship must rule.  It's a nice little ten-minute discussion for a Sunday afternoon.  Enjoy.  

The late Dr. Frank Pollard told the parable of the glazed donuts and cinnamon rolls as he preached on a subject fraught with landmines: marriage.  Enjoy the 1994 sermon as he preached on how to make marriage work.  

 First crazy Democrats denounced all police. “Defund police” was the cry. Now crazy Republicans denounce all FBI agents. “Defund FBI” is their cry. Both sides seem to seek no realistic outcome other than destroying respect for law and order.

Season five of Cobra Kai is only a few weeks away.  Kreese is in jail while Silver rules. Check out the trailer below for some mindless fun. 

WARNING: The Lumumba Administration classifies this post as disinformation. 

 Jackson needs water operators, right? The Mayor claims Jackson has a hard time hiring water operators, right? Well, perhaps Jackson might have an easier time finding water operators if it actually advertised for the coveted Class A operators, right?  Check out the job postings for the two water treatment plants on the city website.  Notice anything missing? 

Jeremiah 30:5-6, “For thus says the Lord, ‘I have heard a sound of terror, of dread, and there is no peace. Ask now, and see, if a male can give birth. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale?”

There is no other way to put it: Jackson's water system is on the verge of collapse.  Jackson's leaders shucked and jived  for years about the water system as they covered up its true nature,  but fortunately, the EPA called their bluff.  WLBT's C.J. Lemasters and Anthony Warren obtained the records Jackson gave to the EPA and reported their  findings last night.  Be warned: rage may bubble up within while watching their report. Here is a brief taste of what WBLT reported last night:

 Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. 

 The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following statement.