Jackson Jambalaya

 Former Mississippi Department of Education Director Cerissa Neal submitted a petition to plead guilty to one count of engaging in a monetary transaction with funds gained from an unlawful activity in U.S. District Court today. A federal grand jury indicted Neal, Joseph Kyles, David  Hunt, and Lambert Martin for a bid-rigging and kickback scheme.

Meanwhile over in Georgia (although it should be in Florida): 

Small Town Guy

— John Mellencamp 

I'm a small town guy. I have good friends who live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and large metropolitan areas all over the country. They thrive in those environments. I get it. I love the access that big cities afford— so much at your fingertips— and for a guy who eats, sleeps, and breathes restaurants, big cities are in my professional wheelhouse.

At this writing, the debt ceiling drama – the annual political kabuki theater between Congress and the White House over agreeing on the total amount of money that the United States government is authorized to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations – continues in earnest.

Commissioner of Agriculchah & Commerce Andrew Gipson issued the following press release. 

 The Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association, representing car dealers across the state, endorsed Delbert Hosemann in his bid for re-election for Lt. Governor today. 

“Legislation aimed at growing our educated workforce and encouraging our state’s small businesses to thrive and grow are priorities for us. With his past experience as a businessman, Delbert understands the important role car dealers play for Mississippians and the communities we serve,” MADA President Marty Milstead said.

 Cappaert Manufactured Housing shut its Vicksburg doors recently.  The manufactured housing manufacturer opened in 1987.  

Must serve at least 10 years day for day. 

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

 Hinds County jail escapee Joseph Spring won't be able to count on one family member for help although there might be a family reunion once he is captured.  

This guest column was authored by Mississippi Center for Public Policy President Douglas Carswell. 

Mississippi, it is often said, has an incarceration problem. Our state locks up too many people for too long, we are told.   

 The Mississippi Supreme Court agreed to expedite consideration of the appeal of the dismissal of the HB #1020 lawsuit in Hinds County Chancery Court.  

 Update: Lewis is captured. 

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement and mug shots. 

Update: Aiken was ticketed and arrested only for speeding.  His court date was supposed to be in January but when he lawyered up, the case was postponed until September.  

Never let it be said the Mississippi Highway Patrol doesn't hand out switches and coals for Christmas.  Check out this arrest in Marshall County on Christmas Eve last year. 

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

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

The spokes are strong, the wheel turns as it should, but how far will the bicycle go if the hub is weak? Tis the question the late Dr. Frank Pollard asked in the 1995 sermon posted below as he used the parable of the rich fool to illustrate how money corrupts the hub as it destroys yet another life.   Enjoy the brief sermon as Dr. Pollard could say more in 15 minutes than many preachers say in 50 minutes (or more).  

 You probably missed the Mississippi Legislature’s PEER Committee report on the Mississippi Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Most of these annual discourses have been worth missing. But PEER’s FY 2022 report issued May 18^th was a little more bold than usual.

 The Battle over the Briarwood 1 building will end in a total demolition of the Briardwood Drive landmark.  

 Special Counsel John H. Durham submitted “Report on Matters Related to Intelligence Activities and Investigations Arising Out of the 2016 Presidential Campaigns” last week.

Bodycam video shows Jackson police officers repeatedly tasing Keith Murriel until he died.  A Hinds County grand jury indicted former officers Kenya McCarty and James Land for second-degree murder and Avery Willis for manslaughter in Murriel's death.  McCarty's bodycam video is posted below. 

Update: Mississippi Democratic Party files notice of appeal. 

Political troublemaker Bob Hickingbottom pulled it off.  Special Circuit Judge Forrest Johnson just placed Mr. Hickingbottom back on the Mississippi Gubernatorial Democratic ballot.  The Mississippi Democratic Party refused to accept his candidacy so Hickeydoo went to court to get his way.  

Do you remember the Jackson location for Steak and Ale? They were on the I-55 N frontage road, beside Blackwell Chevy, probably where the (now closed) Luby’s and Fuddruckers building is. During their time, I must have eaten at Steak and Ale 100 times. Back then, I had a boss from Chicago who was in residence in Jackson for several years during a start-up. He loved the place, and we would do business dinners, sometimes twice a week, because his wife refused to leave Lincoln Park for J-Town and he hated to cook in an empty house.

Thousand Island Dressing

Hinds County is actually moving closer to getting a new jail.  Sheriff Tyree Jones posted the following statement and photos on Facebook: 

Christina Dent penned this guest column.  She is the Founder & President of End It For Good, a Mississippi-based nonprofit inviting people to support approaches to drugs that prioritize life and the opportunity to thrive. She lives with her husband and sons in Ridgeland.

The recent indictment of El Chapo’s sons for their role in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes, highlights one more time what US drug policy has illustrated for decades. When the market for a popular drug is forced underground, all hell breaks loose.

 Meanwhile, over at WJTV's Youtube page.....

The indictments for former JPD officers Kenya McCarty and James Land are posted below.  The indictments state: 

Justice won yesterday in Desoto County as a MHP trooper's vendetta against a citizen came to naught. Special Justice Court Judge dismissed speeding, careless driving, and of course, disorderly conduct charges against James "Jimbo" Fischer in Desoto County Justice Court yesterday.    

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 A Hinds County grand jury indicted three former Jackson police officers for second degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Keith Murriel. 

 Is it a coincidence several hospitals are leaving the Mississippi Hospital Association after the organization made a $250,000 donation to Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley? The Magnolia Tribune reported:

This post is a paid advertisement. 

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his first campaign television ad along with a $1.3 million advertising purchase that will run through June and into July. This is the beginning of a major media campaign to keep Mississippi in Republican hands and to promote the conservative leadership that Governor Reeves has demonstrated since taking office. 

 CHICAGO— I have been coming to this city almost every May for the past 35 years. This time of year is a perfect time to be in Chicago because the weather is brisk, the throng of summer vacationers have yet to arrive, and the restaurants and bars are jamming. The reason they’re so busy is because the National Restaurant Association’s annual trade show and conference is in town. The show brings around 65,000 restaurateurs to the city each year to peruse through the 700,000 square feet of convention center space dedicated to everything that has anything to do with the restaurant business. 

 The victims of the Brecon Drive armed robbery last week claimed on social media it took JPD over a half hour to show up after they called 911.  911 call logs indeed verify their claim.  

  Like most Mississippians, I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Johnny Morgan of Oxford in a plane crash in Arkansas. Morgan – a larger-than-life presence personally and politically – died May 17 while piloting his twin-engine Beech King Air E-90 aircraft near Fayetteville, Ark.

 A Hinds County grand jury indicted Jordan Cummins for two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Josh Spann and Auden "Jubilee" Simpkins on March 25, 2023.  The indictment states:

The Mississippi Manufacturers Association Political Action Committee (MMA PAC), which represents manufacturers across the state, endorsed Delbert Hosemann in his bid for re-election for Lt. Governor today. MMA President and Chief Executive Officer John McKay said Hosemann’s record on workforce development and his advocacy for pro-business legislation earned their continued support. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 The city of Jackson finally beat San Francisco in something although it was not cuisine.  Oh well, beggars can't be choosers.  The San Francisco Standard reported: 

 Raiders of the Lost Ark, yes, Raiders of the Lost Ark is returning to the Jackson area in two weeks.  Whether reliving the childhood or exposing the kids to something new, the movie is fun for everyone.  Reserved seats are available on Fandango. 

Baghdad Bob, move over.  Mexican President Lopez Obrador  claims fentanyl is not produced in Mexico.  President Obrador peddled the fiction after a federal grand jury indicted 28 members of the Sinaloa Cartel for fentanyl trafficking and other crimes in April. CBS News reported: 

The Mississippi Department of Corrections issued the following press release.  

 The Jackson Cracker Barrel is now closed.  

 The suspects in the Brecon Drive armed robbery last week are still at large but JJ has been able to obtain some information on the suspects.  

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding his weekly press conference right now.  The presser is streamed below. 

 JPD keeps on shrinking despite the city's best efforts to hide that little fact.  WLBT reported last week: 

Pearl, Canton, JPS Gain, Clinton Declines 

The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following statement. 

 A federal indictment provides a window in the world of terror that belongs to the Mexican drug cartels.  El Chapo might be behind bars but his little Chapitos are anything but little as they terrorize Mexico and parts of America with their control of the fentanyl drug trade.  

 What is faith? It's a question asked by many while bedeviling many through the ages.  Quoting Hebrews 1:1-6, the late Dr. Frank Pollard preached faith is a combination of intellect, emotion, and will in the 1993 sermons posted below. 

 “What’s Driving Presidential Turnover in Mississippi?” read Inside Higher Ed’s headline last week. “Four presidents have left Mississippi’s eight public institutions since last June, with little explanation,” began the article.

 Rankin County Court Judge Tom Broome passed away this morning. 

 Looking for something good to watch this weekend? Check out this dirty dozen of movies streamed on Youtube for, dare we say it?, Free!

 The opponents of HB #1020 may have struck out in Hinds County Chancery Court but want another turn at bat and want it now.   Attorney Cliff Johnson and crew filed an emergency motion for expedited considerationwith the Mississippi Supreme Court yesterday on behalf of plaintiffs Dorothy Triplett, Sabreen Sharrief, and Ann Saunders.  

The suspects in a Brecon Drive armed robbery that took place Monday night are still at large.

What does President Biden really believe? What drives his policies? President Biden began his presidency as many other presidents-elect promising to unify a divided nation. Days after winning the election in November 2020 Biden said, "I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify; who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States.”

The video below shows the dangers police officers can experience during a seemingly benign traffic stop.

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and JPD Chief James Davis are holding a press conference right now.  The presser is streamed below.  This post will be edited to included more information as it becomes available. 

One of the kind acts of consideration our King of Fishes offered me when he agreed to allow me to post on his website was allowing me to decide which food I posted about each week.  If I decide to post something folks like, KF’s decision was a good one. If I decide to post something that no one likes, you guys have sadly wasted a week when you click on my post. There is a chance this week’s post may be one of your wasted experiences.

 The Mississippi Department of Human Services issued the following statement. 

 Stay tuned. 

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

While equity may be the theme of the Lumumba administration, sloppiness is the rule as it can't even keep proper books. 

This post was authored and sponsored by the Mississippi Energy Institute. 

There are newly proposed Biden Administration energy policies that should be at the forefront of the national political debate. As if halting offshore energy production, preventing critical pipeline construction and attempting to de-bank the U.S. oil and gas industry wasn't enough, there are new rules aimed at pummeling the U.S. electric power and automotive manufacturing industries with insane costs. 

Who says tourism is not alive in Pearl? Check out this visitor who found he rather liked the place. 

 Mississippi Today CEO Mary Margaret White issued a mea culpa yesterday: 

 Who else could possibly bump into each other at Costco but KIM Waaaaade and Derrick Johnson.  What could possibly happen? What was the old adage about don't argue with someone who buys ink by the barrel? Something like that.  Enjoy the Radio Strongman's account below. 

 A small airplane that took off in Oxford crashed near Winslow, Arkansas today.   5Newsonline reported: 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Highlights of post: 

Jackson's water manager will soon wear the hat of wastewater manager as well.  U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate decreed at a May 9 hearing that Jackson Water Manager Ted Henifin will assume control of Jackson's sewer system after the Justice Department reported last week that Jackson suffered 256 "sanitary" sewer overflows.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” -- Mary Oliver

It’s graduation season in Mississippi. I didn’t deliver a commencement address this year, but I have combined, tweaked, and added to two letters that I gave to my two children when they left for college. The result will serve as my unofficial 2023 commencement address to all Mississippi high school seniors. It’s probably good advice for us “other seniors,” as well, AARP notwithstanding.

 The People's Assembly will hold a public meeting on crime tomorrow night: 

The scion of one of the first families of Deep South print journalism during the civil rights movement, Hodding Carter III cast an impactful shadow during his long and impactful life. Carter died May 11 in Chapel Hill, N.C. at age 88 following a series of strokes.

The plaintiffs in the Hinds County HB #1020 lawsuit filed a notice of appeal with the Mississippi Supreme Court today.  Chancellor Dewayne Thomas rejected their request for an injunction against the appointment of four special circuit judges and the creation of a special CCID court. 

 Beautiful day, beautiful blue water, at peace with nature, what could possibly happen? 

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

 Get ready for a stranglehold while doing a wango tango.  The Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent, is coming to Brandon in July.  

 Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement yesterday. 

 An armed robbery took place last night on Brecon Drive.  An elderly couple arrived at home with their two grandchildren only to be greeted by two black males armed with what were probably AK-47 or AR-15-style firearms.  The victims said the suspects were dressed in all-black clothing.  

 Attorney General investigators charged Dr. Mehul Dixit with two counts of sexual battery or fondling a vulnerable adult person while the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure suspended his license for the alleged molestation. 

 This post is a paid advertisement by the True Conservatives Mississippi PAC. 

Chris McDaniel’s campaign for Lt. Governor is now subject to penalties under state law of up to $400,000. Here’s why:

Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas denies a request for an injunction against HB #1020.  The injunction asked the Chancellor to block the appointment of four special circuit judges and the creation of a CCID special court that would function as a municipal court.  However, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate barred the appointment of the special judges Friday.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services issued the following statement. 

 Grease is the word that you heard and the word returns to the big screen Wednesday at Malco and Tinseltown. 

The Greater Jackson Arts Council's financial woes continue.  Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Adrienne Wooten awarded a $57,600 default judgement against the organization on May 9, 2023 after it stiffed a videographer.  

 WLBT took a look at how the city of Jackson spent nearly a million dollars on covid-19 "cleaning" with a contractor linked to Keisha Sanders.  WLBT reported Thursday: 

The late Dr. Frank Pollard honored his mother in this 1993 sermon as he preached from Mark 7:24-30.  Enjoy the homage to our mothers.  

 Peculiar, yes that beats out perplexing, bizarre, cuckoo, and weird as the best word to describe how Gov. Tate Reeves’ re-election kickoff unfolded. 

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

 Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson issued the following statement on late filings of campaign finance reports. 

 At the beginning of every semester I call the roll and ask students to tell me what name they preferred to be called and why they are famous. Answers about their fame provide insight into their personalities, interests, and self images. Their answers also give them the opportunity to give their first speeches introducing themselves to me and their classmates. 

The HB1020 drama continues as U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Chief Justice Mike Randolph from appointing any special judges under the bill.  

Once upon a time, the main opponents of HB #1020 in the legislature supported child rape.  Yes, you read that correctly.  JJ reported on March 13, 2013: 

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

The already-deteriorating situation at the border is getting worse, and it is a crisis of the president’s own making and neglect. This week, President Biden ended the use of Title 42, a pandemic-era policy used to prevent illegal crossings. This action handicaps the Border Patrol and increases the incentives for illegal immigration. To no one’s surprise, tens of thousands of migrants have flocked to the border in anticipation of relaxed entry rules.

Most of you will agree, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley.” 

 Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas dismissed Chief Justice Michael Randolph and Hinds County Circuit Clerk Zachary Wallace from the HB #1020 lawsuit.  

One bit of crony capitalism escaped notice during the Jackson Trash Wars. The proposed Richard's Disposal contract awarded 7% to a lil ole subcontractor, Expert Professional Solutions, for information technology services.  Yes, IT services for garbage collection.   The company is owned by one Akil Bakari, a long-time Lumumba crony.   

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Former Governor Phil Bryant demanded Mississippi Today apologize and publish retractions after its publisher said "Byrant and his cronies" embezzled federal funds in the DHS scandal in a letter sent to  the online publisher today.  The former Governor posted the letter on his website, Bryanttexts.com today.

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

Mississippi State's Brylie St. Clair was the victim of some good ole-fashioned bad luck last weekend.  Heaven knows she tried to make the play.  

Should Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas recuse himself from hearing any HB #1020 cases?  Check out this January 30, 2023 press release issued by the Hinds County judges. 

YPRES, BELGIUM— Friendships in the 21^st Century carry a different dynamic. A constant connection throughout the World Wide Web has its share of positives and negatives. Many spend more time looking at small screens and stupid videos that make no sense to me. My 21-year old son finds them hilarious. There’s that, but I also have a world of information at my fingertips. As a child I had a set of World Book encyclopedias in our house. That was my sole source for information unless it was a library day.

Chancellor to rule by Friday.  

Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas is holding a hearing on whether to issue an injunction against HB #1020 this morning.  The hearing is streamed below.  

Note: This column was distributed Sunday before the news of Ms. Wolfe's Pulitzer award was announced. 

Founded in 2016 and “supported by grants from foundations, by contributions from donors and sponsors and by advertising,” the website Mississippi Today bills itself as a “digital-first, nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom serving Mississippi.”

 Backyard Burgers in Madison is now closed.  Damn.  

Ted Henefin's job just doubled.  U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate consolidated the water and sewer consent decrees for the city of Jackson at a hearing this afternoon.  Mr. Henefin will now be the receiver for both the water and sewer service of Jackson. More info will be posted later. 

 The Mississippi Department of Transportation issued the following statement. 

 Breaking Points is covering a wee bit of scandal over at CNBC.  It's quite amusing as the woman who got the CEO fired for "harassment" got caught for - you guessed it - sleeping with her source.  

 Today is Don Rickles' birthday.  He would have been 97 years old if he still lived. In celebration of his birthday, enjoy his roast of one Samuel Davis, Jr.  

 Congratulations to Anna Wolfe over at Mississippi Today.   She busted her ass for the last two years on the DHS scandal and was awarded a Pulitzer for her efforts.   Nice job.  Now go out and do it again. ;-). 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement and report. 

The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

A healthy and friendly smile can have a significant impact on other’s first impression of you.  Findings indicate that 76% of people base first impressions on one’s smile yet most people are unhappy with their smile. So what can we do?

LeFleur Dental Group offers a variety of tips and procedures to help us achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.  These procedures are customized to your specific wants and needs.  Below, we will outline a few of our most popular cosmetic treatment options: 

Hinds County Court Judge Larita Stokes passed away.  She has been hospitalized off and on for several months after she contracted Covid-19 earlier this year.  Judge Stokes is the wife of Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes.  Rest in peace, Judge Stokes, rest in peace.  

 Someone decided to go for a stroll in Pearl....

The Mississippi Museum of Art issued the following statement. 

The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA/the Museum) today announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2023 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

 KIM Waaaaaaaade is back with another edition of his CWU-TV show.  The Radio Strongman tackles crime, Jackson, and the good ole 1020 lawsuits as only he can.  The show is posted below.  Enjoy.  

A Brandon TikTok'er committed suicide recently.  Bobby Moudy may be gone but his death wreacks even more havoc upon his family.  TMZ reported: 

We close every semester giving 5-7 minute persuasive speeches. This is the “scariest” speech students give for a number of reasons. Many fear offending classmates who might disagree with them. Just telling students their speeches have to be controversial evokes shivers. I remind them their speeches should not be offensive, only persuasive. 

Some churches welcome one and all while others well, let's just say they are more like country clubs that welcome only a chosen few as they place their faith in everything but faith. Preaching from Luke: 8:40-53, the late Dr. Frank Pollard discussed both in his usual humorous way in the 1995 sermon posted below.  Enjoy. 

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement. 

 Speaker of the House Philip Gunn chose to highlight pro-family, pro-life legislation championed by his Commission on Life last week at a Stennis-Capitol Press Corps luncheon at Hal and Mal’s. 

Looking for something to watch with the kids? You're in luck as The Dark Crystal popped up on Youtube and guess what? It's free.  Enjoy the Jim Henson classic.  

 Country music heartthrob Morgan Wallen said he is working on a make-up date for the concert in Oxford that was canceled several weeks ago.  

Calls matching requirement for ARPA funds discriminatory.  

The Southern Poverty Law Center issued the following statement. 

 This post is authored by Zerobear Polybear. 

No Italian cook worthy of his sauce-stained apron should ever be satisfied without one or more good reliable Parmesan dishes within his repertoire. In fact, it seems to be a shame to even use the word “Parmesan” without preceding it with Chicken, Veal, Eggplant, or some kind of Seafood. I can't imagine spending any time in the Tuscan region of Italy or a good Italian Restaurant without taking much more than a glance at a menu before asking for one of its Parmesan dishes.

 U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate canceled two hearings scheduled for today on HB #1020 after Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas issued a temporary restraining order against part of the bill. 

 Former Governor Phil Bryant issued the following statement. 

Former Governor Phil Bryant promised to release all of his text messages related to the DHS scandal in a video he posted online today. He accused the media of weaponizing an interview he gave to Mississippi Today and "mischaracterizing" his communications.  He said the media pushed a narrative that is not true as he denied knowing anything about the wrongdoings at DHS.  The video is posted below.  Enjoy. 

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

 Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas issued a temporary restraining order against part of the recently signed HB #1020.  

 Ag Commish Andy Gipson penned this guest column. 

Now that the dust has settled on the 2023 Mississippi Legislature’s Regular Session, I believe I can speak for a majority of law-abiding Mississippians in commending our Legislature for passing House Bill 1020, and I appreciate Governor Reeves for signing it into law.  This bill, authored by Representatives Trey Lamar, Fred Shanks, and Price Wallace can go a long way toward helping restore law and order within the City of Jackson, Mississippi.  

 No quitter is Marshand Crisler.  He announced he will not quit the Hinds County Sheriff's race even though he was indicted last week.  WAPT reported: 

 The last Raymond Detention Center escapee is in custody.  Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones announced: 

 Jackson Ward 3 City Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes is LIVE on WMPR.  It is streamed below.   Damn, just said the "Devil was the prettiest angel in heaven and could talk the sweetness out of sugar."  I am so stealing that one.  Enjoy the show. 

The trailer for the second part of Dune dropped today.  Hope the movie shows more of the Harkonnens than it did in the first part.  

 AMSTERDAM— A sliding door moment is a seemingly inconsequential action that alters the trajectory of future events. I am sitting in a bakery at 8:30 a.m. in the city center of Amsterdam, due to a board game. That is a sliding door moment. There’s a theory that the simple act of missing a train or a bus can alter the course of the rest of one’s life. This example is illustrated brilliantly in the film, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The movie displays the principle in a montage of events— one as simple as a shoelace breaking— to effectively illustrate the concept. If any of the seemingly insignificant events had not happened, the course of Daisy’s life would have gone in an extremely different direction. Brad Pitt’s narration as Button effectively describes the chain of events that led to Daisy, a ballet dancer, getting hit by a taxi which ended her dancing career.

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:28-29

Larry “Butch” Brown – for a decade in the early 2000s the intractable executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) – died April 25 at his Natchez home. He was 79.

 Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones announced at a press conference this afternoon that a Raymond Detention Center escapee was found dead in New Orleans.  

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 Check out what popped up in those third-party ads that pop up on media websites such as say..... WLBT: 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba showed yet again yesterday why he has earned the nickname "Lyin' Lumumba."  Check out this clip from yesterday's press conference.

 Some major action will occur in the federal court fight over HB #1020 Friday.  

 Madison County deputies arrested two Scott County men after a long chase from Pelahatchie yesterday.  

Former police officer Anthony Fox must remain in prison after the Mississippi Court of Appeals deadlocked on his request for bond.  

 A JPD recruit apparently killed himself at the training academy in West Jackson. More information will be posted as available. 

Update: Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement:

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding his weekly press conference right now.  It is streamed below. 

Update: Hearing on TRO Friday at 1:30 PM.  A separate hearing on whether Chief Justice Randolph enjoys qualified immunity will be held at 9:30 AM Friday.  

The NAACP asked U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate to stop the appointment of four special Hinds County circuit judges Friday.   A hearing telephonic conference is being held right now on the matter.  

 The Mississippi Development Authority issued the following statement. 

Money always attracts attention and $1.2 million arts grants are no exception.  The Surdna Foundation awarded a $1.2 million grant to the city of Jackson in 2020 but where the money went is well, anyone's guess.  The city of Jackson announced the grant on May 1, 2020: 

 Rankin County Court Judge continues to fights sepsis.  The Brandon Police Department posted an update from his wife on Facebook Friday: