Jackson Jambalaya

 Nothing like boutique protestors

 The federal government is going to reclassify marijuana from a schedule Ito a scheduled III drug.  The Associated Press reported: 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

The late George Robinson's family rejected a settlement with the city of Jackson after the City Council voted to approve a settlement of $17,000.  

 Leftenent Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement. 

 Well, well, well, it appears an Ole Miss basketball player didn't get any NIL money.  The Oxford Police Department issued the following statement and mug shot.  

 Rachel Vanderford authored the following press release for UMC. 

 A decade ago, Georgia Pritchard of Sturgis was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. But by the time she found out, the cancer had already spread from her breast to her spine and hip. Soon, the cancer spread to her brain, causing a tumor to grow.  

Ben Couey authored and sponsored this post.  Mr. Couey is the owner of Hempville CBD.  

 QT shooter Kylin Russell will plead guilty to a federal indictment of possessing an illegal machine gun.

 A porch pirate struck in the Fondren today and it was all captured on video.  The victim gave JJ permission to post the video.  Let's make him famous. 

The infidels, a motley band, In council met and said,

Republicans have sounded alarms over Russian propaganda taking hold in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The movie that can't be made today soon returns to the big screen. Yup, Blazing Saddles will appear for an encore presentation. Showtimes are posted below. So whip out your phone, pull up the Fandango app, and order some tickets.  

Earlier this month, NBC reported, “Lumen Technologies, a telecommunications company based in Louisiana, said in a statement that ‘some customers in Nevada, South Dakota, and Nebraska experienced an outage due to a third-party company installing a light pole — unrelated to our services.’" According to the article, “The outage left millions in multiple states without emergency access to authorities for about 2½ hours.” Installing one light pole?

The fight over who can order on autopsy on the late Dau Mabil's remains continues next week in Hinds County Chancery Court after the Mississippi Department of Public Safety entered the fray yesterday. 

 The Madison County School District issued the following statement. 

Update (4/27/24): The bill passed the House with only one vote case in opposition.  

PERS "reform" is alive and well in the Mississippi Legislature.  The Senate passed SB #3231 this afternoon.  Highlights of the bill are: 

 Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement. 

Senate Medicaid Chairman Kevin Blackwell delivered two conference reports to the House on healthcare reform signed by all three Senate conferees: one with the original Senate plan and the other with a compromise proposal.

 The Brandon Police Department issued the following statement and video. 

Last week, it emerged that the newly appointed head of America’s NPR (National Public Radio) hates the US Constitution. Speaking in 2021, she described the First Amendment which safeguards free speech as “a challenge.”

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

And I love just about all of them, as I do just about everyone. I cook for them too, as evidenced by this tasty dessert, which is actually just mixed and not cooked.

 The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following statement. 

 William McHenry of Madison Timber fame is back in jail after he refused to move after he lost his home. 

Looking at you, Chief Justice

Barack Patton (allegedly) raped, pillaged, and thugged his way through the Clinton area but has yet to face justice thanks to judges who refuse to do their job. 

As with most things, increased inflation over the last several years caused electricity rates to rise more sharply than the typical trend all across the U.S., including Mississippi. Over these same last few years, electricity demand has also risen more sharply due to changes in consumer habits and increased use of technology in the economy, namely data.

The Titanic's doom is a story told over and over, imprinted onto our collective memory.  Rarely remembered is Carpathia's near-suicidal dash through an ice field to save over 700 souls. The water that doomed Titanic forged a hero that night as Captain Arthur Rostron performed seamanship that was nothing short of legendary.  Rostron and his crew deserve their own movie.  Maybe we will get one when Hollywood gets tired of making comic book movies.  Until that time comes, enjoy the video posted below that tells the Carpathia's tale.  Enjoy. 

 Donna Floyd pleaded guilty to embezzling from the Brandon High School Band Booster Club yesterday in Rankin County Circuit Court.  

My advice to upcoming graduates: You are a few years away from beginning your professional life, but you are only weeks away from planning for it. The decision you make about your professional life should be the easiest decision you ever make — your career should be about one thing: passion.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Back in 2018, the Supreme Court changed the way remote sales tax was assessed and collected, and in doing so, how government revenues will be impacted moving forward. The ruling came in a case styled South Dakota v. Wayfair.

 The Federal Trade Commission issued the following statement.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 It is said no good deed goes unpunished and such is true in Jackson. 

Update: suspect surrendered.   The victim is the brother of the 14 year-old recently killed in Jackson. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

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

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Dau Mabil's widow and brother are squaring off in Hinds County Chancery Court over who should set the terms for an independent autopsy. 

"They don't make things as good as they used to" is a common complaint handed down from generation to generation.  However, the old adage is actually true when it comes to furniture.  The Wall Street Journal reported recently if you think your new couch is worse than the old one, it's not your imagination.  The sofas are worse than they used to be.  The Journal reported: 

Madison-Rankin District Attorney Bubbal Bramlett issued the following statement and mug shot on April 16.   

Protestors at Columbia University screamed "Burn Tel Aviv to the ground last night" as they pushed for a new Kristallnacht.

Congressman Bennie Thompson wants to strip former President Donald Trump of all Secret Service protection if he is convicted of a felony.  The Congressman from Bolton issued the following statement Friday: 

Sometimes churches become museums. Places where you go to look at pretty things, sort of admire somebody else's work and think isn't it nice, find some comfort there, find some diversion there and the church becomes a museum and stops being seed scatterers," preached the late Dr. Frank Pollard in the 1996 sermon posted below." Churches stop spreading the word and instead fossilize as they forget why they were created.   Enjoy the rest of the sermon.  

Thank you Jason White for the boost to my withering hope that good government conservatives may one day lift Mississippi off the bottom.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

Israel has been at war since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters in Gaza launched a surprise attack that initially massacred around 1,400 Israeli citizens, soldiers and foreign nationals living there or attending the Nova music festival. The attack started the current Israeli-Hamas war with total death counts from both sides ranging from 10,000 to more than 30,000 due to discrepancies from sources on each side.

 The recent sale of the Mayflower triggered memories of this post from April 22, 2019.  

 The late Dau Mabil's wife said she she did not receive notice of a hearing concerning her husband's remains that was held in Hinds County Chancery Court yesterday.  

A prison guard (allegedly) beaten by Barry Gilmer while he was in jail sued the attorney for damages related to an alleged assault that took place in the Madison County jail.  She suffered a broken collarbone, broken rib, and multiple contusions to her face when Gilmer allegedly attacked her as she served him his breakfast in the medical unit.  

Let's go ahead and get this out of the way. It ain't Isola, but Tuscany does have its charm. In his online gathering of information and trivial fact, Mr. Wikipedia tells us the region of central Italy, is known for scenic landscapes, rich history, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture. Oh, and just like my granny's kitchen, it is known for excellent cuisine. 

 The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following statement. 

Lawrence County Sheriff says no foul play.  

A Hinds County Chancellor ordered the state crime lab to conduct an autopsy on the body of a man found floating in the Pearl River recently.  The identity of the deceased is the missing Dau Mabil. 

Every year, Mississippi lawmakers debate the amount to spend on education. As important, perhaps, is the question of how to spend the money.

Update: The Chancellor ordered an autopsy of the body. More to follow. 

 If you are reading this, it means I am sitting in chancery court watching an emergency hearing on the Dau Mabil case.  

The Mississippi Board of Cosmetology issued the following statement. 

 It will soon be a new day at the Mayflower Cafe. 

 The infamous David Luke Lane caught a break in federal court after U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate reduced his prison sentence.  Judge Wingate's April 16 order states: 

 Do you have what it takes to be a Trooper at the Mississippi Highway Patrol? Watch this video to see if you do? If so, email MHP at horndog@mhp.ms.gov for an application.  

Music has been a constant companion throughout my life. It has accompanied me in times of joy and sorrow and never let me down.

As Mississippi legislators head to conference on the state’s first sincere consideration of some form of Medicaid expansion, we’ve heard alarms sounded by the right and the left on why the state alternately should or should not expand Medicaid coverage for the state’s working poor.

It was a true tale of evil that was told in a Rankin County courtroom this morning as Rankin County Court Judge David Morrow held a preliminary hearing for Carly Gregg.  The 14 year-old Gregg stands accused of murdering her mother and shooting her stepfather at their home on March 19.  

Posing for the camera?

Head Goon Brett McAlpin filed a notice of appeal with in U.S. District Court yesterday.  

 JXN Water issued the following statement. 

 The war of words between Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba escalated yet again today at the Mayor's weekly press conference.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

The Ivana Williams scandal claimed yet another um, scalp. The Mississippi Highway Patrol fired Master Sergeant Jeremy Lott after discovering the two troopers exchanged nude photos. MHP terminated Williams in February for sending nude photos of herself to other troopers as well as committing other infractions.  A synopsis of her case is published at the end of this post.  

Looking for a deal on a "starter rifle" for the kids? Palmetto State Armory knocked down the price of several models of the Ruger 10/22 rifle as it placed them on clearance.  

Eat, drink, and make merry.  Such is the way of our world as it worships the hedonistic lifestyle.  We will live forever after all, right?  The late Dr. Frank Pollard said we will indeed live forever but a judgment will determine what that forever will be.   Enjoy the 1996 sermon posted below as he discusses "soul insurance."  

The dog is awfully close to catching the runaway car – the dog being the Legislature and the car being PERS.

William Shatner appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher last night.  Needless to say, Captain Kirk stole the show even though he is the oldest person to ever appear on the program.  See for yourself.  Enjoy. 

 More drama at the Hotel O, brought to you by Noah Muthana and Ibrahim Khoder. 

At the risk of sounding a bit too simplistic, the most popular candidate in the 2024 presidential election will win. Those who’ve listened to some of the talking heads know seven swing states will likely decide which candidate wins the Electoral College. The seven swing states are Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and North Carolina.

Fallout from the Ivana Williams scandal continues to spread at the Mississippi Highway Patrol. MHP fired Master Sergeant Julius Hutson on April 2 after it discovered he asked Williams to send him nude photographs of her to his phone even though he was her superior.  Williams sent him several nude photos.  MHP terminated Williams in February when it discovered she sent nude pictures of herself to several troopers.  

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued the following statement.

 It appears MHSAA does not want Mississippi athletes competing at the national level.  Check out Rule 7.22 in the 2023-2024 handbook. 

I do not claim to know the origins of the dish most of us call Shrimp and Grits. Some say it came from the coastal areas of Louisiana and others say the Tide Water or Low Country region of the Carolinas. Does it matter? All I know is the dish is mighty fine eating and I have a pretty good way of making it.

 JPD arrested Ibrahim Khoder this week and charged him with committing perjury in the Hotel O case.  

Hotel O. More pictures posted below.

 Mississippi is now entirely surrounded by states that have either passed, or are in the process of passing, laws that will give every family school choice.  A proposal to do something similar in our state never even made it to a full vote in the legislature.

 Let's step back into the 1980's.  The scene: everyone's favorite restaurant.  Notice anything different? 

Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

Murder suspect Marcus Johnson was arrested in Louisiana yesterday.  JPD issued the following statement Tuesday: 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba claimed last week Jackson would have to raise garbage collection fees because JXN Water is doing a poor job of collecting payments.  Well, JXN Water said not so fast, my friend, and issued the following statement: 

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

The Goons were sentenced this morning in Rankin County Circuit Court.  The proceedings are posted below, courtesy of WAPT. 

BARBERINO-TAVARNELLE, TUSCANY— Naples is the birthplace of pizza. It’s an ancient and historic seaside city that can be a little scary at times these days, but it is Ground Zero for the savory pie the world has come to love. The Neapolitan version has been around Southwestern Italy for more than 500 years. Pizza eventually travelled across the Atlantic and through Ellis Island in the late 1800s. The first restaurant to sell pizza in America was Lombardi’s in New York.

It is a truism in the Mississippi Legislature that a bill can die three deaths before it is truly dead.  Such applies to the PERS "reform bill" the Senate killed last week. 

After more than 40 years of reporting and writing about crime and punishment in Mississippi, I’ve seen the pendulum swing from “get tough” to “out of sight, out of mind” to “who’s making money off the system now?”

 The House & Senate are squaring off over the MAEP formula.  

 Can you spot the mistake in this Clarion-Ledger story about the airport takeover that was published last week? 

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement and pictures. 

 Generation Z is saying to hell with four-year degrees and student loans as its members instead "pick up the tool belt."   The Wall Street Journal reported April 2: 

 Well, we kind of missed the eclipse yesterday thanks to some clouds that refused to cooperate with our plans.   Enjoy the heavenly event in all its glory in the videos posted below.

Wednesday will be yet another nail in the coffin for the Goon Squad as  Circuit Judge Steve Ratcliff sentences them after they pleaded guilty to various state charges in August.  U.S. District Judge Tom Lee sentenced them last month for their federal charges in the torture of Michael Jenkins, Eddie Parker, and Alan Schmidt.   The state charges and sentence recommendations are posted below. 

 Yet another business is leaving Jackson.  

 JXN Water issued the following press release. 

 State Bean-Counter Shad White issued the following statement. 

Coach Prime is having some problems with his players.  Start at 3:24 in the video.  

One of the best movies ever made returns to the big screen this week in the  Jackson area even if you don't give a damn.  Showtimes are posted below. 

Will there be signature achievements by the 2024 Legislature or just signature flops?

 The family of Tupelo High school track star Andrew Brown issued the following statement. 

 All this has happened before and it will all happen again. 

After weeks upon weeks and months upon months of disturbing news both here and abroad, Easter weekend and Resurrection Sunday in particular dawned with much needed hope for peace and resolutions of conflicts and divisions. We no longer live in an America where people are comfortable living and letting others live as they see fit within the confines of common sense. Most of us want to fix what’s wrong with everybody else.

 It's been thirty years since Kurt left us today.   Here is a little something to remember him by. 

The next 24 hours are going to be maddening for Andrew Brown as the Mississippi High School Activities Association decides whether to reinstate the freshman track phenom for the 2024 outdoor track season . 

There is a reason Jackson's Mayor is called "Lyin' Lumumba."  The Mayor's latest fairy tale involves Jackson's water system.  Anthony Warren at WLBT reported: 

Without going too deep in philosophy, let me say life has given us many lemons.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Annie Oeth authored the following press release for Children's of Mississippi Hospital. 

 Well, that was fun.   MHSAA threw yours truly out of its building today when I tried to cover a hearing in the Andrew Brown suspension today.

The Sisters of the Order of Rukia are going to get a seat at the table in the Jackson water case.  U.S. District  Judge Henry Wingate approved the Poor People's Campaign and People's Assembly motion to intervene in the Jackson water case.  They filed a complaint asking the Court to give them oversight of the water system through a "community water board."  

America is now six months away from a Presidential election.  If current polls are correct and Donald Trump comes out ahead in the key battleground states, we could soon see a conservative in the White House, and a conservative-controlled Senate and House.

 Gary Pettus authored the following press release for UMC. 

As the Solar Eclipse of 2024 looms, be warned that the face of the sun may not be the only thing that will fade.

Jackson's water/sewer system will remain on the Lumumba plantation for yet another year after the House killed SB #2628 yesterday.   The bill  would create a new public utility district that would in turn purchase Jackson's water/sewer system from the city. 

BARBERINO-TAVARNELLE, ITALY— As a kid almost every restaurant in my hometown was independently owned and local. Granted, there weren't too many full-service restaurants in my hometown back then, but it’s all we knew. It wasn't until the 1990s that we began to see the influx of chain restaurants as the city expanded westward. We are inundated with chains these days.

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

Daniel Porter Jordan Jr.’s passing was noted in many of the nation’s leading newspapers, including The Washington Post. Jordan, one of America’s most distinguished and respected historians, died March 21 of a heart attack was 85.

Lieutenant Governor Responds 

Speaker of the House Jason White issued the following statement. 

 Bill Maher had a little bit of reckoning for the Covidiots on his show Friday night.  Of course, by Covidiots, we mean the so-called Covidexperts who got so much wrong or as he called it, those who are "Stuck on Stupid."  Enjoy the skewering. 

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

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

Last week, the Senate Government Structure committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1590 which aligns Mississippi’s retirement board structure with national models and prevents the rate hike approved by the current board to increase by hundreds of millions of dollars what taxpayers contribute to the plan known as PERS (Public Employees’ Retirement System).

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

 Madison County caught a break.  Sheriff Randy Tucker said the county will recover at least $2.2 million of the $2.7 it lost to a bogus vendor recently.  The Sheriff announced the news at the regular meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors this morning.  

Andrew Brown may be one of the leading track stars in Mississippi but the MHSAA banned him from participating in the 2024 track & field season. His crime?  Brown dared to compete in the New Balance National Indoor Track & Field Championships in March, a non-MHSAA event. The Monolith was not pleased.  

Patterns are patterns and the owner of the Briarwood 1 Building definitely has a pattern.  Check out what Mike Kohan pulled recently.  WLUC (Michigan) reported: