Jackson Jambalaya

 Are parents actually parenting today? 

 The Capitol Police issued the following statement. 

And just like that Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America, Leader of the Democratic Party, former California senator, former attorney general of California, former district attorney of Alameda County, and former district attorney of San Francisco. As a senator, Harris supported stricter gun control laws, the DREAM Act, federal legalization of cannabis, tax reform, and universal healthcare including abortions on demand.

 Check out the Jackson Zoo story published 100 years ago today. 

George County Sheriff Mitchell Nixon issued the following statement. 

 The question is who is the real idiot in the case of Deion Smith. 

Great news!  The University of Mississippi has just announced it will be closing its DEI department, the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.  

Municipalities and law enforcement agencies are going to have to start paying Hinds County to house their prisoners come October 1.  They were not charged for such costs prior to the adoption of the new policy.  

It could happen! And when it does finally get cooler, we will all want some soup.

 Jackson City Attorney Drew Martin issued the following statement. 

Carly Gregg intends to claim she is not guilty of killing her mother by reason of insanity. 

15 year-old Carly Gregg and Bridget Todd, Esq.

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

Update (11:50 AM): The painting was returned.  

Apparently some people got a case of the stupid when Fenian's Pub announced it was closing. The pub announced on social media: 

Update (8/29/24 11:30 AM): The city is attempting to repair the back flow valve this morning.  Fingers crossed. 

The Animal Rescue Fund in Jackson posted an urgent message on Facebook: 

 And....... another downtown restaurant will close its doors.  

WATERCOLOR, FL— August. The end of summer. It’s that time of year. Since our first child was born, 27 years ago, we have travelled to the Florida Panhandle to spend a week at the beach. Actually, only part of the family spends time on the actual beach. I catch up on work, handle pressing issues from back home, and visit as many restaurants in a seven-day period as I can. To most, that sounds like work, but to me it’s just doing what I love to do.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Longtime Jackson restauranteur Bill Latham passed away.  Condolences to his friends and family.  Thanks for the good food, Mr. Latham. It was always appreciated.  

As noted in prior writings on this topic, only Walmart employs more Mississippians than what Mississippians have since 1938 known as Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula (now formally Huntington Ingalls Industries) – but the pay and benefits for shipbuilding are far better for those 11,000 Mississippi employees than at the big box store. Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy announced a contract worth just under $1 billion with Ingalls to build four amphibious warships including three San Antonio-class transport ships and one amphibious assault ship between 2025 and 2029.

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Say it isn't so.  Please.  This can't be happening.  

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Annie Oeth authored the following press release for UMC. 

 It appears some city of Picayune employees were having a good ole time recently at City Hall. 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement.  

 A woman claimed she was threatened at JXN Water when she tried to open a water account on August 13 after her water was disconnected because she did not have a JNX Water account.  

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

Metallica, - yes, Metallica - is rolling out its marching band competition again this year. Unfortunately, no Mississippi high school or college marching bands entered the competition last year.   Perhaps one Mississippi band will step up to the plate this year.  

 Keep an eye out for this French bulldog that was stolen at Target yesterday.  Shelia Brewer posted on Facebook: 

 Check out the JSU Drum Major March Out. 

Covetousness has created many a story that appeared on the pages of this website.  Coveting riches, coveting power, coveting someone who belongs to another. Such leads even a David astray or lays low the powerful such as Howard Hughes.  The commandment against coveting, preached the late Dr. Frank Pollard, wasn't a prohibition but a protection - a protecting against one's greed and the damage it does to others.  Hear the rest of what Dr. Pollard had to say in the 1996 sermon posted below. 

The medical marijuana industry has broad support in Mississippi. In 2020, 69% of voters approved the medical marijuana initiative (later nullified by the Mississippi Supreme Court). In 2022, the Legislature overwhelmingly passed the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act establishing a highly regulated, high quality industry. Less than a year later over 20,000 medically qualified Mississippians were benefitting from medical marijuana.

For decades, Mike Kountouris was synonymous with the Mayflower Cafe.  Nearly forgotten in Jackson is the Mayflower proprietor was a war hero, fighting behind enemy lines in Greece during WW2.  Given the Mayflower's rebirth this week, it seemed appropriate to publish a flashback about Sergeant Mike Kountouris of the U.S. Army.  

We’re at another political crossroads deciding whether to turn or keep on going. The big difference this year is both parties contending for the presidency have actual track records inside the White House that are quite different. Which administration is better for the nation? Which is better for me and my family? In the only presidential debate in 1980, Ronald Reagan asked voters, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” Voters resoundingly replied “NO” that year and elected Ronald Reagan as President.

It was probably only a matter of time before the lawsuits began after the feds caught Mary Mahoney's passing off cheap, imported fish as fresh, Gulf of Mexico seafood.  The legendary Gulf Coast restaurant will wait no longer as a former customer sued the establishment in federal court today. 

In order to fix a problem, you first need to accept that you’ve got a problem. In order for families in our state to get the education their children deserve, we need state leaders to recognize that right now they aren't getting a good enough education.

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba complained the rental fees for Thalia Mara Hall were too low at his press conference last week.  Hizzoner said the fees were "insufficient" and inexpensive" as he claimed someone could rent the hall for only $1,200.  

Five Jackson daycare centers swindled (allegedly).  

Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Some restaurants crash, some fade away, and others somehow, some way, get back on top.  Thanks to a team of investors and chefs, the storied Mayflower Cafe might just be be on the cusp of a renaissance. 

An Oxford woman sued U.S. Beverage in federal court after she allegedly discovered two mice in a can of soft drink after she consumed the beverage.

 Things were happening last night at Club Cazuela on Fortification Street.  It almost reminds one of The Dock.  

 Add Virgi Lindsey to the list of Jackson City Council members who didn't take the bait when the feds came calling earlier this year.  WLBT reported: 

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement yesterday. 

This year has been the year for core values around here. One would think that New South Restaurant Group, a business that has been opening and operating restaurant and bar concepts for the past 37 years, would always have been an organization that eats, sleeps, and breathes, core values. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. In 2024 we have finally fully arrived.

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement Monday. 

As Mississippi legislative leaders contemplate additional tax reforms in the coming 2025 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature, the spotlight has been on additional state income tax cuts and yet another examination of reducing the state’s highest-in-the-nation 7% grocery tax.

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

 The oral arguments in Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance v. Carlos Moore are about to begin.  Tune in here.

Posted below is the audio recording of former Jackson Ward 2 City Councilwoman Angelique Lee's change of plea hearing on August 14. 

 Mississippi Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

Worried there might not be a Broadway season in Jackson this year?  Never fear, JJ is here.  Tickets are now on sale for Broadway in New Orleans.  Check out the offerings.  

or The Surrender of Lee at the Federal Courthouse

Former Jackson Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee stood in the well of justice last Wednesday in federal court as she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.  However, Lee's guilty plea is merely the tip of the spear for the Justice Department as it takes on Jackson corruption.   

 Broadway in Jackson issued the following statement. 

 Road trip, anyone? 

Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

 The Daiquiri Bar posted the following message on Facebook. 

"I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch."  The late Dr. Frank Pollard yet again wove a sermon out of the Good Book and Dr. Seuss as only he could.  The them in the 1996 sermon posted below is what to do when you are down.  Enjoy. 

Sixty years ago on June 28, 1964, the New York Times front page declared, “MISSISSIPPI: A PROFILE OF THE NATION'S MOST SEGREGATED STATE.”

 If you like Broadway, a real treat popped up on Youtube recently.  The 1999 version of Oklahoma, starring Hugh Jackman, is available for free on Youtube.   Of course, this might be the only Broadway you get to see in Jackson for the rest of the year.  Enjoy.  

The Capitol Police issued the following statement. 

Jonathan Turley’s book “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” is described by the publisher as “A timely, revelatory look at freedom of speech—our most basic right and the one that protects all the others.” What happens when the government polices our spoken words or even our thoughts and beliefs?

It's the same ole, same ole at City Hall this morning. 

 Need something good to watch this weekend? Check out these movies streamed on Youtube for, dare we say it?, Free! There are some real gems below. 

Elections are underway for the Mississippi Supreme Court. Five candidates are competing for a seat in the Central District, some of whom I heard speak at the Neshoba County Fair recently. There’s a similar election taking place in south Mississippi. It’s easy to take it for granted that ordinary people are able to elect judges in our state.

 Disgust! Outrage! More Outrage!  Such were the reactions of the politeratti in Mississippi after State Auditor Shad White's book, Mississippi Swindle, hit bookstores last week.  This tome was no milquetoast corporate writing but a no-holds barred account of the DHS scandal.  No punches were pulled as the State Auditor threw more than a few at former U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and others.  Needless to say, they took none too kindly to their characterizations in the book.  While they fired back in fury, the politeratti gasped "How could he?" 

 Check out what Hizzoner will be up to down in Puerto Rico in a few days.  

Here is my Favorite

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

 Someone got really stupid in Charlotte a year ago.  

 The city of Jackson issued the following statement yesterday. 

It appears the Lumumba administration is practicing the accounting that made Worldcom and Enron famous - for the wrong reasons.   WLBT's Anthony Warren reported: 

 Posted below is the audio recording of the initial appearance of former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee in U.S. District Court.  Comment in the post immediately below. 

FBI paid for shopping spree, wants shoes back!

Update (3:10 PM) Lee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery at her arraignment.  U.S. District Judge Daniel Patrick Jordan set her sentencing for November 13. 

Former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee is appearing in U.S. District Court at 1 PM today for her initial appearance after the Justice Department entered a Bill of Information.  The bill charges Lee with conspiracy to commit bribery.    

Young boys dream. In my early years, while friends fantasized about being astronauts, soldiers, and firemen. I wanted to be Darren Stevens on the television show, Bewitched. The prospect of being married to a beautiful witch who could conjure up Benjamin Franklin in the middle of her living room with a twinkle of her nose was appealing to me as a six-year old boy. Though what truly intrigued me about that show was Darren Stevens’ job as an advertising executive. Even at that early age, the prospect of coming up with creative ideas and pitching them to a client appealed to me.

Jackson Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee resigned her position this morning.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Six months ago, the gross national debt of the United States exceeded $35 trillion. That total includes money the federal government owes itself, so many in government and finance rely on the lower net national debt number of about $27 trillion if that makes anyone feel one iota better.

 Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

 Attorney Malcolm Harrison issued the following press release. 

Check out what SuperSaver in south Jackson had for $1 a case yesterday.   

The Lafayette County District Attorney withdrew an indictment for sexual battery against the owner of a popular Oxford bar in April.  

 What happens when two dudes snag a WWII U.S. Army jeep and take it to the shop? 

 Someone had a bad day over at Lakeland Drive and Ridgewood Road.  

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is holding his weekly briefing right now.  The presser is live-streamed below. 

 Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued the following press release. 

 The Jackson Zoo continues to deteriorate.  WLBT's Anthony Warren reported Friday: 

 The husband of an Ole Miss Vice-Chancellor was arrested for animal cruelty. Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East issued the following press release. 

"When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind, Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me, To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be. And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today, Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way,"  Tis a verse from a poem by Edgar Guest, recited by the late Dr. Frank Pollard in the 1996 sermon posted below. Enjoy the preaching.  

Is the value of a university degree worth the cost? A major debate is underway across America over that very question.

 Meanwhile over at Jackson City Hall this morning.....

Politics, cultural and social issues, and evangelicalism are the things that make life interesting. Back in the day mixing politics and religion was strictly forbidden. These days most folks still avoid talking about religion unless they talk about evangelicals. As you may have heard recently, evangelicals and conservatives are just plain weird.

What would Jackson be without street theatre, right, JPD? 

A shootout took place on Jamaica Drive yesterday evening.  An assailant fired multiple shots at a dark red Challenger on the Northeast Jackson street yesterday.  

On October 7 last year, ordinary civilians in Israel were the victims of extraordinary savagery. Hamas terrorists killed young people at a music festival, often in gruesome ways. Families were slaughtered in suburban homes. By any civilized moral standards, there ought to be overwhelming sympathy for a country subjected to such savagery. Instead, throughout the Western world, we have witnessed endless anti- Israel protests. Why? Part of the reason is demographics. In Britain, for example, in 2001 there were one and half million Muslims. Today, there are almost four million.

An attorney - yes, an attorney, got caught trying to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the Raymond Detention Center.  Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones issued the following statement and pictures yesterday. 

 Note: The bad guys were pretty damn busy yesterday so there will be more press releases than normal posted today.   

The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

 Nothing like when some greats get together to play some string music. 

 A Summit police officer was killed during a traffic stop this afternoon.  

Starkville police have taken no action against a Mississippi State University football player accused of causing serious injury to a student he assaulted in May.  

 The primary well for the Bridgewater community failed yesterday when a pump broke down.  A secondary well is providing water service to those affected.  

Jason Zebert is going to pay up one way or another.  U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves issued a writ of garnishment against the former lawyer after Zebert failed to make a restitution payment as required under his embezzlement conviction.   

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

 State Auditor Shad White's book Mississippi Swindle is out this week. It's an Amazon "Editors' Pick" and "Best Nonfiction Book of August 2024."  Check out what others have to say about Amazon's "top new release."  

Selling my Google Pixel 8 Pro phone.  It's only six months old and is the porcelain color.  Box and Google porcelain-color case included.  256 gb storage, 12 gb ram.  Software is cleaner and better than Galaxy.   The Pixels are known for their cameras.  The phone is factory unlocked so it will work with any carrier.  Price is $600, which is below what they are selling for on Swappa right now.  Email at kingfish1935@gmail.com if interested.  

 The Madison Police Department issued the following press release and mug shots. 

My initial exposure to a fine dining restaurant was Galatoire’s in New Orleans. I was probably five or six when I first dined there. My mother took my brother and me to New Orleans every year in December. We went to the Maison Blanche department store, visited Mr. Bingle, had our photo taken with Santa, and then walked a block— in coat, tie, and Sunday shoes— to Galatoire’s.

The shine might be coming off Coach Prime's tenure in Colorado.  Athlon reported the team has um, locker room problems: 

The Neshoba County Fair political speaking program last week made plain two facts moving toward the 2027 statewide elections in Mississippi. First, the field of candidates in the race to succeed two-term Republican Gov. Tate Reeves may be broad, and second, the 2027 race will be hard-fought and may have substantial parallels to the 1987 Mississippi Democratic gubernatorial primary.

 Main Harbor Marina issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is not the only Mayor under investigation.  The Feds are investigating New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell as well.  The Times-Picayune reported:

 The construction of the Top Golf in Ridgeland is coming along rather nicely as it nears its December opening.  Check out the progress.  

 It seems all is not well in the workers paradise that is Richard's Disposal.  WAPT reported August 2:

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

 Ok, boys and girls, it's time for Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's weekly press conference.  It is live-streamed below.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 State Treasurer is holding a celebration today at Mayday Ice Cream: 

 "There is a cancer on our city called the Hotel O" said Jackson Municipal Court Judge Jeff Reynolds during a hearing on the demolition of the eyesore on I-55N Frontage Road.  

 In the midst of destruction appeared a moment of grace.  The North Valley Animal Disaster Group posted on Facebook: 

 "Thou shall not kill" is probably the best-known part of the Ten Commandments.  Does it mean just physically killing a person or something deeper?  The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached a brief sermon on how the commandment includes killing someone's soul, his spirit.  It can be the wounding of a life as such pain is rarely forgotten.   Enjoy the 1996 sermon posted below.  

What a rare and special respite. Thank you Olympics!

The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Saturday, July 13, former President Trump was shot by a sniper at a rally in Butler Pennsylvania. The bullet hit his right ear just a fraction away from his head. This was big news before it wasn’t.

Readers may have noticed the building that once housed Canon Motors, Steam Room Grill, and Tony Roma's Ribs on I-55N Frontage Road is no more.  

 All good things come to an end.  

 You're a real man in need of some real workboots.  White's Boots define workboots.  Wolverines? Trash.  Thousand-miles? Might as well be Walmart.  Some of the 350 Cruisers are a steal at $600.  Check out the sale.

 The investigation into whether former Richland Mayor Pat Sullivan and Pearl Police Chief Dean Scott stole "time" might be turning into a prosecution.  WLBT reported last night: 

 Donald Trump wants school choice.  The GOP adopted school choice as part of their 2024 platform.  Most important of all, parents in Mississippi overwhelmingly support school choice. 

 What do you do when you have a mess of peppers and dinner time is coming at you? 

 And......... the Justice Department catches up to Jackson Jambalaya: 

What exactly is wrong with Thalia Mara Hall?

 Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens issued the following statement. 

Is Jeffrey Taylor a forestry consultant or forestry consultant?  Madison County resident Catherine McCarty sued Taylor Forestry and Jeffrey Taylor in Pike County Circuit Court on July 22.  It is the third such lawsuit filed against Taylor this year.   

Write about Millsaps he said. But the fascinating story about Millsaps College right now is him, the new president.