Jackson Jambalaya

 Our old friend, former Hinds County public defender Adofo Minko, had a few things to say about Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and his recent indictment.  

Adrian Rogers, one of my favorite preachers growing up, asked, “Has it ever dawned on you that nothing ever dawns on God?” Good question!

 It's time for SEC Roll Call.  Saban knows Matt Mitchell had plenty of material to work with after last weekend.  

What do you most like about your job?  For me, it is being invited to speak about the work the Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is doing to try to improve our state.  

 The United States Geological Survey reported minor earthquake struck the Ross Barnett Reservoir yesterday.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

Eat dirt Al Gore. You helped me almost none at all back then. Maybe I deserved it because I never voted for you. However, I think I knew all along that you were a big Tennessee Talker and not much more than that.

 It's time to eat some dead, burnt bodies.  

 The Mississippi Department of Transportation issued the following announcement. 

Our favorite former trooper groused on Facebook about alleged "unfair treatment" by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.  However, there is a "Rest" of the story.  

 Sometimes heroes arise at the most unexpected times. Exhibit A: The Cal football team's equipment manager. 

On November 6, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Jackson Councilman Aaron Banks were indicted on federal bribery charges. A few months earlier, Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee resigned from office and pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.  In this episode host Grant Callen sat down with Jackson resident and attorney Spencer Ritchie to discuss these indictments, the charges they are facing, and the impact on the city. This is a dark day for Jackson, but also a season of hope as the city looks to elect a new leader in the spring of 2025. Tune in below.  

It’s a strange position to be asked to write an obituary for your mother. It was something I dreaded for several weeks. She passed away while I was working out of the country, and I tabled it for a few weeks. Finally, on the flight home, in an environment without distractions, I started, and finished, it. On the drive home from the airport, it hit me that— in 63 years— I had never entered these city limits without my mom living here.

 U.S. District Judge Tom Lee sentenced Memphis community activist Joseph Kyles to four months of house arrest for his role in a bid-rigging scheme at the Mississippi Department of Education.  

Regardless of one’s partisan affiliation, Republicans and Democrats alike have to acknowledge that American voters handed former President Donald Trump a decisive victory – winning both the popular and electoral vote, winning every crucial battleground state, his party taking control of the Senate and holding control of the House – and with those wins a mandate for substantive public policy change.

 U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III continued the public corruption trials scheduled in January for Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks.  

 Barbie Bassett is fighting back.  WLBT fired Jackson's darling in 2023 after she made what it considered to be racially insensitive comments on the air.  However, Ms. Bassett sued Gray Media, WLBT's parent company, for age and race discrimination in federal court. 

Credit: Vicksburg Daily News

 What happens when the folks at SEC Shorts visit Mississippi? 

 Nothing like some scumbag dine & dashers, right? 

WJTV interviewed the recently-deposed manager of Thalia Mara Hall last night.   The video is posted below.  The nutshell version? Just think libraries and water plants.  

It's time for another edition of The Jambalaya with the Kingfish.  This week's special guest star is none other than former Jackson police officer Anthony Fox.  We discuss his trials and tribulations as he was wrongfully convicted but thankfully exonerated.   Enjoy the podcast. 

A Madison attorney got herself into some trouble with the law not once, but twice recently. Madison police arrested Mindy McKay-Morton on September 9, 2023 and charged her with DUI refusal to take test.  However, it would not be her last arrest in the city of Madison.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 Black Friday is upon us and that means sales, sales, sales.  You guys request JJ post shoe sales so here is one for you.  Allen Edmonds is selling its Fifth Avenue shoes for $199.  Goodyear welted, nice leather, Cole Haan price for a much better shoe.  Dress sneakers are on sale for the same price and are recraftable.  Need a pair of good black dress shoes, now's your chance to snap some up at a decent price.  Advice: The shoes can be purchased with Dainite soles at the same price.  Get them.

 Sometimes, things just don't work out.  What is it they say about plans when the first shot is fired? 

 Who says preaching can't be practical? The late Dr. Frank Pollard discussed how he avoided waiting to check out at the grocery store.  Jitney Jungles, rattlesnakes, and scars were all woven together into a tapestry of a sermon on "running together."  Enjoy the 1996 sermon posted below.

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

Mississippi is highly dependent upon federal dollars, both for its operating budget and for taxable spending by individuals and businesses. The incoming Trump administration and the new Republican majorities in Congress are preparing to whack those dollars.

 Think you own your car? Think you own that tractor you just bought for the farm? Bought a book for download? Guess what? You don't own it no matter what you paid.

 Pearl Police Department Chief Nicholas McClendon issued the following statement. 

Well, well, well, it seems the Mississippi College Board of Trustees went dark after they voted to change the name of the school and abolish the football program.  

Donald Trump is the most pro-school choice President in history.  “As president”, he has said, “I will establish the national goal of providing school choice to every American child”. “If we can put a man on the moon and win two world wars, then I have no doubt that we as a nation can provide school choice to every disadvantaged child in America”.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

The devil himself, Dave Portnoy, took his show on the road to none other than Funky's Pizza in Oxford. 

 Check out this little gem from Tupelo that is sure to brighten your day.  

Maybe fall is here.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

Retro Metro's lawsuit against the city of Jackson is defunct like Metrocenter after the Socrates Garrett and Leroy Walker-owned company lost in federal court yesterday.  

 Annie Oeth authored the following press release for UMC. 

Mila Medders' bright eyes and sweet smile are the first things people notice about the 14-month-old, not an ear injury, thanks to a series of plastic surgeries at Children’s of Mississippi. 

Netflix will soon roll out a documentary about some mess about some mess up in Tupelo.  The story is so crazy it almost qualifies for Florida status. There is also an appearance by special guest star Steve Holland.  Enjoy the trailer posted below.   

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba brought in some out of state hired guns to fight his indictments for public corruption.  

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

After seven weeks overseas, I’m finally home. My time in Italy was a whirlwind of hospitality, history, and a heavy heart. Five groups of 25 people each joined me on tours across the island of Sicily and in the heart of Tuscany. These RSJ Yonderlust Tours aren’t just trips; they’re journeys through local culture, local cuisine, and local connections. Hosting tours has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, second only to running restaurants. Years ago, I called the travel side of my work a "second job," but the lines have blurred. Now, hosting tours and running restaurants feel like two sides of the same coin—both bring me immense joy and purpose. It’s not a bad way to make a living.

If at first you don't succeed, fail, fail again.  Such happened yesterday when JMAA and U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves suffered a beatdown in New Orleans. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Judge Reeves to dismiss JMAA's lawsuit against the state of Mississippi.  JMAA and the city of Jackson sued to block the state from taking control of Jackson's airport.   However, the city of Jackson's lawsuit remains alive - for now.  

The 2024 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature ended with a failure to reach consensus between Senate and House conferees on an effort to expand the state’s Medicaid program. That after Senate and House leaders engaged in a good faith debate of Medicaid expansion for the first time since former President Barack Obama’s administration implemented the program.

The Lumumba administration forced out Thalia Mara Hall manager Angie Ladner.  

 From the pages of social media this morning:

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Mississippi College posted the following statement on Facebook. 

WLBT paid Carly Gregg's father for an interview.  This website hates Bridget Todd, Carly Gregg's lawyer.  Ms. Todd's mom is going to sell t-shirts with Judge Dewey Arthur's face printed on them to raise money for Carly's defense.  Such sensational claims were made by Ms. Todd on a recent podcast.  

 Rod Stewart, yes, the one and only Rod Stewart, is coming to Brandon.   

Some people just can't handle it when they can't get their own way. 

 It seems the gridironers for Jackson State and Alabama State universities engaged in a gentleman's debate on the field after the game ended. 

 The Gospel broke down the walls, the prejudices, the artificial constructs that separate us in heart and mind.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard preached this message as he quoted John 17: "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one."  What does "one" mean? Watch Dr. Pollard's 1996 sermon below to answer the question.   Enjoy. 

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General puts Mississippi Congressman Michael Guest on the spot.

 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.  

 Well, someone decided to take his ball and go home.   WLBT's Anthony Warren reported: 

Believing is seeing. Have you ever changed your mind? Have you ever wished you had changed your mind? One’s core beliefs guide the direction of our opinions and decisions.

 Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith issued the following statement. 

 The Evil returns to the big screen next week along with Bruce Willis, Chris Tucker, Brian Cox, Gary Oldman, and of course, Milla Jovovich.  If you want to enjoy some good ole movie fun, check out The Fifth Element next week.  Showtimes are posted below. 

What a result!  Trump has bounced back to win the White House, gaining a majority of the popular vote for the Republicans for the first time in 20 years. The Republicans also won the Senate and held the House, meaning that they have a mandate, and the means to deliver it, in a way they have not had for a generation.

 The Justice Department issued the following statement. 

 Does Mississippi incarcerate too many? What reforms should be made to our criminal justice system?  How can we help inmates when they are released so they don't return to prison?  Empower Mississippi's Grant Callen and FWD.us's Alesha Judkins discuss these issues and more in the latest podcast posted below.  

 An older video of Kenneth I. Stokes taunting the Mayor during a June 6, 2023 meeting of the Jackson City Council is making the rounds on social media. Given how things played out in Jackson last week, it's kind of funny.  

If the story is true, this tasty seafood stew goes back to a down-on-his-luck fisherman with an empty pot and some good friends. 

 Van Allen left his deer processing and sporting goods store in Brandon to go to the great big hunting camp up in the sky.  Condolences for his friends and family.   

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

 The latest edition of The Jambalaya with the Kingfish is posted below.  Yours truly discusses the indictments of our illustrious District Attorney and Mayor.   Enjoy the podcast.  

And you know what that means - if you're a college football fan.  

 Former Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber, yes, Tony Yarber, had a few things to say about the current state of affairs in Jackson on social media.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY—Bringing people together has become one of life’s greatest joys, and that’s exactly what these RSJ Yonderlust Tours are about. Traveling with a group wasn’t something I expected to hold such meaning, yet here I am, reflecting on more than 50 tours and over 1,200 guests since 2016 (with a two-year pause for Covid). Tuscany has become our gathering place, where most join me to begin our continuing journeys through Europe. There’s a certain magic here that brings out the best in each of us and sets the tone for the adventures that follow.

The 2024 election saw a historic shift of power in which Republicans will soon control the White House, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

 Who has a path to the college football playoffs this week? 

Mississippi Today's Editor had a conniption after Magnolia Tribune publisher Russ Latino got his own weekly radio show at Mississippi Public Broadcasting.  Heavens to mergatroid, what is Mississippi coming to when a Republican activist is allowed on the airwaves? The horror.  Check out some excerpts from Editor Adam Ganucheau's screed against Magnolia Tribune Publisher, Russ Latino:

State Treasurer David McRae authored this sponsored post.  

Treasurer David McRae today announced that roughly 4,000 Mississippians will be receiving checks from the State Treasury’s Unclaimed Money Division, and those who receive them are encouraged to cash them. More than $1 million is expected to be distributed.

 Torrence Mayfield's trial is just around the corner.  The docket in U.S.A. v. Mayfield states: 

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

 An individual was shot in the chest during an armed robbery at the Burlington Coat Factory in Northeast Jackson tonight.  

The Madison Police Department issued the funeral arrangements for Chris Picou. 

Somehow, I don't think the Clarion-Ledger meant to publish this headline.  

 JJ has a new batch of 30 oz tumblers in stock.   Get one before they sell out.  The cost is $38.  The tumblers are dishwasher-safe.  Email kingfish1935@gmail.com to get one.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Who doesn't like a good bed-time story? 

What happens when a Mayor refuses to leave office even after losing the election?  Well, it happened in Biloxi in 1935 as the Mayor-Elect was forced to use armed men to take control of Biloxi City Hall. The man he beat was quite the cuss as shown in the articles posted below. 

 When it came time for the Cross, the apostles all scattered to the wind but for one.  They all faced martyrdom but for one.   That one disciple stood at Calvary with Mary as she watched her son die on the cross.  The late Dr. Frank Pollard discussed how the apostle John was rewarded for such faithfulness.  Living to nearly 100 years old, he wrote the most influential Gospel.  It was he who was given the divine Revelation that has captivated so many.   Dr. Pollard said more in the 1996 sermon posted below.  Enjoy.  

Tax cuts remain the top topic of our triumvirate of power.

 Losing an election is hard and Tuesday was no exception.  Bill Maher ripped off the band-aid last night as he gave some tough love to his team. 

 Never let it be said Bravo! and Aplo's do not serve their food fresh.  ;-). 

 Former Hinds County Interim Sheriff Marshand Crisler was found guilty of selling ammunition to a convicted felon and bribery. 

 It's hunting season!  You spent two grand on that Benelli shot gun and several hundred thousand dollars on that hunting camp membership.  However, your footgear just plain sucks but you don't want to buy crap.   Meet Russell Moccasin Boots, some of the best boots made for the outdoors.  

 Some Lumumba peeps  took over a community forum hosted by Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes  at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church last night.  

 Sista Rukia has a few things to say about her brother's indictment.  

Collection of ZeroBear PolyBear's recipes.

Does anyone know if there is a National Dried Beans Day?

 Meanwhile, Anthony Fox enjoys a cigar, Stephen A style, outside the federal courthouse this afternoon.

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges this afternoon in U.S. District Court. 

 Just another night among Jackson's finest at the Mississippi Trade Mart. 

INDICTMENT POSTED BELOW!!!

D.A. bragged about dope money

$50,000 bribes allegedly laundered to Mayor 

A federal grand jury indicted Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and Jackson Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks on corruption charges on October 23.  

Mayor allegedly calling to move RFQ deadline while on yacht

 The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board issued the following statement. 

 Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced a federal grand jury indicted him on "bribery and related charges" in a video posted on the city's Facebook page. 

 The results of the Presidential election came as a delightful surprise to some and a crushing blow to others.  How did we get here? Former Wall Street Journal Publisher Gerard Baker spelled it all out in an October 30 column published on the pages of the Journal.  Mr. Baker opined: 

 Marshand Crisler's trial in federal court begins today.   

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY—Yesterday, I took my guests to a local friend’s sheep farm just down the road from our villa. It’s a working dairy farm where 500 head of sheep provide milk to make excellent pecorino cheese. This farm isn’t for show. It’s where three families live and work. The spicy fig jam they sell in their small shop comes from the tree by the front door, the olive oil from their own grove, and the gardens, chickens, and cured meats all come from the land around them. I tell my guests, “This is not EPCOT Italy.” No one built this to give Americans an idea of what a Tuscan farm should look like. This is it. It’s real. True zero kilometers life.

 What happens when North Korean troops leave their country for the first time? 

Today – one day after the 2024 U.S. presidential election – it’s unlikely that Americans yet have a clear and reliable idea of just which candidate won the balloting between Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former president Donald Trump. In 2020, it was four days after election day before the TV and news media organizations projected a winner.

 It's finally here.  Who wins? Who loses? Will the loser have to leave town? Consider this post an election night open thread. Fire away.

 Suffer the little children for they may indeed suffer.  

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

 Today is the day so get out and vote early and often. This is the Election Day thread.  Fire away.  

The Mississippi Hospital Association has some competition.  

The Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative issued the following statement. 

I hate exit polls. I hate the "experts" sitting there on election night telling us what will happen before the votes are counted and I especially love it when they look stupid.  I dug up this old column from one of my favorite columnists, Mike Royko.  Mr. Royko urged people to lie to exit pollsters after they voted.  Some drive-time DJ's liked his column so much they read it on the air.  Next thing you know, the experts were looking pretty stupid as their exit polls were completely wrong that night.  Here is the column and if confronted by an exit pollster this week: LIE!!!:

The Goon Squad apparently casts a long shadow, even out to the Rez.  A federal employee tried to use the Goon Squad's notoriety to get out of a DUI.  The key word is "tried."   This post almost classified for "Idiot of the Day."  

A man died on East McDowell Road after an asphalt truck dumped a load of hot asphalt on him.  The cause is suspected to be a malfunctioned in the truck's hydraulics.   

 The New Orleans Saints issued the following statement. 

 The city of Gluckstadt issued the following statement. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 No one likes to go to Detention but sometimes it has to be done.  

 Nothing like divorces and presidential elections to bring out the stupid.  Exhibit A: Renaissance

"I am part of all whom I have met, so friend of me, you are a wholesome part,  our precious visits lingering with me yet or flowers in the precious garden of my hear,t so friend of me though you may be far away, between us stretch mountains, plains, and sea, yet by my side you walk and talk each day for you are a precious part of me."  We don't know who wrote those words but the late Dr. Frank Pollard recited the poem as he preached from Malachi.  Enjoy the 1996 sermon posted below.  

“It was time to take a chainsaw” to fat in state government,” State Auditor Shad White said in announcing his $2 million study of government spending by Boston Consulting Group.

 Well, well, well, it appears the Barksdalers are about to start another online publication.  Check out the fundraising invitation posted below. 

Pastors, churches, denominations, and faith organizations usually have rules, written or otherwise about political endorsements. Politics has gotten downright testy the past couple of decades or so. Lordy, Lordy let’s not mix politics and religion, you know separation of sects and all. Heaven knows there’re more sects today than we started with back in the beginning.

 Live from North State Street in Jackson. 

It was a surrender nearly worthy of Versailles or Appomattox as Dr. Spencer Sullivan agreed to a $28 million judgment after UMMC sued him for stealing patient lists and other trade secrets when he worked for the hospital ten years ago.  However, UMMC will not enforce the judgment if the physician forfeits his medical license and closes down his business, Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine.  In other words, pay up or get out of town.  

“All political lives end in failure” observed the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. His did. So, too, will Joe Biden’s.

 Former trooper Ivana Williams declared war on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety last night. 

Eat your Tuscan immigrant heart out George Clooney!