Jackson Jambalaya

 The suspect shot during the incident at Renaissance today was accused earlier this year of being involved in the murder of a 14 year-old.

 A chase at Renaissance ended in the shooting of the suspect. Ridgeland Police issued the following statement. 

 The Mississippi State Department of Health released the top 25 names for boys and girls born in Mississippi this year. Who is number one? Who didn't make the cut?  Only one way to find out. Scroll on down. 

The Mississippi Secretary of State just released the 2025-2029 edition of the Blue Book.  It contains everything you might want to know about Mississippi government from the Governor to the dog catcher.  Available here.

 JPD caught a carjacker and is looking for some more.  WAPT reported: 

 The Justice Department issued the following statement yesterday. 

Stephen A took a break from skewering the Cowgirls to have a meltdown over what else but...... Dragonball Z.   

Some people just can't stand to see others do well.   The Mississippi Valley State University marching band got some good news recently.  The university issued the following statement and tweet: 

 A Rankin County woman's federal lawsuit against former MHP trooper Ivana Williams was dismissed with prejudice today.   

 A Lyft driver was carjacked and beaten Saturday afternoon in West Jackson.

 The Brandon Police Department issued the following statement. 

"He drew people to him because he was so open. Jesus would come into your house and he would sit with you on Sunday afternoon and watch the Saints game,  at least as long as he could (KF: Yes, the Saints could try even his patience). Remember, he's human and he would play with your kid. He'd listen to your jokes and laugh. He'd tell some jokes of his own and when you talked to him, he would listen as though he owned time and it made it himself and had all of it there was in the world. He was common. He was ordinary," said the late Dr. Frank Pollard as he described Jesus Christ in the 1996 sermon posted below.  Listen to what else Dr. Pollard had to say.  

As Mississippi legislators prepare to open their 2025 session, they find themselves under siege from well-funded school choice proponents. Two non-profits are principals – the Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP) and Empower Mississippi (EM).

 Numerous people on social media accuse a Madison County woman of running a puppy mill.  WLBT reported: 

 Thinking of donating shoes to the residentially-challenged who seem to populate major intersections now?  You might want to think again.  

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

 Former Clinton and Mississippi State University football star Dontae Walker passed away last night.    A football star, he got in trouble with the law but later turned his life around, gaining the redemption he sought.  Condolences to his family and friends.

The Chick Fil A restaurant in Region's Plaza is closing January 31, 2025.  The closing probably should not come as a surprise.  The restaurant is only open 7-3 on weekdays.  It was probably only a matter of time. 

Remember when Japan was predicted to overtake America? 

 Please keep an eye out for this lost little mutt in the Crossgates area.  

 Apparently our little post about the former Elite restaurant got someone's attention.  Check out how the storied Jackson landmark appeared yesterday. 

Let's go back in history to circa 1950s style elementary school lunch days at Clinton Blvd. Elementary School, before it was pulled out of the county school system into the Jackson Public School System and immediately renamed as Mary Ida Raines Elementary.

 Portnoy takes on one of the most annoying features of modern civilization.  

 Tune in to the Empower Mississippi podcast with Grant Callen.  This week's guest is none other than Jason White, Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives.  The time of the session draws nigh so if you want to hear what is coming down the turnpike, check out Speaker White has to say. 

 A Southern Miss basketball player's attempt to challenge the NCAA's "5-year rule" and gain an extra year of eligibility failed in federal court this week.  

Pride is a complex emotion. Sitting in the audience, watching my son walk across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree, I felt it surge in a way that caught me off guard. Pride isn’t always a good thing—too much can be toxic, too little can lead to defeatism. But pride in your children? That’s the kind of pride that fills your soul and leaves you deeply grateful.

Any way you slice, there’s a lot to unpack for fans and opponents of the social media application TikTok – the short-form Chinese-owned video platform with an algorithm that personalizes each user’s experience based on learning one’s preferences.

 The Madison Police Department issued the following statement. 

 The Kingfish had the opportunity to roast none other than KIM Waaaaaaade a couple of weeks ago.  Posted below is a little Christmas treat that is none other than a reenactment of the Kingfish's roast.  Enjoy. 

 This video should be commercial of the year.  

If you're looking for some different Christmas music to play while you hustle and bustle tonight, check out Andre Rieu's 2024 Christmas concert in Sydney, Australia.   It's a real treat of festivity and music.  Enjoy.  

 Check out this screenshot from the Outlets of Mississippi website.  Notice anything? 

 Sometimes, the stupid get exactly what they deserve.   Watch the video all the way to the end.  

 Why is it troopers can't seem to stay out of trouble?  The Save JXN dude posted this little story on his social media accounts over the weekend: 

 Apparently someone tried to do what they said can't be done and failed.  Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

MDAC Commissioner Andrew Gipson issued the following statement. 

Identity theft is real as one poor schmuck discovered to his horror here in Jackson.  

Sometimes, the oracle is not kind.  Be careful of asking to see your future.  

 Check out the Chinese satellite burning up in the atmosphere over Hal & Mal's last night.  

Hard to fathom how this horrible tragedy could happen – a 15-year-old girl, Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow opened fire in the Abundant Life Christian School she had attended in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a teacher and a student, wounding others, then killing herself police said.

 Check out what has happened to a Jackson landmark.  Feel free to throw something at the wall. 

For about a month now Americans have been all up in the air over “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena” (UAP) what they call drones. The federal government says most of them are airplanes though they don’t really know what they are or who is flying them. They don’t know where they come from or where they go to. Nevertheless, federal sources have all agreed the UAPs pose no threat and are not dangerous.

 The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

Imagine a world in which the President of the United States could prevent you from reading a story about incriminating emails found on his son’s laptop?

 Uh-oh, the city of Jackson wants to get back its water system.  WLBT reported: 

It would be fun to tell Christmas Cookie Lies to you guys, but Santa (who is a real guy, just not as heavy as the story says) says that telling Christmas Cookie Lies about how I made these will result in switches and coal under the tree with my name on them. 

 This is how you win an election. 

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

The Bean will sprout up in a Madison next year.  Yes, East Madison is finally going to get its own coffee shop. 

It was only a matter of time before someone figured out a way to inject state funds into NIL.  Welcome to a new day in college football.  The Louisiana Illuminator reported: 

 Augena Funches pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Kiona Morgan on December 10 in Hinds County Circuit Court.  She still faces a capital murder charge for allegedly shooting another woman to death on I-220 after leaving the M-Bar.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 A federal grand jury indicted former Capitol Police officer Jeffrey Walker for violating the civil rights of a suspect.  The indictment states: 

 Madison police arrested David Fehr and charged him with DUI refusal and careless driving.  Fehr was the long-time director of the Clinton High School Attache Show Choir.  

Last night, my leadership team gathered for our 37th annual Christmas dinner—a tradition I cherish. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and thank the incredible hard-working and dedicated people who make everything we do possible. This tradition brings together our leadership team, C-Suite, admin staff, and their significant others for an evening of barbecue ribs and ribeye steaks at Donanelle’s, my favorite dive joint that’s become sacred to our team.

Clarke T. Reed Sr., who skillfully and purposefully changed both the retail political allegiances and the philosophical worldview of many white Southerners, died earlier this month at his Greenville home at age 96. He was the grey eminence of the Mississippi Republican Party.

 Watch the sentencing of William "Polo" Edwards live from the courtroom, courtesy of WLBT.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 Who says drag racing is dead? 

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

Update: Item pulled from the agenda at the Council meeting.  

Jackson Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsey placed this little item on the agenda for tomorrow's meeting of the Jackson City Council.  

 As in Treaty Oak Revival.  The storied band is coming to Brandon.  Red River Entertainment announced: 

 It appearf Dax Owen'f of Danny'f fame if ftarting a new venture.  

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

 Chris Rock appeared on Saturday Night Live last night and was his old equal-opportunity offending self. 

Trees, lights, presents, parties, all manifest what Christmas is today.  While reciting how the Christmas holiday came to be, the late Dr. Frank Pollard lamented the trivialization of Christmas.  How a celebration of hope and mercy was forgotten while a celebration of things arose.  However, it doesn't have to be this way.  Enjoy Dr. Pollard's December 15, 1996 sermon posted below as he discusses the real meaning of Christmas.  

Eye catching: Prominent Mississippi city Gulfport ranked third in WalletHub’s list of “cities with the least sustainable credit card debts.”

 Who needs the Hallmark Channel when there is Youtube? Yup.  Youtube has a bunch of sappy Christmas movies and best of all, they are free. Enjoy. 

Believe it or not, there is actually a post-game show of sorts after every Presidential election.  The Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government hosts a forum where the leadership of both presidential campaigns discuss how the election was won and lost.  It is a gold mine for political junkies.  Enjoy the discussion.  

The fat lady can’t sing soon enough. It ain’t over ’til it's over! Regardless of the results of the presidential election, Joe Biden is still president and will continue to operate as president until Donald Trump recites his oath of office Monday, January 20, 2025.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

Parental choice is the only certain way to raise standards and counter left-wing values in the classroom. MCPP has a plan to make this happen in Mississippi.  

Some are more equal than others, according to George Orwell.  Such a truism applies today, even in Jackson. 

Well, well, well, look what the New York Times reported about illegal immigration yesterday:

Honestly, I am at a loss. Can I just call it Beef Stew and let you figure out the rest?

 Dude gets dumped because - what else?- Trump won the election.   

 A Hinds County jury convicted Polo of murder. 

 If you want to see a real Christmas treat, clear your calendar for Saturday afternoon.  Andre Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert will be showing at Tinseltown at 3 PM.  There won't be any Christmas concerts at Thalia Mara Hall this year so don't miss out on your chance to get some Christmas culture. 

 A Brandon man stands accused of domestic violence in Brandon and  Madison. 

The Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative issued the following statement.

The murder trial of William "Napoleon" Edwards enters its fourth day today.  He stands accused of killing Bobby Davis.  The prosecution rested.  Edwards fired his counsel and is representing himself.  Although JJ is not covering the trial, it is posted below for you and courtesy of WLBT.  

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch struck out in her attempt to keep State Auditor Shad White from suing Brett Favre to recover TANF funds. 

The Justice Department issued the following statement.

 What day 3 of the trial of William "Polo" Edwards, courtesy of WLBT.  

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 The best Christmas movie returns to the big screen Saturday.  No description needed.  Just be there. 

My success today is rooted in the failures of my past.

 State Auditor Shad White rolled out his much-ballyhooed study on how to cut government waste in Mississippi.  However, Attorney General Lynn Fitch ruled yesterday the study was illegal and not allowed by statute.  

Mississippi has a history of natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, and, on rarer occasions, ice and snowstorms. From the New Madrid seismic zone, scientists say there is a 10% chance of an earthquake being felt in the state in the next half-century.

 The Mississippi Republican Party issued the following statement. 

 Accused killer William "Polo" Edwards is on trial this week in Hinds County Circuit Court for the murder of Bobby Davis on May 1, 2022.   It is his second trial as the first one ended in a hung jury.  Watch this afternoon's proceedings live from the courtroom, courtesy of WLBT. 

The Mockingbird investors' lawsuit took an interesting twist recently as a defendant company director took the fight to the Mississippi Supreme Court.  

 Local attorney Luther Munford submitted the following response to a Mississippi Center for Public Policy column about him that was published on JJ.

 State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

 Although Topgolf will not open until December 20, JJ's photographer Rick Guy was able to get a sneak peek recently. Feast your eyes on the metro area's newest attraction. 

 Live from the streets of Jackson. Specifically Woodrow Wilson by the Five Points.  

 It doesn't matter how you win or lose but if you get there, right.  

 The budding Biden pardon scandal may extend to the Langstons of Dickie Scruggs fame.  The story begins with Keaton Langston's conviction for conspiracy to commit health care fraud earlier this year. 

She started out as a dishwasher working to pay for college.  After graduating from seminary in the 1930's, Josephine Skaggs traveled to Joinkrama to start her life as a missionary.  It was a land of superstition, disease, and ignorance.  Twins rarely survived as one would be sacrificed to appease the river god so he wouldn't flood the village.  Life expectancy was under 40 years old.  Children often died in childbirth.  This was her world for years as she stayed true to her faith.  The land now has hospitals. People don't die young as they once did and mothers get to raise their babies.  All because of the faith of one woman as related by the late Dr. Frank Pollard in the 1996 sermon posted below.    

Formed in 1991, the Mississippi Center for Public Policy is a Mississippi charitable non-profit corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

 Uh-oh, nothing good is going to come of this idea where college football is concerned. 

 Apple TV dropped a trailer for the second season of Severance a few hours ago. Waffle Party, anyone?

Just as there can be no resurrection without death, so there can be no peace without war. Peace is not the absence of war or conflict, but is the conquest of war and conflict. Just so, resurrection is more than life from the dead; resurrection conquers death forever. When we go through the worst times and experiences, we are drawn upward, away from suffering into a peace that passes understanding.

 Top Golf issued the following press release. 

For as long as anyone can remember, the media didn’t just report politics. They shaped it.  News anchors decided what was newsworthy, often ignoring stories that did not fit their narrative. Newspaper columnists fed us opinions. Politicians, to be successful, found they needed to cultivate the media in order to get a fair hearing. Conservatives were demonized. When digital media first emerged twenty years ago, I wrote a book about how this might change. Rather than being spoon- fed our opinions by an Ivy League elite, we might see a democratization of opinion forming. 

 Classic rock fans, get ready because you are going to get a triple feast at the Brandon Amphitheater next year.  

Former Governor Phil Bryant moved one step closer to getting the names of Anna Wolfe's sources in her reporting on the DHS scandal after the Mississippi Supreme Court denied Mississippi Today's request for a protective order yesterday.  

Do you ever think of something and suddenly break out in a big smile? This thought works for me.

 U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate is fed up with the NAACP.  The "civil rights" organization sued the state of Mississippi in federal court last year to block the implementation of HB #1020.  The NAACP included Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Mike Randolph as a defendant.  Judge Wingate dismissed the Chief Justice with prejudice but did that stop the NAACP from trying to drag him back into the lawsuit time and time again? Not at all.  

Barak Patton will no longer rape, pillage, and plunder in Hinds County for quite some time after he went to prison last month.  Patton terrorized the Clinton area for years as Tomie Green and Robert Shuler Smith worked to ensure he never faced justice.  Patton is the nephew of the late Hinds County Court Judge Houston Patton and Hinds County Constable John Brown.  Being county royalty has its privileges.  

 The Ladies Professional Golf Association issued a new rule regarding men who want to play on the tour masquerading as women.  The LPGA press release states: 

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said Thalia Mara Hall should reopen on January 18 at his regular press conference yesterday.  

Need a Broadway fix since Thalia Mara Hall is closed?  Tickets are now on sale for the performance of Hamilton,  yes, Hamilton, at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.  The show runs from April 8 to April 20.  There are Saturday and Sunday shows scheduled for the early afternoon.  Not a bad day trip and let's be honest.   Hamilton is never coming to Jackson.  

Bol Mabil, the brother of the deceased Dau Mabil, posted the following "update" on Facebook.

 It's that time of year and you know what it means: It's time for my award-winning egg nog recipe:

Thanksgiving was different this year. The usual hum of our family traditions felt even richer, the air filled with the unmistakable aroma of turkey, fresh herbs, and gratitude. My son and I spent four hours in the kitchen together, cooking side by side. We’ve cooked together many times before, but this time was different. This time, he wasn’t just helping—he was leading. He was teaching.

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statements. 

Update: The New York Post posted the video of the shooting.  Suspect used a suppressor. 

The CEO of United Healthcare was shot to death on the streets of Manhattan this morning.  The New York Times reported: 

One of the capstone issues that the majority of American voters embraced in electing former President Donald Trump to a second term in the White House was his hardline stance on immigration and his pledge of mass deportations of the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S.

 Jon Stewart has a little bit of fun about the Hunter Biden pardon.  

 Madison Timber Receiver Alysson Mills submitted her required 90 day status report to U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves on September 30.  There is no new news in the report as Ms. Mills documents her slog to recover funds for the victims of Lamar Adams. 

Hinds County Constable John Brown's family just keeps getting in trouble. Flowood police arrested his grandson, Dylon Jason Brown, Sunday night and charged him with possession of a machine gun.  

Our old friend, Adofo Minko, had so much to say about Mayor Lumumba's indictment that his screed against the Mayor had to be split up into two parts.  

 After rocking Brandon earlier this year, Staind returns along with Breaking Benjamin at the Amphitheater.  More info is posted below.  

Why does it always happen at the Walmart?

  As Thalia Mara Hall fell apart, its manager pleaded for help from the Lumumba Administration but to no avail.  A sinking orchestra pit stage, handicapped people stuck in elevators at multiple shows, and the air conditioning failing during a Broadway show are just some of the problems that occurred at the municipal auditorium over the last year. 

A measles outbreak occurred earlier this year at a "migrant center" in Chicago.  The CDC reported this little tidbit of information in May: 

Note: This post was first published on Thanksgiving Day. 

If anyone expected Jackson's Mayor to stay quiet as he fights indictment, guess again as his counterattack has begun.  If you want to tune out the family or not see the Cowboys get beat at home yet again, check out the special Thanksgiving Day edition of The Jambalaya with the Kingfish podcast posted below.  Yours truly provides some color commentary on an "article" that attacks the indictment of Jackson's Mayor and Savior, Chokwe Antar Lumumba.  

 Everyone needs some time on the couch at some point in life.  

"Don't think because you are an eye, it's too bad you can't smell.  Don't think because you are an ear, it's too bad you can't see. Don't think because you are a hand, it's too bad you can't run fast," preached the late Dr. Frank Pollard in the 1996 sermon posted below.  Quoting from one of the "begat" chapters, he said we should try to be what we are built to be and that all gifts are equal.   Enjoy. 

Thought about congenital syphilis lately? Our legislators should. The latest data show the number of babies born in Mississippi with congenital syphilis rose by nearly 80%. From 2016 to 2022 the rate increased a thousand percent.