🌱 Families Of On-The-Run Teens Speak Out + Body Discovered Near Beach

Hi, Jackson! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid with a stray t-storm. High: 89 Low: 74.
• Wednesday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 86 Low: 73.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Jackson today:

1. The three teenagers who escaped from Henley Young-Patton Juvenile Justice Center have not yet been apprehended, and their family members are speaking out about conditions at the center. Yalana Jordan, mother of 17-year-old escapee Tayshon Holmes, emphasized that she doesn't agree with her son's decision to run. However, Jordan said that her son has been a victim of violence within the center nine times over the past year, and she feels that he escaped for his own safety. (WLBT)
2. Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and the Department of Marine Resources are investigating after a man's body was discovered in the water near a Jackson County beach. Deputies reported that a boater found the man's body around 12:30 p.m. on Jun. 30 near Belle Fontaine Beach. According to deputies, the case is being handled as a homicide, although the cause of the man's death is currently unknown. Anyone with information is asked to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 228-769-3063. (WJTV)
3. On Saturday, Jul. 1, a Jackson woman celebrated turning 105 years old. Lucy Gordon, also known as Madea by her loved ones, was born in 1918. Gordon lives with her daughter, where she was surrounded by friends and family to celebrate her birthday. (WAPT)

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Today and tomorrow in Jackson:

Tuesday, July 4

• 4th Of July $4,000 Coverall At Capital City Bingo (11:00 AM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Full Moon HeARTual At Jax-Zen Healing Arts Center (6:00 PM)
• New Bourbon Street Jazz Band In The Dining Room At Hal & Mal's (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to the Fourth of July holiday, trash service from Richard's Disposal, Inc. will be paused for today, Jul. 4. Residences that are usually serviced on Tuesdays will receive trash pick-up this week on Friday, Jul. 7. (City of Jackson - Government via Facebook)
• You can come face-to-face with ancient creatures at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. The "Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs"exhibit life-size models of ancient behemoths. Click here to learn more. (Mississippi Museum of Natural Science via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, you can stop by the JXN Welcome Center to pick up a Metro Jackson Passport. By visiting local restaurants and attractions, you can fill your passport with stamps and receive a free water bottle. Learn more about the passport program here. (Visit Jackson via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! See you soon for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.