🌱 Jackson Man Sentenced For Gun Sales + Judge Hears HB 1020 Lawsuit

Hello again, everybody! It's Friday in Jackson and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 84 Low: 68.

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Here are the top four stories today in Jackson:

1. A Jackson man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in connection with manufacturing and selling firearms. Kent Newhouse, 41, was sentenced by a federal judge after he pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and engaging in business as a firearms manufacturer. Court documents indicate that Newhouse was 3-D printing firearms components "designed to cause semi-automatic firearms to function as fully automatic machine guns." (WLBT)
2. Jackson police are investigating after discovering a body inside a burned SUV on Long Street in West Jackson. Around 4:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, firefighters responded to the burning vehicle and found what appeared to be a male victim once the flames were extinguished. Jackson police detectives and arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. (WAPT)
3. The Clarion Ledger has rounded up several events and activities happening this Mother's Day weekend! Lowe's Home Improvement stores are offering free one-pint flowers to all moms, and later in the day, you can check out a concert by Mustache the Band at Duling Hall or My Morning Jacket at Thalia Mara Hall. (Subscription: Clarion Ledger)
4. In Hinds County, three Jackson women testified on Wednesday as plaintiffs in a lawsuit that is challenging controversial House Bill 1020. Opponents of HB 1020 say that it violates residents' constitutional rights by allowing state officials to appoint judges rather than having citizens elect judges. Hinds Chancery Judge Dewayne Thomas is expected to rule soon on whether to approve a preliminary injunction that would stop the bill from being implemented. (Mississippi Today)

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Today in Jackson:

• Shakespeare's Twelfth Night At Belhaven University Center For The Arts (2:00 PM)
• Open Mic Event At Fenian's Pub (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed it, this Saturday is the Mississippi Makers Fest! This event will take place at Two Mississippi Museums and will feature make-and-take activities, live music, food trucks, and more. Click here to learn more. (Mississippi Makers Fest via Facebook)
• The Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation has shared some helpful tips for Mental Health Awareness Month. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities they enjoy, take time to focus on the outside world, and seek professional help when needed. (City of Jackson, MS - Department of Parks & Recreation)
• The Mississippi Museum of Art has announced an upcoming After Hours Food Truck Festival on May 18 at 5:00 p.m. There will be over a dozen food trucks, live music, art activities, gallery tours, and a movie. (Mississippi Museum of Art via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next 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.