🌱 Police Investigating Armed Carjacking + Book Vending Machine

Hello, friends. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Jackson Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 91 Low: 73.

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Here are the top three stories in Jackson today:

1. Jackson police are investigating an armed carjacking on Cedarhurst Drive. Suspect Adarin Cortez, 25, has been arrested, but no more information has been released about the incident or the charges Cortez will be facing. Police are asking anyone with information to call the Jackson Police Department. (WLBT)
2. Clinton Park Elementary has introduced a unique initiative to promote reading by installing an Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine on campus. The 650-pound vending machine dispenses books and accepts custom coins, allowing students to access books through various methods, including an accelerated reading program and good behavior recognition. The success of the vending machine has inspired the school librarian to advocate for its implementation in other schools within the nearby Clinton Public School District. (WJTV)
3. New Orleans-based pizza restaurant, "Fat Boys," plans to expand to the Jackson area. The first location in Hattiesburg has primed the franchise for growth in the Jackson area and the company is planning on giving residents more to enjoy. The company is known for its ability to create large 30-inch pies and plans to fit its new stores in where they can. The company is also looking for operators with proven experience in the restaurant business to start up some chains in the Jackson area. (WLBT)

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Today in Jackson:

Monday, July 3

• Blue Monday At Hal And Mal's (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Jackson Street Gallery held an Art Parade at the Mulberry Vicksburg on Saturday. The Red, White, and Blue Parade was a great opportunity for the community to show their American spirit. You can see photos of the artwork in the Mulberry at the link. (Vicksburg Post)
• The Fourth of July is designated as a free fishing day in Mississippi! Mississippi residents are allowed to sport fish, but state-owned lakes will still require a permit to fish. The free fishing day is a great way to get introduced to fishing or to teach someone else how to fish. (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks via Facebook)
• The Jackson Police Department is searching for its 69th recruit class. If you're interested in joining the ranks of the department, you can apply here. (Jackson Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you around!

— 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.