🌱 House Passes Water Bill + Hinds Senior Circuit Judge Retiring

Happy Friday, people of Jackson! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's what's happening around Jackson today.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy and much colder. High: 39 Low: 25.

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Here are the top stories in Jackson today:

1. On Wednesday, an amended version of House Bill 1031 passed the House 112 to 7 and is now on the way to the Senate. The bill would allocate $40 million to help Jackson rebuild its crumbling water and sewer systems. Specifically, the fund would address the needs of the O.B. Curtis, J.H. Fewell, and Savanna Street Water Treatment Plants and replace 10,930 feet of two-inch water mains with larger mains to improve water service to customers. (WLBT)
2. Longtime Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie T. Green of Jackson announced that she plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2022, after serving the County for 24 years. Green was the first African American and the first woman to hold the role of senior circuit judge in Hinds County, as well as the first woman elected as a circuit judge in the Seventh Circuit Court District. (Jackson Free Press)
3. M-Bar Sports Grill plans to build a beer garden and amphitheater that some residents fear will bring noise, traffic, crime, and lower property values to their neighborhood. The Lake Trace Homeowners Association reportedly expressed these concerns "months ago," but said they were not made aware that a permit had been issued for Tuesday's groundbreaking. According to M-Bar owner Richard Bradley, "the outdoor entertainment expansion will bring great vitality to our community." (WLBT)

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Today in Jackson:

• Karlous Miller At Chuckles Comedy House (7:30 PM)
• Paul Cauthen At Duling Hall (7:30 PM)
• Flow Tribe Live At Martin's Downtown (10:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Looks like there might be some sun on Saturday and Sunday! See the Jackson weekend weather forecast here. (Jackson Patch)
• In the mood for some blues music? See the new show, "I Just Stopped By to See the Man" at the New Stage Theatre. (Jackson Free Press)
• Get free Radon Home Test Kits at the Fannie Lou Hamer Library while supplies last! Curbside pickup only. (Press Release Desk)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.