SUMMARY: Gregory Alan Coker, a Monroe County man, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of kidnapping, malicious mischief, and aggravated domestic violence. The incident occurred in August 2022 when deputies responded to a 911 call, finding a woman in need of medical help after allegedly being attacked and held hostage by Coker. He was later arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team after barricading himself in his home. His sentence includes 30 years in prison, with 15 to serve, followed by five years of probation post-release.

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SUMMARY: The owners of Hotel O in Jackson plan to sue the city after it decided to demolish the building, which city leaders deem a public health hazard. Councilman Kenneth Stokes expressed strong support for demolition, while Ali Muthana, the owner’s father, voiced frustration over the process, claiming the city went back on its word after they complied with clean-up demands. Councilman Vernon Hartley criticized business owners who don’t care for the community, and Councilman Brian Grizzell stressed that the hotel will come down. Muthana has reportedly spent $70,000 boarding up the facility and intends to fight the demolition in court.

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SUMMARY: Starkville, Mississippi, is gaining recognition for its significant tourism impact, with tourists spending over $194 million in Oktibbeha County last year. According to Visit Mississippi’s recent Tourism Economic Contribution Report, Starkville ranks among the top 16 counties in the state for visitor spending. In 2023, Mississippi attracted a record 43.7 million visitors, who collectively spent $17.5 million. The report highlights the tourism sector’s role in supporting over 133,000 jobs within the state, underscoring the importance of tourism to Mississippi’s economy.

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