Mississippi News
Restaurant Tasty Takes honors young owner’s father
Young entrepreneur honors father with opening of restaurant
“You saw me take my first breath. I saw you take your last. Daddy 5-23-85 – 8-23-21,” reads the tattoo on Lakirah Alexander’s arm. The inked words and art of a broken heart honor Alexander’s father, who was a victim of gun violence.
“Makes you think. Makes you wonder,” said Valerie Alexander, Lakirah’s grandmother. “We sat down with family and decided to open a business. For Lakirah, it’s a good way for her to learn responsibility and honor her father, make him proud. It’s all about her building a life that she wants, and she has family to help her do just that.”
Driven and determined, Lakirah, with her grandmother’s help, opened Tasty Takes, a restaurant on U.S. 49 in Star, all while juggling what comes with being a busy, graduating senior at McLaurin High School.
From end-of-year classes to being on the basketball team to prom, graduation and college campus visits, her to-do list would frazzle many adults.
“I like it a lot, and I get to meet all kinds of people,” Lakirah said of her blooming business. “I’m learning how to earn money for my future because I am going to college. I’m thinking about something in the medical field,” said the young restaurant owner.
Tasty Takes isn’t big, nor is it fancy, but the customers line up Monday through Saturday for burgers, hot dogs, french fries and sodas. A few picnic tables invite some to sit outside awhile when the weather is good and enjoy their meals while traffic zips by on the highway.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3
SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27
SUMMARY: Mississippi is packed with events this weekend (July 25–27), including the JXN Film Festival, interactive exhibits, and art showcases in Jackson. Clinton screens *Train to Busan*, and Vicksburg features live events, a catfish tournament, and farmers markets. Natchez hosts its Food & Wine Festival and community celebrations, while Ridgeland offers art parks and dinner theater. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg offers comedy, musical theater, a Jane Austen tea, and a murder mystery dinner at Ross Mansion. Toy, gun, and farmers markets span multiple cities, while special events like the Little Miss Black Mississippi Pageant round out a diverse, festive weekend.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students
SUMMARY: Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty. During sentencing, families shared emotional testimonies of loss and anguish. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student, broke into the victims’ home and killed them without known motive, remaining silent at the hearing. Police used DNA and genetic genealogy to identify him. The case deeply affected the community, with misinformation spreading online. Kohberger waived his right to appeal. Some victims’ relatives offered forgiveness and sought answers.
The post Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
Our Mississippi Home7 days ago
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Has Spoken on Mississippi’s Fall Forecast
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed4 days ago
South Carolina man detained by ICE over two years, ‘He is not here illegally’
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed5 days ago
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Neighbor shares encounter with 18-year-old accused of beating her grandmother to de
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed7 days ago
Bolivar restaurant business owners sued for defamation, breach of contract
-
News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed6 days ago
Logan County landowners frustrated after second pipeline spill in several months contaminates proper
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed3 days ago
Berkeley County family sues Delta Airlines over explicit videos taken by employee on stolen iPad
-
Mississippi Today4 days ago
Some hope, some worries: Mississippi’s agriculture GDP is a mixed bag
-
Local News7 days ago
25 Teams in 25 Days: East Central Hornets