From impressive sport highlights among local young athletes to a rash of criminal violence that swept through the community to major milestones from local leaders, the Yazoo community had its share of top stories over the course of 2021. Unfortunately, the community also experienced much loss with the passing of many beloved figures.

• Read more about Looking back on a year of news in Yazoo

The potential deal marks rare detente between the House and Senate near the end of a legislative session dominated by a standoff between the Republican leadership of the chambers over tax cuts.

• Read more about An even larger teacher pay raise appears to be on track in Mississippi Legislature

Ever hear of the Leflore County Massacre?

Me neither, or at least not enough that I could recall it when David Brown asked me that question.

• Read more about Hard to talk about lynching

What should we believe about Phil Bryant in light of recent revelations about his past ties to a speculative pharmaceutical venture that auditors claim illegally received more than $2 million in welfare money?

• Read more about Either way, Bryant looks bad

A state agency has joined forces with local investigators to catch a group of suspects who ambushed, assaulted and kidnapped a Yazoo City couple last night.

• Read more about Local couple ambushed, attacked and kidnapped

Given the large amount of evidence — detailed by prosecutors and an investigative reporter — against Nancy New and her son Zach New, the best they could probably hope for was to cut a deal in exchange for their cooperation with authorities.

• Read more about Greed got best of Nancy New

Two men are dead following a shooting at a local pool hall during the early morning hours.

Police Chief Kenny Hampton said his officers responded to the shooting at Junior’s Bar and Lounge, located on Kohlman Street in Yazoo City, around 4:15 a.m.

• Read more about Two men killed in shooting at pool hall early Sunday morning