Good morning, Jackson.

Pastor Luther Martin lost his parsonage in a devastating Jan.

27 fire, leaving his family with nothing and no insurance. Northend Church of God in Christ (5914 N. State St.) will host a drive at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, to bring immediate help for clothing, housing and essentials.

Three additional deaths were confirmed by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, bringing the Winter Storm Fern death toll to 28 in communities hit by the storm, with extensive damage to homes, businesses + farms and public roads reported.

During Black History Month, Tougaloo College highlights its legacy as a center for civil rights activism, hosting events that remember its role in organizing sit-ins and voter registration drives across Mississippi.

The college continues to inspire future leaders through education + community engagement.

On Wednesday, the Mississippi House passed a bill that raises teacher salaries by $5,000 with special education teachers receiving an extra $3,000.

School districts must pay teachers monthly while the Senate considers its matching bill.

Yesterday, the House passed House Bill 1581 that would legalize mobile sports betting by requiring online companies to partner with local casinos and reserve the first $6 million in revenue for casinos before directing the remaining proceeds to PERS — the measure now heads to the Senate amid industry concerns.

State Representative Fabian Nelson drafted House Bill 1551 — which bans recreational nitrous oxide use — following a WLBT report that revealed rising misuse among youth.

The bill moved out of committee and will soon be considered by the full House.

House Bill 565, known as Jill's Law, passed unanimously in the House and would require insurers (including Medicaid) to cover biomarker testing for cancer treatment if passed by the Senate.

The bill is named after State Rep. Casey Eure’s late wife and could improve care for cancer patients.

C Spire on Wednesday donated $5 million for a new cancer center and research institute adjacent to UMMC to enhance treatment and research for local patients.

The donation was announced at its Ridgeland headquarters, and construction plans will support expanded care.

FunnyManGaitlin’s Awwright Tour

6:30-8:00 p.m. — MikeTown Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with the internet's comedy sensation FunnyManGaitlin in Jackson, MS.

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special

8:30-9:45 p.m. — Old Capitol Museum — Ticketed event — Experience romantic classics performed by Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.

Lilly Hiatt Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $25.30-30.45 — Experience an evening of captivating songs from Lilly Hiatt, celebrated for her lyrical prowess and engaging performances.

Turkish Lamp Mosaic Workshop

10 AM – 12:30 PM — Hilton Jackson — Cost varies — Discover the art of Turkish mosaic lamp-making while enjoying tea and sweets.

Pat Metheny Live

8-10 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $56.75 - $128.90 — Experience the innovative jazz of Pat Metheny in concert.

The Wood Brothers Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $65.50 ($77.35 day of show) — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers live in Jackson.

You Were Made for Me - The Stage Play

7-11:59 p.m. — Thalia Mara Hall — Ticketed event — Explore love and heartbreak in this heartfelt stage play about discovering your true connections.