Daily
Jackson
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Jackson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi Today reporter Simeon Gates was selected for the National Press Foundation’s Widening the Pipeline fellowship (15 fellows in total) to get online and in-person training to build newsroom diversity; she began as an intern in May 2024 and became a full-time reporter in August. Mississippi Today
- ➤ Three food banks joined for the Mississippi Food Bank Collaborative and announced their success outside the State Capitol Wednesday morning—last year they provided over 40 million meals statewide valued at $135 million and plan to boost community services. WAPT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium will occur Sept. 2-4 at the Sheraton in Flowood — Jackson State University serves as the academic co-host as industry, government, and academic leaders gather to discuss aerospace innovation and defense priorities. SuperTalk Mississippi Media
- ➤ Downtown investor Kumar Bhavanasi secured his first major tenant when Cosmich Simmons & Brown moved into the Pinnacle Building last week, bringing nearly 50 employees to the downtown corridor. The move supports Bhavanasi's plans to revitalize properties (with future retail and apartment projects in the works). WLBT News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ An article examines how B.B. King brought Mississippi Delta blues to the world, detailing his impact on music (which shaped our local arts legacy). WLBT News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Mississippi Department of Education announced on Feb. 19 that the 2024-25 graduation rate reached 90.8%, marking a record rise from a decade ago and now surpassing the national average. State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans said teachers + administrators + parents helped drive the improvement. Mississippi Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Chair Kabir Karriem has asked Gov. Tate Reeves to fly flags at half-staff today to honor Jesse Jackson—whose civil rights work shaped our freedoms. Mississippi Today
- ➤ The U.S. Army PaYS program is teaming up with the Hinds County Sheriff's Office to give soldiers five job interviews and a chance at employment after service. The program has partnered with over 1,402 employers since 2000 and aims to support veterans as they transition to civilian careers. WAPT
- ➤ Today at 8:30 a.m. at 105 Highway 80 in Pearl (adjacent to the Highway 80 Bridge), leaders will update the public on the Pearl River Flood Risk Management Project aimed at widening the river to boost flood safety and improve access, parks and trails. WAPT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UMMC has canceled all routine appointments and elective procedures through Friday due to a cyberattack; patients with urgent needs should call the automated UMMC Triage Line at 601-815-0000 while hospitals in the area remain open. Leaders expect normal operations to resume on Monday. WAPT
- ➤ UMMC cancelled regularly scheduled appointments and elective procedures through Friday because of a Feb. 19 cyberattack, and officials say all missed appointments will be rescheduled & emergency services remain open. Patients needing urgent help should call the UMMC Triage Line or 911. WLBT News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Joybomb Concert by Smokies
8-11 p.m. — Hal & Mal's — Cost not specified — Experience the electrifying performance of Smokies as they bring their hit 'Paper on Fire' to life.
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Mississippi Anime Fest
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mississippi Trade Mart — Tickets start at $107 — Experience a day of anime festivities at the Mississippi Anime Fest.
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St. Patrick's Day Traditional Irish Céilí Dance
6-12 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $10 early bird, $15 at the door — Experience the joy of traditional Irish music and dance with local performers and community spirit.
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JXN Food & Wine Festival
7 p.m. - 6 p.m. — Mississippi Museum of Art — Ticket info coming soon — Celebrate food, drink, and culinary talent in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Epic Funk Brass Band Performance
9 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy sounds of Jackson's very own New Orleans style brass band.
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Jackson Indie Music Week 2026
March 22-28 — 219 S President St, Jackson, MS — Tickets on sale now — Celebrate year 11 of independent music, community, and culture in Jackson, Mississippi.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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