Good morning, Jackson.

Downtown Jackson Partners kicked off the Downtown in Bloom spring series at Smith Park today with Hump Day food trucks and live music — the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Frank the camel entertained visitors.

Upcoming events include supper clubs, farmers markets, yoga and cycling to highlight local attractions.

Drivers experienced gas prices over $4 per gallon at a Flowood Timesaver on Wednesday, with some paying nearly $90 to fill up and reporting higher weekly fuel costs.

A study shows rates jumped from about $2.70 a year ago, and many drivers expect further increases in the coming weeks.

Mississippi Department of Education will use tougher grading standards for the 2025-26 school year, with accountability grades set to be released in fall & establishing a new baseline.

The updated system requires more points for each letter grade & may lower scores even if student performance remains strong.

Jackson/Hinds Library System is rolling out a new bookmobile this month to bring library services to local neighborhoods (offering books and programs on the move).

The Mississippi Teacher Pay Raise Bill has reached the governor’s desk after lawmakers approved it to boost pay for local educators, pending governor review.

Mississippi lawmakers ended debate on Senate Bill 2272, which would have exempted farm equipment from a 1.5% sales tax, when negotiations stalled in conference.

Meanwhile, House Bill 4060 passed to lower taxes on lime and livestock fencing, offering limited relief to farmers.

Mississippi lawmakers passed House Bill 1637 to create a fetal and infant mortality review panel that will study the causes of infant and fetal deaths and recommend prevention steps, and the bill now awaits Gov. Tate Reeves' signature.

11-year-old Cate Hargett of Greenwood is seeking a bone marrow match after her family swabbed 5,000 donors over the past few months, as community members join Team Cate to help her beat the condition (which makes playing sports painful).

The 25th annual River Hills Open women’s tennis tournament began Tuesday at the River Hills Club in Jackson.

The 32-player event offers $30,000 in prize money, with quarterfinals on Friday, semifinals on Saturday, and the championship on Sunday; proceeds from donations + sponsorships benefit Catholic Charities.

Rick Cleveland’s sports column covers Mo Williams’ move to Kentucky, Mississippi State’s baseball excellence, Tiger Woods’ drive mishaps, Warner Alford’s performance, Final Fours updates, Saints news & his signature gumbo.

Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour

12 AM – 11 PM — Thalia Mara Hall — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a night of sharp humor and storytelling with the comedic force, Gary Owen.

Tantric Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $20.00 ($25.00 day of show) — Celebrate 25 years of Tantric's debut album with a live performance of their hits in Jackson, MS.

Christone Kingfish Ingram Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $56.75 ($61.90 day of show) — Experience the future of blues with a genre-blurring performance from Kingfish.

K-POP WARRIORS Live Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Jackson Convention Complex Center — All ages welcome — Experience a high-energy family show featuring dynamic K-Pop music and vibrant performances.

Alva Leigh Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Hal & Mal's — $15 — Experience the musical talents of Alva Leigh alongside Call Me Spinster and Newscast in an engaging evening of entertainment.

Bush Concert

7-10 p.m. — Brandon Amphitheater — Ticket prices from $46 — Catch the iconic band Bush performing live in an exciting evening of rock music.

Ani DiFranco Live Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $40.25 — Experience the iconic Ani DiFranco's diverse musical styles and empowering themes live.

Mississippi Greek Picnic

2-11 p.m. — Mississippi Greek Picnic LLC. — Sponsorship opportunities available — Celebrate the legacy and unity of the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations with a vibrant community gathering.

Wilco Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Thalia Mara Hall — Cash or card accepted — Experience a live performance by the Grammy-winning rock band Wilco.

JXN Tacos & Tequila Festival

5-11 p.m. — Green Ghost Tacos — Free entry — Experience a flavor explosion of tacos and tequila in a lively atmosphere.