Good morning, Jackson.

On May 30, 2026, families visited the Jackson Zoo to enjoy a new splash pad and vibrant murals installed by local volunteers plus an updated entrance that refreshed the historic park.

The zoo plans to host its Kidtrepreneur Youth Marketplace this Saturday to further engage the community.

Jackson Public Schools launched its 34th annual Summer Feeding Program to offer free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 15 sites through June; no meals will be served on June 19 for Juneteenth.

SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy faced charter closure proceedings after state regulators found late audits, over-projected enrollments, and food safety issues — officials plan to revoke the charter.

Parents who praise the school's hands-on approach expressed concern during a meeting over limited communication from state leaders.

Several power lines and poles were down in West Jackson along Boling Street and Wear Avenue — affecting around 50 customers near the old French Elementary School as police placed barrels on the road.

Entergy said power would be restored by 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors approved transferring Merit Health Rankin to Baptist Memorial Health Care later this year— the system will invest $70 million and keep active employees in good standing.

Officials said the move secures local health care.

Baptist Memorial Health Care will assume the lease of 134-bed Merit Health Rankin at 350 Crossgates Blvd later this year after the Rankin County Board approved the transfer; it will invest $70 million to improve services and retain 175 employees.

The hospital will join a broader network for quality care.

Bellamare Development has secured permits and cleared a 70 acre site off I-55 for The Gallery (a $60 million entertainment and wellness district) in Madison that will feature a 120,000 sqft family center, restaurants and retail, with groundbreaking set for this summer.

Mississippi State and Ole Miss are competing in separate NCAA super regionals in college baseball, with winners set to advance to the College World Series in Omaha starting June 12.

Other matchups include teams like Little Rock + Troy and Cal Poly + West Virginia as part of the tournament.

2026 Cathead Jam - Friday

3:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Ticketed event — Celebrate music while supporting education programs in Mississippi's underserved communities.

Ashley McBryde Live in Concert

7-9 p.m. — Thalia Mara Hall — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an evening with GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde showcasing her storytelling prowess and chart-topping hits.

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery

6-9 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown — $ — Engage in a hilarious interactive murder mystery dinner featuring a four-course meal.

Dead Letter Office - A Tribute to R.E.M.

10 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Tickets available — Experience the music and energy of R.E.M. with the acclaimed tribute band, Dead Letter Office.

Ben Marney and Home Cookin' Concert

8-11 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Tickets $30 ($35 day of show) — Experience 50 years of outlaw country with Ben Marney and Homecookin', featuring special guests Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.

Playmaker College Basketball Camp at Millsaps College

June 29 - July 3 — Millsaps College — Registration required — An immersive basketball training camp aimed at developing skills and leadership for young players.