Good morning, Jackson.

On Thursday morning, 19 people from 17 countries became U.S. citizens at the Two Mississippi Museums Auditorium (222 N.

State St.) in Jackson. The ceremony was part of the 250th anniversary celebrations and followed rigorous tests and background checks.

Local community members celebrated Medgar Evers's 101st birthday at his Jackson home, honoring his legacy and contributions to civil rights.

The event underscored community pride and historical remembrance.

LeFleur's Bluff State Park reopened after weeks of flooding just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

MDWFP officials said visitors can enjoy camping, trails (and other park amenities) as the park welcomes holiday guests.

Steamer's Seafood is reopening Friday at Freedom Corner after renovations, with owner Antonio Pope aiming to turn the historic intersection into a community hub & expanding operations with a second location in Gluckstadt.

Mazzio’s locations in Mississippi and Louisiana will close permanently, leaving longtime employees and regular customers saddened.

Local patrons worry about the loss — details on the closures remain undisclosed.

Mississippi drag queen Seraphina Amor hosted a Comic Con Drag Show and After Party at Hal and Mal’s on June 26 to mark Pride Month, featuring six drag queens; she plans more Phi Phi’s Playhouse events, with a show set for July 19 at Purple Rain Lounge in Hattiesburg.

Assistant principal Toby Price, fired after reading I Need a New Butt! to second graders at Gary Road Elementary, had his dismissal overturned by the Court of Appeals — the Mississippi Supreme Court will not review the case.

Councilman Brian Grizzell reminded residents to follow fireworks rules this Fourth of July, with fireworks allowed from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and safety measures requiring youth supervision and permits for public displays — urging everyone to celebrate safely and avoid discharging firearms.

With dangerous heat in effect, officials in Jackson remind residents not to break car windows to rescue pets.

Instead, they advise calling local police or the fire department, as only emergency responders are protected when saving animals from heat.

A crowd of roughly 300 at Fondren Yard cheered the U.S. team on Wednesday, July 1 as they secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup knockout match.

Local fans left the event energized although some raised concerns over questionable calls during play.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard College at Millsaps College

July 6-10 — Millsaps College — $995 — Elevate your basketball IQ and leadership at this premier camp for serious players.

For Eve: EP Release Show

10 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience the warm and bluesy sounds of Mississippi's own For Eve at their EP release show.

2nd Annual Back to Flow Bash

9 AM – 12 PM — Jackson Medical Mall — Free entry — A back-to-school hygiene support event providing essential supplies for students and teachers.

Twurt Chamberlain Live

8-11 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $15 early, $20 day of show — Experience the revolutionary sounds of Twurt Chamberlain with uplifting vibes and a fusion of genres.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Ball Handling Camp

Jul 21-23 — The Ark, Jackson, MS — Registration required — Enhance shooting and ball handling skills with expert coaching.

Mississippi Sportsman Show

All day — Mississippi State Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Explore the largest outdoor gear showcase in Mississippi, perfect for hunting and fishing enthusiasts.

Cedric Burnside Live Performance

9 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Refunds available — Experience Grammy-nominated Cedric Burnside alongside his family's rich musical legacy.

Jennifer Lyn and The Groove Revival: Electric Eden

7:30 – 9:00 PM — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $30 + fees — Experience a high-impact concert with classic rock vibes and modern blues influences.

Goodnight and Morning Concert

8-11 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $15, $20 day of show — Experience a night of eclectic rock with local favorites Goodnight Morning, Smokies, and Shiba Shiba.

I Love R&B Party

9 p.m. — Hal & Mal's — From $25.87 — Celebrate the era of R&B with dance floors, sing-alongs, and feel-good energy.