Good morning, Jackson.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at Meadow Creek Apartments on Sykes Road on Thursday afternoon—containing the fire to Building O with no injuries and an unknown cause.

Thalia Mara Hall reopened on Monday after 10 months of construction and $5 million spent on fixes for mold, asbestos and fire code issues—yet key repairs such as a fire curtain beam repair, elevator and escalator upgrades and a chiller installation planned for next fall mean Opera Mississippi will not return until the venue is fully ready.

On July 1, new state laws let patients choose where to get their medicine, start a program to train community health workers, and allow direct wine shipments up to 12 cases per household — and ban DEI statements in public schools.

The laws also cut taxes, set tougher rules on child grooming and polling place changes, and add requirements for alcohol permits, tobacco sales, and seafood labels — moves that reshape state policies.

Jackson’s new mayor John Horhn was sworn in on Tuesday and said in his 22-minute inaugural address that the community must work together to fix safety and look issues in parts of the city.

He named his new team (including Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Gov. Tate Reeves) to lead Jackson’s turnaround (and local and state leaders have pledged their support).

The executive director of Mississippi’s Office of Homeland Security, Baxter Kruger, was nominated by the White House to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District—covering 45 counties including Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Warren and Yazoo.

His four-year term follows the resignation of the previous appointee and reflects his dedicated service to the state.

Mississippi will appeal part of a federal ruling that found the state's legislative redistricting plan diluted Black voting power—officials from Attorney General Lynn Fitch's office said the narrow appeal will not disrupt upcoming elections in 14 districts.

A locally backed flood control plan along the Pearl River now costs more, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a revised draft environmental impact statement that raises prices for projects with levees, dredging and a smaller lake (estimates range roughly from $708 million to $918 million). The Corps is taking public comments until August 18 (with a Jackson meeting set for July 31) to get local input.

SCC Summer Sizzler 2025

12 PM — Baptist Healthplex — Registration fees from $40 — Engage in a signature cycling event with multiple distance options and community support.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Ark — Limited spots available — Elevate your basketball game with intensive skill development in Jackson, MS.

37th Annual Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Clyde Muse Center — Admission info unavailable — Experience Mississippi’s oldest outdoor show with exhibits, activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

Neon Night

8-11:59 p.m. — Mississippi Children's Museum — Food & drinks included — Experience a vibrant night with glowing lights, electrifying music, and delicious snacks.

Becoming with Maximus Wright

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Tougaloo College — Free entry — Engage in a night of inspiration and growth as you explore personal transformations.

Jackson Mississippi ServiceNow User Group Interest Meeting

6-7 p.m. — C Spire Corporate — Free admission — Connect with fellow ServiceNow users to share knowledge and experiences in the industry.

Fiesta Friday Latin Dance Class

7-8:30 p.m. — Briarwood Arts Center — No entry fee — Spice up your Friday nights with exciting Latin dance moves and a festive atmosphere.

Dear Silas Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic sounds of Dear Silas blending Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Soul.