Good morning, Jackson.

Three MDOC female officers—Sherry McCollum, Kiarra Michael, and Theresa Hasty—were arrested at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County for allegedly smuggling contraband into the prison after investigators found cell phones, controlled substances, food and liquor in their work bags.

Gregdrick Brown, now 20, was convicted by a Hinds County jury of first degree murder for fatally shooting 36 year old Tellis May on November 6th on West Capitol Street—he will be sentenced on July 28.

Amazon and other companies are building AI data centers in Mississippi with projects in Madison County, Meridian, and DeSoto County to boost local revenue even though they will create few jobs—local government and education, including a four-week course at Hinds Community College starting August 18, are working to prepare residents for these roles—while concerns about energy use and environmental impact persist.

Jackson public schools are integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms this school year as about 75% of teachers use it to adjust lesson plans and help students learn ethical use—Superintendent Chris Chism spent 14 months developing an AI server and training educators.

JXN Water locked the meter at Blossom Apartments after the owner failed to pay over $400,000 in past due bills, though the water was illegally turned back on for about 12 hours on Wednesday night.

A contractor turned it off again on Thursday at noon and residents voiced worry as the high summer heat left few options.

More than 50,000 licensed beauty professionals in Mississippi remain in regulatory limbo as the Senate did not confirm Gov. Tate Reeves’ appointees to the state board, leaving it to work under temporary rules that expire Oct.

1. Limited staff and stalled digital licensing upgrades have added to the confusion, and the board awaits new appointments to resume processing appeals and rule changes—forcing professionals to handle issues on their own.

Converge and the Mississippi Reproductive Health Justice Coalition will host a pop-up reproductive health-care clinic at the Jackson Medical Mall on Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—providing free or low-cost services like physical exams, STD testing and contraceptive counseling as the tour’s first stop with additional events set for Hattiesburg, Greenville, Natchez and Gulfport.

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.

Jim Belushi Live

9 PM - 12 AM — Martin's Downtown — Refunds available up to 7 days before — Enjoy a night of blues with Jim Belushi and special guests.

Blues Old Stand Live

10 PM – 1 AM — Martin's Downtown — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Experience electrifying blues and rock from renowned band Blues Old Stand.

Yot Club Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Tickets available — Experience daydreamy Polaroid-pop with Yot Club's fresh sounds.

JXN MISS Bitcoin Monthly Meetup #42

5:15-6:45 p.m. — Fertile Ground Beer Co. — Free entry — Gather to discuss Bitcoin developments and share ideas in a friendly setting.

GrooveFest 2

7:15-10:15 p.m. — HIDEAWAY — Check for ticket prices — GrooveFest is a high-energy experience with dance tunes and smooth vocals, featuring an array of talented artists.

Starlito Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Hal & Mal's — Ticket details available — Experience Starlito's raw and introspective music journey live in Jackson.