Good morning, Jackson.

Miss Mississippi 2025 Anna Leah Jolly, adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage and having overcome early abuse, won the state crown and will compete at Miss America in three weeks.

She said she will use her CSI Limitless project to uplift children and honor Ukraine's strength.

Entergy awarded seven $5,000 Community Power scholarships to high school graduates from Mississippi who are children of Entergy employees—recognizing their strong academic and community efforts.

It also granted Power Your Future scholarships to three Jackson State University students and will invest $20 million by 2035 to support education in its service area.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation finished repair work on Highway 80 over the Pearl River and reopened the road after it had been closed since late last year.

A second project began on Wednesday (under Interstate 55) and will cost $2.1 million while work is set to finish by fall.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn said the city is working to follow a judge’s order to send records on how Siemens settlement funds were spent after a 2013 contract went wrong and led to a 2020 settlement.

The review covers money records, legal papers, and files from several agencies—steps taken to clear up questions before a rate rise.

Mayor John Horhn said that 20 tenants at Blossom Apartments on Woodbine Street remained without water as the city helped them by delivering drinking water and a fire truck with nonpotable water every day at 3 p.m.—the assistance will continue until water is restored or the residents relocate. Most tenants held vouchers from Region 6 Housing Authority while housing navigators coordinated options for relocation, including support for a two-month hotel stay.

Health officials say that sexually transmitted diseases are widespread in Mississippi & about 1 in every 100 residents are infected.

They reported that syphilis is now considered an epidemic with congenital cases rising from 10 in 2016 to 110 in 2022 & doctors warn that mild early signs can lead to serious health issues if not treated.

Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South is getting ready for the new football season as it will perform at THEE Merge on Aug.

16 at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center. The event will open at 2 p.m. with the show starting at 4 p.m. (tickets range from $30 to $55), and the band will also perform at the HBCU Labor Day Classic on Aug. 31.

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.

The Call: Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, MS

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the local premiere of a ballet inspired by Elisabeth Elliot's journey through life's challenges.

2025 HBCU Labor Day Classic - Battle of the Bands

12-6 p.m. — Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant performance of HBCU marching bands in a spirited competition.