Good morning, Jackson.

Timothy White, owner of Youth Outreach, is restoring a long-vacant beauty store on Meadowbrook Road to fight city blight and improve the neighborhood using his own funds + recruiting youth volunteers to help keep the area clean.

Volunteer registration for the 83rd National Folk Festival opened today for the free event scheduled Nov.

13–15 in Jackson. Organizers hope to double last year’s 400 volunteers as residents sign up online for 3–4 hour shifts.

Jones College professor Caleb Smith received the 2025-2026 Humanities Teacher of the Year Award from the Mississippi Humanities Council after his pop-culture lecture captivated students on Jan.

28 (at Jones College Auditorium in Ellisville). He was also honored at a ceremony at Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson on March 20.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney is working to expand short-term health plans as a lower-cost option in Mississippi.

The state’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Risk Pool Association will offer UnitedHealthcare’s limited-duration plans in 2027 where people can enroll or cancel anytime.

Director Pam Junior from Human and Cultural Services requested more funds during budget talks on Tuesday for repairs at the Smith Robertson Museum — a city jewel.

She said the historic facility needs work on the elevator, HVAC and roof to protect its artifacts.

Mississippi Muslim Association leaders disagree with candidate Andy Gipson's promise to ban Sharia law on day one, saying the idea violates both the U.S. and Mississippi constitutions.

Emad Al-Turk noted that Muslims have long served essential roles like teaching and caregiving in our community.

A new analysis shows 54% of rural hospitals face financial risk, and Lackey Memorial in Forest is investing in technology using the da Vinci Xi robot to shorten recovery while applying for state funds; Gov. Reeves has made $205 million available to boost rural care.

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority has announced a plan to build much-needed housing in our area.

Officials say the project is set to begin soon — aiming to provide more affordable options for residents.

Groove Fest 2026

8-9 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $20.00 — Experience an electrifying night of live music at Groove Fest in Jackson, MS.

Laugh Therapy: The Comedy Experience

8-11 p.m. — Thalia Mara Hall — Tickets from $104 — Experience a night of laughter with Tony Roberts in Jackson.