Good morning, Jackson.

Jackson residents gathered at Smith Park on Wednesday for a block party offering free health screenings, live music and food.

Hosted by comedian Rita Brent and local advocacy groups (including the Mississippi NAACP and Care4Mississippi), the event called for affordable healthcare.

The Jackson Brick Convention is set for Saturday, Sept.

26 and Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Mississippi Trade Mart — a key venue for community events. Organizers warn tickets costing $14.99 will likely sell out this week and proceeds will support the Build Smiles Foundation.

Oleksiy Pigotskyy, a national champion from Ukraine, teaches ballroom beginners in Ridgeland today as part of Ballroom Mississippi's series aimed at growing the local dance scene—its nonprofit seeks grants and donations to support high-level Dance Sport competitions.

Canton singer Ashford Sanders performed on America's Got Talent on Tuesday, Aug.

18, during the Quarterfinals, aiming to secure one of three spots to advance for a $1 million prize (his performance brought Mississippi talent into the national spotlight).

Crews broke ground Wednesday on a new pedestrian bridge over Lakeland Drive that will connect four local museums.

The project is part of the six-mile Museum Trail between Jackson State University and LeFleur’s Bluff, with the bridge to be completed next year—other segments will finish in about three more years.

Wildland and volunteer firefighters are tackling 174 wildfires sparked by extreme heat and drought across Mississippi.

Officials urge residents to heed burn bans and safety measures (to minimize accidental ignitions) as conditions remain dry.

Residents at Addison Place Apartments have been without running water for over a month due to a $300K unpaid bill, and limited water is delivered weekly.

City officials will hold an environmental court hearing on Aug. 25 to address the issue at 3175 Robinson Road.

Council President Vernon Hartley tabled a permit request for Nostalgics Skate Center on Monday, saying Ward 5 lacked representation on the Planning Board and prompting questions about the approval process.

The center’s owners maintain they will open once the representation issue is resolved.

Ashley Robinson (a Jackson native) left Jackson State for the athletic director position at Texas Southern after his appointment was approved on Wednesday, and coaches posted farewells as interim AD Alyse Wells-Killbert takes over the athletic programs.