Good morning, Jackson.

Jackson police are asking for help to identify a suspect in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Troy Howard Jr. on the 1200 block of Gentry Street on June 18—Howard was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he died.

At a Shell gas station on Robinson Street on August 1, a father of three named Shawn Crenshaw was fatally shot and police charged Corey McLaughlin with murder on August 8 before charging William Strong with murder, firearm violations, and methamphetamine possession on August 20—he was given a bond of $1,000,000.

Chase Quinn was named the new creative director and curator of special projects at the Mississippi Museum of Art and he brings a multi-discipline approach that uses art to tell inclusive stories—his work unites curatorial and education efforts and sets a new path for museum exhibits in Jackson. He began in January and plans to launch fresh exhibitions and programs that engage the community in meaningful dialogue.

At a Thursday state board meeting, state education officials noted that for the 2024-2025 school year the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced fell by a few points in all tested subjects, with science dropping most from 63.4% to 60.9% and English only slightly.

Officials plan a new strategy—hiring more literacy and math coaches—to boost performance as some districts had previously refused the extra support.

Today, the Mississippi State Department of Health declared a public health emergency after infant mortality reached 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024—the highest rate in over a decade.

The declaration will mobilize resources to improve prenatal and postpartum care, aiming to support mothers and babies across the state.

Seventeen-year-old Rachel McAlpin of Brandon won the 50-meter breaststroke gold medal at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships on Wednesday in Otopeni, Romania—she achieved a personal best time of 30.78 seconds.

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.

After-work Craft Meetup

3-4 p.m. — R G Bolden/Anna Bell Moore — Free entry — Engage in stories, crafts, and hands-on fun after school.

Nash Hamilton Concert

10 PM – 1 AM — Martin's Downtown — Refunds available — Enjoy an evening of Americana music with Nashville's own Nash Hamilton.

An Evening with Jamal Roberts

7-10 p.m. — Jackson Convention Complex Center — Free venue parking — Enjoy an exclusive performance by American Idol sensation and Mississippi native Jamal Roberts.

Grits & Greens Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticket info unavailable — Experience a rock and roll odyssey with the formidable quartet Grits & Greens.

MCBA Fall Educational Hair Show 2025

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Jackson Convention Complex Center — $2.50 ticket service fee — Unleash your inner artist and find inspiration at this educational hair show.