Good morning, Jackson.

Michael Owens of Edwards is on trial for murder and arson after he admitted on the witness stand to shooting his wife, Ebony Owens—he said she made him snap—during an argument in March when her burned vehicle was found near their home and her body later recovered from the Big Black River.

A person was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound near Lincoln Avenue — Jones Street in Washington Addition at about 3 a.m. on Friday, and police said the victim’s condition is unknown with no arrests made.

The National Folk Festival will be held in Jackson from November 7th—9th and will feature nonstop music, parades, folk arts demonstrations, a crafts marketplace, and local as well as international food.

City leaders and organizers are asking for over 800 volunteers as the free event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors.

Mississippi’s college governing board said it is asking executive search firms to send proposals to pick a new president for Jackson State University after Marcus Thompson resigned in May — proposals are due Sept.

12 as a new search committee leads the process.

Cynthia Walker and Marilyn Hetrick, two retired election veterans, alleged that missing voter signature books and improperly sealed ballot boxes led to a hijacked election process for former Hinds County Supervisor David Archie.

They filed a legal challenge after a heated hearing on Aug. 27 in Jackson—calling for officials to investigate the election irregularities.

The Jackson Police Department is now under new leadership after Chief Joseph Wade retired just hours ago—Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones is serving as interim chief while the city searches for a permanent replacement and works on a new department budget.

Jones said he will continue focusing on patrolling and community engagement to maintain the progress made under Wade’s leadership.

State officials asked a federal judge to let next year's airport takeover case move forward as a bench trial because Jackson did not request a jury trial — the lawsuit began after a 2016 law shifted management of the airport from the city to a state-appointed board.

The trial is set for next summer.

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.

Magnolia State Technology Symposium

9:30 a.m. — Mississippi Trade Mart — Free entry — Explore the latest in AI and cybersecurity while networking with professionals and enjoying keynotes from industry leaders.

Juno Dunes Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $10 — Experience the dreamy sounds of Juno Dunes and Modern Bodies in a vibrant indie-pop showcase.

Sunny War Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — Hal & Mal's — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the evolution of Sunny War's music in a captivating live performance.

Montell Jordan & All-4-One Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mississippi Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of classic R&B hits with Montell Jordan and All-4-One.

The Soul City 3 Listening Experience

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Capri Theater — Tickets available — Experience the soulful blend of organ trio music with a Mississippi twist by The Soul City 3.