Good morning, Jackson.

Delta State University student Demartravion 'Trey' Reed, 21, was found dead hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the Cleveland campus early Monday, and community leaders including IHL President Gee Ogletree and the NAACP voiced deep concern—calling for an independent autopsy and a full investigation amid conflicting reports.

The 11th Mississippi Book Festival took place on Sept.13 at the State Capitol in Jackson—drawing thousands of literary fans to panels, workshops, and book signings that showcased local talent and included discussions on racial healing.

David Rae Morris captured many moments from this annual celebration.

Six companies plan to invest more than $1.8 billion in new solar farms across Mississippi to build clean energy for the next thirty to forty years.

The projects, including a $650 million facility in Hinds County, will create temporary construction jobs and boost property taxes for local governments—PSC reviews and court appeals are still pending.

Walton Elementary School honored Assistant Principal Denise Thaggard as the Alyce Clarke Award winner for September — recognizing her more than 18 years in education and her dedication to students.

A Jackson native who once attended Walton, she now inspires both colleagues and young learners.

Fifth graders from Galloway and Walton schools visited the Mississippi Court of Appeals on Sept.

17 to learn about the U.S. Constitution on Constitution Day—judges and a special assistant attorney general explained how its rights let them dream of future careers—demonstrating the document's impact on their lives.

Jackson State University and Jackson Public Schools announced a new dual enrollment program that will allow high school students to earn college credits and prepare for further studies.

The program will start next semester and aims to give students a head start on college coursework.

Today, the board of trustees at the Westin Hotel selected AGB Search to lead the hunt for the next president of Jackson State University — the board reviewed 11 proposals from its Sept.

2 RFP and will finalize the contract in the coming weeks while accepting public comment online.

Belhaven University in Jackson was recognized as having one of the best nursing programs when it was ranked No.2 by registerednursing.org.

The ranking noted a 14% increase in nursing jobs over the next decade—highlighting future career growth.

Jackson is holding four public meetings to gather ideas for a new police chief after Joseph Wade retired following 29 years with the police department.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones is leading on an interim basis while a search committee invites residents to speak at forums on Sept. 23 at Forest Hill High School, Sept. 24 at Westside Community Center, Sept. 29 at Jackson Medical Mall, and Sept. 30 at First Presbyterian Church with meetings running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mayors from Jackson, Little Rock, Birmingham and Montgomery met at DELTA FEST on Sept 17 at the Jackson Convention Center to discuss a 10-year plan to rebuild trust and boost economic opportunity.

They detailed plans for affordable housing, improved public safety and basic services—seeking partners to invest in community prosperity across the Deep South.

Yesterday, the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Pearl unveiled a new carbon dioxide pipeline prop — it gave first responders a tool for live CO2 leak simulations while ExxonMobil Pipeline Company awarded the academy $50,000 to support training.

Jackson State University is planning to install backup water storage tanks on campus to keep water flowing during outages that disrupted classes, including a three-day shutdown in January.

Interim manager for JXN Water says the tanks could contaminate the public supply—federal judge Henry Wingate ordered briefings within 10 days to decide if the tanks form a public water system.

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.

Sanderson Farms Championship

8:00 – 9:30 AM — The Country Club of Jackson — Ticket prices vary — Witness top golfers compete in this exciting championship event.

Cory Asbury Concert

2-3:30 p.m. — Mississippi Coliseum — Tickets available — Experience an uplifting performance by Cory Asbury in the heart of Jackson.

JJ Grey & Mofro Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $72.20 — Experience a night of southern-fried rock and swamp funk with JJ Grey & Mofro.