Good morning, Jackson.

Ronnie Younkins of Ridgeland was named winner of the 2026 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway during WLBT’s 12:30 p.m. Thursday broadcast in Flowood, receiving a new home valued at $550,000 after 12,474 tickets sold raised over $1.2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is nearing its entry deadline–local residents may win a new home if they submit their applications soon.

The 11th annual Mississippi Book Festival will take place on Saturday in downtown Jackson, drawing over 8,000 book lovers and featuring guests including former Saturday Night Live cast member Kate McKinnon— the event will offer educational workshops and panels including the Turn the Page initiative for statewide students.

Governor Tate Reeves said tourism in 2025 set records, with 45.5 million visitors and an $18.9 billion economic impact across Mississippi that supported 137,728 jobs and generated $1.2 billion in taxes.

The report shows record spending helped fund essential public services statewide.

Natalie Long, a longtime teacher at McWillie Elementary School, received the Alyce Clarke Award today for 25 years of service supporting her students, and her colleagues celebrated her dedication to the school community.

Mississippi colleges are opening food pantries to help students balance rising living costs.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center launched its pantry on Sept. 1 to offer groceries and personal care items (a move reflected by other campuses facing similar challenges).

County officials said they will fast-track pauper burials after a power outage shut down coolers at Hinds Community College's Gray-Partridge Center on Highway 18.

Temporary freezers were brought in, and next-of-kin have been notified.

A new Jackson pilot program — launched by local health officials — helps gunshot survivors transition from the ER to recovery by connecting them with follow-up support and resources.

Pearl and Rankin County hosted Save a Life Day, providing free naloxone & public education to help reduce opioid overdoses as part of nearly 700 planned events nationwide.

Homeward JXN is set to launch in October to house 300 chronically homeless residents over two years.

Jackson housing leaders have questions about tenant support and property oversight—concerns that a new landlord liaison from the Mississippi Housing Partnership will address next week.