Good morning, Jackson.

Doug Ervin, the father of Mississippi's first quintuplets, died Saturday at a Jackson hospital at age 59.

The Tylertown native worked with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Foundation before starting his own appraisal business — his wife Brandi gave birth to the quintuplets at Baptist Hospital in Jackson in 2001.

A former Omega Psi Phi pledge sued the University of Southern Mississippi and other parties over alleged hazing that began in December 2022 and peaked on April 16 when he was beaten with a wooden paddle—he later needed a blood transfusion, emergency surgery, and months to relearn to walk.

Entergy Mississippi announced it invested an additional $300 million in upgrading its power grid—using artificial intelligence to help sensors and reclosers identify faults quickly in urban and rural areas.

The company said the new system will reduce outages and keep customer rates stable while adding to a total of $1 billion in grid improvements.

A new study by the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing found that 39% of college students gambled in different ways during the past year — many placing bets online even though sports betting is illegal.

Researchers say gambling has led to financial losses, lower grades and health issues — with male and fraternity students betting more, and lawmakers will debate mobile sports betting in the next session.

High school juniors and seniors from Hinds and Madison counties attended the United Way symposium on Wednesday where business owners and educators taught skills for starting a business, managing finances, and building credit—more than 200 students gained real-world insight for future careers.

The Magnolia State Technology Symposium took place Wednesday at the Mississippi Trade Mart—speakers highlighted cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

State officials and vendors showcased new technology opportunities and encouraged students to explore careers in public service.

A bill that would let JXN Water use $54M from State Revolving Fund loans for daily operations is stalled in the Senate after a 44-48 vote, which could risk Jackson’s water service.

Rep. Bennie Thompson has raised concerns over oversight of the 2022 federal funds allocation—critical as the utility seeks a way to fix the ongoing crisis.

State lawmakers are reviewing a study from the Stennis Institute of Government to see if changes are needed for the new PERS Tier Five plan, where public employees will join on March 1.

The research shows Mississippi requires 35 years of service for full retirement benefits while nearby states have lower requirements — lawmakers hope to update the law before it takes effect.

Children have returned to school and local parents are watching for lice as experts say infestations are common among young students and treatments vary from over-the-counter shampoos to professional clinics—school policies allow children to remain in class while treatment begins.

Rankin County teen Christopher Pena, who has Barth syndrome, received FDA approval for the life-changing drug Elamipretide today after his family challenged its withdrawal.

He said the treatment will help him walk without tiring — his victory may open doors for more rare disease research.

Mississippi hosted Save a Life Day on September 25th, distributing naloxone in 10 counties and providing over 20,000 doses statewide through efforts supported by HB1137 and the State Department of Health.

In Jackson, United Way partnered to set up a leave-behind naloxone box at the Hood Building —200 South President St. where free Narcan is available for residents for six months.

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.

Ben Sollee Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $29.45-$30 — Experience the unique sounds of Ben Sollee's blend of Americana and global influences in an intimate setting.

The Petty Things Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Tickets $25.30 — Enjoy a heartfelt tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with an all-live performance.

Melvins and Red Kross Live

7-9 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience the influential sounds of alternative rock legends Melvins along with Red Kross in an unforgettable evening.

22nd Annual TOPSoccer Jamboree

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Freedom Ridge — Free entry — Special needs players from local schools showcase their skills in a supportive environment.