Good morning, Jackson.

On Thursday, the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence celebrated its 45th anniversary at the Ice House in Downtown Jackson—gathering advocates and community members, who wore purple for awareness, to honor past support efforts and address the rise in domestic violence cases statewide.

A community pantry opened inside the Student Union at Tougaloo College to reduce food insecurity—named for alumnus and civil rights leader Robert Smith.

Partners including the American Heart Association and Atmos Energy gathered Thursday to launch the initiative, and food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hundreds gathered on Thursday morning in Ridgeland for the grand opening of the new Aldi store — doors opened at 9 a.m. and the first 100 customers received gift bags with samples and gift cards up to $100.

The opening brings more shopping options and a convenient location for local customers.

Jackson Police Department officers, including Robert Williams and Kevin Tyler, patrol Jackson daily to clear illegal dump sites and investigate offenders from outside who drop waste in secluded zones—spots that lack streetlights and cameras—while an Aug.

12 ordinance adds stiffer penalties and vehicle seizures to deter dumping.

The Mississippi Department of Education released accountability ratings for 2024-25 and found that 87.2% of school districts earned a C or higher—down from 93.9% last school year.

Jackson Public Schools kept its C rating while Ambition Prep in Jackson dropped from a B to a C, and state education officials plan to work on improvements.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a contact advisory for a stretch of Pearl River after tests on September 24 confirmed a harmful algal bloom—officials say residents should avoid the water from Highway 25 bridge to Low Head Dam until conditions improve.

Mississippi public service commissioners and energy and utility leaders met in Jackson to plan ways to keep power affordable and reliable.

Entergy Mississippi announced on Wednesday it would add $300 million for grid improvements while leaders reviewed future energy sources like nuclear and natural gas.

G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center hosted its annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans event on Friday in the Railroad District in Downtown Jackson where over 100 veterans received free food, haircuts and referrals for health care, housing and jobs.

More than 50 vendors helped connect the veterans with key services.

The G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center is hosting a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans today to provide support services for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Mississippi took part in Save a Life Day on Thursday by handing out free naloxone—which reverses opioid overdoses—in 10 counties including Jackson.

Organizations such as United Way and Mississippi Impact Coalition placed free naloxone boxes in the Hood Building that will serve the public 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.