Good morning, Jackson.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra musicians have been performing under their existing contract since September as negotiations over livable wages have dragged on since March—MSO said it proposed a one-year deal with a wage freeze and is now waiting for union acceptance.

The Mississippi State Fair wrapped up its busy first weekend with thousands enjoying foods like roasted corn, chicken on a stick, and free biscuits while Jackson State students and alumni celebrated JSU day.

The fair will offer free admission for active-duty military and veterans today—live concerts on Thursday and free entry for first responders on Friday—before it ends on October 13th.

Five girls won titles at the Miss Mississippi State Fair Competition on Friday night — Adaline Gainwell from Benton, Gamblin Massey, Kadence Smith, and Miley Fulton from Philadelphia and Tatum Chambers from Brandon — as the fair, which began on October 2, remains open until October 13.

Mississippi attorney Shirley Payne believes that President Kennedy’s draft speech on James Meredith’s integration at Ole Miss should be used as an educational tool amid current political debates + she and Stephen Sheppard, who acquired the document at auction, plan to share it with college students.

Mississippi lawmakers — including Rep. Jansen Owen — are considering a broadened school-choice program that would expand education savings accounts and open enrollment for all students.

They are studying neighboring states to shape changes that aim to offer more options and address funding concerns.

Jackson Councilman Kenneth Stokes is calling for lower water rates for JXN Water customers after brown water has stopped residents from drinking and doing laundry.

He will introduce a resolution at Tuesday's city council meeting—aiming for adjusted billing and to request federal help to bring the water system under city control.

Three days into the federal shutdown, Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin said he hopes the Senate will pass a continuing resolution soon to give JXN Water extra operating funds.

The bill—if approved this week—could bring funds in about 60 days while the utility works to improve its billing and collections.

Contractors have begun work on converting two former office buildings at 2600 Ridgewood Rd. in North Jackson into 15 high-end loft apartments with one- and two-bedroom layouts that will be finished by spring.

Pre-leasing is expected to start soon and tenants will have access to amenities — a swimming pool, outdoor area, fitness center and pickleball court — at the nearby Quarter House.

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.

Hangnail Ripoff Concert

8-10 p.m. — Hal & Mal's, Red Room — $10 — Enjoy a night of tunes featuring local artists while supporting the MS Animal Rescue Fund.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra: Quad Fusion

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $41.25 — Experience a genre-defying fusion of world music, classical, jazz, and blues from the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Toast: Mimosa Festival

1-6 p.m. — The Plant — Tickets available on the website — Celebrate flavor and community at Jackson's inaugural mimosa festival with music, food, and curated cocktails.

Park After Dark

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mississippi Children's Museum — $12 — Enjoy a spooky evening with games, crafts, and a costume parade at two award-winning museums.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Old Capitol Museum — Tickets selling fast — Experience Halloween classics performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.