Good morning, Jackson.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is hosting its annual Pumpkin Adventure from Oct 8 to 11, 15 to 18, and 22 to 25, with fun events offered on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Saturdays until 3 p.m. Families can ride hayrides, learn about pumpkins, pick a pie pumpkin, and enjoy seasonal snacks with admission set at $12 per person for ages 1 and up.

Thalia Mara Hall — closed over a year ago due to mold issues — will be jointly managed by Visit Jackson and Convention Complex, and officials say the new management is expected to fix past problems and improve the venue's operations.

The change comes as part of efforts to address ongoing concerns and restore the hall to a safe, functional state.

A new U.S. News and World Report study showed that Mississippi colleges such as Jackson State, Tougaloo, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Belhaven have students graduating with high loan balances—Jackson State students carried an average of about $30,000 in debt.

The report noted that many state college borrowers left school with above-average debt compared to national peers.

Lorenzo Anderson was confirmed as Jackson’s new Public Works director and started on October 6, earning a little over $125,000 a year — he is now the city’s highest-paid department head.

A national nonprofit — Police Executive Research Forum — aided Jackson's search for its next police chief after former Chief Wade retired and interim Chief Tyree Jones filled the role for up to 90 days.

Some council members opposed the external search while Mayor John Horhn said he did not close the door on interviewing internal candidates.

The Jackson City Council voted unanimously to rename a section of Northview Drive as Martin L.

Shields Jr. Memorial Way to honor the fallen deputy killed while responding to a domestic incident. The renaming will take effect in 30 days—officials will plan a dedication event and work on street improvements to ensure the tribute is fitting.

Jackson City Council approved a nonbinding resolution on Tuesday that urged the federal government to return control of the water system to the city, with local leaders saying they now have the people in place to manage it properly.

City officials plan to work with federal agencies to develop a transition plan by October 2026—steps that come as some council members also call for a stronger focus on economic issues and crime control.

The Department of Health announced free breast cancer screening mammograms for uninsured women aged 40 to 64 and qualifying women under 40, with mobile units reaching rural areas like Yazoo City — Carthage.

Providers are reimbursed at no cost to help more women get screened early.

Jackson State's homecoming sees the Tigers chasing redemption after their upset loss in 2023—tune in to watch 4th and Goal live from Jackson at 10:30 a.m. Saturday—.

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.

Jordy Searcy Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticket prices not listed — Experience intimate storytelling through Jordy Searcy's journey of love and music.

The Arcadian Wild Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting blend of indie folk and pop from Nashville's The Arcadian Wild.