Good morning, Jackson.

Locals in Jackson have urged that the former Virginia College building on Ridgewood Road be torn down—its broken windows and squatter damage have affected nearby businesses.

Officials confirmed the state still owns the property until Hinds County certifies it for a tax sale—raising community concerns over safety.

The Museum Trail is expanding to Downtown Jackson so neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, and Jackson State University will be linked by a new green entry on East Pearl Street.

Mayor Horhn said the extension, set to open in early spring/summer 2026, is a public/private partnership aimed at boosting walkability+ economic growth.

Deep South Today named Hollis Towns as its first chief operating officer and he began his role Monday—he will lead efforts to boost operations and drive growth following a six month national search.

Towns brings over 25 years of newsroom and management experience from work with Gannett and AL.com.

Mississippi Valley State University will boost security for homecoming after recent shootings that saw a mass incident in Leland claim six lives and a fatal campus shooting at Alcorn State, as the college will inspect entry points, ban firearms and restrict tailgating and vehicle use—steps aimed at protecting students, alumni and guests.

Mississippi high schools may cancel campus tailgating this football season after violent weekend shootings led MHSAA executive director Rickey Neaves to recommend a ban, with school officials set to increase security and supervision to enforce the rules (at least nine people died and several were injured during games in Leland, Heidelberg, Alcorn State and near Jackson State).

Gospel music icon Elbernita 'Twinkie' Clark received Jackson’s Key to the City at Jackson State University’s Rose E.

McCoy Auditorium—where Mayor John Horhn honored her longtime contributions to gospel music and culture. She is celebrated for her leadership with the Clark Sisters whose hits and awards have made a lasting mark on the community.

Today at 9 a.m., the MDEQ will hold a hearing on Drax’s request to expand its wood pellet facility while opponents rally at 8 a.m. outside the building—residents supporting the project point to jobs and economic benefits while others express concerns over pollution and health impacts as the board prepares to decide soon.

The Mississippi State Fire Academy in Pearl received $429,565.21 from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant on October 13.

The grant will buy a multipurpose training package to help fire departments—nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state training facilities meet their needs.

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.

2025 Black Men's Wellness Day

7 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Jackson Medical Mall — Free services — Celebrate health and wellness with free screenings, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

2025 Harvest Festival

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum — $10 for ages 3 and up — Experience live demonstrations showcasing Mississippi's agricultural heritage and enjoy rides for just $1 each.