Good morning, Jackson.

Attorneys across the nation will celebrate National Pro Bono Week this weekend as local lawyers team up with groups such as the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project to offer free legal help to low-income clients.

Alison McMinn from Forman Watkins said her firm has provided over 11,000 hours of pro bono work since 2017—underscoring the importance of accessible legal services.

Firefighters in Rankin County responded to two incidents last night—Lake Harbor saw a fire rekindle at around 3:30 a.m. after log truck debris ignited about an acre and in Monterey a tree fell on power lines at 1:30 a.m. leaving roughly 25 people without power until Entergy restored service, with no injuries reported.

One year ago, the Strong River bridge on Highway 149 collapsed near D’Lo, killing 3 construction workers and injuring 4, and MDOT officials plan to reopen the bridge by March 2026—an effort expected to ease town traffic.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association recommended canceling on-campus tailgates after three high school shootings, and some schools stopped all tailgate events while others added restrictions—residents shared their heartbreak and urged stronger security measures.

Pearl River Glass Studio will celebrate 50 years in business on Saturday, Oct.

18 from 2 to 6 p.m. at 142 Millsaps Ave. in Jackson with a free public reception featuring a live demonstration of leaded stained glass window construction, refreshments, music & door prizes.

The Mississippi Department of Education reported that last school year, chronic absenteeism increased nearly 28%—affecting over 120,000 students who missed at least 18 school days.

State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans said missing school robs students of valuable instruction and urged districts to work with families to boost attendance.

After shootings occurred at Alcorn University and near Jackson State University's tailgate during homecoming, board members met and promised more campus security—MSVU will add extra lights, barricades and vehicle checks and will end tailgate events at 9 p.m.

Former Millsaps professor James Bowley filed a lawsuit in Hinds County Circuit Court after he was fired in early September—he canceled a class to express his views and claims the college breached its rules by censoring his speech.

The University of Mississippi is launching a new four-week residential program—READY—that gives students with intellectual and developmental disorders a chance to attend classes, join campus activities, and prepare for work.

An informational session will be held on Oct. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Paul B. Johnson Commons to explain the program.

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality granted a permit that lets Drax’s wood pellet plant in Gloster release more pollutants, reversing its earlier decision from April after a two-day hearing.

The permit now makes the plant a major source of hazardous air pollutants — it must follow stricter rules on how fast it can release them as local residents report health concerns.

Jackson has put on hold plans for an amphitheater at Livingston Park as the city rethinks the future of the zoo.

The project was introduced during former Mayor Lumumba’s term to revitalize a zoo with falling attendance and now comes as the Zoo Area Progressive Partnership works to fund a safe breeding area for flamingos.

Design work is underway for Crigler Park on the former Welty Library site, and physical work is expected to start in summer with an opening planned for spring for the Two Mississippi Museums green space — featuring a bandshell, treehouse-inspired play area, and native foliage.

The Jackson/Hinds Library System is discussing options to repurpose the library building and plans to bring proposals to city council by the end of the year.

Jackson Medical Mall hosted its annual Senior Tailgate that featured dancing, music, healthy cooking demonstrations and medication advice—giving seniors a fun way to learn key tips for staying healthy.

More than 250 seniors from metro centers attended and received information on managing health conditions and avoiding scams.

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.

Mistletoe Marketplace

5 PM – 5 PM — Mississippi Trade Mart — Cost varies — Explore a festive holiday shopping experience with local artisans and vendors.

The Pinot Project Wine Dinner

6-8 p.m. — Amerigo Italian Restaurant — Price not specified — Indulge in a delightful four-course dinner paired with exquisite wines from The Pinot Project.