Good morning, Jackson.

A local sorority chapter partnered with the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health and the Ebony Pearls Foundation to host a suitcase drive for unhoused residents in Jackson where cars lined up outside The Ivy Pointe on Sunday afternoon to donate new and gently used suitcases — the donations will be given to Shower Power next month and contributions will be accepted until Nov. 20.

Ricky Neaves, director of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, warned that the push for expanded school choice may worsen athlete recruitment and harm athletic and extracurricular programs in public schools, especially at small rural schools, if lawmakers remove his agency's eligibility rules.

Mayor John Horhn nominated lifelong Jackson resident Akilah Irvin to the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees + citing her deep roots in the community and commitment to student success.

Irvin, a JPS alum and parent, said she looks forward to serving Jackson students.

Jackson State University students, staff, and alumni met Monday in listening sessions hosted by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning to share what they want in the next president—feedback from these discussions will shape the official search profile.

Another session is set for today and is streamed on the Mississippi IHL website—anyone in the JSU community can join.

The Mississippi Department of Education announced new ways for people to become elementary and special education teachers that went into effect Monday—students can start teaching on temporary licenses while taking a free reading course and special educators no longer have to pass a reading test for mild to moderate classrooms.

Officials say two tornadoes in South Mississippi caused heavy damage to apartment complexes, a restaurant and homes in Gautier and Pascagoula—crews are assessing the damage while 292 power outages were reported in Jackson County and no injuries have been reported.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services warned that SNAP recipients may not receive November benefits due to the federal government shutdown and advised beneficiaries to stock up on canned goods.

Local food banks are preparing for increased demand—139,000 people in the Second Congressional District are at risk.

Workshops in downtown Jackson brought city leaders and private donors together to plan upgrades in public works and eliminate local blight using public-private partnerships.

The sessions generated ideas on improving entryways and stormwater drainage, and the mayor expects a report by the second week of November.

Jackson State University runner Fabian Campbell is competing in Florida while closely monitoring his family's preparations in Portmore as hurricane Melissa approaches.

He said he feels nervous as his family stocks up on food, charges their phones, puts up awnings—boarding up windows for the coming storm.

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.

Victory Mississippi Kickoff Championship 2025

7:00 a.m. — 1207 Mississippi St, Jackson, MS — Cost info not specified — Witness the excitement of the Victory Mississippi Kickoff Championship cheerleading competition.

YFN Lucci & Friends Concert

11 PM - 4 AM — 105 E Pascagoula St, Jackson, MS — Tickets required — Experience a night of dope music and unforgettable performances with YFN Lucci and his friends.

12Ks for the Holidays 2025

7:30 AM — Cedars — Cost details not provided — The merriest race in town returns to Jackson for a festive 12K run.