Good morning, Jackson.

The National Folk Festival will take place in Jackson from Friday to Sunday, affecting traffic when the I-55 Pearl Street exit closes from 10 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Monday—other main roads downtown will also be impacted.

The event will help families by collecting food donations to aid those affected by SNAP benefit delays.

Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, a Tougaloo College alumna, was honored at a convocation on her campus and had October 31 declared in her honor—city officials said she will receive the key to Jackson in December.

Capitol Police hosted a Meet and Greet at Jackson Academy on Ridgewood Road on Monday evening to answer public questions about legislative and crime issues.

Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey said attendees had a chance to share community concerns with law enforcement, state legislators, and a local judge—this event aimed to foster transparency.

The Ridgeland Fire Department is launching a new apprenticeship program for military veterans to train as EMT-Basics using GI Bill benefits, supported by the Board of Aldermen and partnerships with the School of EMS and COMPASS.

The program blends classroom instruction, fieldwork and hands-on practice — and plans to expand to include firefighter and EMT training — to help veterans transition into lasting emergency medical careers.

Mississippi officials are waiting for a USDA directive on SNAP funding after federal judges ruled that payments must continue in November.

The process to load debit cards may take up to two weeks once guidance is issued — average monthly benefits are about $190 per person.

Today, dozens attended Black Men’s Wellness Day at the Jackson Medical Mall as the African American Male Wellness Agency offered free health screenings, music, children's activities and physical events—such as a 5K walk/run and line dancing—to help raise awareness of early health checks.

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.