Good morning, Jackson.

Catholic Charities launched a food pantry in the Jackson metro area to help families as food needs rise with Thanksgiving near—donors are asked to drop off canned and nonperishable items.

The pantry is closed today through Sunday but will reopen on Monday to serve local residents.

A Jackson mentorship organization is providing free Thanksgiving dinners in Georgetown today to help families impacted by the recent government shutdown — students from Mississippi College School of Law and community volunteers cooked and served meals on Ludlow Avenue — and it will raise funds for its annual Christmas Bike and Toy Giveaway on Dec 20.

Retired NFL players visited Gateway Rescue Mission in downtown Jackson to serve lunch to the homeless during the holiday season—an annual event that shows the group's commitment to the community.

Lawrence Pillers, a two-time Super Bowl champion, said the effort helps remind everyone that all people are equal.

Mississippi vape shops are rushing to sell non-FDA approved vapes and cigarettes before a state law bans them on December 1—business owners warn that fines of $500 per product each day and lost sales will force some customers to shop in other states.

Byram Tobacco and Vape is working hard to clear its stock as the new rules may hurt small businesses.

West Rankin Parkway opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning as a $60 million project—first planned in 1992 and restarted in September—finished after a year and a half of construction.

MDOT officials said the new road will ease travel between Flowood and Pearl, reducing congestion and improving safety for local commuters.

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office released its annual report on charities that shows revenue, fundraising and program expenses (donors should ask for written details) to help people make safe donations.

Secretary Michael Watson warned that similar charity names and scam calls make it important to keep receipts and ensure 65 percent of expenses support programs (a rule to help donations do good work).

Ten residents moved into renovated homes in Jackson's Leonard Court neighborhood in time for Thanksgiving.

The $30 million development project aims to revitalize affordable housing in the Historic Farish Street District with more move-ins planned in January — and completion expected next summer.

Egg Bowl 2025 will be played on Friday at 11 a.m. in Starkville as Ole Miss faces Mississippi State—fans should expect early tailgating in the upper 30s and low 40s with temperatures warming only slightly to the upper 40s by halftime and feeling close to the low 40s by sunset.

The Cleveland boys discussed the classic Egg Bowl and its raised stakes as they analyzed what might happen for Ole Miss football if Lane Kiffin leaves for Baton Rouge — a scenario that could reshape the rivalry.

Their discussion adds a fresh layer of intensity to the contest as college football fans watch closely.

Mustache The Band Concert

9-10:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — $25.30 ADV | $30.45 DOS — Experience 90s country hits with Mustache The Band and enjoy giveaways of fun mustaches.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Jackson

4:30-9 p.m. — Library Lounge — 25% OFF with code UGLY25 — Don your ugliest sweater and enjoy a festive night of drinks and holiday cheer in Downtown Jackson.

Liam St. John Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Tickets $25.30 ($30.45 day of) — Experience an evening of blues and rock with 'The Voice' contestant Liam St. John.

Chess Class at Alexander Library

4-6:30 p.m. — Margaret Walker Alexander Library — Free entry — Explore the fundamentals and strategies of chess in a friendly environment.

Santa Zoo Station

10 a.m.–1 p.m. — The Jackson Zoo — Timed tickets required — A festive holiday extravaganza filled with crafting, photos with Santa, and family fun awaits.

HEADCANNON Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Hal & Mal's — $15 — Experience an electrifying night with HEADCANNON and friends, featuring a unique tattoo pop-up.

Cecily Wilborn Live Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Mississippi Coliseum — Tickets available — Experience a Southern Soul party with music and dance in Jackson.