Good morning, Jackson.

Mississippi Today CEO Mary Margaret White, Jackson Editor Anna Wolfe and Editor-in-Chief Emily Wagster Pettus explained how donor support funds key expenses like public records needed for reporting—efforts that have helped the nonprofit newsroom earn national recognition and a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting.

Jackson hosted its first ever dessert festival Sunday at The Hideaway where hundreds enjoyed music and sweet treats for $5 — including classics like banana pudding, cheesecake, and new treats like strawberry lemonade cookies.

Organizer Ashley Nelson, inspired by an event in Atlanta, said she plans to hold the festival twice a year so local vendors can network and share their creations.

Small businesses in Jackson help holiday shoppers find unique gifts and treats—shops like Pine Cone, Fusion Coffeehouse, and OffBeat serve regular customers with care.

They show that personal service and one-of-a-kind items help keep money in the community—residents have a trusted alternative to big chains and online stores.

A Mississippi-made singer topping iTunes Christian charts is not a person but an AI creation by local digital artist Topher—his hit 'Find Your Rest' has over 1,000,000 plays on Spotify and 75,000 followers on TikTok.

Critics say AI should not be used in Christian music—Topher defends his work as a true extension of his creativity.

Alcorn fans in Jackson enjoyed watching the Sounds Dyn-O-mite march in New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

Alumna Alisha Johnson said the parade inspires students to explore music and the arts—showing its strong impact on community spirit.

The Jackson Fire Department is hosting its 10th annual toy drive and is asking for new and unwrapped toys, with donations accepted at the Mobile Command Bus and 21 fire stations through December 18—firefighters will also collect toys at Walmart on 2711 Greenway Drive on December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will distribute toys to families on December 19 at the Training Academy.

Ridgeland officials will consider a proposal today at 6 p.m. at City Hall to begin the state review process for stopping water fluoridation.

The vote marks the first step among several required before fluoride can be discontinued.

Bralan Womack, a four-star safety from Hartfield Academy (the No. 3 prospect in Mississippi), flipped his commitment from Auburn to Mississippi State on Monday.

He will sign during the early signing period (December 3 to December 5) to join the Bulldogs as their highest-ranked signee in the ESPN recruiting era.

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.

Happy Landing Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Duling Hall Live Music & Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience an energetic folk rock concert from the rising band hailing from Oxford, Mississippi.