Good morning, Jackson.

Jackson Fire Department has launched its annual Christmas toy drive to collect toys for children in need this holiday season.

Donations are accepted at 21 fire stations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Dec. 18 and at select Walmart locations on Dec. 9, 11, 16, and 18.

A Jackson firefighter won a new roof for his home on Dec.

4 after a local contest recognized his service. Roof installation is set to start soon in Jackson — a testament to community support for first responders.

Local residents in Jackson are working to provide motel rooms for homeless people for three nights during Christmas through the Meet You There nonprofit — aiming to house 150 individuals by raising $3,000.

The effort, which helped over 100 people last year, shows strong community support during the holiday season.

Jackson Public Schools launched Project 75 mid-November to boost third graders' state test scores from 55% to 75% by providing targeted support and extra tutoring.

The initiative will offer teachers additional training and closely track student progress + adjust help based on performance data.

Jackson Public Schools hosted its 46th annual All-City Music Festival — an event showcasing elementary students' musical talents — at Forest Hill High School on Thursday night.

The event drew hundreds of families, staff, alumni, and neighbors.

Street preacher Gabriel Olivier asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec.

3 to reopen his case after he was fined in 2021 for preaching outside a concert venue in Brandon. His lawyer argued that prior enforcement should not bar him from protecting his free speech rights in the future.

Federal agents are raiding areas in Mississippi and Louisiana today as part of a major crackdown, and the Mississippi Immigrations Rights Alliance is coordinating legal and educational support & compiling a list of local organizations to help affected individuals.

On Thursday, fifteen people from eight countries took the oath at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (joining over 348 million Americans) as they became American citizens, marking a milestone for families seeking opportunity.

The Mississippi State Department of Health released flu data from Nov.

22 showing a drop in flu-like illness rates to 2.6% from 3.6% the previous week plus 136 whooping cough cases, mostly affecting children and young people.

MAIS released punishments after a fight at the Class 4A state title game.

Brookhaven coaches were fined $1,000 each and barred from events until Brookhaven’s 2026 football season while an unnamed player was banned for 2025-2026 and Lamar was fined $500 and placed on probation.

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.