Good morning, Jackson.

Over 200 civic, business, and faith leaders met at New Horizon Church International to review survey results from 6,500 responses showing young college graduates are leaving, and they proposed linking students with local internships to strengthen Jackson.

Dr. Robert Smith, CEO of Central Mississippi Health Services, was chosen by Mayor John Horhn as Grand Marshal for the Christmas parade — the event will take place Saturday night at 6 p.m. on Capitol Street.

Mississippi timber markets are disrupted by the EU deforestation rule now enforced as mills immediately apply new contract restrictions for timber intended for European markets - local landowners now face lower prices and limits on traditional land uses, according to Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson.

At recent Capitol hearings in Jackson ahead of the 2026 legislative session, private school officials said public funds should support schools teaching Christian values without government oversight, while lawmakers questioned if funding would similarly apply to schools with diverse or secular curricula. Debates continue on conditions for voucher programs.

Lisa Scott credits Hinds Behavioral Health Services with saving her life when she struggled with drugs and mental health issues; she has been drug free for over 16 years and now helps others at Grace House.

The agency reunited with her in October as it continued outreach.

Jackson State's championship hopes ended on Saturday after the Tigers lost 23-21 to Prairie View A&M in the SWAC Championship; Prairie View, earning its first title since 2009, will now prepare for a Celebration Bowl matchup with South Carolina State.

Ole Miss remains ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff bracket and will host Tulane on December 20 for its first-round home playoff game.

The Rebels enter the playoffs with new head coach Pete Golding after Lane Kiffin left for LSU.

Mississippi State football, despite a 5-7 record, will play Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

The contest is scheduled for later this season.

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.