Good morning, Jackson.

The BBB warned locals about rising holiday phone scams that mimic familiar numbers today.

Residents are urged to let calls go to voicemail, verify numbers online, and report suspicious texts as scammers target both seniors and young people.

Jackson community members will share ideas about housing, commercial and green spaces at a community open house today at the Heritage Building in Downtown Fondren, Belhaven and Jackson State areas from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Jackson is seeing a dining revival as the renovated Mayflower inspires new openings like Just Vanilla Coffee Bar and a larger Taste of the Island, and more restaurant growth is planned in the next six to nine months.

The 16th Annual Mississippi Black Leadership Summit took place Tuesday at the Jackson Convention Complex to build a strategy for community development, civic engagement, and economic justice; it concludes today.

On Monday night, a Belhaven couple is recovering after their home on Linden Place caught fire + firefighters rescued a woman from the second floor, and neighbors noted that the flames began around a Christmas tree, prompting fire officials to remind all to keep trees watered and lights unplugged.

Bob Dylan will perform at Thalia Mara Hall on April 25 at 8 p.m. and tickets go on sale December 12 — the 2,000-seat venue, closed in August 2024 for mold remediation, is expected to reopen by year’s end after additional work.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education and interim JSU president Rod Paige died at 92.

Born in Monticello, he was noted for opening doors for students (as remembered by Mayor John Horhn).

Rod Paige, a Mississippi native and former U.S. education secretary who also coached at JSU, died at 92.

President Bush called him a leader and friend, and his work helped many young people succeed.

The Mississippi State Board of Education approved new performance level cuts on Nov.

20 to raise the scores required for an A rating in the accountability system for the 2025-2026 school year—elementary schools now need 457 points and high schools 769. The change uses criterion referencing.

Experts warn that seasonal depression may affect residents during the holidays, with symptoms like fatigue and sadness that hinder daily tasks.

They advise seeking professional help if feelings persist two weeks or more and emphasize that community activities (such as volunteering) could ease loneliness for those grieving.

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.