Good morning, Jackson.

Fondren Taste Bar & Grill (a local favorite) hosted a community food drive today to distribute food boxes to dozens of people in need, with government officials (like Rep. Justis Gibbs) and local business leaders supporting the effort.

Local shelters — including Shower Power which welcomed the unhoused this past Sunday — offer warm refuge with hot meals and winter essentials as freezing temperatures grip the area, and they will continue to operate over the next few days to help those in need.

5th Squad hosted its 10th annual Ruck for Rugrats event Saturday morning in Jackson, where about 750 service members and volunteers walked a 4.5-mile route to deliver toys (over $200,000 in value) to children at the only local hospital.

Jackson first responders were honored on Friday at a luncheon hosted by Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, and the Jackson Redevelopment Authority.

President and CEO Rickey Thigpen said the event thanked responders for their work to keep the community safe and build strong local partnerships.

Broadway is returning to Jackson for the 2025-26 season at Thalia Mara Hall with Chicago the Musical, Kinky Boots, and Riverdance 30 — The New Generation playing from March 17 to April 22, and a $150 season ticket package is available thanks to support from Trustmark National Bank and city officials.

Hal's St. Paddy's Day parade is set for March 28, 2026 in downtown Jackson; organizers have updated the route to start at Court and West Streets and end at State and Court Streets — this change aims to give law enforcement quicker access and keep the event safe.

Local artists and vendors will join Winter Glow Weekend at Union Market this weekend from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — offering a festive space for shoppers to find handcrafted holiday gifts.

Tariffs on imported goods are raising costs for local businesses as holiday shopping continues today.

Melissa Skelton of The Commissary in Ridgeland said she will absorb these increases while Drew Mellon of Swell-O-Phonic in Fondren must pass on higher prices—both retailers remain hopeful that shoppers will support local commerce.

The West Rankin Parkway, which opened on Nov.

25, has cut travel time between Flowood and Pearl to five minutes, and local mayors predict it will boost industrial development (thanks to rail and interstate access across a thousand acres).

Local high school football players from 18 schools in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties celebrated their success at a Capitol Region luncheon where Coach Kris Thigpen and state representatives Fabian Nelson and Stephanie Foster recognized their achievements.

Coach Thigpen said he hopes to host a similar event next year.

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.