Good morning, Jackson.

Local law enforcement spread holiday cheer as Capitol Police and We Will Go in Jackson handed out gifts to over three dozen children last week—Mississippi Highway Patrol and other officers also stopped by a Salvation Army Red Kettle and Jackson Police hosted a 'Shop with a Cop' event at Target.

The Omarion K. Walker Foundation hosted a Christmas toy drive at Kids Under Konstruction Daycare in Jackson to honor her late son (Omarion) by inviting community members to donate gifts for children during the holiday season.

The Jackson Children’s Foundation will host a toy drive for local families in need this Christmas with drop-off boxes set up at community centers and select retail locations.

Volunteers at The Salvation Army prepared Angel Tree gifts for 2,500 recipients using donated items and essential supplies, with 350 bikes set beside the trees as part of a program serving 1,000 children and 500 families from Vicksburg; registered recipients will receive their gifts today.

A popular nightclub on Old Square Road caught fire overnight Tuesday (Jackson Fire Department responded at 12:40 a.m.) with no injuries reported; the business is temporarily closed and its staff asks for understanding during this time.

Local restaurant owner Stephen Thompson at The Trace Grill in Ridgeland is offering immediate jobs to workers displaced by Last Call Sports Grill's fire in Northeast Jackson (he plans quick interviews to hire the roughly 50 affected workers before the holiday rush).

Mississippi teachers earned $53,704 on average during the 2023–24 school year, ranking last in the nation; the report recommends lawmakers reallocate spending so that 50% of the K-12 budget goes to pay (this change could boost salaries by $8,000 per teacher).

Jackson Fire Chief held a briefing today to address recent fire blazes and urged residents to follow updated safety guidelines & remain alert during the busy fire season.

Residents are raising safety concerns about the unlit West Rankin Parkway, a scenic shortcut between Flowood and Pearl, because the dark road poses hazards for drivers and wildlife; Pearl Mayor Jake Windham said the city will consider adding lights when funds allow (lighting is not MDOT's responsibility).

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced Wednesday that nearly $1 million from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund is going to eight local organizations supporting victims — the fourth grant round that raises total funding to $9.5 million since 2020.

Friends of Children’s Hospital got a $1,000,000 check from Century Club Charities Tuesday morning during the Sanderson Farms Championship Golf Tournament to support pediatric care at UMMC, which will renovate Batson Tower with a new adolescent psychiatric unit opening in February.

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.

Headcannon Live Performance

10 PM – 1 AM — Martin's Downtown — $10 cover — Experience the energetic punk sounds of Headcannon with light-hearted audience interaction.

Electronically Speaking Featuring Local Artists

10 PM - 1 AM — Martin's Downtown — $ — Experience a night of electronic beats with Starita, Scrap Dirty, and more.