Good morning, Jackson.

Councilman Kenneth Stokes led local residents in a Christmas toy and bicycle donation on Tuesday outside True Believers In Christ MB Church on Lorenz Boulevard, with Atmos Energy and volunteers providing gifts to help every family celebrate the season.

Holiday travel holds steady at Jackson Airport today with 2,500 passengers expected before Christmas.

Airport officials advise travelers to check flight statuses + receive timely updates on potential weather delays.

Jackson food pantries have seen increased donations this holiday season as local groups respond to rising needs amid a government shutdown and stricter SNAP work rules — the Salvation Army and Stewpot Community Services report that shelves are fully stocked and urge continued support for those in need.

Food pantries in Jackson saw a boost in food donations this holiday season despite challenges from stricter SNAP work rules and a recent government shutdown.

Local groups like the Salvation Army and Stewpot Community Services aim to keep community support strong year-round.

Mississippi Today presents an in-depth photo review capturing everyday life from January to December 2025.

The collection shows workdays, storms, wins, and quiet moments documented by local photojournalists across towns, cities & rural roads.

Downtown Jackson unveiled a new mural titled Justicia that reinterprets Lady Justice through the eyes of a young Black girl as part of The Magnolia Experience project, highlighting local art and culture while sparking conversation downtown.

Jackson city leaders are asking neighborhood groups to help maintain parks amid a nearly $30 million shortfall by offering grants up to $2,500 (for upkeep tasks like mower maintenance).

They also plan to remove dead trees at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park to boost safety.

In October, Capitol Police officer Deantye Crockett saved a woman from a suspected fentanyl overdose outside the Regal Inn Motel on Terry Road by quickly administering CPR + Narcan with help from officer William Dear.

The training contributed to a drop in Mississippi’s overdoses from 258 in 2023 to 92 in 2024.

Mississippi State Department of Health reported a low illness rate of 2.6 percent even with holiday gatherings, though experts expect a rise around Christmas.

Health officials advise staying home if sick and practicing good hygiene (covering coughs and cleaning surfaces) to keep families safe.

Emerchant Capital Group plans to begin Phase One renovations at Metrocenter in January as crews installed fencing earlier; the project will create a mini-city with 600 apartments, police, fire and a clinic on the 56-acre site as city officials and Heritage Bank work to establish an improvement district.

Metrocenter developers plan to start Phase One renovations this January, funding a $80 million improvement district that will add apartments, a grocery store, and community services at the mall's 56 acre site in Ward 5.

The project is backed by Heritage Bank and supported by local officials.

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.

WEALTH - Money Management Event

12-2 a.m. — 135 Bounds St, Jackson, MS — Free entry — Connect, learn, and grow your money smarts at this engaging finance-focused event.