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Hi Jackson, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Governor’s Arts Awards, reading lifelines behind bars, Ultimate Beethoven, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Celebrating Mississippi’s creative excellence: Governor’s Arts Awards honored the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and artists, including Lifetime Achievement recipient Jessie Robinson, 81. The ceremony has concluded and will air on Mississippi Public Broadcasting in March — see who was honored.
Crackdown on utility bill abuses: Mississippi’s H.B. 1404 passed the House on February 5 and is before the Senate, targeting misuse of tenants’ utility payments. Jackson renters and landlords raise concerns over JXN Water billing — see what’s in the bill.
Reading lifelines behind bars: Jackson nonprofit Big House Books is helping improve literacy in Mississippi jails by sending hundreds of free books each week, chosen from inmate letters about what they want to read — see how the program works.
New path to skilled trades: Mississippi House passed a bill to create a construction training fund, diverting 6.75% of contractor sales taxes, run by Accelerate Mississippi, funding K-12 schools and community colleges, easing labor shortages — see how the fund works.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Area healthcare options grow: The University of Mississippi Medical Center has opened Colony Park North in Ridgeland, expanding access to specialty care and same day surgery for the Jackson metro. The 131,000 square foot campus includes a six operating room surgery center, a three story medical office building, advanced imaging, and clinical education space. Read the full story.
Savor a weekend of flavor: JXN Food & Wine Festival returns March 20-22 at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson with celebrity chefs, including James Beard Award semifinalists. Highlights will include a multi-course dinner at the Children’s Museum and a free wine and craft beverage tasting, supporting the Mississippi Restaurant Association Foundation. Check out the full lineup.
Mississippi‑French, seriously fresh: Elvie’s goes local with Two Dog Farms produce, Gulf-grown French Hermit oysters, and pasture-raised meats, all folded into seasonal plates that feel special without the fuss. Ideal for weeknights when you want a little sparkle and flavor without crossing town.
Kitchen upgrade, unlocked: The Everyday Gourmet stocks legit cookware, smart gadgets, and registry-worthy tableware…everything to rescue weeknight dinners from meh. Local cooks pop in for durable pans, sharp knives, and giftable finds when big-box aisles won’t cut it. Solid gear, zero fuss, all in one savvy neighborhood spot.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
♻ Folk Art Friday – Recycled Paper Making @ Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum | Friday (2/27) at 9:00 AM – Give your junk mail a second act at this back-by-popular-demand paper-making class at the Museum Learning Center. Tear, blend, and press your own sheets, then fancy them up with flower petals from the grounds, and yes, you keep the paper mold. Adults only, register ahead.
🏠 The Home Show @ Mississippi Trade Mart | Friday (2/27) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re plotting a bathroom upgrade or just collecting tote bags, the Home Show delivers. Swing by booths 401 and 500 for real talk, fresh ideas, and a chance to win a 65-inch Samsung Frame that looks like art when the game is off.
🎼 Choir! Choir! Choir @ Duling Hall Live Music & Events | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to sing your heart out with neighbors of all ages, this is it. Choir! Choir! Choir! turns Duling Hall into a singalong, no auditions, no solos, just lyrics provided, harmonies encouraged, and that car karaoke energy unleashed.
💎 Mississippi Gem and Mineral Show @ Mississippi Trade Mart | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Feeling the urge to nerd out over shiny things that aren’t phone screens? The Mississippi Gem and Mineral Show corrals 25-plus vendors, educational displays, and hands-on demos, with kids activities to buy you browsing time. Come for the fossils, stay for the quartz jokes.
🕯 Candle Making + Mental Health Mixer @ MS e-Center at Jackson State University Events | Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 PM – Pouring candles and offloading stress are teaming up at this chill mental health mixer made for helpers, healers, and high achievers. Make a candle, swap burnout stories, and leave with something that smells like boundaries. Low pressure, high vibes, your peace is non-negotiable.
❤ Pink Goes Red @ Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Break out the dress shoes and that tie you only wear at weddings, because the Twenty Pearls of Canton are turning style into heart health at this dress and tie affair. Come for the fellowship, purpose, and good company, leave feeling sharper, kinder, and cardiologist-approved.
🎻 Ultimate Beethoven @ Thalia Mara Hall | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 PM – Take a night for the good stuff, and let Beethoven do the heavy lifting. William Hagen, back by popular demand, lights up the Violin Concerto, then Symphony No. 2 keeps it bold and bright. Zero pretension, maximum goosebumps, and a perfectly smug ride home.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Jackson report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 75°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 52%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 11%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 0 mph.
This house is wild
This 4,100+ sq ft renovation feels modern and airy, with open flow from the updated kitchen to generous living and dining. Two bedrooms sit on the main level, with two more upstairs and an extra lounge. A vaulted bonus adds a workspace. The primary suite features an expansive bath and walk-in closet. A covered patio and deck extend living outdoors.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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