Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are churches fleeing this blighted Jackson corridor?

Also, don't miss 2025 XJXN Soulabration on the Jackson Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Jackson? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are churches fleeing this blighted Jackson corridor?
  • How a new lawsuit could reshape Jackson State’s presidential search
  • How a closed Jackson school will soon shelter and support families

Also on today's calendar: Catfish Ball at Hal & Mal's and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Jacksonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Jacksonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 75 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 76, low: 55.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 76 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. A Jackson city councilman says blight in his ward is so severe, churches are leaving (wapt.com) — Blight along Jackson’s Bailey Avenue has become so bad that Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes says at least two churches have left the area, and he’s demanding action. At a Sunday press conference, he highlighted long-abandoned commercial properties and urged fellow city leaders to step up efforts to clean and revitalize the neighborhood.
   

2. Discrimination lawsuit filed against JSU, former president. See why (clarionledger.com) — A new discrimination lawsuit by a Jackson State University staff member adds to ongoing legal challenges tied to JSU’s presidential leadership and search process. The case, involving alleged retaliation over a denied promotion, comes as the IHL board continues its extended search for a permanent JSU president, with applications under review and a decision expected in 2026.
   

3. Closed Jackson school to become community resiliency hub (wapt.com) — A former Jackson Public Schools campus, Marshall Elementary on Oak Forest Drive, is being transformed into a community resiliency hub offering emergency shelter, health care, and job training for local families. Nonprofit One Voice plans space for up to 60 families, a free clinic, youth shelter, and green-job training, with construction expected to begin next year after community input meetings.
   

4. Police, fire crews investigate incident in south Jackson (wapt.com) — Police and fire crews are responding this evening to an unspecified incident near Winfield and Eddy streets in south Jackson, where crime scene tape is up and smoke was smelled but no flames were visible. Officials have not said what prompted the response or whether anyone was hurt, and no evacuations have been reported so far. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.
   

5. Holiday travel is steady days before Christmas at Jackson Airport (wlbt.com) — Holiday travel through Jackson-Evers International Airport is steady as thousands of passengers arrive and depart the Jackson area in the days leading up to Christmas. Airport officials urge travelers to closely monitor their flight status and potential weather-related delays elsewhere in the country. About 2,500 people are expected to pass through the airport between now and Christmas Day.
   

📸 Around Jackson

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Jackson

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 27
  • 2025 XJXN Soulabration
    Mississippi Coliseum, Livestock Barn (Dairy), 1207 Mississippi St, Jackson
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Wednesday December 24
  • Christmas Special Menu at the Sheraton Flowood
    Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center , 115 Laurel Park Cove , Flowood
    11:00 am
    • Wednesday December 31
  • Catfish Ball at Hal & Mal's
    Hal & Mal's , 200 Commerce St , Jackson
    8:00 pm
  • Happy Landing
    Duling Hall Live Music & Events , 622 Duling Ave Suite 206 , Jackson
    8:00 pm

📣 Jackson Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just a followup on our lost baby, Nyla.
    Yesterday, thanks to the help of a great neighbor, we were reunited with our Nyla. Thanks neighbors for your care and concern, I'm happy to say our… (Nextdoor Brinkley Place)
  • Is anyone interested in adopting a dog?
    She’s a stray that has taken shelter in my yard, since May or early June. She is very sweet and not aggressive to anyone. We already have a dog and… (Nextdoor Northwest Hills Terrace)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Forklift Driver in Jackson. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Jackson. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jackson here.

Ok Jackson! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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