🌱 Patch AM: Why Jackson leaders pulled the plug on the beloved zoo train

Hello Jackson! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Jackson leaders pulled the plug on the beloved zoo train
• How a new Miami nonstop could change Jackson travelers’ options
• How could Jackson’s Jan. 22 hearing change your grocery options?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Classics and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Sunny, cooler and less humid, with a high of 55 and low of 38 degrees.
• Saturday: Sunny and warmer, temps: high: 69, low: 55.
• Sunday: Rather cloudy, showers around, with a high of 66 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Zoo train derailed after Jackson City Council cancels contract (clarionledger.com) — Jackson’s City Council has canceled its contract for the Jackson Zoo’s longtime train ride, giving the operator 60 days to remove equipment after disputes over repairs and insurance. The move comes as Mayor John Horhn’s administration slowly tackles major water leaks, unpaid water bills, and broader plans to stabilize and improve the zoo and surrounding Livingston Park and Capitol Street corridor.
   

2. American Airlines adds new flight from Jackson starting in 2026. See where (clarionledger.com) — Starting March 14, 2026, Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport will offer a new weekly nonstop American Airlines flight to Miami, with tickets already on sale. The Saturday-only route should make leisure and business trips easier while drawing more visitors and tourism dollars into Jackson. Airport officials say it becomes the airport’s 10th direct destination, expanding options alongside recent additions like Nashville.
   

3. Jackson to address food deserts with upcoming grocery store accessibility hearing (wapt.com) — City leaders are planning a Jan. 22 hearing to tackle food deserts and improve grocery access in Jackson, especially after the recent closure of Food Depot on Terry Road. Backed by the Mississippi Food Network, council members hope to attract quality grocery investors and are inviting current and prospective store owners to discuss solutions for Jacksonians’ food access challenges.
   

4. Hull Exhibition Expected to Boost Kosciusko's Visitors - BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7 (breezynews.com) — Jackson residents will see Kosciusko folk artist L.V. Hull spotlighted when a major exhibition of her work opens at the Mississippi Museum of Art next spring, paired with a new legacy center in her hometown. Organizers hope visitors will travel between Jackson and Kosciusko, boosting tourism and appreciation for Hull’s art, while a fundraising drive seeks matching funds to finish the Legacy Center’s renovations.
   

5. The World and Everything in It: December 18, 2025 (wng.org) — Jackson’s downtown Christmas by Candlelight Tour is drawing residents into the Capitol, governor’s mansion, and state museums, helping them connect with local history in a festive way. From model trains and gingerbread Eudora Welty house replicas to choirs and jazz in the Capitol, organizers say the event is turning often-overlooked government and cultural buildings into hands-on learning spaces for families.
   

📸 Around Jackson

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🗓 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

Saturday December 20

• Candlelight: Christmas Classics
  222 North St , Jackson
  8:30 pm

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

• Happy Landing
  Duling Hall Live Music & Events , 622 Duling Ave Suite 206 , Jackson
  8:00 pm
• Catfish Ball at Hal & Mal's
  Hal & Mal's , 200 Commerce St , 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

Friday December 19

• Jingle All The Way
  608 US-51 , Ridgeland
  4:00 pm
• Ballet Magnificat! Presents Light Has Come
  Jackson Preparatory School - Fortenberry Theatre , 3100 Lakeland Drive , Flowood
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Southern Lights
  Trustmark Park , 1 Monsters Aly , Pearl
  5:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Buffalo Wild Wings – Ridgeland
  Buffalo Wild Wings , 808 Lake Harbour Dr , Ridgeland
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Special Menu at the Sheraton Flowood
  Flowood Chamber , 115 Laurel Park Cove , Flowood
  11:00 am

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day – City Hall Closed
  City of Ridgeland , 304 US-51 , Ridgeland

Wednesday January 14

• Rankin's Red Carpet "Best of the Best" 2025/2026
  Clyde Muse Center , 515 Country Pl Pkwy , Pearl
  6:00 pm

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I was just sitting outside and the sweetest little girl puppy came straight up to me.
  I gave her food and took her inside to bathe her. She is sooooooo sweet she let me do everything no problem at all. I made a little bed for her and… (Nextdoor Fondren)
• Currently looking for a forever home for my fur baby.
  I work entirely too much now and I feel like she needs a family that’s very attentive as she is a very plateful and loving cat . She’s litter trained… (Nextdoor Broadmoor)

• Arkansas Best Corporation posted a job opening for CDL-A Local Driver / Forklift Operator, Part Time in Jackson. Apply here.
• McDonald's posted a job opening for (5am to 11am) Crew 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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