🌱 Patch AM: How a long-vacant YMCA could transform Jackson’s I-55 gateway

Good morning to you Jackson! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a long-vacant YMCA could transform Jackson's I-55 gateway
• How staffing shortages and a new jail could affect Jackson's safety
• Want to golf at Country Club of Jackson for a good cause?

Also on today's calendar: Fondren's First Thursdays and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Jackson Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Jackson Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Jackson.

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Hot; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 101 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 99, low: 74.
• Friday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 97 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Prado Conservatory could fix major eyesore near Downtown Jackson, MS (clarionledger.com) — Jackson's zoning council has cleared the way for Prado Conservatory, a major redevelopment of the long-vacant former YMCA site near downtown and I-55. The project would turn a prominent eyesore into roughly 160 housing units plus new recreational amenities, including Mississippi's first padel courts, though a construction timeline still hasn't been announced.
   

2. Public safety leaders discuss staffing, jail capacity at Jackson-area forum (wapt.com) — Law enforcement leaders from Jackson, Capitol Police, and Hinds County just laid out how officer shortages, low deputy pay, and crowded jails are affecting public safety here. They also shared that the first phase of the new Hinds County jail should wrap up by late September or early October, though detainees can't move in until housing units are finished, keeping pressure on current facilities and 911 response.
   

3. Friends of Children's Hospital Golf Tournament Returns for 33rd Year (northsidesun.com) — Local golfers and sponsors can tee off for a cause this October as the Friends of Children's Hospital Golf Tournament returns, including play at the Country Club of Jackson. The long-running fundraiser supports Child Life Services at Children's of Mississippi, helping kids and families cope with stressful hospital stays through play, emotional support, and age-appropriate activities.
   

4. Mississippi Today welcomes new multimedia producer (mississippitoday.org) — Mississippi Today has hired multimedia producer Blake Barnes, who has lived in Jackson for the past five years, to help expand its video and social storytelling. Barnes, formerly with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, will collaborate with reporters on social videos, podcasts, and long-form projects aimed at elevating Mississippi-focused stories for audiences across the state.
   

5. Sean Tindell announces run for Mississippi attorney general (clarionledger.com) — Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell is running for state attorney general and plans to formally announce his campaign in Jackson at Mississippi Republican Party headquarters on Aug. 19. He pledges to continue Lynn Fitch's conservative direction, emphasizing public safety, state rights in federal courts, and expanded powers to tackle public corruption and defend against lawsuits.
   

📸 Around Jackson

Subscribe

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 ★

Friday August 21
• Congress The Band →
  Duling Hall Live Music & Events, 622 Duling Ave Ste 206, Jackson
  8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday August 20
• Ridgeland at Forest Hill
  Forest Hill High School
  5:30 pm
• Vicksburg at Provine
  Provine High School
  5:30 pm
• Lanier at Leake Central
  Lanier High School Carthage, MS (Leake Central High School)
  5:30 pm
• Kirksey at Nichols
  Henry J. Kirksey Middle School Canton, MS (Nichols Middle School)
  5:30 pm
• Callaway at Murrah*
  Murrah High School
  5:30 pm
Saturday August 22
• The Mississippi Card Show 2026 →
  Mississippi Trade Mart, Livestock Barn (Dairy), 1200 Mississippi St, Jackson
  10:00 am
• Colour Revolt →
  Duling Hall Live Music & Events, 622 Duling Ave Ste 206, Jackson
  8:00 pm
Thursday September 3
• Fondren's First Thursdays →
  Fondren Neighborhood, Jackson
  6:30 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

Thursday August 20
• Kirksey at Nichols
  Henry J. Kirksey Middle School Canton, MS (Nichols Middle School)
  5:30 pm
• Vicksburg at Provine
  Provine High School
  5:30 pm
• Callaway at Murrah*
  Murrah High School
  5:30 pm
• Lanier at Leake Central
  Lanier High School Carthage, MS (Leake Central High School)
  5:30 pm

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• When I went to Target to grab cat food for the kittens at Home Depot, I saw this male cat in the parking lot of Target.
  I left some food for him. I am at my max with cats and can not take anymore in. If i could sneak one in, I would but I can't. Can someone PLEASE… (Nextdoor Highland Village)
• Earlier on August 17, 2026, a wildfire was first...
  Earlier on August 17, 2026, a wildfire was first identified near Madison in Mississippi, United States, and activity was last updated later that… (Nextdoor )

• Ryder System, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Jackson. Apply here.
• Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Produce Clerk 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook