Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What the new planetarium deal means for Jackson’s budget and reopening
Make time for Congress The Band on the Jackson Patch calendar
Hi there, Jackson! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What the new planetarium deal means for Jackson's budget and reopening
- Police seek tips after Jackson's 52nd homicide on Douglas Street
- How JSU's research push could reshape Jackson's economy and opportunities
Also on today's calendar: The Mississippi Card Show 2026 and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Near-record temperatures, with a high of 103 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 100, low: 76.
- Thursday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 96 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Jackson planetarium reopening pushed back as MS Museum of Art takes over (clarionledger.com) — Jackson's long-closed McNair-Davis Planetarium is now under Mississippi Museum of Art management, but its long-awaited reopening has been pushed back with no firm date. A new three-year agreement approved by the Jackson City Council shifts operations, staffing and ticketing to the museum, while the city commits hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the $23 million facility running again downtown. 
2. Jackson records 52nd homicide as search for gunmen continues (wjtv.com) — Jackson police are searching for two masked gunmen after a Monday afternoon shooting on Douglas Street left a 31-year-old man dead, marking the city's 52nd homicide this year. Investigators are reviewing camera footage and asking anyone with information to contact JPD or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS.
3. Jackson State seeks top research status (mississippitoday.org) — Jackson State University is ramping up research in Jackson, from oyster-monitoring sensors to AI and cybersecurity projects, as it pushes for elite national research status. Leaders say reaching that top tier could bring bigger grants, more faculty, and new career paths for local students while boosting the city's economy and reputation.
4. Former Jackson State DBs Robert McDaniel, Isaiah Bolden sign with NFL teams (clarionledger.com) — Two former Jackson State defensive backs, Isaiah Bolden and Robert McDaniel, have landed spots on NFL rosters this preseason, highlighting JSU's continued pipeline to the pros. Bolden signed with the Eagles and McDaniel with the Buccaneers after previous stints with other teams.
5. Sean Tindell Announces Run for Mississippi Attorney General (mississippifreepress.org) — Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell is launching a 2027 run for attorney general, with campaign announcements set this week in Gulfport and Jackson. He's touting his public safety record, addressing controversy over AI road cameras, and overseeing high-profile investigations while promising to step down as commissioner to focus on the race.
📸 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 ★
- Congress The Band →
Duling Hall Live Music & Events, 622 Duling Ave Ste 206, Jackson
8:00 pm
Friday August 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 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 - Vicksburg at Provine
Provine High School
5:30 pm - Ridgeland at Forest Hill
Forest Hill High School
5:30 pm - 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 - Lanier at Nichols
Lanier High School Canton, MS (Nichols Middle School)
5:30 pm
Thursday August 20
Saturday August 22
Monday August 24
📣 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
- Callaway at Raymond*
Callaway High School Raymond, MS (Raymond High School)
5:00 pm - Murrah at Madison Central*
Murrah High School Madison, MS (Madison Central High School)
5:00 pm - Lanier at Jim Hill
Lanier High School Jim Hill High School
5:30 pm - Ridgeland at Forest Hill
Forest Hill High School
5:30 pm
Tuesday August 18
Thursday August 20
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
- Good morning.
Can anyone recommend an HVAC tech who could possibly diagnose our unit? Upstairs is working fine, but downstairs won't come on at all. Systems have… (Nextdoor TraceWood) - We are back!
We we locked in ND ICE Dentition Center for posting something that was not allowed. We were released a few months ago but, I was afraid to post for… (Nextdoor Belhaven Heights)
- TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Media/Public Relations Associate in Jackson. Apply here.
- Sprint Mart posted a job opening for Team Member Retail - SM #123 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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