Good morning, Jackson.

Marcus Woods—a local father and former media professional—is competing in Colossal’s Super Dad competition today to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and causes honoring his late son, Josiah.

He said the $25,000 prize could support the Fred Ramsey Foundation and an education fund for his sons.

The American Red Cross and TEMA held a disaster preparedness drill this morning in Madison County to practice coordinated responses to severe weather.

Schools, nonprofits, and local faith groups discussed protocols to improve response efficiency during future storms.

The Jackson Police Department held a community prayer circle at its station as part of Faith and Blue weekend, uniting officers and local faith leaders.

Community members (including Councilman Johnny Dodd and Pastor Clarence Currie) prayed for unity and safety.

Local nonprofits and faith groups teamed up today in a tabletop disaster readiness drill hosted by TEMA to plan how to keep families housed, fed, and healthy during emergencies.

Emergency Management’s Jason Moore (of TEMA) and Red Cross executive director Curtis Morman led the session.

The free ShakesFest event brings live theater, music, and Renaissance fun to 91 New Market Street on Saturday, Oct.

31. Attendees can enjoy interactive games, costume contests, an Artisan Village, and Hamlet performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (early shows are set for Oct. 29 and 30).

Jackson State Community College hosted the West Tennessee Nuclear Summit on Sept.

30, where panelists explored nuclear energy growth and job opportunities in the region. Local educators highlighted how community college programs can connect residents to emerging roles in the nuclear supply chain.

The CSX railroad crossing on Highway 70 is closed through Saturday evening for a panel replacement; drivers in Jackson should follow the detour along Airways Boulevard to Highway 223, then I-40, and finally U.S. 45 Bypass until the crossing reopens at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Madison County has launched an emergency notification system that sends alerts via phone calls, texts, and emails during severe weather and other emergencies.

Residents are urged to register on the county website to get immediate news and safety updates.

Local optometrist Dr. Jennifer Tsai and other eye doctors say annual vision exams help spot changes early (blurry close-up vision or headaches may signal trouble), so residents should schedule regular screenings to keep their eyes healthy.

Baylor remains No. 1 as the Tennessee Super 25 High School Football rankings enter Week 8 (the final ranking week before the homestretch season), with teams preparing for a lean week that could force major ranking shifts.