Local News

Forecasters say a slight risk for severe storms is in place today for areas west of the Mississippi River, with large hail and damaging winds the main threats. They added that a tornado cannot be ruled out but confidence in one occurring is low.

Capitol Police said officers took part in the Junior League of Jackson’s Resiliency project at Methodist Children’s Home, meeting with students and offering safety tips to build awareness and confidence.

Mathew A. Griffin, 33, of Tupelo, was charged after officers found a gun and drug paraphernalia during a bicycle stop on South Gloster Street, authorities said.

The Tupelo Police Department said its Drone Unit and patrol officers recently visited the Montessori School of Tupelo for a live drone demonstration and a look at patrol vehicles.

A report released last year identified more than $400 million in alleged waste across state government, citing improper Medicaid payments, misspent welfare funds and other expenditures, the report said.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services urged SNAP recipients to keep their accounts current, saying missed updates could disrupt benefits.

In a Worker Wednesday post, the Mississippi Department of Transportation highlighted Madison Johnson, who has supported the agency’s workforce for more than two years, the department said. MDOT said she assists with new hires, leave and workers’ compensation matters.

Organizers of National Work Zone Awareness Week urged the public to wear orange on Wednesday, April 22, to support work zone safety and roadside workers, according to NWZAW.org.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said residents in 36 Mississippi counties affected by the Jan. 23–27 winter storms (DR-4899) may be eligible for Individual Assistance and can apply online, by phone or via the FEMA app.

The IRS announced tax relief for Mississippi residents and businesses affected by Winter Storm Fern, postponing certain filing and payment deadlines to June 8, 2026, officials said. State officials urged disaster-area taxpayers with penalty notices to call 601-923-7700 for abatement.