Local News

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said Tropical Storm Bertha could bring 2 to 4 feet of storm surge and tropical storm conditions to the Gulf Coast on July 21 and 22, 2026.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency listed three cooling centers in Greenwood and urged residents to watch for signs of heat illness, drink water and check on elderly neighbors.

Franklin County announced the Disaster Service Center will relocate to the Franklin County Public Library in Meadville on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11 a.m.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation urged residents to follow local National Weather Service offices for warnings and to check the free MDOT Traffic app for road conditions.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation held its annual State Equipment Operators Roadeo at the Gulfport Sportsplex on Thursday, July 16, the agency said. Winners from the state event will advance to the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Training Conference and Roadeo Oct. 6-8 in Hampton, Virginia, MDOT said.

The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor said the Department of Education cannot guarantee teachers receive funds to equip classrooms before students return and will issue a follow-up report to last year’s review.

Police said Reid M. Raines, 27, and Olivia S. Adams, 21, were arrested after a West Main Street storage building was reported burglarized on July 10. A judge set bond at $10,000 each and the case will go to a Lee County grand jury.

Chad D. Burleson, 30, was arrested July 18 and initially charged with aggravated assault. The charge was upgraded to first-degree murder after the victim died, the Tupelo Police Department said.

Forecasters say a marginal and a slight risk for severe weather is expected tomorrow evening through early Wednesday, with damaging winds and heavy rain the primary threats. Heat headlines will continue through tomorrow.

Forecasters said heat indices could reach 110 to 115 degrees in the Delta and up to 110 degrees elsewhere, and officials urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles.