Local News

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety announced that its offices, including all Driver Service Bureaus, will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, for Independence Day and will reopen Monday, July 6.

The National Weather Service in Memphis urged residents to hydrate and avoid leaving children or pets in cars from noon to 8 p.m., and to prepare for storms from 2 to 9 p.m.

As Independence Day approaches, the Mississippi Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of tire safety, especially for holiday travel. Experts recommend routine maintenance to stay road-ready.

The National Weather Service on July 1, 2026, upgraded portions of central, northern and eastern Mississippi to a Slight Risk for severe storms, warning of damaging winds and isolated severe thunderstorms mainly between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Memphis asked residents to submit storm reports online at weather.gov/meg/submitstormreport. The office said the reports help issue and verify warnings and convey ongoing threats.

The Tupelo Police Department said Capt. Beth Smith completed Session 298 of the FBI National Academy, a 10-week leadership program in Quantico. Smith joined the department in 2003 and now commands the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said two officers met with the Pascagoula High School football team to discuss leadership, integrity and discipline. The department said lessons learned through sports can serve as a foundation for future careers.

The Cut-Off in Ripley is inviting food trucks to serve at its 204 South Commerce Street location while Chula’s pauses operations from July 4 to 20, organizers said.

The Cut-Off announced it will show the Robin Williams film “RV” outdoors Friday at 204 S. Commerce Street in Ripley, with the movie to begin at dusk.

Special agents with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor arrested Christy Hodge, alleging she altered county records to conceal the conversion of $13,356.89 in public funds, the office said.