Local News

Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka signed the Department of Defense’s Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve, the Tupelo Police Department said, reaffirming the department’s commitment to service members.

Residents in several Mississippi counties impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur can now apply for federal aid through FEMA. Applications are available online, by phone, and via the FEMA app.

A 12 p.m. weather update added a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms north of the I-40 corridor, citing damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail.

A group said it published an Exceptions Report divided by county so taxpayers can find cases of misappropriated funds in their area from the last fiscal year.

Forecasters say a strong upper-level high-pressure ridge will keep heat and humidity in place through most of next week. Some forecast guidance suggests a cold front could arrive late next week, but its arrival remains uncertain.

Ripley Main Street said in a social media post it will cheer Keshun Morgan as he performs at “Dancing Like the Stars” this weekend, a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi.

BMCU said on its website that it is still accepting applications for its RN-to-BSN track and that classes start soon. The university said the program offers flexible scheduling to help working nurses earn a BSN.

A social media post using the hashtags #MShwys and #DriveSmartMS urged drivers to ‘Use Your Blinkers’ and to signal lane changes instead of relying on gestures. The post used playful language and a phonetic phrase to make its point.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation warned drivers to verify their vehicle height and not rely solely on GPS, saying low-clearance bridge collisions can damage vehicles and infrastructure and endanger emergency responders.

Marcus Terrell Allen, 42, of Houlka, was taken into custody Aug. 2, 2026, and charged with attempted aggravated domestic violence and attempted sexual battery, the Tupelo Police Department said. He was ordered held without bond after a municipal court appearance, the department said.