Local News

The Burnside Music Festival returns to Ripley this weekend to mark what organizers call R.L. Burnside’s 100th birthday, featuring Hill Country Blues, live music and barbecue, Ripley Main Street said.

June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and MSEMA has released a new Hurricane Coloring Book for children featuring the Preparedness Robot MEMITE to teach basic safety tips.

Organizers said a new class rotation to help adults earn a high school equivalency diploma begins Wednesday, June 10, at 8 a.m. A registration link was included in the announcement.

Organizers said a Kids Farmers Market will be held on the Square in downtown Ripley from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6, with youth vendors selling crafts and produce before the Burnside Music Festival.

Organizers announced the Saturday lineup for the Burnside Music Festival, with the event beginning at noon and live music starting at 2 p.m. in Historic Downtown Ripley.

Organizers said VIP passes for the Burnside Music Festival remain available and include a festival shirt, signed poster, meet-and-greet with bands, food and two drink tickets.

The U.S. National Weather Service in Memphis said it has launched probabilistic HeatRisk forecasts to show the likelihood that heat conditions will reach higher risk categories. The tool offers town-level probabilities and weekly outlooks, the agency said.

Dick’s Sporting Goods donated balls and outdoor toys to the Tupelo Police Department, the department said. Officials said officers will use the items to comfort children during calls for service.

An office told a House select committee that recommendations from its Project Momentum audit could yield up to $150 million in savings for Mississippi if procurement is reformed.

Organizers said Disaster Preparedness Day will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Lowe’s store at 1490 MS-15 in Laurel to offer information on storm and emergency planning.