Mississippi

State Auditor Shad White said special agents arrested former Columbus City Councilman Joseph Mickens Jr. and contractor Marcus Dawson on allegations they rigged bids to steer city contracts and laundered payments.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation says both directions of State Route 427 in Leake County will close Monday, Aug. 24, for a bridge replacement and remain closed until about spring 2027. A multi-route detour will send traffic through Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Forecasters say heat indices may reach 115 degrees in some areas and the hottest hours will be late morning through the afternoon. Officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity and take precautions.

Joey Dale Dearman, 51, received a 15-year, day-for-day sentence after pleading guilty to fondling a minor in Prentiss County. The sentence was handed down in Lee County Circuit Court.

The National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, says extreme heat warnings and advisories remain in effect through 8 p.m. CDT Sunday, with heat index values as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

The National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, said an Extreme Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory are in effect through 8 p.m. Sunday and warned that rapid-onset drought risk is increasing for late August.

Mississippi Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey appears on The Extra Mile Podcast to discuss his path to leadership and the evolution and duties of the Capitol Police, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said.

The National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, warned that dangerous heat and humidity will persist through the week, with temperatures expected to rise even as humidity eases slightly by week’s end.