Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety opened a new Medical Examiner’s Office in Oxford, the department said. The office is expected to become fully operational later this year and officials said it will bring services closer to North Mississippi communities.

The Disaster Service Center at the Lamar County Community Center will close at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, officials said. Residents affected by the May 6-7 storms can visit other centers or apply online or by phone.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation urged drivers to obey bus stop arms, slow in school zones and watch for pedestrians as the school year begins.

The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor said it participated in a Department of Justice roundtable to strengthen federal-state collaboration on fraud. Auditor Shad White highlighted the office’s findings and work with federal partners.

Forecasters said a marginal risk of severe storms will affect parts of northeastern Arkansas Friday evening into early Saturday, with damaging winds and heavy downpours the main threats.

A social media message marking National Lipstick Day warned that applying makeup behind the wheel is distracted driving and could lead to a tow, the post said.

A police department credited mechanic Jason Bridges and his coworkers with keeping patrol cars and other department vehicles operational 24/7, saying hard work, family and faith are central to his work.