Jasper County takes heavy hit from Sunday night storms

JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – One person is dead and nearly two dozen others were injured as a tornado roared through Jasper County. The heaviest hit area appears to be near the town of Louin. That’s where the fatality was reported, along with the injuries. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency released this drone video this afternoon, as assessments were being…

Jackson area sees dangerous storms roll through Sunday

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The Jackson metro area saw dangerous storms roll through Sunday night. This is video from Rankin County where damage was reported around Florence and Pelahatchie. Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings stretched on for hours along the I-20 corridor last night. Cooling stations are open in Jackson, as thousands remain without power after days of storms. These…

MDHS makes replacement SNAP benefits available for some after storms

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Some area SNAP recipients may be eligible for replacement benefits due to recent storms. The Mississippi Department of Human Services is making replacement benefits available for SNAP recipients who experienced a power outage of more than six hours due to recent storms in the area. Those who think they may qualify need to apply through the Mississippi…

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs grocery tax cut into law

Alabama shoppers are expected to see a slight decrease in their grocery bills starting in September.

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – Alabama shoppers are expected to see a slight decrease in their grocery bills starting in September. Governor Kay Ivey announced on Thursday she had signed House Bill 479, which will reduce the Alabama grocery tax into law. The bill will reduce the tax on food items from 4% to 3% and has the possibility to be…

Mississippi’s unemployment rate hit a new record low

Governor Tate Reeves says this is because the state is making record investments in Mississippians and creating thousands of high-paying jobs around the state.

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s unemployment rate hit a new record low for the third consecutive month. The month of May’s 3.2% unemployment rate marks the third consecutive month that Mississippi set a new record low. Governor Tate Reeves says this is because the state is making record investments in Mississippians and creating thousands of high-paying jobs around the state….

The first Black land-grant university held a fundraising event in Tupelo

Founded in 1871, Alcorn State is the second state-supported school in Mississippi.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The first Black land-grant university in the nation held a fundraising event in Tupelo on June 17. Alcorn State University held its second annual walk, Run and Roll 5K Race for Scholars, at Fair Park to raise money for scholarships for students from Northeast Mississippi. Founded in 1871, Alcorn State is the second state-supported school in…

Columbus woman is facing charges in Tupelo for allegedly trying to deposit fraudulent checks

Her bond was set at $10,000

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Jaronica Jackson of Columbus is facing charges in Tupelo for allegedly trying to deposit fraudulent checks. Jackson, 24, i9s charged with False Pretense. Tupelo Police served the warrant Thursday, June 15. The alleged crime happened in 2022 when investigators say Jackson deposited fraudulent checks at a bank in Tupelo. Her bond was set at $10,000. The…

Local artist looks to carry on legacy of classic country singer

Over Jessica Horton's music career, she has taken on several roles, but many know her for her similar looks and vocals to Patsy Cline.

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – Over Jessica Horton’s music career, she has taken on several roles, but many know her for her similar looks and vocals to Patsy Cline. Horton gave radio listeners a blast from the past Saturday morning as she performed some of the country artist’s biggest hits. Horton will tell you she’s loved Patsy Cline since she was…

Award winning Elvis Tribute Artist is also a veteran of the Broadway stage

Pat Dunn uses his theatrical training when he takes the stage as Elvis

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The Tupelo Elvis Festival is in the books and one of the highlights were performances from some of the worlds top Elvis Tribute Artists. There were many champions from past contests on stage, but one performer is also at home on Broadway, in some top roles. Pat Dunn is well known in the world of Elvis…

Columbus Municipal School District host groundbreaking ceremony

A historic school in Columbus will be restored through a major renovation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A historic school in Columbus will be restored through a major renovation. The Columbus Municipal School District hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the old Hunt High School. In February 2019, an EF3 tornado ripped through the campus and it was ruled a total loss. On June 16, people gathered on this campus to witness the start…

D.A.R.E. Camp teaches children valuable life lessons while keeping fun

The camp is organized by the Lee County Sheriff's Office

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It is the season for summer camps, and participants at one camp are learning how to make wise choices while getting to know those who protect and serve. Zalla McCaffrey came to D.A.R.E. Camp as a student, and for the past three years, the 17-year-old Saltillo High Senior has been a leader. “I really enjoy…