As kindergarten readiness drops, Mississippi University for Women says early childhood learning is the answer

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – According to the scores for the 2021 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, only 31.8 percent of children in Mississippi are kindergarten-ready, down from nearly 37 percent in 2019. Educators point to the pandemic as the reason why. However, the Pre-K students at the Mississippi University for Women’s Child and Parent Development Center scored extremely high. “Children need engagement…

How to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu

It's difficult to tell the difference because the symptoms of each virus are so similar, but the effects are very different

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Getting sick is never fun especially around the fall months, and sometimes it’s tough to spot the difference between a cold and the flu. When you mix in COVID- 19; that adds to the concern. It’s difficult to tell the difference because the symptoms of each virus are so similar, but the effects are very different. “People…

Treatment made available for Men’s Health Awareness Month

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- One local hospital is shedding light on Men’s Health Awareness month. North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point hosted a men’s health event Tuesday. Male patients were able to receive screenings for prostate, PSA, blood pressure, bone density, and testosterone. Dr. Ned Miller says preventative health for men is the goal. “The United States preventative services task force…

Telemedicine may be revisited at the next legislative session

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Insurance companies are required to reimburse patients in Mississippi who use live telemedicine services the same as if the visits are face to face. Andy Case is the Director of Consumer Services for the Mississippi Insurance Department. As the guest speaker today at the Columbus Rotary Club, Case said the issue of telecare may be revisited…

Columbus Mayor is meeting people where they are with new walking campaign

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Meeting people where they are, that’s one of the ideas behind a new initiative by Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin. Gaskin kicked off “Walking with the Mayor” this morning in the North Columbus neighborhood of Northaven Woods. About a dozen residents joined the mayor to discuss issues facing the city and share ideas for the future as…

FBI aids Lee County Sheriff’s Department in arresting man allegedly threatening church with mass murder

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of a Saltillo man accused of threatening his church and its members with “mass murder.” Sheriff Jim Johnson says it was around 8 p.m. Friday that the FBI contacted them about threats of violence against area churches on Sunday, November 14.   “The information received from the FBI…

Louisville police department creating plan to cut down crime rate

Louisville experienced four shootings within a week

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-Gun violence isn’t specific to one area and as the old saying goes; bullets don’t have a name on them. Louisville experienced four shootings within a week and the police department is working to make arrests and prevent further crimes from happening.. On Tuesday night, November 9, 2021,  there were shots fired near a gas station at the…

Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID-19 is hosting a vaccine drive-thru

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A local organization is making sure families and individuals continue to have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID-19 is hosting a vaccine drive-thru clinic Saturday, November 20th at Rising Star M.B. Church. in Tupelo. The vaccines will be administered from 10 am to 12 pm. Categories: Coronavirus Information, Local News

Mississippi officials are cracking down on phone scams

Eight companies faces $5 million in fines for illegal phone calls to Mississippians

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi officials are cracking down on spam callers. These eight companies listed below are facing punishment for allegedly violating Mississippi’s No-Call law: “-AM PROTECTION, INC -STRAIGHT MARKETING -STUDENT LOAN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, LLC -THRIO/ CRISP MARKETING, LLC -TRANSPORTATION BPO, LLC -VACATION TOUR AND TRAVEL -WEIBAIO, GMEI, DTCC -ZEALOUS SERVICES” Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley announced that these…

Lowndes County Sheriff getting a $10,000 pay raise

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins gets a vote of confidence and a financial boost from the Board of Supervisors. At this morning’s meeting, the Board approved a $10,000 supplement to Hawkins’ salary. Board president, Trip Hairston praised Hawkins’ leadership in guiding the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. State law sets a base…

Local hospital is encouraging men to focus on their health

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – A local hospital is encouraging men to focus on their health. North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point is hosting a men’s health event on Wednesday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Participants will be able to talk one-on-one to physicians from the hospital about a variety of health concerns. Men in attendance will also be able…

Zachary’s restaurant and Columbus police team up for catfish fundraiser

Zachary's restaurant and the Columbus police department teamed up to help fellow officers

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Zachary’s restaurant and the Columbus police department teamed up to help fellow officers. Chief Fred Shelton and Zachary’s owner Doug Pellum decided to host the fundraiser to benefit members in the force and their families. They figure what better way than food the duo created Catfish 4 Cops. Pellum said it felt good to help those who…

Weather Whys: El Nino and La Nina

COLUMBUS, MISS (WCBI): You’ve likely heard a meteorologist or other figure in the media talking about El Nino or La Nina, but what does that mean? In this week’s edition of weather whys, meteorologist Christian Bridges breaks it down, as well as how this weather phenomena affects our winter here in Mississippi. Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather

Columbus’s American Legion hosts a veterans day dinner

Members of the American Legion wanted to honor those that paid the ultimate sacrifice

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Veterans day is marked to be celebrated one day out of the year, but their dedication to protecting our country lives on. Members of the American Legion wanted to honor those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and those that fought and are still with us by having a Veterans dinner. ” Freedom is not free it’s been…

Warm through Wednesday, much cooler late week

SUMMARY: Ahead of a cold front later this week, temperatures will quickly climb during the first half of the week. 70s look likely for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a few 80 degree readings in spots Wednesday. The front moves through on Thursday, bringing rain showers and much cooler temperatures. Highs on Friday will be more than 20 degrees cooler than…

Grant Me Hope: Luke

November 13, 2021

This week on Grant Me Hope, we meet Luke. This 18-year-old has dreams of visiting Disney World and being adopted into a loving family. Categories: Featured

Saturday night freeze, warming trend for the days ahead

SUMMARY: Cool and sunny weather will stick around for Sunday, after a frosty start. Things moderate as we start the new work week, with temperatures gradually warming into the 70s by Wednesday. A late week cold front will bring rain chances for Thursday and cooler weather to finish out the week. SATURDAY NIGHT: Dry air, clear skies, and light winds…