Update COVID-19 vaccines now available in towns across Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health said an updated vaccine is recommended for anyone 12 and older who is healthy, regardless of previous vaccination status.
State News
Powerball jackpot rises to $1.2B after another drawing without a big winner
The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.2 billion after no players hit it big Monday night. The winning numbers announced were: 12, 26, 27, 43, 47 and the Powerball 5.
Nationwide federal emergency alert system to send out alarm Wednesday
This is only a test. Your phone, tablet, or even your computer may send out an alarm on Wednesday afternoon. It's all part of a nationwide test of the federal emergency alert system.
Federal appeals court reconsiders voting decision for certain felons
The Fifth U.S. Circuit of Appeals said a majority of the appeals court's 16 active judges would take a new look at the decision delivered by a panel on August 4.
State test scores released: Here's where districts in our viewing area stand
State test scores were released and there are some big changes for some districts. There are 17 A-rated school districts in the WCBI viewing area.
Powerball jackpot up to $850 million after months without a big winner
An estimated $850 million Powerball jackpot will be up for grabs Wednesday night for players willing to risk a couple of dollars and brave incredibly long odds.
Mississippi Hospital group takes on national prescription drug issue
90% of the prescription medications taken by Americans are generics, but 85% of those generics are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions if trade with India, China, or Japan is interrupted.
Mississippi Forestry Commission requests resources to combat wildfires
With extended drought on the horizon, the Mississippi Forestry Commission requested resources from other states to combat wildfires.
Some Alabama small businesses will see monthly tax break starting Oct. 1
The new legislation removed the monthly estimated sales tax requirement for businesses with less than $20,000 in average monthly sales tax liability.
Mississippi Lottery Unveils October Scratch-Off Games
The Mississippi Lottery is rolling out three new scratch-off games on Oct. 3, leading with a fun twist on the traditional crossword-style game.
Supreme Court will let Alabama's congressional map be redrawn to better represent Black voters
The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the drawing of a new Alabama congressional map with greater representation for Black voters to proceed.
Powerball jackpot climbs to $835M after no one overcomes awful odds to win top prize
The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $835 million after no one beat the immense odds Monday night and won the top prize.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway remains open for business
As the Mississippi River continues to see lower water levels, there could be an impact along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
Average gas prices in Mississippi see slight decrease
Mississippi's average gas prices were seeing a slight decrease. Triple-A reported the average price for a gallon of regular was $3.26.
Powerball jackpot drawing reaches 4th largest total in Powerball history
What would you do with a million dollars? How about $785 million? You could be $2 away from a major payday.
Absentee voting now available for November general election
Absentee voting is now available for the November general election. The Secretary of State's office said to contact your county circuit clerk to see if you're eligible.
Leader of Mississippi Hospital Association fired by board
The leader of the Mississippi Hospital Association has been fired, according to Mississippi Today. This decision by the board came just one day after Governor Tate Reeves announced a plan in hopes to save rural hospitals in the state.
Gov. Reeves releases plan about Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals
Governor Tate Reeves unveiled a plan he believed would give nearly $700 million to hospitals across the state.
Legal battle over state's mental health care system takes another turn
A three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a lower court ruling that found Mississippi relies too much on institutionalizing people with mental health conditions rather than providing care in local communities.
Former leader of Mississippi Democratic Party wants court to reinstate him
The former leader of the Mississippi Democratic Party wants a court to reinstate him. Tyree Irving was removed as Chairman by the state party's Executive Committee back in July.
Columbus Light, Water alerts customers about rate hike
Columbus Light and Water is alerting customers about a rate hike. The utility said the Tennessee Valley Authority board voted back in August to raise its wholesale electric base rate by 4.5%.
Mississippi governor set to release proposal to help financially struggling hospitals
Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves is set to release a proposal Thursday aimed at helping some of the state's financially struggling hospitals, even as the Democrat who is trying to unseat him has spent months hammering Reeves for opposing Medicaid expansion in one of the poorest states in the nation.
Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students and should be defunded
Calling numerous social science and humanities degree programs “indoctrination factories,” Mississippi's auditor says the state should defund several college majors and invest in subjects that match the state's workforce needs.
West Nile Virus update: Low infection rates in WCBI viewing area
It may not have been making the headlines for the last three Summers, but the West Nile Virus is still with us.
Low Mississippi River limits barges just as farmers want to move their crops downriver
A long stretch of hot, dry weather has left the Mississippi River so low that barge companies are reducing their loads just as Midwest farmers are preparing to harvest crops and send tons of corn and soybeans downriver to the Gulf of Mexico.