SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers have passed a bill authorizing up to $95 million in bonds to construct a new state-owned liquor warehouse. The facility will store alcoholic beverages before distribution to retailers in the state, which controls liquor sales at the wholesale level. The current warehouse in Gluckstadt is outdated, causing distribution delays and shortages for retailers, including restaurants and package stores. To fund the new warehouse, a $1.50 bailment fee will be charged on each case of liquor. Despite $119.7 million in revenue from 2023 liquor sales, there's debate about whether Mississippi should remain in the distribution business. The construction contract must be finalized by October 1.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi State Auditor Shad White has disclosed the first indictment from an extensive investigation into unemployment benefit fraud under Operation Payback. Kenjarell Thomas faces a 59-count indictment, including identity theft, fraudulent government representation, and wire fraud charges. While in prison, Thomas allegedly used other inmates' personal information and his mother's address to claim benefits. White condemned the misuse of over half a billion dollars in illegal unemployment payments during the pandemic, affirming that regardless of the difficulty in catching out-of-state culprits, local fraudsters will be harshly dealt with. The state is implementing advanced data analytics to detect and address fraudulent activities, with more indictments expected.

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SUMMARY: A bomb threat at West Harrison High School in Mississippi prompted an investigation after an anonymous caller indicated they were inside the school with weapons and explosives. The incident, reported around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, led to the lockdown and evacuation of both West Harrison High and Middle Schools. Law enforcement agencies, including the Biloxi Police Department's bomb squad, conducted thorough searches, finding no weapons or explosives. Sheriff Matt Haley emphasized the seriousness of the situation and their prepared response. Schools will resume normal activities on Friday, while authorities continue to seek the suspect, urging anyone with information to contact the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.

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