Local Education & Pay: Mississippi teachers and teacher assistants get a $2,000 raise as new state laws take effect July 1, alongside changes to public employee retirement rules. Public Safety: Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued a direct warning to residents amid rising gun violence. New State Rules: July 1 also brings tougher Mississippi gun laws for certain teen offenses and other criminal-justice changes, plus a new driver education requirement for new license applicants. Community Health & Care: Picayune’s Safe Haven Baby Box is installed at the fire station, awaiting final activation to give parents a legal, anonymous surrender option. Culture & Service: Monticello’s 2026-27 Royal Ambassador candidates were announced, and a Monticello couple behind Heart Strong Monticello was highlighted for CPR/AED advocacy after surviving sudden cardiac arrest. Mississippi Spotlight on Justice: In Senatobia, attorneys for the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley say an independent autopsy supports homicide and raises questions about officers’ account, with calls for release of body/dash and surveillance video. Learning & Forensics: Southern Miss opened a Rural Digital Forensics Initiative lab to help rural agencies process digital evidence faster. Outdoors & Travel: A guide spotlights Columbus as a home base for exploring Lake Lowndes State Park. Arts & History: “GMA” continues its 50-states-in-50-weeks America 250 series, while a museum curator highlights a major Jefferson-era document on display.