Mississippi is putting $8.54 million in federal funding toward short-term workforce training across all 15 public community colleges, while a Lee County food manufacturer plans a $7.1 million expansion and 70 new jobs. Those statewide developments lead Thursday morning’s Mississippi news briefing.
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The morning also brings a new public-health warning about counterfeit and unregulated drugs, cooler and drier conditions, overnight I-20 work in Jackson, an Ocean Springs police search and two practical family-health updates. Sports remains in its separate section.
$8.54 million grant will build short-term training across all 15 community colleges
Mississippi will deploy $8,544,213 from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand short-term workforce training and prepare programs for Workforce Pell Grants, according to the governor’s September 23 announcement.
The Mississippi Workforce Pell Systems and Pathways Initiative is expected to serve more than 1,500 participants and support at least 19 short-term programs seeking Workforce Pell eligibility. The targeted fields are advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction and information infrastructure, and health care. Northwest Mississippi Community College will lead the statewide project, with AccelerateMS coordinating implementation alongside the other 14 public community colleges.
The governor’s office says all $8.54 million of the project cost is federally financed. The announcement describes work on training pathways, data systems and employment-outcome tracking; it does not say that a new enrollment period or student-aid application opened Wednesday. Prospective students should watch their local college for program-specific dates and eligibility details.
Raybern Foods plans $7.1 million Shannon expansion and 70 jobs
Raybern Foods will add production lines at its Shannon sandwich plant through a $7.1 million expansion expected to create 70 jobs, the Mississippi Development Authority announced.
MDA says increased demand and new customer contracts are driving the equipment purchase. The state is assisting through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program, and Lee County also is supporting the project. Raybern was founded in California in 1978 and expanded to Shannon in 2015; its frozen and refrigerated sandwiches are sold nationally.
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The release does not provide a construction schedule, pay range or application link for the projected positions. Mississippi News Group’s full Raybern report carries the initial expansion summary.
MSDH warns that familiar packaging does not make a drug safe
The Mississippi State Department of Health is warning residents about counterfeit pills, illicitly manufactured drugs and psychoactive products obtained from sources that cannot be verified. A pill’s appearance, professional packaging or availability in a store or online does not establish its contents or safety, the September 23 advisory says.
MSDH cited federal warnings involving concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products and urged residents not to identify a suspected substance from its appearance or social-media reports. The agency recommends keeping naloxone available, administering it when an opioid overdose is suspected and calling 911 immediately. Warning signs include a person who cannot be awakened, slowed or stopped breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, discolored lips or fingernails, and pinpoint pupils.
Mississippi residents can request a naloxone kit for shipment at no charge through the MSDH opioid program. Mississippi News Group’s naloxone guide explains the state’s carry guidance.
Cooler, drier Thursday gives way to a gradual warmup
A cold front has delivered lower humidity and a modest cooldown. The National Weather Service in Jackson forecasts central Mississippi highs mainly in the mid-to-upper 80s Thursday, with Hattiesburg near 90, followed by lows in the 60s. Its morning discussion expects mostly dry conditions and no clear signal for rain until the middle of next week.
The Memphis office expects a dry northern Mississippi pattern through at least Saturday, generally with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s. The New Orleans/Baton Rouge office says less humid air is spreading through southwest Mississippi, and the Mobile office expects a cooler Friday after Thursday highs in the upper 80s to near 90 across southeast Mississippi.
All four NWS office discussions serving Mississippi listed no Mississippi watches, warnings or advisories at the morning check. Conditions can change, so readers should use location-specific alerts. Mississippi News Group’s central Mississippi forecast report includes the latest temperature graphic.
I-20 overnight lane closures continue at three Jackson locations
The work affects I-20 at Gallatin Street, over Lynch Street and over Wiggins Road. Crews are placing temporary striping ahead of lane shifts for bridge work in the I-20/I-55 Freight Corridors Improvement Project, known as “The Big Fix.” Drivers should expect rolling closures, slow down and watch for roadside workers and signs. The full closure notice lists all three locations.
Ocean Springs police seek man on burglary and fraud allegations
The Ocean Springs Police Department is seeking Gregory Emile Stephenson, 37, in connection with an alleged vehicle burglary and two counts of credit card fraud, according to a Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers bulletin.
Crime Stoppers said Stephenson is from the Ocean Springs area. People with information can submit it through the P3 Tips app; information must go through Crime Stoppers to qualify for a reward. The allegations have not been proved in court, and Stephenson is presumed innocent unless convicted. Mississippi News Group’s Ocean Springs report has the original notice.
Health officials urge expectant parents to track fetal movement
MSDH is encouraging expectant parents to learn their baby’s usual movement pattern by noticing kicks, rolls, jabs and other movement. If that pattern changes or something does not feel right, the department says parents should contact their health care provider without waiting.
The agency’s September 24 message points families to EveryBabyFirst.com, Mississippi’s infant-mortality awareness and prevention campaign, for additional pregnancy and infant-health resources.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect infant, convertible, forward-facing and booster seats, answer questions and help with installation. No appointment is necessary. Mississippi News Group’s event guide has the time and location.
Featured image: National Weather Service Jackson temperature graphic issued September 24, 2026. Credit: National Weather Service Jackson, via its approved source feed.
