Updated: 1:35 PM The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors approved a $10 surcharge on traffic tickets during its Monday meeting.

Updated: 1:32 PM The debate over whether hourly employees should be paid 12 times a year versus nine was raised at the Meridian School Board meeting.

Updated: 6:37 PM As the nation braces for a possible attack on Iraq, one local company is doing its part to help in the effort.

Updated: 11:27 AM The government is cracking down on decorative contact lenses, calling them illegal products that could cause blindness.

Updated: 9:55 AM Mississippi writer, Jerry Bustin of Forest, has published his first fictional novel.

Updated: 10:26 AM Four suspects were charged by the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department with the Oct. 20 burglary of a nightclub.

Updated: 10:29 AM Gov. Ronnie Musgrove told educators he will propose a new method for funding education.

Updated: 10:30 AM Water systems in Newton County and others around the east central region of Mississippi have received grants to make upgrades.

Updated: 10:51 AM A community forum for candidates is set for Tuesday night, sponsored by the Community Empowerment Committee.

Updated: 7:29 PM Police arrested a suspect in a bomb threat to a local school, but the accused is not a student.

Updated: 10:18 AM Economic development in East Mississippi and West Alabama got a shot in the arm on Saturday.

Updated: 10:16 AM Gov. Ronnie Musgrove is just back from an economic development trip to Europe.

Updated: 10:14 AM A leading Republican said he won't challenge Senator Trent Lott for Republican leadership.

Updated: 10:53 AM The Downtown Clean-Up Task Force, along with volunteers, is hitting the streets of downtown Meridian Friday and Saturday to attack litter and grime.

Updated: 6:36 PM A trial over the placement of the Ten Commandments at Alabama's Justice Building will continue next week.

Updated: 6:33 PM A Thursday wreck claimed the life of a Forest man.

Updated: 10:12 AM As the nation braces for possible battle with Iraq, one local company is celebrating a milestone that could help in the effort.

Updated: 10:13 AM The Mississippi Department of Health has proposed regulating childcare in homes that serve fewer than five children.

Updated: 5:59 PM Mississippi's highest court clarifies the law on appeals court judges recusing themselves from cases.

Updated: 5:58 PM Mississippi legislators call it quits for the weekend in the debate over civil justice reform.

Updated: 7:06 PM The president of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors asked the board to pass a curfew for minors.

Updated: 6:49 PM Specialty Hospital helped over 500 people check vital health information with free bone density and blood pressure screenings.

Updated: 6:48 PM Workers who were laid off from Burlington Industries may qualify for NAFTA benefits.

Updated: 10:41 AM Pharmacy giant Walgreen's plans to locate a store in Meridian.

Updated: 6:59 PM The Mississippi House and Senate both killed the other's bill for civil justice reform on business liability.