Racing to return to Magnolia Motor Speedway

Magnolia Motor Speedway is preparing for The Columbus Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Clash at the Mag on Thursday through Saturday. The event will feature Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competitors attempting to tame the “Black Ice” in pursuit of a $20,000-to-win top prize and a purse of more than $70,000.

Judge temporarily blocks abortion law

A federal judge on Sunday temporarily blocked enforcement of a Mississippi law that could shut down the only abortion clinic in the state.

U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan in Jackson issued a temporary restraining order the day the new law took effect.

He set a July 11 hearing to determine whether to block the law for a longer time.

Columbus AFB airman dies in vehicle accident

A Columbus Air Force Base airman has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident near West Point.

Hundreds of new laws take effect in Mississippi

The process for injured Mississippi workers getting insurance payments will become more restrictive. Dyslexic students will be able to transfer to other public or private schools and have the state pay for it. And AT&T will be relieved of obligations to hook up phone service to certain customers.

Those are among the new Mississippi laws that come into force Sunday, with the start of the state’s 2012-2013 budget year.

Miss. Medicaid expansion unlikely, GOP leaders say

Top Republicans in Mississippi say the state can’t afford to expand its Medicaid program to cover more people under the federal health care overhaul. Some Democrats, however, say the state should jump at the chance to provide coverage for its more than half million uninsured residents.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld most of the federal Affordable Care Act on Thursday. But justices said the federal government can’t withhold Medicaid money from states that choose not to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income adults.

Family sues over teenager’s death

The family of a teenager shot to death New Year’s Day in West Point has sued the owners of the apartment complex where the shooting occurred.

Business brief: Dixon appointed

Tronox Limited announced the appointment of John Dixon of Columbus, as the manager for its titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment and sodium chlorate production plants in Hamilton.

Business brief: Waste Management awarded

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), announced that the Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority was awarded the SWANA Gold Excellence Award in Landfill Gas Utilization.

Marriages and divorces 6-28-12

COLUMBUS Marriages June 19- 27 James Kyle Taylor and Erin Courtney Bell Jeffrey Cartell Johnson and Justina Deangelous Morton Jamarri Ramon Givens and Nakandace Maudine

Building permits 6-28-12

Columbus June 19- 25 CCI, LLC; 1600 27th St. N., Apt 4; Gas Inspection; Harold Pounders Kyle Conner; 1811 Main St. #2, #5; Electrical Inspection;

Arrest report 6-28-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: Joseph Leon Hall, 68, of 2125 Seventh Ave. N., was

Brooks picked as convention delegate

Local democrats have been chosen for key positions within the state Democratic Party.

Arrest report 6-27-12

The following arrest was reported by the Columbus Police Department: Marisa Brents, 55, of 68 Lynn Circle, was arrested by CPD June 26 and charged

Arrest report 6-26-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: Terrell Devonta Nance, 21, of 2308 Seventh Ave. N., Apt.

Arrest report 6-25-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: James Randle Butler, 32, of 12 Bryant Road, was arrested

Quick enforcement sought for abortion law

The sponsor of Mississippi’s new abortion law wants the state Health Department to immediately enforce the measure when it takes effect July 1.

But the Health Department generally allows some time for any facility it inspects to come into compliance with a law.

Tropical Storm Debby forms in the Gulf

Tropical Storm Debby formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, interfering with oil and gas production and putting officials on alert for flooding and strong winds from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.

Columbus Police announce suspects in two murders

Columbus Police have announced the names of suspects in the 2011 murder of William Vaughan and the 1997 murder of George Wilbanks.

Columbus Police Academy up and running

After being closed for several years, the Columbus Police Academy is back in business. The academy opened its doors in May to offer its services to area residents participating in a citizens academy.

Arrest report 6-22-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: Christina Denise Mason, 27, of 1409 Seventh St. N., Apt.