Twin States News

Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is challenging Gov. Greg Gianforte's suspension of him from the commission. At the same time, a lawsuit was filed asking that all consideration of a major NorthWestern Energy merger be paused until the Molnar case plays out. On Friday, Montana District Court Judge Mike Menehan heard arguments on whether Molnar should be able to return to the commission while he challenges the suspension by Governor Greg Gianforte.

The Women’s Alliance of Meridian came together for a luncheon to honor and celebrate Farida Lala, Carolyn Smith, and the Honorable Veldore Young-Graham for the lasting impact they have had on the community. Farida Lala was recognized for the impact her and her family have had on Meridian and the surrounding area, through their hotel management business Lala Enterprises. “Very happy, and very proud of what I’m doing, I got today, you know I earned it.

Meridian Community College held its final orientation session ahead of the upcoming school year, giving students an opportunity to learn more about the college and prepare for the start of classes. Orientation allows incoming students to become familiar with MCC, complete enrollment requirements and make sure they have everything they need before the semester begins.

Threefoot Brewing will celebrate a key milestone this weekend as the only locally owned brewery in Meridian that brews its beer in-house. The business is marking its fifth year of serving Meridianites. Twin States spoke with co-owner of the brewery John Purdy about what this milestone means to the business. "It's a big deal. Five years is really hard for, restaurants or breweries to make it to that point. It's kind of a milestone, and it means a lot to us.

One person was hurt in a shooting in Meridian. Police were called to the scene on 5th Avenue, where a suspect was arrested. Investigators say the shooting happened after a family altercation, and there is no threat to the community.

Saturday is for the pets in Meridian. The city is holding its "Pet Day" to help rehome animals and support the Meridian Animal Shelter. There will be animals up for adoption and door prizes for visitors. Saturday's event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tractor Supply Company.

Two people were killed in separate crashes within 24 hours. In Lauderdale County, a 34-year-old man died overnight when his car left the travel lane along Shiloh Vimville Road, authorities said. In Neshoba County, a Native American man from the Tucker Community was killed after being ejected from a vehicle during a crash on County Road 505, authorities said.

ARRIVAL From Sweden: The Music of ABBA will perform at the MSU Riley Center in October. Founded in 1995 by original ABBA musician Rutger Gunnarsson and Vicky Zetterberg, the acclaimed tribute band has toured more than 80 countries, completed nearly 140 U.S. tours, and performed with more than 150 symphony orchestras worldwide.

Assma Ali was recently sworn in as a judge in the Town of Benoit, focusing on her judicial responsibilities and moving past the online backlash and controversy surrounding her appointment. In a social media statement, Ali expressed gratitude to the town for its confidence and emphasized her commitment to serving the community and upholding the Constitution while stepping away from social media.

Mississippi has enacted Senate Bill 2821, a new law that took effect July 1. The law adds sexual battery of a child under 12 to the list of crimes eligible for the death penalty. Sponsored by State Senator Jeremy England, the legislation establishes the crime of "capital sexual battery" for defendants aged 18 or older.