Things To Know Monday, February 13

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - If you missed a few of the most important headlines and need to play catch up, no worries. WLBT has gathered some of the top stories from our website to get you up to speed.

1. 6 people injured, 3 in critical condition following shooting at Louisville store

Six people were injured, and three are in critical condition following a shooting at a Louisville store, WCBI reports. Police Chief Sean Holdiness says the shooting happened in the parking lot of the Blackwell store on Jones Avenue and John C. Stennis Avenue. “We’re going to do whatever it takes,” the chief said. “We will keep you up to date and provide the latest details as this investigation unfolds. I’m angry. The community is angry, and we’re hurt because there are three people that were hurt and got on a helicopter to go to Jackson for wounds, and one of them was just an innocent bystander. A 62-year-old man that wasn’t paying attention to anything.” According to the chief, multiple suspects are involved, with some believed to be minors.

2. Black History Month: The First African American to integrate the University of Southern Mississippi

If you visit the University of Southern Mississippi today, you will see thousands of African American students enrolled at the university. However, that was not always the case. Fifty-eight years ago, Raylawni Branch and Gwendolyn Armstrong took the brave step to desegregate the public university, paving the way for future African American students to learn at USM. “I don’t know if I just didn’t care anymore or if I was determined to do all I could do to make a change,” said Branch. She is now 82 years old and was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Branch says growing up, she knew at an early age she wanted to create change, make a difference in her community, and get a good education.

3. NAS-trained pilots part of flyover team at Super Bowl 57

Women are part of a 300-mile-an-hour historic first this weekend right before Super Bowl 57. And it’s special for Meridian, Miss., as well. “It’s any pilots dream to do this,” said LT Caitie Perkowski, of Albuquerque, N.M. “I think it’s a great testament in naval aviation,” said LT Suzelle Thomas, of Birmingham, Ala. Perkowski and Thomas both received their wings of gold at Naval Air Station Meridian. For the first time ever, all the Navy jets flying over the stadium before the game will be piloted by women. “Call sign ‘Jenga’,” said Perkowski. “I’m so new to the fleet I don’t have a call sign yet,” said Thomas. Perkowski and Thomas are two of the four pilots in the diamond formation.

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