Author: Josh

The Mississippi Legislature earmarked $1 million for Natchez infrastructure, including the Canal Street Bridge—though Mayor Dan Gibson says another $4 million is still needed. The roundup also notes steady Easter crawfish prices, blueberry freeze losses and rising regional electricity costs.

Mississippi honors late Mayor Butch Brown by naming the Sergeant Prentiss Drive Bridge; NASA’s Michoud facility built key Artemis 2 components; the state raises school accountability standards for 2025–26, and Louisiana advances a two‑term governor amendment.

An arrest has been made in the six‑year‑old Natchez double homicide of Jimesia “Becky” Brown and Cameron “Cam” Jones, though investigators say additional suspects remain at large. Meanwhile, Louisiana lawmakers advanced Rep. Larry Bagley’s plan to replace vehicle inspection stickers with a $6 annual windshield QR code.

Mississippi approved a corrective plan for the Natchez‑Adams School District after late financial audits; LSU‑Alexandria will offer accelerated three‑year bachelor’s degrees in IT and bioinformatics. The Big Hungry wildfire is 70% contained after burning 4,246 acres, a Louisiana “Click to Cancel” bill advanced, and the Mississippi River at Natchez is 31.86 ft and falling.

A brush fire on Saragossa Road A in Natchez became a structure fire Saturday and is under investigation. Meanwhile, state policy moves include Louisiana’s sales‑tax centralization debate, a plan to raise teacher pay, and Mississippi’s new law holding landlords criminally liable for unpaid utilities; the river is 33.71 ft and falling.

MDOT will repair erosion threatening Canal Street near the Natchez Visitor’s Center without closing the road, and a Louisiana hazing bill that could ban fraternities after a death has advanced to the House floor.

Mayor Dan Gibson broke a tie to appoint Lee Best as Natchez police chief, then rejected aldermen’s move to create an assistant-chief post for commander Justin Jones, saying the new position hadn’t been properly discussed. Critics argue Best lacks sufficient department experience.

Natchez names Lee Best its new police chief. In other headlines: diesel tops $5/gal amid rising grocery costs, Gov. Tate Reeves vetoes a local emergency loan program, former Rapides Parish sheriff William Hildon was killed, and the Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is falling.

Merit Health Natchez needs donations for its Jars of Love peanut butter drive; ICE is assisting TSA at airports, and Entergy Louisiana launches demand‑response programs offering incentives for smart thermostats, solar customers and EV charging.

Ron Eller won the GOP nomination in Mississippi’s 2nd District and will face long-time incumbent Bennie Thompson. Also: Louisiana Central unveiled its Elevate 2030 plan, Mississippi landowners were warned about post–ice-storm bark beetles, and a local-option fluoride bill advanced.