Category: Morning Newscast

Judge Kathy Johnson retires after nearly 30 years on the bench; Patricia Koch is named interim successor. The U.S. Supreme Court heard coastal-parish suits against oil companies, a man has been charged in the arson at historic Beth Israel synagogue, and voters are urged to check registration ahead of closed primaries.

Six people were killed Friday in a series of shootings in rural Mississippi; 24-year-old Derica M. Moore was arrested and faces murder charges. Helena Moreno was sworn in as New Orleans’ mayor amid a $222 million budget shortfall. Local notes: Liberty Park restroom project approved; audit finds mislabeled shrimp.

New CWD case confirmed in Concordia Parish. Meanwhile, $22M in medical debt was forgiven for 17,000 Capital Area patients, and XAI announced a $20B Southaven facility expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patton warned supervisors that rising inmate numbers and declining staff at the 1970s-era jail require urgent action, and he’ll push next month for either a new $18–$45 million facility or a major overhaul. Other items: Gov. Jeff Landry plans a March trip to Greenland as U.S. special envoy; Mississippi lawmakers approved…

Adams County has a countywide burn ban through Feb. 5 amid heightened fire risk. In other news: Louisiana prepares for a busy 2026 election with officials defending current election security, Mississippi posts improved test scores and graduation rates, and national line‑of‑duty deaths fall to historic lows.

Adams County supervisors rejected a bid to back sheriff’s use of radar, while Saints owner Gale Benson and Gov. Jeff Landry push to revive a 2031 Super Bowl bid. Mississippi’s auditor warns car‑tag fees often top $1,000; Louisiana now requires licensed roofers.

A 15-year-old from Vidalia died in a tow truck crash in East Feliciana Parish. Louisiana will receive $208 million for rural health care; Mississippi state employees gain paid parental leave, and Louisiana’s handheld-phone driving ban is fully enforceable.

A 15-year-old Vidalia teen was killed in a tow-truck crash in East Feliciana Parish; Louisiana also won $208 million in federal funds to strengthen rural health care. Mississippi began a new paid parental-leave policy for eligible state employees (up to six weeks), Louisiana’s handheld phone ban is now enforceable, and the Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia…

Winter illnesses — flu, RSV and pneumonia — are rising in the Miss Lou amid fluctuating temperatures and holiday gatherings. New Orleans saw large drops in violent crime through 2025, while Mississippi ranked second‑highest per capita for New Year’s driving deaths; officials also urge litter prevention.

A Vidalia 17-year-old was arrested after surveillance tied him to a stolen firearm taken from a vehicle; bond is $67,500. Meanwhile, Louisiana recorded 13 fatal Christmas holiday crashes amid foggy, hazardous conditions—authorities cite speed, impairment and seatbelt failures.