Author: Imported Author 1980807

Main Street merchants are working to maintain business despite the closure of the 500 block following the fire that destroyed the Delta Fuel building. While the outer walls of the structure remain standing, the street and sidewalk are closed because of concerns about a possible collapse. Some businesses are directing customers to rear entrances and parking areas to help sustain sales during the shutdown.

Louisiana has launched a new Workforce Pell program aimed at expanding access to short-term job training. Residents can apply for Workforce Pell grants to help pay for programs such as skilled trade training. According to state officials, the grants function in the same manner as traditional Pell grants but apply only to designated training programs identified through data showing they lead to high-quality jobs, including roles in AI and energy infrastructure. Most applicants are expected to receive about $2,200 per program. A full list of eligible programs is available on the Louisiana Works website.

The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed two cases of Cyclosporiasis in the state. One case was reported in the Pine Belt region and the other on the Mississippi Coast. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite and is often linked to contaminated produce. The illness can cause severe diarrhea and other symptoms. The source of this year’s national outbreak has not yet been determined.

The City of New Orleans is issuing an urgent safety warning to e-bike riders after four people have died in e-bike-related crashes this year. Police and cycling advocates are reminding riders to be aware of the high speeds e-bikes can reach. Under state law, an e-bike’s motor can assist riders up to 28 miles per hour; any bike that exceeds that speed without the motor cutting off is considered an electric motorcycle. Cycling advocates also noted frequent violations of road rules, including riding against traffic, riding on sidewalks, using earbuds, and not wearing helmets.

The Mississippi River at Natchez Valley is currently at 35.91 feet and rising.

The upper Natchez river bluff area is undergoing new improvements with the development of a plaza honoring Black Union Civil War soldiers and beautification work near the former Broadway Street train depot. The Natchez Board of Aldermen has selected a Jackson‑area landscaping company, Four Seasons, to develop part of the green space at Broadway and Madison designated for the memorial dedicated to formerly enslaved men recruited by the Union Army in Natchez. Four Seasons was the lowest of two bidders. The contract totals nearly $443,000 and includes drainage improvements for another planned city plaza.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed 36 in‑state cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea. Louisiana is one of 30 states reporting cases. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the CDC and FDA are working to identify the food source responsible for the outbreak. Once the contaminated items are traced, they will be recalled. Michigan health officials have suggested lettuce and salad greens as a possible source, though Sokol notes the scale of the outbreak indicates a domestic cause rather than cases linked to international travel.

Mississippi has joined 48 other states and territories in a $29.6 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Glenmark. Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that the company was accused of participating in a long‑running conspiracy to inflate and manipulate generic drug prices and restrict competition. Mississippi’s share of the settlement is just over $236,000.

Concerns continue to grow over potential costs to utility ratepayers as Meta expands its data center in Richland Parish. Meta and Entergy have stated they will cover all power‑related costs for the facility. However, the Alliance for Affordable Energy notes that the data center is not on its own grid, and certain expenses such as fuel and transmission costs may still affect ratepayers. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis said Meta must uphold its commitments or risk communities considering ordinances that restrict data center development, which could push such projects to other countries.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 35.69 feet and falling.

Work is scheduled to begin August 3 to demolish the Frye Building in Natchez, clearing the way for parking to support the planned reopening of the Eola Hotel. The city has approved a $745,000 bid for the demolition, which includes asbestos remediation. The Eola has been closed since 2014, and plans have been underway for several years to refurbish the property and reopen it as a Marriott Flag hotel.

In Richland Parish, Louisiana, increased tax revenues generated by the Meta data center project are resulting in significant teacher bonuses. Before taxes, bonuses are reported at $50,000. Teachers have used the funds for purposes such as paying off vehicle loans and making down payments on homes. The bonuses are part of an overall investment in the region totaling more than $50 billion.

At the Mississippi State Capitol, data centers were the focus of discussion during a meeting of an AI task force. Elected officials, power companies, and public interest groups provided input on the growing role of data centers in the state. While some see benefits, others expressed concerns about their impact on local communities. Several mayors were among those addressing the task force.

Louisiana employment has reached an all-time high, with 2.01 million people working in non-farm jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the past year, the state has added 16,700 jobs, with more than half of those in the construction sector. Monroe, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge are currently the fastest-growing metro areas for job growth, each supported by major construction projects.

The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 36.14 feet and falling.

Fire officials report that the remains of the Delta Fuel building on Main Street are expected to continue smoldering following a fire Sunday morning. Flames led to the collapse of the building’s second floor and roof. A portion of Main Street remains closed, and some customers briefly lost power after an underground transformer flooded during firefighting efforts. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Authorities in Louisiana are conducting a search for the remains of a teenager believed to have ended up in a landfill. Baton Rouge Police have identified a one-acre area where the remains may be located, and a team of 10 to 15 people is examining debris. The FBI is assisting, and anthropologists from LSU’s FACES Lab are on site to help identify any potential human remains. Authorities have charged 51-year-old Marcus Parms in the beating death of Minnie Weather.

The Mississippi Department of Education will release state Education Enhancement Funds to public school districts beginning tomorrow. Teachers will receive $748 for the 2026–2027 school year to purchase instructional supplies. For the first time, funds will be distributed through ClassWallet, a digital wallet platform. Teachers may use their EEF accounts throughout the school year until April 30.

A new Louisiana study reports that the benefits of bariatric surgery extend beyond significant weight loss, though no additional details were provided in the broadcast.

The Mississippi River at Natchez Valley is at 37.18 feet and falling.

A fire early Sunday morning on Main Street in Natchez is under investigation by the Natchez Fire Department. Firefighters responded at about 5 a.m. to Delta Fuel. According to Fire Chief Robert Arrington, no injuries were reported. Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson stated in a social media post that the building dates back to the late 1800s. Arrington said the fire started in the basement and that the second floor and roof were compromised.

Louisiana is among 29 states reporting cases of Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhea. State epidemiologist Teresa Sokall said the illness is typically associated with international travelers, but many recent cases have been domestic. This suggests that a food item consumed in the U.S. may be the source. Officials are still working to determine the cause, though outbreaks are often linked to fresh produce. Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Persistent diarrhea, cramps, and bloating should be evaluated by a doctor. The infection is rarely lethal, but severe dehydration can require hospitalization.

Following a presidential disaster declaration for Mississippi, the U.S. Small Business Administration has announced disaster loans for businesses, residents, and nonprofits affected by severe storms. Tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on May 6 and 7 caused damage across the state. The declaration covers Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Wilkinson counties, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and economic injury disaster loans.

A new Louisiana law requires political ads that use artificial intelligence to clearly disclose that fact. The measure, authored by New Orleans Representative Mandy Landry and now designated Act 806, is intended to prevent harm that could come from undisclosed AI-generated content. The law does not regulate the technology itself. When it takes effect on August 1, violators could face fines of up to $2,000 or up to two years in prison.

The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 38.26 feet and falling.