Author: Imported Author 1980807

Adams County Supervisors responded Monday to complaints from a resident regarding the county engineer and an upcoming trip to Hawaii by two board members. Jerry Ogden questioned the performance of County Engineer George Ford and raised concerns about Supervisors Angela Hutchins and Ricky Gray traveling to the National Organization of Black County Officials Economic Development Conference. The event is scheduled for Thursday through Monday at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa. The county has budgeted approximately $6,700 for the trip. Hutchins and Gray have stated that attending government-related conferences helps them perform their duties more effectively and identify additional funding opportunities for the county.

A debate on the Moon Griffon Show featured Louisiana U.S. Senate Republican primary candidates John Fleming and Julia Letlow. Both argued they are the most conservative candidate in the race. Fleming criticized Letlow for previously supporting Democratic-sponsored diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, claiming her recent opposition is politically motivated. Letlow countered by highlighting her endorsement from former President Donald Trump before entering the race, noting Fleming served in the Trump administration but did not receive the endorsement.

Anne McGrew was sentenced Monday to one year in prison for her role in Mississippi’s largest welfare fraud case. She pled guilty to conspiracy in 2021. Prosecutors said that in 2020, former Mississippi Department of Human Services Executive Director John Davis, along with Christy Webb, Nancy New, and others, fraudulently obtained federal funds from programs including the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Prosecutors said Davis directed the funds to the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi Inc. and MCEC, operated by Webb and New.

The Louisiana House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that would increase salaries for statewide elected officials. The legislation by Representative John Ilg would raise the governor’s salary from $130,000 to $182,000. Salaries for other statewide positions would increase from $115,000 to $156,000 beginning in 2028. The measure passed 18–4. Supporters said some local officials already earn more than the governor, while opponents argued the raises are too large.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 35.68 feet and rising.

Adams County officials continue working to recover from a cyber attack that crashed the county’s IT system last month, leaving car owners unable to obtain renewed car tags or register newly purchased vehicles. According to the Adams County Tax Collector, the attack resulted in the office being locked out of the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s technology network, which is required to process automobile registrations and collect car taxes. Work is underway to restore access. A similar issue in Hinds County previously took about three months to resolve.

A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows the national smoking rate has fallen below 10 percent for the first time. Tobacco‑free living advocates in Louisiana say the state’s rate remains significantly higher. Louisiana’s smoking rate is around 14 percent for cigarettes, and the percentage increases when all tobacco products are included. Advocates report that vape use among young people is rising sharply, and education and prevention efforts are being directed toward addressing that trend.

NASA is providing funding for two new space research projects at the University of Mississippi. Both studies will be led by an associate professor of chemistry and will explore how planets form and what materials exist throughout the universe. One project will investigate how tiny clusters of space dust may develop into the earliest building blocks of rocks, moons, and planets. The second project will analyze carbon‑based molecules found across the universe using data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Public discussion on Louisiana’s congressional redistricting efforts is scheduled for Friday at the State Capitol. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will review a new congressional district map proposal. The committee chairman says his proposal uses the same 5‑1 map implemented during the 2022 federal elections, in which five districts typically favor Republican candidates and one district typically favors a Democratic candidate. Further discussions may be needed depending on the level of agreement among lawmakers.

The Mississippi River at Natchez is recorded at 35.39 feet.

Natchez recently hosted the Downtown Unlocked event, highlighting available commercial properties on Main and Franklin streets. The effort aims to attract businesses that can meet local demand for retail, restaurant, and grocery services. The event also included recognition of major investors involved in downtown development.

In Louisiana, debate over redistricting is expected to begin this week at the state capitol. Governor Jeff Landry and Republican legislative leaders say a new congressional map is needed quickly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the existing one. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat noted that three state lawmakers currently running for Congress have a personal stake in how the map is redrawn. With the general election scheduled for November, he said the timeline will likely force U.S. House races back to an open primary system.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has declared this week Hurricane Preparedness Week. The declaration follows the 2025 hurricane season, which produced 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Reeves said the goal is to encourage residents to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The Mississippi Emergency Management Association plans to share preparedness information on its social media platforms throughout the week.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple reports that most home and auto insurance companies filing for rate changes in the first four months of 2026 requested rate decreases. Temple said this reflects progress from reforms passed last year, though additional work remains. He noted that commercial auto insurance rates remain high and said more legislation is needed to address issues in that sector.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 35.39 feet and falling.

News, sports, and weather updates are available anytime at ListenUpYall.com.

The Natchez planning and zoning director has announced his resignation after one year in the position to take a job with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Mango Tingle will conclude his duties this month as city officials begin the search for his replacement. He joined the City of Natchez in May of last year as the chief administrator of zoning and architectural regulations. Tingle is leaving to become deputy director of the Historic Preservation Division at MDAH, a state agency where he previously worked for 21 years. Mayor Dan Gibson described the move as a promotion. Tingle’s wife, Lauren Miller, recently accepted a position as curator at the State Capitol for the Mississippi Legislature.

Louisiana legislative leaders say they plan to approve a new congressional district map during the final month of the legislative session following this week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision. According to LawPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alfred, lawmakers are expected to introduce proposed maps next week. The current district map results in four Republicans and two Democrats in Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation. Alfred says new maps are likely to give Republicans an additional seat. Legislative and administrative officials are considering holding the election in the fall.

In Marshall County, the Sheriff’s Office reports that a deputy survived a serious incident during this week’s severe storms, which blew his patrol car off Interstate 22 and into the median, causing it to roll several times. The deputy was able to call 911 shortly after the crash. The Sheriff’s Office described his survival without injury as a miracle given the conditions. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

In Louisiana, owners of vehicle inspection stations are expressing opposition to legislation that would eliminate the state’s vehicle inspection sticker requirement. Davey Quinn of Hammond says House Bill 1095 would negatively affect station owners and reduce a safeguard against unsafe vehicles and uninsured motorists. Despite the objections, the Senate Transportation Committee approved the measure. The bill would replace the current inspection sticker with a $6-per-year QR code sticker. The House-passed bill now moves to the full Senate.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 35.08 feet and rising.

A crude oil storage tank in Faraday caught fire, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes. The tank, owned by Plains All-American Pipeline, is located on Maxwell Road near Lake St. John. It holds 45,000 gallons of oil and was full at the time of the fire. Residents were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

Reaction continues following the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell said the ruling supports the state’s long‑held position that voters should not be sorted by race. The decision focuses on the district running diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, represented by Cleo Fields. Fields said the ruling significantly weakens the Voting Rights Act and raises concerns about protections for states with histories of discrimination.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced the creation of the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program Office. The office will be housed within the Office of the Governor and will coordinate implementation of the state’s approved rural health plan. According to the governor, the office will oversee agency alignment, program administration, accountability, and results. Federal officials say the Rural Health Transformation Program is intended to help states address systemic challenges by upgrading infrastructure, expanding access to care, supporting the health care workforce, and using technology to improve health outcomes.

The Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map poses challenges for Democrat Cleo Fields, whose district is at the center of the case. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan said that because the court ruled race played too large a role in drawing the Sixth Congressional District, a newly drawn district is unlikely to favor a Democratic candidate. Hogan said the level of involvement by Donald Trump could influence whether a new map is drawn this year.

The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 34.46 feet and rising.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen has rejected the mayor’s request to convert part of Duncan Park’s tennis venue into pickleball courts. The proposal failed in a 4–2 vote. Following the decision, the city’s Parks and Recreation director indicated he plans to resign as disputes continued regarding management of the Duncan Park courts.

Turner Industries, based in Baton Rouge, has announced plans to build nuclear fabrication facilities in New Iberia and Port Allen. The projects are expected to create a total of 1,000 jobs, with 500 positions at each site. According to the Louisiana Economic Development secretary, the facilities will manufacture pipes, modules, and sub‑assemblies for nuclear reactors, allowing components to be produced in one location and shipped nationwide. The announcement was made during the inaugural Louisiana Nuclear Strategy and Supply Chain event in New Orleans, where state officials highlighted efforts to position Louisiana as a central hub for the U.S. nuclear supply chain.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has launched a disaster recovery emergency loan program to assist eligible local governments affected by the January winter storm. Administered by MEMA, the program offers financial assistance while cities and counties await FEMA reimbursement. A loan pool of $125 million is available to support recovery efforts.

The Louisiana House Education Committee has advanced a bill that would allow public colleges to increase tuition by up to 10 percent for all graduate, professional, and specialized programs, as well as undergraduate programs classified as high cost. Supporters of the measure say the additional revenue could help hire faculty, address deferred maintenance, fund previously unaffordable programs, and improve faculty‑to‑student ratios. The committee approved the bill in an 8–3 vote, sending it to the House floor.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is currently at 33.76 feet and rising.

News, sports, and weather updates are available anytime at ListenUpYall.com.

Investigators have released new information in the death of retired teacher Lana Brown Bradley. Deputies were called to Bradley’s home after her eldest son was unable to reach her. Two of her other sons lived at the residence, and her middle son had been working. According to investigators, the youngest son, Zachary Lavelle Jackson Jr., was found locked in a downstairs bathroom where deputies reported hearing slashing sounds. Sheriff Travis Patton stated that Jackson had placed body parts in a suitcase and disposed of others by flushing them down a toilet. Jackson has been charged with first- and second‑degree murder, mayhem, and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held without bond, and his next court date is scheduled for today.

Congressman Clay Higgins is urging Louisiana’s three major Republican U.S. Senate candidates to participate in a statewide televised debate. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says Higgins’ push may stem from concerns about a “stealth candidacy” in the race. Cross notes that significant campaign spending has led to numerous candidate‑to‑candidate attacks, and Higgins wants voters to hear directly from the candidates rather than political action committees. While Higgins has not endorsed anyone in the GOP primary, Cross says it is unlikely he supports Bill Cassidy and believes Higgins wants a MAGA‑aligned candidate to advance to the runoff and general election.

Students living in Alexander Hall at Jackson State University have been moved to temporary housing due to electrical issues. University leaders report that power has been temporarily restored, but the fire marshal recommended the building remain unoccupied during repairs. The electrical problems were confirmed to have been caused by overnight thunderstorms on Saturday.

Cleco’s Canadian-based owners have reached an agreement to sell the utility to Stonepeak Energy and Bernhardt Capital Partners. Company representative Jennifer Cahill said Cleco is pleased with the development and that customers should not expect changes in service, adding that the company will continue to focus on maintaining reliability. State Representative Mike Johnson stated that Cleco will remain headquartered in Pineville and that all employees will be retained, in line with a legislative resolution passed last year. While the resolution is not binding, Johnson said it clarified expectations for the company and the Public Service Commission, which must approve the sale.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 33.23 feet and rising.

A man was killed and two others were hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash in Adams County. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that troopers responded Wednesday afternoon to the collision on Highway 61. A car driven by 30-year-old Megan Miller of Albany, Louisiana, was traveling west on Highway 84 when it collided with a vehicle driven by 79-year-old Bertha Bowie of Fayette, Mississippi, which was traveling north on Highway 61. A passenger in Bowie’s vehicle, 62-year-old Charles Bowie, died from his injuries. Two additional passengers, 77-year-old Virginia Morgan and a 6-year-old child, were injured and taken to a hospital.

The second fatal mass shooting in Louisiana this week occurred Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morris reported that the incident began at 1:22 p.m. near the food court when two groups became involved in an argument, which escalated into gunfire. Police say the shooting appears to have stemmed from a targeted disagreement rather than a random act of violence. A 17-year-old was killed, and five others were injured. Multiple individuals are in custody. East Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards commended law enforcement for their rapid response.

Mississippi is facing an unusual drought at the start of the growing season. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson said 21 counties, including Adams County, have been designated primary disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions have worsened both within Mississippi and nationally. Gibson encouraged farmers to contact their local Farm Service Agency offices as additional disaster declarations may be made if conditions continue to deteriorate.

The Louisiana House Education Committee has approved a state Senate-passed bill aimed at addressing the increasing number of school systems adopting a four-day school week. Seventeen systems have made the switch, citing cost savings and improved teacher recruitment. Slaughter Elementary principal Jennifer Thornton said the schedule helps teachers maintain a healthier work-life balance. Senator Beth Mizell of Franklinton raised concerns about the impact on students, noting longer school days and the loss of a day when many children receive breakfast and lunch at school.

The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 31.66 feet and falling.

A man was killed and two others were taken to a hospital following a two‑vehicle crash in Adams County. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, troopers responded Wednesday afternoon to the crash on Highway 61. A car driven by 30‑year‑old Megan Miller of Albany, Louisiana, was traveling west on Highway 84 when it collided with a vehicle driven by 79‑year‑old Bertha Buey of Fayette, Mississippi, which was traveling north on Highway 61. A passenger in Buey’s vehicle, 62‑year‑old Charles Buey, died. Seventy‑seven‑year‑old Virginia Morgan and a six‑year‑old child were also injured and taken to a hospital.

The second fatal mass shooting of the week in Louisiana occurred Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana. Baton Rouge Police reported that at 1:22 p.m., two groups began arguing near the food court before gunfire erupted. Police said the shooting appeared to stem from a targeted disagreement rather than a random act. A 17‑year‑old was killed, and five other people were injured. Multiple individuals are in custody. Local officials praised the rapid response by law enforcement.

Mississippi is experiencing an unusual drought at the start of the growing season. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson said 21 counties, including Adams County, have been designated primary disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, conditions have worsened within the state and across the country. Gibson encouraged farmers to contact their local federal farm service agency office, and additional disaster designations may be made as the drought continues.

The Louisiana House Education Committee has approved a state Senate bill aimed at curbing the increasing number of school systems moving to a four‑day school week. Seventeen systems have adopted the shortened schedule, citing cost savings and improved teacher recruitment. Supporters say the schedule offers better work‑life balance for educators. Opponents argue that longer school days are difficult for students and that eliminating a school day reduces access to meals provided on campus.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 31.66 feet and falling.

News, sports, and weather are available anytime at listenupyall.com.

Fiery exchanges between two Adams County supervisors this week required Sheriff Travis Patton to intervene and break up a heated argument. The confrontation occurred between supervisors Kevin Wilson and Ricky Gray after Wilson criticized the cost of traveling to Hawaii for a national conference of county leaders. Wilson argued the trip was a waste of county funds, while Gray defended the travel as a way for supervisors to gain information and resources that help them perform their duties.

In Louisiana, the House of Representatives has approved legislation that would allow public universities to keep private their spending of revenue-sharing dollars provided to athletes. If enacted, the public would not be able to see how much money athletes receive directly from universities or how much each sports program is allocated. Supporters argue the measure protects athlete safety and prevents competitive disadvantages. Opponents say the revenue is public money and should remain transparent. The bill passed the House 91 to 4 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

A new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Mississippi has risen to 29th in the nation for preschool enrollment among four-year-olds, improving from 31st the previous year. National enrollment averages 37% for four-year-olds and 9% for three-year-olds. Mississippi’s state-funded pre-K programs enrolled 8,076 children in the 2024–2025 academic year, an increase of 931 from the year before.

The 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival opens today, featuring 5,000 musicians across 14 stages over eight days. Producer Quint Davis noted that while most performers are from Louisiana, major national acts help anchor the lineup. This year’s headliners include Rod Stewart. Davis also highlighted the festival’s distinctive food offerings, such as soft-shell crab sandwiches. Jazz Fest runs through May 3.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia stands at 31.89 feet and is falling.

News, sports, and weather are available anytime at listenupyall.com.