Author: Imported Author 1980807

Police report that the man wanted in connection with the attempted murder of a woman in Natchez is now in custody. Kadiyah Isaiah Mosby, age 33, turned himself in on Tuesday, one day after the incident. He was wanted on charges of attempted murder and felon in possession of a firearm. According to Natchez Police Chief Lee Best, Mosby is accused of shooting 51-year-old Danielle Johnson twice on Pelican Court just after 7 p.m. Monday. No information has been released regarding her condition.

With heavy rain expected, Louisiana officials are urging drivers to use caution on the roads. The Department of Transportation and Development warns that flash flooding can occur quickly during severe downpours. The state will update road conditions through the 511 app, but officials note that flooding can occur before it appears on the system. Drivers are advised to avoid any roadway that appears washed out and to turn around rather than attempt to drive through standing water.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has announced that all Driver’s Service Bureau locations statewide will be temporarily closed today. The closure is to allow staff to participate in annual training and the General Assembly. Normal operations are expected to resume tomorrow.

In North Louisiana, the Caldwell Parish School Board has told state lawmakers it cannot support Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to redirect $168 million from public school operations to fund a $2,000 stipend for teachers. Board leaders say rising costs, including an $800,000 increase in insurance and health expenses since 2016, make the plan unaffordable for the district. Some lawmakers, including Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau, have indicated they intend to support the proposal, noting that additional assistance may be needed for certain districts. The plan requires approval from two-thirds of state legislators, with ballots due by 5 p.m. on June 23.

The Mississippi River at Natchez Valley is at 33.02 feet and falling.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors split Monday on whether to extend the application period for the county administrator position. Supervisor Wes Middleton proposed giving applicants an additional two weeks, but the motion failed on a 2-2 vote. Board President Angela Hutchin said the board should move forward with selecting a replacement for current county administrator Mitzi Kahn, whose resignation becomes effective July 8. With the application window now closed, eight candidates have applied for the position, which carries a listed salary of $100,000 per year.

Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall throughout the week could lead to flash flooding across the region. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim said a stalled cold front interacting with a Gulf disturbance is expected to produce daily rainfall, mainly between noon and early evening. Some areas could receive between 5 and 10 inches of rain, with Tuesday and Wednesday anticipated to be the period of greatest concern. Keim noted the rainfall could help end drought conditions in Louisiana.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the completion of Operation Liberty Strike, a four-day initiative led by the state’s fentanyl strike force. The operation resulted in 28 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor arrests, six executed search warrants, and the seizure of a half-pound of fentanyl, one and a half pounds of marijuana, 12 ounces of methamphetamine, and eight firearms. The enforcement effort took place June 3–4 and June 10–11 in Harrison County, Biloxi, Picayune, and Lamar County.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical reported that severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries despite rising obesity rates. Study authors said obesity typically increases the need for surgical procedures due to related health conditions. They also noted that many patients are not receiving appropriate treatment because of limited access to tools needed for obesity care. Many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, and legislation intended to expand coverage in Louisiana has not yet shown significant results. Researchers emphasized the need for improved access to treatment.

The Mississippi River at Natchez was recorded at 31.89 feet and falling.

City officials this week heard complaints regarding conditions at North Natchez Park and its renovated youth center. The youth center underwent a renovation three years ago at a cost of nearly one million dollars, and new playground equipment was installed at the site near Martin Luther King and Wilson Roads. Two board members raised concerns about plumbing issues, overgrown weeds, and grass at the park. City staff will assess the conditions, but maintenance will depend on available budget and priorities.

Several Louisiana school superintendents are opposing Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to redirect $168 million in public school funding to provide a $2,000 stipend for teachers. Landry says the plan is feasible, but Paris School Superintendent Jeff Powell disagrees, saying the plan reflects a misunderstanding of how school finances operate. Landry’s executive order states that non‑instructional funds would be used for the stipends, but Powell says those funds cover operational costs essential to student learning. The plan requires two‑thirds approval from both the House and Senate, with lawmakers asked to mail in votes by June 23.

The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that the Attorney General’s office is the sole authority responsible for managing litigation and prosecuting lawsuits to recover money for the state. The decision reverses a lower court ruling that allowed the state auditor’s office to file lawsuits in certain situations. The case centered on efforts to recover funds tied to Mississippi’s welfare scandal. State Auditor Shad White filed suit against former NFL quarterback Brett Favre to recover interest on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds he received for speaking engagements. Favre repaid the original amount but did not pay interest, prompting White to pursue legal action.

Early voting begins today in Louisiana for the U.S. Senate runoff. Low voter turnout is expected, with political observers noting that many residents may be unaware an election is taking place. The race has drawn little attention, and analysts say the results are largely anticipated, including looking ahead to the November general election.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 37.53 feet and falling. News, sports, and weather updates are available anytime at listenupyall.com.