Author: Imported Author 1980807

The Old Providence Road Bridge in Natchez is closed until further notice following an inspection ordered by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. According to the mayor, all but one of the bridge’s timber piles failed testing. A full inspection report is expected this week. Drivers who rely on the bridge are asked to use alternate routes.

June 1 marks the first day of hurricane season. LSU Health climatologist Barry Kimes says this year’s season is expected to be below normal due to El Niño conditions. Forecasts call for 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes. Kimes cautions residents not to underestimate the outlook, noting that Louisiana must remain prepared each year. He recommends using the start of the season as a reminder to check hurricane preparedness equipment and review emergency plans.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has concluded its Memorial Day weekend enforcement and education effort. Conservation officers encountered more than 3,600 boaters statewide. The agency reports issuing 296 citations, including 23 related to personal flotation devices, 17 involving drugs or alcohol, and 25 for reckless vessel operation. Officers also made three arrests for boating under the influence.

Today is the final day of the 2026 Louisiana legislative session.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 36.34 feet and rising.

The Old Providence Road Bridge in Natchez is closed until further notice following an inspection ordered by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. According to the mayor, all but one of the bridge’s timber piles failed testing. A full report is expected this week, and motorists are asked to use alternate routes.

June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Conne says this year’s season is projected to be below normal due to El Niño conditions. Forecasts call for 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes. Conne cautions residents not to underestimate the outlook and recommends using the start of the season as a reminder to test hurricane preparedness equipment and finalize emergency plans.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has completed an enforcement and educational effort conducted over Memorial Day weekend. Conservation officers encountered more than 3,600 boaters statewide. They issued 296 citations, including 23 related to personal flotation devices, 17 drug‑ and alcohol‑related violations, and 25 citations for reckless operation. Officers also made three arrests for boating under the influence.

Today is the final day of the 2026 Louisiana legislative session, with lawmakers working to pass remaining measures before the 6 p.m. deadline. Barry Irwin, chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the recent Supreme Court ruling on the state’s congressional map significantly impacted the session. While many priorities were addressed, others—such as proposed changes to the TOPS program—were left unresolved. Resolutions were passed to continue studying those issues, which Irwin expects to resurface next year.

The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia stands at 36.34 feet and is rising.

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

A man accused of killing and dismembering his mother in Natchez will undergo a court‑ordered mental evaluation. Zachary Jackson Jr. is charged in the death of retired teacher Lana Brown Bradley, who was killed just over a month ago. Authorities say he attempted to dispose of her remains by flushing them down a toilet. He is currently being held at the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility.

LSU has surpassed $600 million in research activity, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. Chancellor Jim Dalton said the milestone reflects the quality and efforts of the university’s faculty. He noted that despite slowing federal funding, LSU continues to grow research across fields including coastal restoration, agriculture, cancer research, and metabolic disease. Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge has contributed to the development of all GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs currently on the market.

Mississippi lawmakers are examining ways to reform the state court system to ensure uninterrupted access for residents. The House Select Committee on Judicial Operations, one of six committees formed by House Speaker Jason White ahead of the 2027 legislative session, heard input from several groups. These included the Administrative Office of Courts, the Capital Complex Improvement District Court, the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office, and a deputy attorney general.

The Louisiana House has approved a congressional redistricting map that removes one of the state’s two Black‑majority districts. The proposed map would likely result in Republicans representing five of Louisiana’s six congressional seats. Supporters of the bill said the map is designed to strengthen Republican influence, while several Black lawmakers opposed the measure, arguing it diminishes political power for residents who are not Republican. The map must return to the Senate for approval before moving to the governor’s desk.

The Mississippi River in Natchez is measured at 31.73 feet and rising.

Natchez aldermen voted 4–2 against converting existing Duncan Park tennis courts for pickleball use. The board approved resurfacing, restriping, and replacing nets on the current tennis courts. A separate proposal to begin discussions with the Adams County Board of Supervisors regarding the feasibility of building pickleball courts at Liberty Park also passed. Aldermen rejected a proposal from the Natchez Pickleball Association, which offered to contribute toward resurfacing costs at Duncan Park in exchange for converting three tennis courts into pickleball courts.

Louisiana voters will decide in November whether two‑term governors may seek another term after sitting out four years. A constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms passed both chambers with the required two‑thirds majority. The measure will appear on the November 3 ballot. Recent constitutional amendments have struggled at the polls, but supporters point to the 1995 legislative term‑limit amendment, which passed in all 64 parishes with more than 75 percent of the statewide vote.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed legislation adding $50 million to the Fortified Roof Program. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the additional funding will allow about 3,000 more homeowners to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for fortified roof installation. The next grant lottery opens Monday, June 1, with registration closing June 19. Thousands of applicants are expected.

Mississippi lawmakers are examining potential reforms across all levels of the state court system. The House Select Committee on Judicial Operations, one of six new committees formed by House Speaker Jason White ahead of the 2027 legislative session, heard presentations from the Administrative Office of Courts, the Capitol Complex Improvement District Court, the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office, and a deputy attorney general. Committee members are seeking ways to ensure consistent access to the state’s courts.

The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia measured 30.24 feet and is rising.

Registration is open for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi’s Summer Program in Natchez. Children ages 5 through 18 can register for the 2026 Summer Camp at Morgantown Elementary. The program begins June 3, and registration hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. Summer fees are $80 for June and July. For more information, the contact number is 601-920-3878.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says teachers will receive their stipend for the next school year. He says he hopes that once the legislature sends the budget to his desk, they can work together to fund the $2,000 teacher stipend for another year. He notes there is time to resolve the matter since stipends are not distributed until December. He also says a permanent pay raise is the ultimate solution. A bipartisan MFP pay raise task force is being launched, and Senate President Cameron Henry plans to introduce a Senate concurrent resolution to study and develop a new MFP formula.

A U.S. Navy T-45C training aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing 1 crashed on private farmland in Noxubee County around 12:30 p.m. yesterday. According to a spokeswoman for Naval Air Station Meridian, two personnel aboard the aircraft safely ejected and were evaluated at a medical center. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

According to the college search website Niche, Southeastern Louisiana University is ranked as having the best college campus in Louisiana. President William Wainwright says the school has created a campus environment where people want to live, noting that on-campus housing—just under 3,000 students—has been at full capacity for the past three years. Niche also highlighted the university’s housing, diversity, social scene, and the quality and affordability of its on-campus dining. The next four schools in the top five are Tulane University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Northwestern State University, and LSU Alexandria.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 28.93 feet and rising.

Former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne will speak at this evening’s meeting of the Natchez Historical Society. His presentation will cover the philanthropy of Mary and E. Taylor in Natchez, including the Christmas Fund, the water fountain at Main and South Commerce streets, and Taylor’s Old Charter Bourbon Whiskey Company. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Natchez Foundation, located at 108 South Commerce.

The Louisiana legislative session enters its final week with the state budget for the next fiscal year still awaiting approval. Funding proposals include the governor’s alligator program and a teacher pay raise, though both face uncertainty. Legislators recently learned that fewer dollars are available than previously expected, prompting leadership to urge caution in spending. A new congressional map also remains unresolved, with discussions centered on a configuration of five Republican districts and one Democratic district.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Visitor Education Center at the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery is partnering with the National Park Service to host a youth fish camp on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to youth ages 10 to 15 and will feature instruction on fishing, the hatchery, and the NPS Junior Angler Program. Activities will include fish identification, water safety, a hatchery tour, and catfish fishing in the VEC pond. Participants will meet an NPS ranger, receive equipment and bait for use during the camp, and those completing the full day will earn the Junior Angler badge and receive special items.

In Louisiana, there may be movement toward extending the teacher stipend. Governor Jeff Landry and legislative leaders are scheduled to hold a news conference this morning at 11:30 to discuss the possibility. The president of the Louisiana Federation of Educators has expressed concern that eliminating the stipend would strain teachers’ finances. If the legislature does not act by June 1, school districts could potentially raise teacher salaries on their own, though rural districts may lack the necessary funds.

The Mississippi River at Natchez is measured at 28.13 feet and falling.

This morning, the annual walking parade from Vidalia to the Natchez National Cemetery takes place, accompanied by two scheduled ceremonies. The first is the unveiling of the Miss Lou Memorial Day Parade marker at 639 South Canal Street in front of the Holiday Inn Express. The second ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Natchez National Cemetery at 41 Cemetery Road.

In Louisiana, legislation is nearing final passage that would allow political parties to decide whether no‑party voters may participate in their primaries. Several Democratic lawmakers oppose the measure, expressing concerns that it could exclude voters and reduce participation. Supporters note that similar laws exist in other states and that political parties are considered private entities with the authority to set their own primary voting rules. A full Senate vote is expected this week.

Mississippi lawmakers are examining ways to reduce tax burdens for residents. A House select committee is reviewing property tax structures ahead of the 2027 legislative session, exploring potential relief options that would still maintain funding for local government services such as public safety, infrastructure and education. Property taxes in Mississippi are set at the local level.

Memorial Day ceremonies are being held throughout the area today. Officials emphasize that Memorial Day honors military personnel who have died in service to the nation. Veterans Day recognizes retired military personnel, and Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving on active duty.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 28.16 feet and falling.

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

The Adams County Board of Supervisors has accepted the resignation of County Administrator Mitzi Conne and will begin searching for her replacement. Conne submitted her notice on Monday and plans to continue working on the upcoming budget before her final day on July 8. She selected that date in order to remain in her role through the launch of commercial air service and related airport preparations. Passenger service is scheduled to begin July 1.

Hurricane season begins a week from Monday, and federal officials say this year is expected to be less active than average. According to NOAA, the National Hurricane Center is forecasting 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. Last year also saw a below‑average season, with 13 named storms and 5 hurricanes. The 2026 storm-name list runs from Arthur to Wilfred. The National Weather Service is reminding the public to take all storms seriously regardless of category.

The Mississippi Department of Education reports that 75.6 percent of third graders passed the initial administration of the third-grade reading assessment for the 2025–2026 school year. The result is slightly lower than last year and roughly the same as two years ago. Under the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, students who do not pass on the first attempt may take the test up to two additional times. Passing the assessment is required for promotion to fourth grade.

AAA estimates a record 45 million Americans plan to travel over Memorial Day weekend despite gas prices exceeding four dollars per gallon. The organization says most travelers set their plans months ago and are proceeding with their trips. AAA advises motorists to check tire pressure and have vehicle batteries tested, especially if they are three years old or older.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 29.36 feet and falling.

A Mississippi Court of Appeals panel has upheld the manslaughter conviction of Reginald Butler, a Natchez man sentenced to 20 years for the 2020 shooting death of Braylon James. Butler was convicted in Adams County Circuit Court in June 2024. According to court records, the shooting occurred at a gathering spot known as The Living Room in Natchez after an altercation involving James and another man over a debt. When that dispute ended, James approached Butler, the two exchanged words, and Butler shot James. The Court of Appeals rejected all five arguments Butler raised in his appeal.

Louisiana lawmakers continue advancing a constitutional amendment that would prevent a governor from serving more than two consecutive terms. Representative Michael Bayham said the measure aims to limit executive power. He referenced former governors Earl K. Long and Edwin Edwards in discussing past issues tied to extended gubernatorial tenure. The amendment requires a two‑thirds vote in the Senate before moving to voters in November.

A rally was held in Jackson in response to potential redistricting efforts in Mississippi following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. The ruling indicated that race should not be a factor when drawing political maps. Voting rights advocates, civil rights leaders, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson participated in the event at the Jackson Convention Complex, expressing concern that future maps could disadvantage Black voters. Governor Tate Reeves has said he expects Mississippi lawmakers to redraw congressional, legislative, and Mississippi Supreme Court districts before the 2027 elections.

In Louisiana, the House Governmental Affairs Committee is set to debate a proposed congressional map that would eliminate one of the state’s two majority‑Black districts. The U.S. Supreme Court previously struck down the current map, and Republicans have since promoted a six‑district plan with one majority‑Black district and five districts that favor Republican candidates. Political analyst Bernie Pinsunat said the Republican supermajority ensures passage of the proposal but expects extensive litigation that could continue for years.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 30.14 feet and falling.