Category: Morning Newscast – Listen Up Y’all Media

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.

Adams County Administrator Mitzi Kahn attended her final meeting Monday as the Board of Supervisors’ Chief Operating Officer. The board has appointed Tawana Williams to fill the position. Williams, who began work last week, attended the meeting as an observer while beginning orientation for the role. The position drew eight applicants and carried a posted annual salary of $100,000. Before her hiring, Williams served as Workforce Development Director for Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez–Adams County.

Kahn resigned after 15 months in the job. Since 2020, seven people have served in the county administrator position on either an interim or permanent basis following the departure of Joe Murray, who held the role for 10 years.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation reported concerns about declining Atlantic tarpon populations, following Governor Jeff Landry’s veto of a bill that would have implemented protective measures for the species. Advocacy Director Rick Owens expressed disappointment, noting that while tarpon remain in Louisiana waters, their distribution has changed over the years. In his veto message, Landry stated there is no evidence of significant harvest pressure on the largely catch‑and‑release species. Owens said the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has identified tarpon as vulnerable and that the legislation would have established a foundation for future conservation and management.

The Mississippi State Conference NAACP is calling for an investigation into the death of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells, who was found dead on Horn Island earlier this week. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported that Wells was last seen Saturday. According to attorney Benjamin Crump, Wells traveled to the island by boat with friends but did not return with the group. His mother reported him missing that night, and his body was found Monday. Sheriff John Ledbetter said the investigation is ongoing and the cause of death has not been determined.

In St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents cited 32‑year‑old Sydney Broussard of Eunice for allegedly selling native turtles online. Authorities say Broussard was offering red‑eared slider turtles for $8 each and an alligator snapping turtle for $30. LDWF officials stated that while recreational limits exist, commercial activity involving these turtles is not permitted. The seized turtles were returned to the water, and Broussard faces a $350 fine for each turtle she attempted to sell.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia measured 41.14 feet and is falling.

Local authorities are searching for 27-year-old Darren Sherman of Natchez, who has been missing since last Thursday. Security footage shows Sherman’s vehicle arriving in the south parking lot of Magnolia Bluffs Casino on the day he disappeared. Officers recovered his keys, wallet, and cell phone inside the vehicle. Search efforts have continued since he was reported missing, with rescue teams searching the river daily and police using drones to sweep the riverbanks. Anyone with information about Sherman’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Natchez Police Department at 601-445-5565 or Crimestoppers at 888‑442‑5001.

Baton Rouge State Senator Larry Selders has died at age 44 following a suspected heart attack. He had been recovering from surgery in May to address a heart aneurysm. Colleagues described Selders as compassionate, committed to public service, and attentive to the needs of the people he represented. He worked as a social worker and focused on mental health issues in Louisiana.

Mississippi is receiving more unwanted spam calls per capita than any other state, according to a study by Truecaller. The study found that Mississippi residents receive an average of 14 identified spam calls per month through the app, compared to 11 in Alabama, the second-highest state. The data is based on U.S. Truecaller users with data-connected smartphones and was compared with census figures. Since January 1, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office has issued 173 tracebacks and 61 subpoenas, resulting in the termination of 60 robocallers.

Colorado State University has lowered its hurricane forecast for 2026. The updated projection calls for nine named storms, including four hurricanes, with one expected to become a major hurricane. The long-term average season includes 14 storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Researchers attribute the reduced forecast to expectations of a strong El Niño during the peak of the season.

The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 41.52 feet and falling.

Adams County officials are encouraging property owners to visit the tax assessor’s office this month to review the newly assessed values of their homes, businesses, and land. These annual assessments determine property taxes due next year. The push follows taxpayer concerns earlier this year after many saw significant increases in their property value-based tax bills.

During a meeting Monday with the Adams County Board of Supervisors, Tax Assessor Larry Hughes urged residents to check their assessments, ask questions, and present any necessary corrections or clarifications. The deadline for public inspection of tax rolls is July 31.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple reported that this year’s legislative session resulted in several new laws affecting his department. One measure allows the department to take action against individuals performing insurance-related work without a license, expanding its authority beyond investigating licensed professionals. Another law increases maximum fines for insurance professionals, insurance companies, and pharmacy benefit managers. Additionally, a new provision ensures that claims made on one policy do not affect another policy for customers who bundle coverage.

A new safety initiative will target speeding on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Speeding Catches Up With You” campaign will run through the end of the month. Parkway rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers will focus on enforcement of aggressive speeding violations. According to the NHTSA, speeding contributes to thousands of fatal crashes and many more injuries each year.

Louisiana is facing a major blood shortage. Vitalant spokesperson Marlie Juarez says donations typically decline during the summer when schools are out and families travel, but the current shortage is the most severe in two years. O-negative blood remains in highest demand as a universal type, but O-positive is also urgently needed because it can be given to any positive blood type, and about 85 percent of Americans have a positive blood type. Donors can receive a $20 gift card through Saturday.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia stands at 41.60 feet and is rising.

Adams County officials expressed sadness and concern following two deadly shootings over the weekend at a Natchez grocery store and a bar, which resulted in three deaths. During a Monday meeting, county supervisors, Sheriff Travis Patton, and other leaders acknowledged the separate incidents and the impact they have had on the community. Patton said the shootings do not indicate a broader rise in homicidal crime in Natchez or Adams County.

In response to the violence, County Supervisor Ricky Gray proposed prohibiting weapons inside the Adams County administrative office building, except for individuals authorized to carry firearms. Because Mississippi law permits most people to carry guns in public places, Board Attorney Scott Slover said he will research whether such a restriction would be legally permissible.

In Louisiana, the attorney representing Attorney General Liz Murrell criticized the 16‑count Orleans Parish grand jury indictment issued against her client. Attorney Laura Rodriguez described the indictment as politically motivated. She said Murrell’s letters to Mayor Helena Moreno and others, which threatened potential removal from office, were part of enforcing a law that state legislators had long attempted to implement. Rodriguez noted that every other parish in Louisiana uses a single clerk of court for both civil and criminal matters, unlike Orleans Parish, which has two. She also said there were reports of grand jurors leaking information, calling the allegation serious because grand jury proceedings are required by law to remain secret.

The Mississippi Board of Nursing announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s nursing pipeline through its Office of Nursing Workforce. The program, branded as Onward, is designed to better connect with younger generations and communicate its mission. Onward seeks to generate student interest in Mississippi nursing programs and support career advancement for current nurses. The initiative includes a redesigned website, increased participation in conferences and college events, video storytelling, and targeted social media outreach. It also aims to connect nursing education with clinical practice to support a well‑trained health care workforce in the state.

Public and charter school students in grades three through twelve recorded their highest performance levels to date on this year’s LEAP assessments. State Education Superintendent Kate Brumley said 62 percent of students scored at the basic level or above, while 36 percent reached mastery or advanced levels, marking the highest overall mastery performance in state history.

The Mississippi River at Natchez Valley measured 41.48 feet and is rising.

Natchez police have arrested a Southside Market employee accused of opening fire inside the store Thursday night, killing one person and injuring two others. Jamiad Miles, 23, is charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Kenrick Wimbley, 28, died at the hospital. Phillip Bradley and 30-year-old Keelan Wimbley were wounded and flown for medical treatment. Their conditions have not been released. Police found Miles hiding in a store bathroom and asleep in the building after the shooting. According to Police Chief Lee Bass, Miles said he had been assaulted after a verbal exchange while collecting carts in the parking lot, and then pulled a gun and opened fire.

The criminal case against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell is on hold after the Louisiana State Supreme Court issued an emergency stay of her 16-count indictment. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino said the court halted the prosecution due to what it described as defects in the grand jury process, including leaks, violations of grand jury secrecy, and the improper secret return of the indictment. Murrell had been indicted on malfeasance and intimidation charges related to a letter she sent to New Orleans officials concerning potential removal from office if they did not comply with a new state law consolidating the city’s court system. Ciolino said he expects Murrell’s motion to dismiss the charges to be successful.

Two people are dead and seven others injured after a shooting in Wilkinson County early Saturday. The incident occurred near the Orchard Cafe on Highway 24 before 1 a.m. The sheriff’s office reported that two men died from their injuries. Three victims were transported to a trauma center, and four others were treated and released. Centerville Police and assisting agencies processed the crime scene and are conducting interviews. The investigation is ongoing.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is launching the Coach trial, a program offering evidence-based obesity treatment to families across Louisiana. The program aims to enroll hundreds of children ages 5 to 17 who are classified as obese. Dr. Amanda Staiano, director of the Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory, said participating families will receive weight‑management support, including guidance on healthy eating, menu planning, grocery shopping, and building a healthy home environment. Clinics statewide are participating. More information is available at joincoach.org.

The Mississippi River at Natchez-Visalia is at 41.17 feet and rising.