Local officials report no new public information on the fire that destroyed the former Ferriday Police Department building in late September. The cause of the September 29 fire, which burned around midnight, remains under investigation. Plans for a $24 million municipal complex at the site are still moving forward.
In South Louisiana, one of the escapees from last week’s jailbreak remains at large. Authorities say 26‑year‑old Joseph Harrington died by suicide during a standoff with Port Barre police, and 24‑year‑old Jonathan Joseph was captured Friday in Opelousas after a brief foot chase. According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, the remaining escapee is 24‑year‑old Keith Eli of the Opelousas area.
Separately, the inmate who escaped from the Vermilion Parish Jail, 23‑year‑old Gavin Garnica, was captured Friday in Rayne following a high‑speed chase.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency officials say applicants for the statewide residential safe room grant program will begin receiving lottery notifications this week. More than 11,000 applications were submitted this year. Selected applicants will receive email instructions for step two of the application process. MEMA emphasizes that applicants must not purchase, order, or install a safe room at this stage. They may obtain a quote but cannot make any payments or proceed with installation until they receive an official approval letter. Early purchase or installation will result in disqualification.
Crawfish producers are preparing for the upcoming season. LSU AgCenter crawfish extension agent Todd Fontenot says early signs from farmers indicate conditions are favorable for a strong 2026 season. Farmers are reporting young crawfish emerging from burrows, and weather conditions have supported growth. Some crawfish are already available on the market in southern areas where fields were flooded earlier. Fontenot says recent rainfall will further help by softening the ground for crawfish to emerge.
The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 17.15 feet and falling.
