Morning Newscast: Merit Health Natchez Not Closing; $12B Farm Aid, Mississippi Tops FAFSA, NIL Oversight Proposed

Merit Health Natchez officials say the hospital is not planning to close, even as medical centers across Mississippi and the nation prepare for potential shutdowns linked to reductions in government-funded programs. During a meeting with Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and city aldermen, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Samro outlined ongoing improvements at the 179‑bed facility, including service upgrades, facility enhancements, and continued physician recruitment. The assurance comes as hospitals that rely heavily on federal Medicaid funding face cuts enacted this year by the president and Congress. Finances are further strained by uncompensated care for patients.

Louisiana farmers are expected to benefit from a $12 billion federal aid package. According to LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Michael Deliberto, the aid will help producers pay down debt and prepare for the 2026 growing season. Farmers have experienced losses of up to $300 per acre due to economic slowdowns tied to federal tariffs. Of the total aid, $11 billion is designated for row crop farmers, with the remaining $1 billion allocated for specialty crops such as sugarcane and crawfish.

A recent study shows Mississippi now leads the nation in completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Data from the National College Attainment Network’s FAFSA Tracker reports that 73.4 percent of Mississippi’s graduating seniors completed the form this year, compared to the national rate of 61.3 percent. The state’s public universities reported a 3 percent increase in enrollment from fall 2024 to fall 2025. Research from the Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center indicates students who complete the FAFSA are four times more likely to enroll in college.

Following multiple meetings, the Louisiana Legislature’s Task Force on NIL Deals for Student-Athletes is preparing bill proposals for the upcoming legislative session. Representative Rashid Young said the task force repeatedly heard concerns about the limited structure governing interactions with amateur athletes, including high school students. Young emphasized the need for stronger parental involvement for minors entering agreements. The task force also received reports of middle school athletes being approached with NIL opportunities and is seeking to prohibit those practices.

The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 15.95 feet and falling.