The City of Natchez is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to launch the Transforming the Forks to Freedom Corridor Project. The project is funded by a $24.57 million federal BUILD grant and will address infrastructure and business lifestyle connectivity needs within the Devereaux Drive, St. Catherine, and East Franklin corridors, as well as downtown areas. It is currently in Phase A, which includes survey work, geotechnical and environmental studies, schematic design, and agency stakeholder and public input meetings. These activities are expected to continue through June of next year.
A federal judge has ruled that a 2023 Louisiana law requiring social media companies to verify the age of users is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles determined the law violates the First Amendment. NetChoice, a trade association for social media companies, filed suit against the law, arguing it forces users to provide excessive personal information. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed disappointment in the ruling and said the legislation was intended to address online dangers to children. She plans to appeal.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the distribution of nearly one million dollars from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund to eight organizations that assist survivors of human trafficking. This marks the fourth round of grants issued from the fund, which was created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2020.
Louisiana health officials report that nearsightedness is becoming increasingly common among children. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Weishun Coleman warns that extended screen time, particularly on phones, may contribute to the condition by causing children’s eyes to grow longer. Coleman said there is no established guideline for safe screen time limits but emphasized that reducing screen exposure is beneficial. He also said natural sunlight can help decrease the risk of nearsightedness in children.
The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 13.06 feet and falling.
