Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson says he is optimistic that repairs to Canal and Homochitto streets will be completed soon, roughly a year after the roads were improperly resurfaced. The streets were repaved in late 2024 with asphalt that deteriorated shortly afterward. According to the mayor, Theobald Construction Services of Vicksburg refused to correct the work or cover associated costs, leading the Natchez Board of Aldermen last May to begin the process of pursuing legal action against the company. The issues stem from a $1.1 million street overlay project.
With tax season underway, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be alert for scams. The organization reports that advances in artificial intelligence are making fraudulent messages more convincing by improving grammar and spelling. Common red flags include requests for payment through gift cards, demands for financial information, and calls from individuals claiming to represent the IRS or Social Security Administration. The BBB notes that these agencies rarely call individuals directly.
Mississippi lawmakers have advanced a bill that would add a one-time infusion of funds into the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS). The proposal allocates $500 million on July 1, followed by $50 million annually for ten years. While the Senate passed the bill unanimously, legislators have not approved ongoing annual funding beyond that plan. Some lawmakers also raised concerns about the newly created Tier 5 for PERS, which applies to employees hired on or after March 1. Under the new tier, employees must work 35 years to retire with full benefits at any age or work until age 62.
The bill now moves to the Mississippi House for consideration.
Residents who need to enroll in or renew health insurance through healthcare.gov face a deadline of midnight tonight. According to Mike Berto, a health care economist with Louisiana Blue, any new coverage or changes made during this period will take effect February 1. Individuals who have allowed their coverage to lapse will remain uninsured through January. Enhanced tax credits that previously lowered premiums expired on January 1.
The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 14.39 feet and falling.
