Investigators are working to determine the cause of a weekend crash on U.S. 61 near Sprint Mart in Natchez. The incident resulted in traffic delays on Saturday. No information on injuries has been released.
The 2026 Louisiana legislative session begins today. Issues that have appeared in previous years are expected to resurface, including carbon capture regulations. Some lawmakers are seeking to give local governments more authority over whether carbon emissions can be injected into underground wells. Tort reform proposals are also returning, including measures backed by business groups that would make it more difficult to obtain compensation for mental anguish or emotional distress. A bill to abolish vehicle inspection stickers is also being introduced again.
In Mississippi, teachers and some public employees could see pay and retirement changes during the 2026 legislative session. The Mississippi House unanimously approved an amendment to Senate Bill 2103 that includes several compensation increases. Under the amendment, K‑12 teachers would receive a $5,000 raise, special education teachers an additional $3,000, and teacher assistants a $3,000 raise. The amendment also includes a provision that would allow retired teachers to return to work. The House rejected a Senate bill that would have allowed retired teachers to earn up to 65 percent of their salary, opting instead to insert its own version into the legislation.
Changes to Tier Five of the Public Employees Retirement System are also included. The amendment would reduce the number of years required to receive full retirement benefits from 35 to 30 and lower the retirement age from 62 to 60. The bill now returns to the Mississippi Senate for further consideration.
A new statewide poll of Louisiana voters shows cost of living and inflation as the top concerns. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy surveyed 762 voters last month. Forty percent identified cost of living and inflation as their primary issue. The economy ranked second at 18 percent, followed by concerns such as crime, health care, education, and taxes. The poll’s release coincides with the opening day of the legislative session, as residents look to lawmakers to address these priorities.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 25.63 feet and falling.
