Vidalia Mayor Buzz Craft joined more than 100 mayors from municipalities along the Mississippi River in Washington to support the Grid Act, legislation aimed at protecting local electric and water systems from the demands of large AI data centers.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance has released benchmark hurricane premium discounts for homeowners with fortified roofs. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the discounts range from 16% for homeowners in north Louisiana with base-level fortified roofs to 49% for those in south Louisiana with gold-level fortified roofs. Temple said insurers seeking to deviate from those benchmarks must prove that doing so would negatively affect their ability to pay claims and must go through a regulatory process. The discounts take effect January 1.
Scott Cullum has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Mississippi and will face Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith in the fall. In the race for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Benny Thompson secured the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, Adams County Supervisor Kevin Wilson lost to Ron Eller, who advances to the general election ballot.
Amtrak’s new passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama has exceeded expectations. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross said the route, known informally as the Mardi Gras line, had been projected to draw about 71,000 riders in its first year, but has already surpassed 80,000 riders in just six months. Ross attributed the strong ridership to the walkability and appeal of New Orleans, Mobile, and the intermediate stops, as well as the convenience of twice-daily service that allows for day trips.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 25.30 feet and rising.
