Natchez police have charged the mother of a four-year-old child with attempted murder after threats to the child’s life were sent to the father and posted on social media. Police Chief Lee Bess said 27-year-old April Alexander was arrested after the department received a call from the father, who lives in California. According to Bess, the social media posts included a screenshot of a text message conversation showing an infant partially underneath a car with a foot placed on the infant’s stomach. Police report that the baby is safe.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced that the Love One Louisiana Foundation, led by First Lady Sharon Landry, will pay for the funerals of the eight children killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting in Shreveport. Landry said he hopes the support provides some comfort to the affected families, noting that while no act can repair the loss, the gesture is meant to serve as a symbol of faith and goodwill. The First Lady’s foundation also provided assistance following the Bourbon Street attack early last New Year’s Day.
Mississippi Department of Transportation Executive Director Brad White praised the legislature and Governor Tate Reeves for continued investments in state infrastructure. Lawmakers removed the sunset provision governing how long MDOT will receive the first $80 million from the Mississippi Lottery for road improvements. They also approved funding to widen I-55 by adding an additional lane in each direction between Madison and Gluckstadt. White said MDOT’s fiscal year 2027 budget will be about $2 billion.
This week marks the fifth annual Love the Boot Week, Louisiana’s largest litter cleanup and beautification initiative. At the start of the week-long effort, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser highlighted the Adopt-A-Highway program and said he and his wife have adopted the four miles near their home due to ongoing litter concerns. Nungesser encouraged businesses to participate as well, including those that frequently advertise on billboards. More than 28,000 volunteers are expected to take part in over 1,200 cleanup events statewide.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 32.55 feet and falling.
