A man was killed and two others were hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash in Adams County. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that troopers responded Wednesday afternoon to the collision on Highway 61. A car driven by 30-year-old Megan Miller of Albany, Louisiana, was traveling west on Highway 84 when it collided with a vehicle driven by 79-year-old Bertha Bowie of Fayette, Mississippi, which was traveling north on Highway 61. A passenger in Bowie’s vehicle, 62-year-old Charles Bowie, died from his injuries. Two additional passengers, 77-year-old Virginia Morgan and a 6-year-old child, were injured and taken to a hospital.
The second fatal mass shooting in Louisiana this week occurred Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morris reported that the incident began at 1:22 p.m. near the food court when two groups became involved in an argument, which escalated into gunfire. Police say the shooting appears to have stemmed from a targeted disagreement rather than a random act of violence. A 17-year-old was killed, and five others were injured. Multiple individuals are in custody. East Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards commended law enforcement for their rapid response.
Mississippi is facing an unusual drought at the start of the growing season. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson said 21 counties, including Adams County, have been designated primary disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions have worsened both within Mississippi and nationally. Gibson encouraged farmers to contact their local Farm Service Agency offices as additional disaster declarations may be made if conditions continue to deteriorate.
The Louisiana House Education Committee has approved a state Senate-passed bill aimed at addressing the increasing number of school systems adopting a four-day school week. Seventeen systems have made the switch, citing cost savings and improved teacher recruitment. Slaughter Elementary principal Jennifer Thornton said the schedule helps teachers maintain a healthier work-life balance. Senator Beth Mizell of Franklinton raised concerns about the impact on students, noting longer school days and the loss of a day when many children receive breakfast and lunch at school.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 31.66 feet and falling.
