A Mississippi Court of Appeals panel has upheld the manslaughter conviction of Reginald Butler, a Natchez man sentenced to 20 years for the 2020 shooting death of Braylon James. Butler was convicted in Adams County Circuit Court in June 2024. According to court records, the shooting occurred at a gathering spot known as The Living Room in Natchez after an altercation involving James and another man over a debt. When that dispute ended, James approached Butler, the two exchanged words, and Butler shot James. The Court of Appeals rejected all five arguments Butler raised in his appeal.
Louisiana lawmakers continue advancing a constitutional amendment that would prevent a governor from serving more than two consecutive terms. Representative Michael Bayham said the measure aims to limit executive power. He referenced former governors Earl K. Long and Edwin Edwards in discussing past issues tied to extended gubernatorial tenure. The amendment requires a two‑thirds vote in the Senate before moving to voters in November.
A rally was held in Jackson in response to potential redistricting efforts in Mississippi following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. The ruling indicated that race should not be a factor when drawing political maps. Voting rights advocates, civil rights leaders, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson participated in the event at the Jackson Convention Complex, expressing concern that future maps could disadvantage Black voters. Governor Tate Reeves has said he expects Mississippi lawmakers to redraw congressional, legislative, and Mississippi Supreme Court districts before the 2027 elections.
In Louisiana, the House Governmental Affairs Committee is set to debate a proposed congressional map that would eliminate one of the state’s two majority‑Black districts. The U.S. Supreme Court previously struck down the current map, and Republicans have since promoted a six‑district plan with one majority‑Black district and five districts that favor Republican candidates. Political analyst Bernie Pinsunat said the Republican supermajority ensures passage of the proposal but expects extensive litigation that could continue for years.
The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 30.14 feet and falling.
