Chastney Doyle addressed the Natchez mayor and board of aldermen Tuesday for the first time as the newly appointed executive director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance. Doyle, who has worked with city officials for several years on downtown redevelopment efforts, said she looks forward to continuing that work in an official capacity with the city, staff, and the broader community. She succeeds Leah Hunter, who resigned in April after one year in the position.
Louisiana education officials report significant improvement in reading proficiency among the state’s youngest students. At the beginning of the school year, fewer than half of students in kindergarten through third grade were reading at or above grade level. By year’s end, that figure rose to more than 66 percent. The Center for Literacy and Learning says districts working with the organization saw even greater gains and that early literacy achievement will help build a more skilled workforce in the future.
Mississippi Blood Services reports a critical decline in donor participation, with daily blood collections down nearly 30 percent. The organization says many donor chairs and blood storage shelves are currently empty, even as demand remains high during the summer travel season. In response, Mississippi Blood Services is promoting its Save Our Summer campaign and urging eligible donors to give blood.
A new voter ID law in Louisiana will take effect in July 2027. Under the law, voters without a photo ID will no longer be allowed to vote by signing an affidavit. Instead, they must present documentation proving their identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or certificate of citizenship, along with a voter registration notice, recent utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub. Supporters say the change will strengthen voter integrity, while critics argue it will lead to voter suppression.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 38.49 feet and falling.
