The Natchez Board of Aldermen has approved the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling nearly $40 million. The budget includes pay raises for essential public works employees and firefighters. The tax millage rate remains the same as it has for the past 10 years.
The vote was 4-2. Aldermen who opposed the plan said it did not set aside enough money as a rainy day fund to cover unexpected expenses or shortfalls during the fiscal year, which begins October 1.
Louisiana traffic safety figures released by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission show crash injuries fell to a record low last year. LSU Statistics indicate about 54,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2025. A spokesperson with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission attributed the decline in injuries to increased seatbelt use, noting that just over 88% of Louisianans are wearing seatbelts—an all-time high.
The same data indicates less favorable outcomes alongside the injury decline. DWI-related fatalities increased nearly 12% in 2025. The commission reported 766 total vehicle fatalities statewide, 13 more than the previous year.
In Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, in partnership with the governor’s office, announced the recipients of the 2027 Governor’s Arts Awards. Recipients include Alvin Shelby for Lifetime Achievement; Doity Gordon for Excellence in Photography; Dwayne Pendarvis for Excellence in Dance; Square Books for Arts and Community; and Wright Thompson for Excellence in Literature. The Governor’s Arts Awards are described as the highest award a living artist can receive in Mississippi. The awards recognize individuals and organizations for work in artistic disciplines, arts-based community development, and/or arts patronage.
A new report also says New Orleans schools have improved over the last 20 years. Education reform advocate Leslie Jacobs said that before Hurricane Katrina, more than 60% of New Orleans schools were considered academically unacceptable. She cited results from a Stanford study showing New Orleans ranks fifth in the nation for improvements since 2022 in English and Math. Jacobs said the leadership currently in place has contributed to education gains and that the improvements have helped reduce crime.
In local river news, the Mississippi River in Natchez-Vidalia is at 14.40 feet and falling.
