The City of Natchez will continue its workforce development program following the resignation of Director Tawana Williams. Williams has accepted a position with Collin Community College, but city officials expect her to remain involved in administering the four‑year‑old program through a regional partnership. The mayor secured approval from the Natchez Board of Aldermen to begin establishing a collaboration with Collin Community College to support workforce development efforts across the Natchez–Miss-Lou area and Southwest Mississippi, with Williams serving as director under the proposed partnership.
Three Democratic candidates have entered Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, which has so far been dominated publicly by the incumbent and his Republican challengers. Jamie Davis, the first Democrat to enter the race and a former member of the Tensas Parish Police Jury, has identified healthcare as a priority issue, emphasizing the need for quality healthcare across all regions of the state. Davis also stated that immigrants legally pursuing asylum should not face deportation and that due process is essential.
A bill that would change how taxpayer funds support education narrowly passed the Mississippi House. Under current law, taxes support public education, but the proposed legislation would allow students to use those funds to attend private schools. It would also make it easier for students to transfer between public school districts and would raise assistant teacher pay to $20,000. Opponents of the bill have questioned how private schools would be held accountable for the public funds. The measure passed by a vote of 61 to 59.
Louisiana continues to have some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country, ranking second behind Nevada. According to ValuePenguin, the state’s average monthly premium is $327. However, average rates in Louisiana are 3 percent lower than last year, and shoppers may find significant savings by comparing insurers. Differences in company rate formulas can lead to savings of up to 34 percent for consumers who shop around.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 13.96 feet and falling. News, sports, and weather updates are available anytime at ListenUpYall.com.
