Work is set to begin this month on a new recreational bike trail at Duncan Park following the Natchez Board of Aldermen’s approval of a $110,000 bid from a local contractor. The project is funded through a federal grant program and donations from a private community group. According to Natchez Recreation Director Ryan Porter, the nearly two‑mile trail will wind through the woodlands surrounding Duncan Park, west of the park’s abandoned swimming pool near the antebellum home Auburn. The project is scheduled for completion this summer.
In Louisiana, four state lawmakers plan to seek election to the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by Julia Letlow. State Representative Dixon McMakin and State Senators Rick Edmonds, Stuart Cathy, and Blake Miguez expect to qualify next week. Board of Regents Chair Misty Cordell of Monroe is also running. Veteran political reporter Greg Hilborn of the USA Today network noted surprise at Miguez’s decision to enter the race and described the short campaign fundraising window as a challenge for all candidates.
Mississippi officials have reported three additional deaths related to the recent winter storm, bringing the statewide total to 228. Scott Simmons, Director of External Affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, urged residents with storm damage to document their losses. Damage can be self‑reported at msema.org to help the state assess the extent of the impact. Counties continue to conduct assessments as FEMA, state, and local agencies carry out response efforts.
A Louisiana lawmaker is seeking to make sexually explicit AI‑generated deepfake images involving children illegal. Representative Michael Bame has filed a bill that would classify such content as child sex abuse material. Bame said current Louisiana law does not address AI‑generated abuse material and that the legislation aims to close that gap.
The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 17.63 feet and rising.
