Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson has sworn in three commanders for the Natchez Police Department under newly appointed Chief Lee Best. Commanders Shane Daugherty, Felicia Fleming, and Jerome Timmons took their oaths on the steps of City Hall. Best said he has worked with all three throughout much of his career.
Louisiana public schools will adopt new English language arts standards aimed at strengthening reading and writing fundamentals. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley said the revised standards are designed to clarify what students should learn at each grade level, reinforce grammar skills, and support students in becoming confident, independent readers. Handwriting instruction, including cursive, will remain part of the curriculum. The updated standards will take effect during the 2027–28 school year.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, USA Facts reported that Mississippi generated $4 million in tax revenue from sports gambling. A February WalletHub report found that Mississippi had the highest statistical share of gambling disorders among residents. Research from the University of Mississippi indicated that 39 percent of the state’s college students gambled within the past year, and about 6 percent met the criteria for a gambling disorder. The legal age for sports gambling in Mississippi is 21.
Fuel prices in the region have seen slight declines. AAA reports the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.76, down three cents from last week. Diesel prices have also decreased slightly, now averaging $5.29 per gallon, which remains $2 higher than at this time last year. Analysts say sustained relief is unlikely in the near term due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding a fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 32.64 feet and rising.
