The Vidalia Board of Aldermen has adopted a new ordinance regulating golf carts on streets within the town limits. Until now, Vidalia followed Louisiana traffic laws without a specific local ordinance. During Tuesday’s public hearing, several residents expressed concerns, particularly noting that enforcement of golf cart rules has been minimal for the past decade. The police chief stated that some violations went unenforced because officers did not have a local ordinance to reference prior to this change.
A Louisiana Senate Governmental Affairs Committee meeting concluded with approval of a proposed congressional map that would likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing the state in the U.S. House. Senator Jay Morris of West Monroe said the map closely resembles the one approved by the legislature in 2022 and maintains the core of existing districts. Dozens of speakers argued that a 5-1 map does not adequately represent minority voters. Opponents called the proposal a step backward, and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis questioned whether their concerns would continue to be ignored. The committee advanced the map on a 4-3 vote, sending it to the Senate floor for further debate.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a ruling that found Mississippi’s current Supreme Court district map violated the Voting Rights Act and needed to be redrawn. The court dissolved the injunction that had blocked the state from using the existing map, allowing it to remain in place for future elections. Following the decision, Governor Tate Reeves withdrew his proclamation calling for a special legislative session.
Louisiana continues to rank first in the nation for academic improvement, according to the latest Education Scorecard. Education Superintendent Cade Brumley highlighted the state’s progress, noting that Louisiana ranked first in reading growth and second in math growth from 2019 to 2024. The newest scorecard shows the state again leading the nation in improvement from 2022 to 2025. Brumley said efforts will continue, including expanded tutoring for students who need additional support.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 36.65 feet and falling.
