A man is in custody with charges pending after a police chase in Natchez ended in a ravine. According to authorities, Courtney Smith attempted to drive away from officers at a fast‑food restaurant on Sergeant Prentiss Drive. A short pursuit followed, ending when Smith crashed into a ravine. Police recovered a discarded gun after the incident.
A recall effort targeting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry continues to gain momentum, prompting state Republicans to push back. One of the recall organizers, Desiree Morrison, says the effort began after Landry halted U.S. House elections following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, claiming the process was stopped while voting had already begun. Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Corey Dennis dismissed claims that Landry acted to weaken Black voting power and said the party views the criticism as politically motivated. The state GOP is launching a week‑long social media campaign highlighting Landry’s actions in office.
The U.S. Supreme Court has vacated a Mississippi legislative redistricting case, which previously led to several districts being redrawn in 2025. The case involved the redistricting maps approved by lawmakers in 2022. The Mississippi Voting Rights Act Rapid Response Coalition criticized the ruling, calling it a deeply troubling abuse of judicial power. Governor Tate Reeves said the decision provides additional judicial clarity.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy offered insight into his future plans following his failure to advance to the runoff in the U.S. Senate primary. Cassidy’s 18 years in Congress will conclude on January 3rd. When asked about his next political steps, Cassidy indicated he does not plan to seek further office, including ruling out a run for governor next year. His career has included three terms in the U.S. House, two terms in the U.S. Senate, and more than two years in the Louisiana State Senate.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 30.67 feet and falling.
