Reynolds Adkins, a former tax assessor for Adams County, has died. He served in the role for nearly 25 years, first elected in 1995 and retiring in 2019. Adkins was 91 and had been battling an extended illness.
Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Richard Nelson outlined a plan aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing associate degrees to address Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Nelson said the average age of students at the state’s 12 community and technical colleges is 26, adding that the system wants to reach students earlier. He said expanding access and awareness of associate degrees as pathways to good-paying jobs would support that effort. Nelson also said the colleges would align programs with Louisiana’s workforce and economic priorities to help ensure credentials lead to meaningful careers.
Faith leaders in Mississippi called on Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson to retract statements about banning Sharia law if elected governor, saying the comments are misleading and inflammatory. Gibson said he would not back away from his stance to ban Sharia law. The group gathered at the International Museum of Muslim Cultures on April 14 and denounced a post from Gibson that asked whether Mississippians are aware of a Muslim culture center at the Jackson planetarium. The post included an image with text referencing “Muhammad, the messenger and final prophet.” Gibson said he wanted to address the influence of Islam with an updated Sharia law ban.
In Louisiana, Entergy Vice President of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp said Meta’s Richland Parish investment will have economic impacts across the state. Beauchamp said local businesses, residents, and universities are already seeing effects from Meta’s $50 billion data center investment. She said Entergy will hire local contractors and support business growth. Beauchamp also cited a 37% increase in ULM construction management enrollment and said Entergy is working to address potential costs related to Meta’s energy needs by paying for 10 new power plants—six near the facility and four in Pointe Coupee and St. Charles parishes. Beauchamp said the arrangement is expected to save customers approximately $2.6 billion over the next two decades.
In weather-related reporting, the Mississippi River in Natchez-Vadalia was listed at 18.92 feet and rising.
