Construction is nearing completion on the new commercial terminal at Natchez Adams County Airport. County administrator Mitzi Konce said the final project price is expected to come in at $6.85 million. She also said the county would need to issue up to $1.7 million in bonds to cover the cost until reimbursement is received through grants.
Diesel prices in Louisiana are at an all-time high. The average price for a gallon of diesel is nearly $5.59, which is reported as a new record for the state. AAA said the increase is tied mainly to higher demand from Europe, and noted that the United States is one of the biggest diesel exporters. Officials said the combination of diminished supplies and increased demand is contributing to the price increases.
Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said record diesel prices during harvest will increase transportation costs for crops. After crops are harvested, he said they generally must be moved by truck, rail, or barge, including by barge downriver to the next destination.
The offices of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning experienced a network security incident. Leaders said services at the Office of Student Financial Aid were impacted. Officials also said no impact on any individual higher education institution has been reported. The IHL said external cybersecurity professionals are working to determine whether any confidential or sensitive data may have been accessed or compromised.
In Shreveport-Bossier City, the public transit system is using an autonomous bus. The transit agency received a federal grant to purchase the self-driving bus, which seats 12 passengers. The autonomous bus operates on a route that serves the entertainment and medical districts in Shreveport, with plans to add additional vehicles. The agency said a driver will be behind the wheel in most cases.
The Mississippi River in Natchez-Adalia is reported at 16.70 feet and falling.
