Wednesday:

Sunny along with a few afternoon clouds. High 56F. Winds N at 10 to 15mph.

Partly cloudy overnight. Low around 32F. Winds light and variable.

Thursday:

Sunny. High around 60F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. 

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds light and variable.

POLICY ON PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION TO PERSONS WITH SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS

Bayou Pierre Water System will take such steps as are necessary to insure that qualified handicapped persons,  including those with impaired sensory skills, receive effective notice. All aids needed to provide this notice, e.g., sign-language interpreters, readers, etc., are provided without cost to the person being
served.

FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS 1. Qualified sign-language interpreter For persons who are hearing-impaired and who use sign-language as their primary means of communication, the following procedure has been developed and resources identified for obtaining the services of a qualified sign language interpreter to communicate both verbal and written information: Bayou Pierre Water System will provide qualified sign language interpreters on an as needed basis. Such an interpreter will be used at job interviews, large meeting, explanations of policies and procedures, etc. A minimum advance notice for such use is seven days unless circumstances or conditions dictate lesser time. In that case, the minimum time will be that required to notify the organization furnishing the interpreter as well as the time required for that organization to act. When time permits the request is to be in writing. If request is made orally, written documentation must be prepared and placed in the appropriate file. The following person(s) is authorized to obtain an interpreter: Alisa Carpenter, Board President.

The following organization will be contacted when an interpreter is needed:
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Registry of State-Certified Interpreters
Mary Burns
SO David Burns Road
Boyce, LA 71409
(318) 793-8184
(318) 308-2042 (cell)
terpmb@suddenlink.net

OR

Mary H. Young
146 Davenport Lane
Pineville, LA 71360-7302
(318) 640-4082
(318) 201-0660
maryhyoung214@gmail.com

Page 2
1. Policy on Procedures
Information to be furnished when requesting an interpreter:
1. Reason for using interpreter services.
2. Date and time services are needed.
3. Place where interpreter is to report and directions if needed.
4. Name and title of person requesting services.
5. Name, address and telephone number of Bayou Pierre Water System.

6. How is cost for services to be billed. Understanding of cost (cost per hour, travel cost, etc.).

7. How is interpreter to be notified in case of cancelation or change in time or place.
8. How the Bayou Pierre Water System will be notified if services cannot be furnished as agreed to.

2. Written materials
All program information will be provided to hearing impaired persons in writing. Printed materials and writing materials are available
3. The Bayou Pierre Water System utilizes the Louisiana Hearing Impaired Relay System for
communicating with hearing impaired persons. The relay numbers are: Information 1-800-333-
0605; TDD Users 1-800-846-5277; and Voice Users 1-800-947-5277.
4. Any other auxiliary aids should be discussed.

FOR PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1. Reader
Staff will communicate the content of written materials by reading them out loud to visually
impaired persons.
2. Large print, taped, and Braille materials
3. Any other available aids should be discussed.
FOR PERSONS WITH MANUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1. Personal assistance with completing forms and other writing.
2. Typewriters
3. Other adaptive self-help devices.

I think spending a week inside avoiding the dangers of sleetmageddon put me in a reflective mood.
Shouts of “Throw me something, Mister!” are echoing across our state again. Krewes are loading up their floats, folks are dusting off tuxes and gowns for the Balls, and everybody’s loosening up their throwing arms like they’re training for the Saints’ draft. In Louisiana, this can only mean one thing: Lent is sneaking up on us.

Most places prepare for Lent with quiet reflection. Down here, we crank up the brass band. When you see purple, green, and gold beads hanging from the power lines like Spanish moss, you know the season of repentance is right around the corner. Only in Louisiana do we get ready for fasting by throwing a month long party.

Lent, of course, is tied to the ancient discipline of fasting. Ever tried it? That’s where all those fish on Friday stories come from. McDonald’s once even tried a pineapple sandwich to help the Friday fasters. They won’t do that again—but somehow the McRib keeps coming back like a stray cat that knows you’re a soft touch.

But fasting isn’t about food so much as it’s about reality. It’s the spiritual posture of remembering just how dependent we are on God—choosing hunger so we can feel our deeper hunger. The truth is, we are always desperate for God; it’s just that our comforts and routines do a pretty good job of hiding it. Fasting cuts through the camouflage.

Fasting is a bold declaration that our stomachs don’t get the final say, that our bodies don’t get to boss our spirits around. In a culture that worships indulgence, fasting is downright rebellious. Yet Jesus fasted. He expected His disciples to fast. Scripture mentions fasting more often than baptism. It’s not a fringe practice—it’s a foundational one.

In the Bible, people fasted for guidance, for grief, for deliverance, for clarity, for dedication, for worship. And Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, told His followers to fast quietly—not with ashes smeared on their heads but with clean faces and anointed hair. In other words: don’t look miserable. Look like someone who knows God sees what no one else does.

The early church took this seriously. Clement of Alexandria tells us believers fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays. By 340 AD, Athanasius tied fasting to remembering Jesus’ wilderness journey. John Wesley even refused to ordain Methodist leaders who didn’t fast weekly. (Yes, I know. I’m preaching to myself here.)
Jesus fasted. The early church fasted. Christians throughout history have fasted. So why do so few of us do it now? Maybe some are fasting quietly and we simply don’t know. Or maybe we’ve let the noise of our culture drown out a practice that once shaped the saints.

So as the parades roll, the beads fly, and the king cakes multiply, remember this: the reason for the revelry is that Lent is coming. The party is the prelude.

And it makes me wonder—how different would our faith look if we took the fast of Lent as seriously as we take the fun of Mardi Gras?

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The kitchen table is often where the panic sets in. It starts with a stack of glossy mailers, each promising the best four years of a student’s life. Then come the spreadsheets, the deadlines, and the quiet, gnawing questions that keep parents awake at 3 a.m. Can we afford this? Will they be safe? Is this the place where my child becomes the person they are meant to be?

For high school seniors, the pressure is immediate. They are standing on the cliff of adulthood, trying to discern their future from a website or a brochure. For families, the challenge is different. You bring the weight of experience. You understand the long-term implications of student loans and the reality of living away from home. You want to protect them, yet you know you must let them lead. This tension between parental wisdom and student autonomy is natural, but it does not have to be stunned by anxiety. The remedy is not found in more paperwork. It is found in experience. It is found in stepping onto a campus, walking the grounds, and feeling the texture of the community.

That is the philosophy behind Northwestern State University’s N-Side View Day.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, NSU opens its doors for an event designed to cut through the noise of the college search. It is an invitation to move beyond the statistics and step into the reality of life in Natchitoches.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Finding the right college is about finding a value match. It is about aligning a student’s ambition with an institution’s culture. This is difficult to do from a distance. You need to see the residence halls. You need to sit in the classrooms. You need to look a professor in the eye and ask them how they will mentor your student.

N-Side View Day provides that access. It transforms the abstract idea of “going to
college” into a tangible plan.

The day is structured to address the specific anxieties that families face. Financial stability is often the largest hurdle. Many students, and honestly, many parents, are inexperienced in managing large-scale finances. During the event, financial aid experts break down the process, comparing packages and explaining scholarships in simple terms. It turns a conversation about debt into a strategy for investment.

Academically, the event allows students to explore over 100 degree programs. This is where the student takes the lead. While parents look for security, students look for inspiration. They can connect directly with faculty, asking the questions that matter to them.

“We have designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires,” Miller explains. “Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

There is also the undeniable influence of place. Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest city, a place where history and progress coexist. The campus reflects that balance. It feels grounded. It feels like home. When families visit, they often find that their preconceived notions shift. A parent might have envisioned a different path but seeing their student light up while walking through Alost Hall changes the conversation. It validates that the student knows themselves better than anyone else.

NSU President James T. Genovese views this day as a critical first step in a lifelong relationship. “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact,” Genovese says. “N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

The event acknowledges that this transition is emotional. Having family support provides a safety net that fosters confidence. By visiting together, you are not making the decision for them; you are standing beside them as they make it.

The day concludes with a classic collegiate experience: a Demon Baseball game. Every attendee receives a free ticket. It is a chance to sit in the stands, eat a hot dog, and watch the B-Stro Boys compete on the diamond. It is a moment to stop worrying about the application process and start enjoying the atmosphere.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” Miller says. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

The labyrinth of college admissions is navigable. It requires patience, honest conversation, and a willingness to explore. It requires a trip to Natchitoches.

Register today for N-Side View Day at www.nsu.la/nsideviewday

What: N-Side View Day
Where: Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Includes: Campus tours, academic sessions, financial aid guidance, and Demon Baseball.
Register: www.nsu.la/nsideviewday

The Hall Summit Hometown Festival BBQ Cook-Off will be held Feb 28. The competition is open to everyone. It is a non-traditional 2-meat competition featuring half chicken and ribs. Contact Jason Briggs at 318.304.8078. All proceeds benefit Pilots for Patients.

Before Thurgood Marshall ascended to the U.S. Supreme Court, he served as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s counsel and eventual director, planning the decades-long legal strategizing that resulted in landmark world-changing decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education. On February 10, at 5:30 p.m., Northwestern State University will host a free, public screening of “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect,” beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, followed by a panel discussion, in the NSU Student Union Ballroom.

ESPN’s College GameDay show is coming to Baton Rouge for the LSU-South Carolina women’s game Feb 14.

Lindsey Vonn will compete at the Winter Olympics with a ruptured ACL.

Mr. William “Clifford” Newman
May 26, 1941 ~ January 21, 2026
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1pm in the sanctuary of Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Coushatta.

Brenda Blake Choate
April 30, 1956 – January 30, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3pm at Rockett Funeral Home Chapel in Ringgold.

Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers at all airports across the United State will face a $45 fee at security checkpoints if they do not present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or a valid passport.

The fee applies to travelers 18 years and older and covers the cost of identity verification using the Transportation Security Administration’s ConfirmID system. The alternative screening process is used when passengers arrive at the checkpoint without an acceptable form of identification.

Airport and TSA officials are encouraging travelers to prepare ahead of time to avoid delays and added costs. A REAL ID–compliant license is typically marked with a star in the upper corner and can be obtained through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. A valid U.S. passport is also accepted in place of a REAL ID.

Passengers without a compliant ID or passport may still be allowed to fly after identity verification, but the process can take longer and now includes the additional fee. Officials stress that having proper identification remains the fastest and easiest way through airport security.

Travelers planning trips this year—especially during busy travel periods—are urged to check their identification now and upgrade if needed before arriving at the airport.

For more information about REAL ID requirements, travelers can visit the TSA’s official website.

Matt Vines
EAST POINT – Memories out of moments.

That’s how the Riverdale Academy girls basketball team is approaching their final home games this week as the hosts of the Class 1A South Regional Tournament.

The Lady Rebels (23-5) are the top seed in the tournament and won’t play until the quarterfinals Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Riverdale will face the winner of No. 2 Wilkinson County Christian Academy and No. 3 Humphreys Academy on Monday at 5:15 p.m.

“This senior group is special,” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman of his five-member class. “I tell them every game to enjoy the moments because they will soon be only memories.

“They are laser-focused on winning blue trophies in February.”

Riverdale is on a 10-game winning streak in January with eight wins by at least 30 points, but that doesn’t mean the Lady Rebels didn’t face adversity.

Star point guard Mary Claire Jones, who surpassed the 2,000-point career scoring mark earlier this season, missed three games with an injured ankle.

Riverdale fended off Claiborne Academy 65-43 in the game in which Jones was injured, and then the Lady Rebels handled Central (77-20), West Side Christian (43-30) and Union Christian (71-9) without Jones.
Jones is fully healthy and returned for Riverdale’s last two wins.

“In her absence, sophomore Madelyn Chamberlin really stepped up and filled her spot,” Pittman said. “The other guards Kaleigh Pickett and Hanna Huddleston also raised their game during MC’s absence, and those minutes will help us in this upcoming playoff run.”

Riverdale is the favorites as the host but will face competition from other No. 1 seeds Briarfield Academy and Woodlawn Prep as well as a No. 2 seed Claiborne Academy.

Riverdale is a regular tournament host, and Pittman said hosting isn’t possible without administrative and volunteer support.

“Our assistant coaches and athletics director Katie Williamson do a great job with the logistics, and it’s a huge chore as far as facilities, cleaning, food, and hosting teams and officials,” Pittman said. “Volunteers are huge, and we need all we can get.

“I’ve noticed the same group of people do everything, and we need some new blood to step up and help us out.”

Matt Vines
EAST POINT – “Revenge” might be too strong of a word, but last year’s playoff loss to Mt. Salus Christian will be on the minds of the Riverdale boys basketball team when the two squads square off Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A South Regional Tournament.

No. 2 Riverdale and No. 3 Mt. Salus each earned byes in the tournament’s first round, which begins Monday at Riverdale.

“Mt. Salus is actually the team that ended our season last year in the regional tournament, so being given the opportunity to get some revenge is pretty exciting for me and the guys,” Jones said. “Obviously you don’t want to make it too personal and get away from staying level headed, but it does give you that little extra motivation to know these are the same guys that sent you home last year.

“Taking care of the basketball and rebounding against their size will be of the utmost importance. I think if we do those two things, we give ourselves a great chance at being successful.”

The Rebels picked up key district wins late in the season against Union Christian and Franklin Academy to put themselves into the quarterfinals.

Senior Tanner Carlisle leads an incredibly young roster that includes seventh- and eighth-graders, a squad that’s matured greatly as the season progressed.

“It’s been great building some momentum going into this part of the year,” Jones said. “I knew with us having a lot of young guys, we were always going to get better as the year went on, but it feels like we are starting to peak at the right time.”

Carlisle passed the 1,000-point scoring mark earlier this season, and Jones said he’s been extremely patient in the maturation process of the younger players.

“Tanner leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks – but outside of those things, he’s also been an incredible leader,” Jones said. “It’s hard being the one older guy on a team full of young players because you don’t have time to wait for guys to reach their potential – it’s now or never for a senior like him.

“He’s done a great job of bringing the younger group along with him and staying patient while they figure things out at the varsity level. That patience is paying off. It’s sad that these are Tanner’s last home games and we’ll miss him when he’s gone, but it’s also thrilling to head into the postseason with him one last time.”

The players aren’t the only youngins on the team – Jones is nearing the end of just his second full season as a varsity head coach.

“I believe I have learned a lot in Year 2,” Jones said. “I think every team you coach will be different, and it’s been cool to learn what works best for these guys and their personalities.

“I hope as a coach I never stop learning and growing because no one ever has it 100 percent figured out.”

Monday:

Sunny along with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10mph.

Cloudy overnight with a slight chance of a shower late. Low around 50F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday:

Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Rain showers in the evening with clear skies overnight. Thunder possible. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph. Chance of rain 40%.

PUBLICATION OF THE ANNUAL PRESS RELEASE
RELATIVE TO NON-DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT

DeSoto Parish Police Jury/Office of Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. No client or employee shall, based on race, sex, age, color, or any factor, be denied the benefits of, or be excluded from, participation in or otherwise subject to discrimination under any program or service for which this CSBG funded agency operates. For additional information contact: Equal Opportunity Officer Ashley VanZant, 404 Polk Street Ste. B, Mansfield, LA 71052 318-872-0880. La Relay TDD: 711 “An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program” “Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”

Beginning February 18, new food purchase restrictions will go into effect for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients in Louisiana, changing what items can be bought using SNAP benefits.

State officials say the updated policy is aimed at encouraging healthier food choices while ensuring the program continues to support families’ basic nutritional needs. Under the changes, certain items will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Eligible foods will continue to include staples such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essential grocery items.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has emphasized that the restrictions apply only to SNAP benefits, not to personal funds, and that recipients will still have broad access to nutritious food options. Retailers participating in SNAP are being notified and given time to update point-of-sale systems ahead of the February rollout.

Advocates and community organizations are encouraging SNAP households to review the changes in advance so they can plan grocery purchases accordingly. State officials say outreach efforts will continue over the coming weeks to help recipients understand how the new rules will work in practice.

Residents with questions about the updated SNAP food restrictions are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office or visit the state’s benefits information portal for details before the policy takes effect.

Celebrate Recovery (CR) Coushatta is relocating from Open Door Fellowship to Amazing Grace Church effective Feb. 1, 2026. The address is 7387 US 371, Coushatta. A meal is served at 5:30 pm, large group at 6:00, small group at7:00. CR is a Christ centered Recovery program for all hurts, hangups and habits including addictions and life issues. Everyone is welcome! For more information contact Frank Rose 318-422-1923, Virgie Rose 318-218-5853, or Pastor R. Joseph Carey 318-521-5665.

The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries announced the hiring of Dr. David Jeffreys as the new President & CEO, effective Feb 16.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Music is hosting a fundraiser at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub at 108 Mill St. in Natchitoches on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During the event, Flying Heart will be donating 10 percent of sales to the NSU Department of Music. There will be performances by jazz combos, string quartets, trombone choir, vocalists, steel drums and more. A “split the pot” raffle will also be held. Donations can be made at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/music-fund/

Carolyn “Sally” J. Hudson
September 23, 1946 – January 28, 2026
Visitation will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 from 6-8pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta. Funeral services will be held at Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 2pm at Beulah Methodist Church in Columbus, Mississippi.

Brenda Blake Choate
April 30, 1956 – January 30, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3pm at Rockett Funeral Home Chapel in Ringgold.

The North DeSoto High School cheer team has once again proven itself as one of the top programs in the region, earning its third consecutive championship at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition.

Included on the squad is Hannah Murray.  Hannah is the daughter of Wesley Murray of Coushatta and Katie Murray of Stonewall.  She is the granddaughter of Teresa King, Don Louis and Gina Birdsong, and Pat and Vickie Murray.  Hannah is an accomplished gymnast and cheerleader.  

The milestone victory marks an impressive three-year streak for the Lady Griffins, showcasing consistency, dedication, and a culture of excellence within the program. Competing against teams from across the state and beyond, North DeSoto continued to rise to the occasion, delivering a strong performance that set them apart.

Coaches credit the team’s success to months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork, as well as the athletes’ ability to balance rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities and school spirit appearances throughout the year.

“This kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident,” one coach noted. “These athletes work year-round and hold themselves to a high standard. Winning once is special — doing it three years in a row speaks volumes about their commitment.”

 As the team celebrates another championship season, their achievement stands as a source of pride for the school, their families, and the entire community — and sets a high bar for future cheer squads to follow.

James “Jimmy” Rhoderick Young went to his heavenly home on January 23, at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones who covered him with love and prayers.

James was born on November 25,1951, in Delhi, Louisiana. He was born the first son of James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young. As a life-long resident of Red River Parish, he went to school, worked, and enjoyed life with family and friends. He was legendary as a dragline operator and contractor, owning his own company. As a Police Jury member for District 3, he served his community dutifully for 20+ years. As a licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying his Cherokee for many years. As a fisherman, he could often be found fishing his favorite spots, Black Lake and Larto, where he had fished with his grandfather when he was a child. He loved deer hunting, rabbit hunting, and hog hunting with his dogs in the Black Lake Swamp. His hog hunting became famous and was shared through his publication Bayed Solid, as well as an annual event in Winnfield, Louisiana, known as Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials. His Christian faith was a
positive influence on untold numbers of those who met him, as he loved to share his love for Jesus with others. Family members and friends never doubted his love for them as he always made sure to tell them how much he loved them. A giant of a man, physically and spiritually, his presence here will be greatly missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Young and Montez Lazell Young; great grandson, Walker Rayce Young, all of Coushatta, and half-brother, Troy Ballard of Doyline, Louisiana.

James is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Gwen Snead Young ; sons, James “Bo” Young, Jr. (Linda), Shane Young (Tammy), Clint “Blue” Young (Hollie); daughter, Kasey Smith (Joey); stepson, Brodie Vines; grandsons, Britt Young, Hunter Young; granddaughters, Makayla Griffith, Montanna Layfield, Cardin Young, Hadlee Young; great grandsons, Kaden Young, Holt Young, Rhett Young, Parker Griffith; great
granddaughters, Avi Young, Peyton Griffith, Juniper Young; brother, Mike Young (Melinda); and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Dr. Arnold Barz, Dr. Wyche Coleman, and Dr. Mindie
Kavanaugh for their care through the years. The love, support, and prayers of his many
friends are also greatly appreciated.

Services will be held at Open Door Fellowship, Coushatta, Louisiana, on Friday, January 30th at 1:00 PM, officiated by Collin Wimberly and Preston Young. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00. Graveside services will be at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Womack, Louisiana.

The pallbearers are James R. Young, Jr., Shane Young, Blue Young, Brodie Vines, Hunter Young, and Britt Young.

The honorary pallbearers are Joey Smith, Mike Young, Royce Young, Cole Young, Wesly Tucker, Lary Wimberly, J.R. Munn, Luther Buswell, Bill Griffin, Marty Weaver, Mark Cloud, Alvin Keith, Gerry Landry, Wilmer Davis, and Gary Brown.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta,
Louisiana.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for the ArkLaTex from midnight tonight through noon on Sunday. Wind chills will range from 10 to 15 degrees. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm dry shelter, food and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Friday:

Cloudy early then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10mph.

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 23F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday:

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 37F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Very cold. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.

Sunday:

Partly cloudy skies. High 47F. Winds light and variable.

Clear skies overnight. Continued very cold. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.

By Nolan Mckendry Jan 21, 2026

(The Center Square) − U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy set off a Republican scramble for the congressional seat she holds and widened the field of candidates looking to unseat him.

At least five state legislators have signaled interest in the race for the 5th Congressional District that Letlow has represented since 2021. Cassidy, seeking a third term, faces at least six challengers in the May 16 primary. Qualifying begins on Feb. 11.

Lutlow announced her bid on Tuesday, days after she was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him on impeachment charges following the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, has also clashed with the Trump administration over health care.

“Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver,” Letlow posted on X. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust.”

Cassidy, backed by Senate GOP leaders, said Letlow called him Tuesday to notify him of her decision.

“She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” he posted on X. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”

Letlow joins a list of Republican challengers that includes former congressman and current State Treasurer John Fleming and two state legislators: Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden also are in the race.

A number of other Republicans are considering the congressional seat that Letlow won in a special election following the Covid-19 death of her husband, Rep-elect Luke Letlow. The district stretches from the Baton Rouge area north and east toward Monroe and the Mississippi line.

The field could be narrowed significantly if former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves enters the race. Graves served in Congress until 2024, when his district was redrawn and he decided to not seek re-election.

State Rep. Dixon McMakin told The Center Square that Graves’ decision in the 5th District race would affect his.

“I hope Congressman Graves will run and be our voice in Congress again but if he stays out, I will most likely be running for the open seat to be a candidate for all of District 5,” McMakin said.

Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, said several other state legislators have privately expressed interest, including Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville and Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe.

“Yes, I am definitely considering running,” Deshotel told The Center Square.

The winner of the primary will advance to the November general election. Members of Congress serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 annually.