The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration returns to Natchitoches June 25–27, honoring the Class of 2026 with three days of events celebrating Louisiana’s rich sports history. The weekend will include free community events, the Celebrity Bowling Bash, Rockin’ River Fest with live music and fireworks, VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Junior Training Camp, Round Table Luncheon, and the official Induction Reception & Ceremony. This year’s class includes John Brady, Sylvia Fowles, Joe Horn, Jonathan Lucroy, Todd McClure, Mike McConathy, Warren Morris, Dewain Strother, Pat Williams, Kathy Holloway, John James Marshall, and Gil LeBreton. Event details, registration, and tickets are available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/KSt/

As Louisiana’s America 250 celebration continues, Louisiana’s Saturday Night: Let Freedom Ring Concert is coming to Zwolle on June 27 promising an evening of music, patriotism, and family fun at the Zwolle Festival Grounds. Gates open at 3pm with the concert beginning at 4pm featuring Grammy-winning Louisiana legend Wayne Toups, American Idol winner Laine Hardy, and local favorite Next of Kin. Organizers invite residents from across the region to bring family and friends and enjoy a night of live entertainment as Sabine Parish celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.

LIV Golf cancels NOLA tournament amid questions about its future.

According to multiple reports, America’s Top Bigfoot Hunter is investigating a reported sasquatch sighting in Westlake.

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Two attorneys with deep Red River Parish roots have earned regional recognition for their work in the legal profession.

Kambrie Bethard Hays and Joseph “Joe” Hays were recently voted among SB Magazine’s People’s Choice Top Attorneys, an honor based on public voting and community recognition across the region.

The recognition highlights attorneys who have earned the trust and respect of clients, peers, and the communities they serve. Being named to the People’s Choice list reflects not only professional ability, but also reputation, service, and commitment to others.

For Red River Parish, the honor also shines a light on a longstanding local legal tradition through Bethard & Bethard, a firm that has served the Coushatta area for generations. The firm has been part of the community for decades, providing legal services while maintaining strong ties to the people of Red River Parish.

Kambrie Bethard Hays represents the third generation of Bethards to practice law through the family firm, continuing a legacy built over many years. Her recognition, alongside her husband Joe Hays, reflects both personal achievement and the continued strength of a family deeply rooted in service to the parish.

Friends and supporters say the honor is well deserved and a testament to the dedication both attorneys bring to their clients and community.

Being recognized in a regional publication such as SB Magazine places the Hays attorneys among a respected group of legal professionals and serves as a point of pride not only for their firm, but for Red River Parish as well.

COUSHATTA, La. — Red River Parish voters will head to the polls Saturday, May 16, for a closed-party primary featuring contests for U.S. Senate, U.S. House in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, and Public Service Commissioner for the 5th District, along with five proposed constitutional amendments.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to register to vote — or to update an existing registration — for the May 16 election has passed, ending April 25.

Early voting will run Saturday, May 2, through Saturday, May 9, at the Registrar of Voters Office, 1906 Front St. (Alonzo Street side, across from Bearing Service). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except the office will be closed Sunday, May 3.

Because the May 16 election is a closed-party primary, only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties may vote in those parties’ races.

Voters registered as “No Party” can still participate by filling out a Declaration of Ballot Choice form during early voting or at the polls on Election Day. That form lets unaffiliated voters choose a Democratic ballot, a Republican ballot, or a No Party ballot — which in this election includes only the constitutional amendments.

Officials noted the choice does not change a voter’s party affiliation on their registration record.

Voters who qualify for a mail ballot must request one no later than Tuesday, May 12, either in person or online. Requests can also be mailed to P.O. Box 432, Coushatta, LA 71019-0432.

Completed mail ballots must be returned to the Registrar’s office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 15. Military and overseas ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

For more information, contact the Red River Parish Registrar of Voters Office at (318) 932-5027. The fax number is (318) 932-5086.

The Red River Lady Bulldogs softball team had several players recognized on the District 3-2A All-District Team after finishing the season 15-11 and earning a spot in the playoffs.

Red River entered the postseason ranked No. 16 and hosted a first-round playoff game, where the Lady Bulldogs’ season came to an end. While the team finished in the middle of the pack, the year gave a young roster valuable experience to build on.

Named Second Team All-District were Madalynn Baxley at pitcher, Remedy Boudreaux in the outfield, and Hope Williamson as a utility player. Earning Honorable Mention honors were Darcey Bohannon in the outfield and Ke’Asha Clark in the infield.

With only one senior on the roster, the Lady Bulldogs softball program is expected to return a core group of players next season. That experience could be important as Red River looks to build consistency and move higher in the district and playoff standings.

Coach Ginger Craig, who recently announced her retirement, shared “These honors are well deserved and reflect the hard work these girls put in all season. It means a lot to see this group finish with playoff experience and individual recognition, especially with so much young talent returning to the program.”

Charlotte Ann Brown, 85, of Coushatta, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. A lifelong resident of Coushatta, Charlotte was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Charlotte was born to Kirwen and Mildred Glover Brown, who preceded her in death, along with her devoted husband, Lewis Hunter Brown, and her brother, John Kirwen Brown, Brothers-in-law James E. Brown, Willie B. Robinson, and Joe Dan Simpson, Sisters-in-law, Joy Ruth Brown and Wanda Brown Simpson. She is survived by her sons, Truett Dodd Brown and Dr. Ashton Hunter Brown; her sisters Mary Brown, Karla Brown Anderson (Jimmy), and Kris Brown O’Daniel (John); her stepmother Gladys Cason Brown; and her sister‑in‑law Sheryl Brown Robinson. She was a proud grandmother to Benjamin Truett Brown (Emily) and Laura Elizabeth Brown, and she cherished her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who brought joy to her life.

Charlotte grew up in Coushatta and graduated from Coushatta High School, Class of 1959. Her professional life included service at the Bank of Coushatta and American Bank and Trust, and she later partnered with her husband in operating Brown’s Home Furnishings and Gifts, a business that became a warm and familiar part of the community. Later years she worked at The Hall Tree in Natchitoches.

Deeply committed to her hometown, Charlotte served on the Springville Cemetery Board and was elected to the Valley Electric Cooperative Board, where she worked diligently and honorably.

Charlotte’s musical gifts were a blessing to generations. An accomplished pianist, she played for countless weddings, funerals, graduations, talent shows, pageants, and community events. Her music was a ministry in itself—offered with grace, humility, and a heart for service.

Her greatest devotion, however, was to her Lord and to her church. Charlotte was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church Coushatta, where she served as church accompanist for more than 40 years. She was a leader in the Women’s Ministry and a dedicated teacher of the Young Adults. Her consistent walk with Christ, her steadfast prayer life, and her gentle spirit were a testimony to all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, April 30, at First Baptist Church Coushatta at 3:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Cory Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery under the direction of Rockett‑Nettles Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Simpson, Will Almond, Winn Almond, Adam Breedlove, Jeffery Deen, Tyler Jones, John Perkins, and Lance Webb.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are her nephews and cousins, Chris Brown, Nettles Brown, Jerry Glover, Bill Jones, Tommy Glen Jones, and Michael Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Coushatta or Springville Cemetery.

As we remember Charlotte’s life of faith, service, and love, we rest in the promise of Scripture:

“Her children arise and call her blessed… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31

Please vote Yes for Constitutional Amendment 5 on the ballot for May 16. The amendment raises the age of retirement for Judges in Louisiana to 75 years, from the current 70-year retirement mandate. The reasons are simple.

• The voters are best suited to decide if a candidate should continue to serve.
• Experienced, highly qualified Judges are being forced into retirement.
• People are living longer productive lives and working longer.
• No other political office has a mandatory retirement age.
• By Supreme Court oversight, incompetent Judges can already be removed.

While the amendment does not put an end to what can only be called age bias, it does soften its effect. Voting Yes to raise the age is simply the right thing to do. In this election cycle alone, some 60 Judges of the approximately 360 in the State are being forced to retire. While some are doing so voluntarily, many others have an earnest desire to continue to serve the people of this great state. They should have the opportunity to do so, and it should be up to the voters to decide if they can continue, not some arbitrary age limit.

Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 9.

For more information go to http://www.yeson5for75.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Judge Van H. Kyzar

By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.

The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.

Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.

“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”

The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”

Purchase Raffle Tickets: https://nsudemons.com/

Current and former employees of Red River Parish Public Schools are invited to a special Employee Appreciation Luncheon set for May 15 at 11 a.m. in the Red River High School cafeteria.

The event will recognize all current employees as well as retirees from the past 25 years, celebrating their service and contributions to the students and schools of Red River Parish.

Retirees planning to attend are asked to stop by the Red River Parish School Board Office, 100 Bulldog Drive, to receive a ticket and reserve their seat. Organizers note retirees will receive one ticket per person, and reservations should be made by May 1.

School leaders say the luncheon will be a time of appreciation and fellowship while honoring those who have helped shape public education in Red River Parish.

By Nolan Mckendry |  Apr 27, 2026

(The Center Square) – Louisiana energy companies may be keeping major projects on the sidelines until a 2025 law meant to bring more predictability to oilfield environmental litigation takes effect, according to comments from Rep. Brett Geymann.

In an interview, the Lake Charles Republican said an oil and gas working group that included about 30 people – roughly 10 to 12 legislators and the rest industry representatives – heard directly from executives about why Louisiana projects remain stalled. No lobbyists were allowed in the room, he said, because lawmakers wanted “raw, unfiltered discussion.”

The result, Geymann said, was candor.

Executives “put their guard down,” he said, and described a business climate in which Louisiana investments are still being delayed because of pending and potential lawsuits.

One industry representative, Geymann said, told lawmakers that when executives sit in a board room and review stacks of potential investments, “we take the Louisiana stack and move it to the side.”

The industry, according to Geymann, was encouraged by a law passed in 2025 as a way to create legal predictability, but industry officials may still see the law’s two-year transition period as a reason to wait.

The law, among other things, became a vehicle for major changes to oilfield environmental litigation, especially so-called legacy lawsuits over alleged environmental damage from oil and gas activity.

The law was brought by Rep. Jacob Landry, R-Erath, and changed how remediation plans are developed, how damages and attorney fees are handled, and when the new rules apply. One of its most significant provisions creates a Sept. 1, 2027, cutoff. Lawsuits filed afterward are subject to a much higher burden of proof, a win for energy companies.

Industry officials have argued that the two-year window leaves Louisiana in legal limbo. Rep. Danny McCormick described the working group’s conclusion this way: until Rep. Landry’s bill fully kicks in, projects may remain in the queue, but companies are unlikely to move forward.

Geymann said the message from industry was blunt: shorten the timeline, and projects could move.

“If y’all could shorten the timeline, we’d have these wells up and running in a few years,” one participant said, according to Geymann.

The discussion also went beyond existing legacy lawsuits. Geymann said industry representatives raised concerns about how Louisiana could get ahead of future lawsuits over emissions, pointing to litigation in other states, including the Colorado Suncor case.

That concern reflects a broader fear among energy companies that today’s operations could become the basis for lawsuits years from now, even if companies comply with permits and environmental regulations at the time.

Supporters of Senate Bill 244 have said the law is meant to reduce that uncertainty by creating a clearer legal framework for environmental claims tied to oil and gas activity. But Geymann’s comments suggest industry leaders may not view the matter as settled until the grandfather period expires – or until lawmakers shorten it.

Louisiana has long relied on oil and gas production, refining and petrochemical investment as pillars of its economy. If companies are moving Louisiana projects to the side because of litigation risk, the state could lose out on drilling, jobs, tax revenue and related industrial development even after passing a law intended to reassure investors.

According to research from the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, the coastal lawsuits alone resulted in between $40 million and $100 million in lost economic activity, as well as 2,000 jobs.

“These are our friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren leaving the state to find opportunity elsewhere,” Daniel Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute, told The Center Square.

The energy industry, in large part, has been succesful in their mission to limit their liability to what they call frivolous lawsuits. The same day Geymann spoke with The Center Square, he advanced a law that would ban certain legal claims related to climate change.

Legislative wins aside, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a potentially lethal blow to the several dozen coastal lawsuits currently pending in Louisiana courts, which will now likely be held in federal court.

Still to come is the ruling on Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, which will likely be heard in the fall.

If the court rules in favor of Suncor, it could make it much harder for states and local governments to use state law to seek damages from oil and gas companies for climate-related harms, further reducing one of the major litigation risks industry officials say is chilling investment.

Geymann’s comments came shortly after he advanced a bill aimed at shielding energy companies from the same type of climate-related lawsuits now before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Suncor case. House Bill 804 would would make it far more difficult to sue energy companies for claims related to personal and economic damages from climate change.

“People don’t understand that the industry that provides a living for myself an dmy family and other employees, energizes not only america, but is going to energize most of the world,” Landry said while the bill was being debated.

                If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.

               Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.

               But as I walked out of the office, ears squeaky‑clean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?

               Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.

               Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.

               Spiritual wax works the same way.

• A little pride here.
• A little resentment there.
• A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”

               Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well.         And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:

• The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
• The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
• The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”

               But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.

               After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.

               Spiritually, the same principles apply.

1. Stop sticking things in your ears.
   You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doom‑scrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.
2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning.
   Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.
3. Get professional help when needed.
   Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned come‑to‑Jesus moment.

               When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.

               When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.

               Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”

Notice:
Red River Parish Assessor Dovie Beard advises that due to software problems, some errors may have been made in the distribution of tax notices for 2025. With deadlines approaching, Beard is advising that any taxpayer who usually receives a tax notice but has not yet received one, or any person who received an unexpected tax notice, should immediately contact the Assessor’s Office at 318-932-4922.

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Red River Republicans will welcome John Atkins, candidate for Public Service Commissioner, at their Apr 30 meeting at the Red River Parish Library. The meeting begin at 5:30pm and the pubic is invited.

Social Springs Cemetery Memorial will be held on May 2. Cemetery visits will take place from 10-11am with church service beginning at 11am. Bring a covered dish for lunch after the church service.

New Hope #1 Baptist Church will celebrate its 160th Church Anniversary on Sun May 3 at 1:30pm at the church, located at 600 Catfish Bend Road in Hanna. Pastor Tedie Nelson and the congregation invite the community to join in this special milestone celebration. Pastor Roderick Reliford of Israelite Baptist Church of Ringgold will serve as guest speaker. The anniversary theme is drawn from Colossians 2:6-7, and the service will mark 160 years of faith, fellowship, and ministry in the community.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church will host its 74th Annual Homecoming Service Sat May 3 at 11am. Bring a favorite dish and enjoy a meal and fellowship after the service.

Southern University is moving forward with plans to establish a law school in Shreveport after a unanimous board vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson is requesting $55 million in barracks upgrades at Fort Polk.

Kellogg’s announced it is bringing back cereal box toys for the first time in over a decade. The special edition boxes will have plastic toys shaped like characters from “Toy Story 5” which will hit theater’s in June.

Cooper Flagg has been selected as the NBA Rookie of the Year. He is the 5th Duke Blue Devil to earn the title.

Charlotte Ann Brown
April 25, 1941 – April 28, 2026
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 30 at 3pm at First Baptist Church in Coushatta.

Matt Vines

Red River track and field Logan Mims earned the District 3-2A Track and Field MVP after a standout performance at the district track meet Wednesday.

Mims won two running events and one jumps.

He took home crowns in the 800 meters (2:07.96) and the 1600 meters (5:01.01) while capturing the triple jump with a mark of 41-6.

Mims is part of three boys and three relay teams that advanced to the regionals track meet this coming week. Mims ran a leg on the third place 4×400 relay with CJ Haskett, Justin Taylor and Kamrin Nelson.

Lathyn Lewis logged a win in the 100 meters with an 11.32.

Jarvis Palmer finished second in the 110 hurdles with an 18.18.

The first place 4×800 relay team consisted of Emmanuel Scott, Jacarvis Speed, Haskett and Nelson.

The 4×100 relay placed third with Lewis, Taylor, Noah Adams, Gamichael Black.

On the girls side, six individuals and four relays punched their tickets to the regionals.

The two individual event wins include Jada Gray in the 800 meters (2:51.04) and Khylee Winn (4-10).

Second-place finishes include Kaleah Crawford in the 400 meters (1:05.31) and Neveah Johnson in the 100 hurdles (19.27).

Lauryn Bradley (81-2 discus) and Neveah Johnson (13.20 in the 100 meters) finished third in district.

The Red River relay teams won first in the 4×200 (1:50.01) and 4×400 (4:29.67) with a second in the 4×100 (51.03) and third in the 4×800 (12:18.61).

Malique Smith committed to Centenary
Red River basketball guard Malique Smith committed to Centenary College basketball this past week.

Smith, who helped lead Red River to two Top 28 appearances, is a multi-time all-district performer who also starred as the quarterback on the football team the past three seasons.

Students across Red River Parish Public Schools will begin state-mandated LEAP 2025 testing this week, joining students across Louisiana in the annual assessments that measure student progress and school performance.

At Red River Elementary, testing is scheduled for April 28-30 and May 5-7. Red River Junior High and Red River High School will test April 28 through May 7.

In recent years, Red River Parish Public Schools has also seen substantial growth on state assessment and accountability data. In 2025, Red River Parish was reported as the top improving school system in Louisiana for overall LEAP grades 3-8 Mastery, with a 5-point improvement in that category. The district was also later recognized as the Top Growing District in Louisiana after posting a 7.6-point increase in its overall district performance score.

LEAP 2025 is Louisiana’s statewide assessment program and includes students in grades 3-8, along with certain high school end-of-course tests. Students are assessed in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, with exams aligned to Louisiana’s academic standards. High school students take LEAP assessments in courses such as English I and II, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and Civics/U.S. History, depending on grade level and graduation requirements.

Results from LEAP 2025 are used in several ways — to measure student mastery, help guide instruction, and contribute to school performance scores issued by the state. The assessments also help schools identify strengths and areas where additional support may be needed.

State education leaders have also worked in recent years to reduce testing time in some areas while maintaining a focus on measuring student readiness and achievement.

School leaders encourage families to support students during testing by helping them get a good night’s sleep, arrive on time, and do their best each day.

For many students, LEAP season marks an important opportunity to show what they have learned throughout the year.

The New Orleans Saints added eight new players during the 2026 NFL Draft, using the weekend to strengthen several key areas of the roster and bring in fresh talent on both sides of the ball.

New Orleans opened its draft by selecting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State with the eighth overall pick, giving the offense another young playmaker. The Saints then turned to Georgia for two more additions, taking defensive tackle Christen Miller and tight end Oscar Delp, both of whom bring size and SEC experience to the roster.

Later in the draft, the Saints continued adding depth. Auburn offensive guard Jeremiah Wright gives the team another option along the offensive line, while North Dakota State receiver Bryce Lance adds another pass-catching target. New Orleans also addressed the secondary with Ohio State defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Iowa cornerback TJ Hall.

The Saints also selected LSU wide receiver and return specialist Barion Brown, a pick that could bring added energy to special teams and the return game.

Altogether, the Saints’ eight-player class reflects a clear effort to add speed, size, and competition across the roster. With new faces at receiver, tight end, defensive tackle, offensive line, and defensive back, the team will now look to see which rookies can earn roles when offseason workouts begin.

A new scam is making the rounds in Louisiana, and Red River Parish Journal is warning readers to be cautious after one of the Journal staff members received one of the fraudulent notices over the weekend.

The scam arrives by text message and appears to be an official State of Louisiana court enforcement notice, claiming the recipient has unpaid toll violations, traffic fines, or other legal penalties requiring immediate action. Some versions threaten license suspension, collections, or court action and include a QR code or link demanding payment.

The notice is fake and designed to pressure people into sending money or providing personal information.

Officials advise residents not to scan the QR code, click links, or send payment in response to unsolicited messages like these. Legitimate Louisiana courts do not collect fines this way through random text notices.

Anyone receiving one of these messages should delete it, avoid engaging with the sender, and report suspected scams to appropriate authorities. Residents are urged to warn family members, especially elderly relatives, as scammers often target those least likely to question official-looking notices.