As summer approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health is reminding families about the importance of water safety measures. Strong water safety practices can prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, especially among children.

Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drowning remains the third leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14 in Louisiana, right after motor vehicle crashes and homicides. 

“Most drownings are preventable, and they happen quickly,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph L. Abraham. “It’s important to have a designated adult on duty to actively supervise, to keep young children within arm’s reach, and never leave children unattended when in or around water.”

Sixty-two children drowned in Louisiana between 2021 and 2023, according to the LDH Office of Public Health. More than half (57%) were unsupervised; half (50%) did not know how to swim, and 40% drowned in water unprotected by proper barriers. Most of these instances (40%) occurred in swimming pools. Another 52 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings, which can lead to lifelong disabilities. 

Best practice recommendations for water safety include: 

Teach Them Early: Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age to ensure they learn essential water skills and safety awareness.

Protect Pool Areas: Surround private pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent children and uninvited guests from swimming unattended and toddlers from falling into water, unable to swim. Install safety devices, such as barriers, pool covers, and alarms.  

Know Your Drains: Teach children to stay away from pool drains. 

Ensure Compliance: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.

Consider the Dangers: Everyone needs to know the rules and dangers in different environments, from backyard pools and jacuzzis to area lakes and beaches. Open water brings special challenges including visibility in murky water, changes in depth, and uneven surfaces and hazards.

Watch Actively: Always supervise children in or near the water. Never leave them unattended. Be sure an adult is always within arm’s reach. Designate an adult as a “water watcher” to supervise, with no distractions. 

Mind the Red Flags: At the beach, be aware of and respect conditions. Swim with a buddy under the watch of lifeguards. Know what to do if you get caught in open currents or a riptide. Never swim alone.

Wear a Life Jacket: When boating or participating in open-water activities, ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets appropriate for their weight and activity.

Avoid Alcohol: Swim sober. Avoid alcohol use near open water and before or during swimming, boating and other water activities, as it could impede awareness and emergency response. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

Be Prepared: Know what to do in a water safety event. Learn life-saving practices, like CPR and basic water rescue skills. Have a phone nearby, in case of emergency.

Additional tips for water safety can be found online at poolsafely.gov, redcross.org, ndpa.org, cdc.gov, and safekids.org. 

SEE INFOGRAPHIC

Three new Amtrak passenger rail lines are opening in our area. 

Amtrak reps recently gave an update to the NOLA City Council. Each will have Wi-Fi, business class options and food and drink.

The routes includes New Orleans to Mobile; Baton Rouge to New Orleans; and Dallas to Meridian along 
I-20. 

Amtrak’s Gulf Coast will depart every morning from New Orleans and another in Mobile with four stops in Mississippi… Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula… then return late afternoon or evening. It should come online sometime this summer. Passenger service along the Gulf Coast has been suspended since 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed critical rail infrastructure.

The in-state project envisions twice daily trips with stops in Baton Rouge downtown and the Health District in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and the Union Passenger Terminal next to the Superdome in New Orleans. DOTD is leading a project on the line from Baton Rouge south. The state provided 32 million dollars to get the project off the ground. 

The proposed I-20 corridor would have stops in Shreveport, Monroe, and Ruston.

Amtrak says all funding is in place and contracts have been signed.

Setting your AC to 78°F in the summer might sound a little warm at first, but there’s a good reason it’s often recommended—it’s all about finding that sweet spot between staying comfortable and saving money.

Why 78°F Works So Well:

It saves you money.
Your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard when it’s not trying to turn your house into a fridge. Even just bumping it up a couple of degrees can make a noticeable difference on your electric bill.

It’s a good balance.
For most people, 78°F feels comfortable enough—especially if you’ve got a fan going or some airflow. It’s warm without being stuffy, and cool enough to relax in.

It’s better for the planet.
Using less energy means less strain on the power grid and fewer emissions. It’s a small change that adds up, especially when lots of people do it.

It’s smart energy use.
Experts like the Department of Energy suggest 78°F when you’re home and awake. You can bump it up a bit when you’re out or asleep (like 82–85°F when away, or 74–76°F if you like it cooler for sleeping).

Little Tricks to Make 78°F Feel Cooler:

• Run a ceiling or portable fan—airflow makes a big difference
• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day
• Limit oven/stove use in the afternoon if you can

It’s not about being uncomfortable—it’s about getting the most out of your AC without overpaying. Try it out for a few days and see how it feels. You might be surprised how manageable it is.

4-Hers in grades 1-8 celebrate summer at Grand Bayou Wetlands Camp Friday, June 6 from 9am until 2pm. There will be activities with LDWF and fishing time at the pier. Sign up by Monday, June 2. 

The Red River Junior High School will host a Music Fair Wax Museum June 5 in the school gym. 8th grade will be on display from 10-10:45am followed by 7th grade from 11-11:45am then 6th from 11:50am-12:45pm. Support your students live performances of their music idols.

RRHS Lady Bulldog Volleyball is hosting a car wash and bake sale June 7 from 9am until 3pm at Rivertown Market. All donations are accepted.

Shriners Children’s Hospital has created a Patient Alumni Network. If you are a former patient join here.

Magic Spring Park in Hot Springs is celebrating Heroes and Educators during the month of June. Heroes include all military, police, fire fighters, first responders and healthcare workers and from June 2-13 get FREE admission. Educators including teachers, administrators, bus drivers, paras, custodians get in FREE from June 15-26. Bring your badge to get your free admission. Discounted tickets for four accompanying guests is also available.

Donovan “Donnie” V. Cox, Jr.
February 25, 1949 – May 31, 2025
A Celebration of life will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11am at Fairview Baptist Church in Fairview. 
Everyone is asked to wear his favorite team colors, purple and gold. 

Red River Fire Protection District announced that Station 6 and Station 7 have each received a replacement fire engine to continue serving the public effectively and safely.

While these engines are not brand new, they are reliable and well-maintained units that ensure our crews have dependable equipment to respond to emergencies.

Station 6 is located on Jordan Ferry Road near Catfish Bend. Station 7 is our farthest North station, located on Highway 1.

These replacements were necessary due to the age and condition of the previous apparatus, and they will help maintain the level of service our residents expect and deserve.

RRFPD also stated that they appreciate the ongoing support of our community as we work to keep our fleet operational and our firefighters ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

SporTran announced the appointment of Trevor Hunt as the new IT Manager. 

Hunt, who previously held a similar position at American Airlines and Bank of America, will oversee the strategic direction and vision for SporTran’s IT infrastructure.

With experience in technology and engineering, Hunt’s role will be critical in adapting to the dynamic transit environment and leveraging technology to address emerging opportunities. 

Dinero’ Washington, SporTran CEO, said Hunt’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of technology in SporTran’s growth and transformation strategy. 

Hunt’s leadership is expected to enhance SporTran’s ability to innovate and provide value to customers and employees.

He graduated from University of Isabel with an MBA in Data Analytics. 

He is married to the former Teanna Eason.

Source: SporTran Transit Facebook page

Matt Vines

Harris named new Red River High athletics director
Red River boys basketball coach Dadrian Harris has been named the school’s new athletics director, the parish’s school system announced this week.

Harris will retain his head basketball coaching duties, of which he’s performed for the past five seasons.

Red River has advanced to the Top 28 in Class 2A each of the past two seasons, including a 2024 state title game appearance.

Harris takes over for Byron Keller, the athletics director and football coach who departed for district rival Winnfield this past December.

Red River sprinter signs with Centenary
Red River sprinter Cameron Hobley will continue his track and field career at Centenary College.

Hobley held a signing ceremony earlier this week in which he revealed he’ll compete at the NCAA Division III member in Shreveport.

Hobley’s senior season bests include an 11.52 in the 100 meters and a 23.05 in the 200 meters.

He was also a cornerback on a football team that won the district title for the first time since 2005.

Red River’s Murphy named to all-region team
Red River baseball player Elijah Murphy was selected as a utility player to the 2025 Louisiana Baseball

Coaches Association’s All-Region Team for Region 2.

Murphy was one of eight utility players picked to the 28-man team that stretches from Natchitoches

Parish throughout the north central portion of the state.

Join FBC Coushatta at VBS, June 2 – 6, and learn about “Discovering the bigness of God in the smallest of things!” Children ages Pre-K4 through 6th grade are welcome. Supper will be served every night at 5pm with VBS will be from 5:30-8pm. Online registration can be found at https://forms.gle/rhx5JdtAaTv7V8u27. Those who register before Friday, May 30 will be put into a drawing to win a backpack full of summer fun.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church will host VBS “Camp Firelight” June 9 – 13 from 5:30-8pm for grades PK3-12. Gather ’round the campfire for a week full of adventure, friendship, and discovery. At Camp Firelight, kids will learn how God’s light guides us through every challenge and adventure. Through inspiring Bible stories, fun games, crafts, and music, kids will grow in faith and courage–all while making memories that will shine for years to come. The fire is burning bright, and they’re saving a spot just for your kiddos! Contact Melissa Allen, VBS Director, for more information (318.205.8362).

First Methodist Church Coushatta will take kids on a “True North” adventure from June 23-26, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., for ages 4 years through 5th grade. Join FMC on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. True North VBS shows kids that Jesus is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North! Dinner is provided each night.  Register online or in person.  

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

Louise Ciccone was born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan to Tony and Louise Ciccone. Because she shared the same name as her mother, her five siblings called her Little Nonnie. Little Nonnie was five years old when her mother died from breast cancer. Her father was a hard worker but struggled to provide for his large family. When one of the kids wanted something, Tony replied, “Get a job. I’m not paying for it.” Tony could barely afford the necessities.

In high school, Little Nonnie was intelligent, got straight A’s in school, but struggled to fit in. Little Nonnie felt like a country bumpkin around her rich classmates. They wore the finest and most fashionable clothing while she often wore the same inexpensive clothing for several days in a row. Little Nonnie’s home life was difficult. As the eldest daughter in a family without a mother, she was responsible for doing the laundry, cleaning the house, fixing meals, taking care of her younger siblings, and a myriad of other tasks required to keep a household running while her father was working. For these reasons, Little Nonnie did not associate with her classmates.

Little Nonnie graduated from high school early and attended the University of Michigan for a year as a dance major. She planned to become a professional dancer to escape from Michigan, and she was a natural. With the encouragement of one of her teachers, Little Nonnie decided to move to New York to fulfill her dream despite her father’s objections. Her first time in an airplane was her flight from Michigan to New York. From the airport, she took her first taxi ride. With no idea where to go, Little Nonnie told the taxi driver to take her to the center of the city. He dropped her off in Times Square. Little Nonnie immediately experienced the culture shock of coming from the suburbs of the Midwest into the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. She knew no one, had no place to stay, had about $35 in cash, and wore all of the clothing she brought with her. She quickly made friends with someone who asked why she was wearing a winter jacket in the middle of summer. He allowed her to sleep on his couch until she found a place to stay.

Little Nonnie began going to auditions. She knew her dancing career waited just around the corner, but getting around that corner proved harder than she had expected. In the meantime, Little Nonnie worked at whatever job she could find including a short stint as a hat check girl at the Russian Tea Room, a job she was fired from for wearing fishnet stockings although she was only visible from the waist up, and an even shorter stint at Dunkin’ Donuts, a job she was fired from for playfully squirting jelly on customers. While waiting for her big break, Little Nonnie’s apartment was burglarized repeatedly. She was mugged. She was raped.

Despite all the obstacles, Little Nonnie never gave up. She eventually became a dancer, but her talents led her to a blend of world renown and controversy. The highest selling musical artists of all time in order are Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and then Little Nonnie. Although some members of her family still refer to her as Little Nonnie, the rest of the world knows Louise Ciccone by her first name, Madonna.

Source: “The Howard Stern Show 2015 Madonna,” Vincenzo Depalma, June 20, 2024, YouTube video, 1:15:35, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El0crjdU2Nw

May is National Fitness and Sports Month and CHRISTUS Health is raising awareness about the importance of physical activity and sports participation for people of all ages and abilities.

Physical fitness not only involves physical health, but also mental well-being and an enhanced quality of life.

“Engaging in regular physical activity helps prevent chronic diseases, enhances mental health and promotes overall well-being,” said Alan Edwards, supervisor of athletic training at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. “It’s not just about appearance, it’s about feeling good and leading a healthier, happier life.”

Physical fitness and sports activities have key benefits beyond improved physical health and enhanced mental well-being. There are also social benefits and a sports medicine connection.

“Sports participation builds teamwork, leadership and social bonds – all of which are vital for mental and emotional well-being,” said Edwards.

Sports medicine plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, enhance performance and prevent future injuries. “Our goal is to help athletes perform at their peak while reducing the risk of injury,” Edwards said.

Physical fitness and sports are more than just a goal—they’re a lifestyle. Whether it’s lacing up for a morning jog, joining a local sports team or simply moving more each day, the goal should be to push boundaries and build healthier communities.

Mark your calendars because Monday, June 2 is National Leave Work Early Day. This quirky National Day is intended to be an incentive to those who often work more than 40 hours each week. It’s a reminder for those of you who find yourself living to work instead of working to live.

About a third of Americans work more than 40 hours per week. Some work even more than that. Those who are self-employed or who work two jobs, likely work 60-80 hours per week. Those types of hours don’t leave much time for family, self-care, or home maintenance. Stress piles up and so do the phone calls from mom, the grandkids, and maybe the gym wondering where you’ve been. It’s time to get yourself away from your desk and make the most of your time. 

The annual holiday was founded by employee productivity expert Laura Stack in 2004 to raise awareness of the benefits of increased workplace productivity. Making small adjustments in the way we approach work can greatly improve the results of our work, allowing us to become more productive in the office while spending fewer hours there.

So punch out a bit early Monday and enjoy the extra time doing what you love to do, spending time with family or friends, take that afternoon nap you’ve been needing, start that new novel that’s been on your bedside table for months, do a little yard work or wash the car.

Source: nationalcalendarday.com

In today’s tournament bass fishing world, if you listen closely, you’ll hear the music to the popular soap opera TV series “The Young and the Restless” or maybe “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Today we’ll take a look at all the drama tournament bass fishing is going through that would make any soaps fan jealous.

If you noticed, I was not specific to professional bass fishing. That’s because there’s drama on all levels of tournament bass fishing. Whether it’s a local bass club event, BFL’s, ABA’s, Toyota Series or a benefit tournament, no event is immune to drama.

People have often asked why all the drama today? Well, I personally think a lot of this started when the Bassmaster Elite Series decided to split with over 80 anglers jumping over to the newly formed MLF, known as Major League Fishing.

Tensions were high during this split in 2018 as anglers made career decisions on whether to stay with B.A.S.S. or go to MLF. Friendships were lost and enemies created over these decisions.

This split was similar to what happened with professional golf as the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour created a lot of drama as golfers made decisions based on the opportunity to earn more guaranteed money.

Social media has thrived with controversy swirling around tournament anglers. Disqualifications for rules violations by highly-regarded anglers has had both of the professional organizations dealing with constant negativity.

The “no information” rule has also been a problem as anglers have been failing polygraph exams. There’s also been controversy with anglers cheating when catching bass outside the mouth when site fishing, which is a rules violation.

But in today’s world, bad behavior is rewarded with social media clicks. Anglers know that it’s all about how many “views” or “likes” they can gather on social media which draws more attention to them and their sponsors.

It goes back to the adage, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Sponsors of both B.A.S.S. and MLF have learned to turn their heads when it comes to bad behavior with anglers not following the rules.

So, back to our original question — is social media good or bad for competitive bass fishing? It all depends on who you ask. As far as the sport of bass fishing goes, I think it has been both good and bad. The good part has been the amount of information anglers can get about a particular body of water. It can also be a great place to share fishing information and celebrate a recent victory or a high finish.

The bad side of social media is when people spread gossip; most of which is not true. They use it for what I call “feeding the beast.” It has also been known as a place where people vent their frustrations and express their feelings waiting on anyone to respond so they can engage in hate.

Like so many other things in today’s world, social media divides us and has become a landing spot for negativity. It’s up to us as individuals if we want to participate in the hostility or just keep on scrolling.

‘Til next time, good luck with your fishing and stay safe.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The Red River Parish School Board is accepting applications for a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Principal of Instruction. This position plays a crucial role in creating an environment where teachers can design and implement effective courses of study, enabling students to learn and develop optimally. This position may be assigned to any of the following school sites: Red River Elementary, Red River Junior High, or Red River High School.

Fairview Baptist Church is hosting a ‘Beach Bash’ Friday, May 30 from 5:30-8pm. The family fun night will include Kiddie Pool Kickball, and many other beach games. Supper will be provided.

The Great Louisiana Fair at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City runs May 30 – June 15, 2025. It features a full size midway filled with amusement rides for all ages. The fair features family fun entertainment, all FREE with admission including a circus under the big top, petting zoo, and a number of shows. Hours are: Mondays – Fridays: 5pm – 11pm, Saturdays: 1pm – 11pm and Sundays: 1pm – 11pm.

Open Door Fellowship Youth Ministry will hold a Pulled Pork Plate & Bake Sale Saturday, May 31 from 9am until 2pm at Rivertown Market. Plates are $10 and will include sandwich, coleslaw, chips, dessert and water. 

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host a Farmers Market Makers Fair Saturday, June 7 from 7am – 2pm on Front Street in Coushatta. All types of vendors are welcome. There is no vendor fee but each vendor must register to participate. Contact Brandon Baxley for more information or questions at 318 332-4159.

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will be held Saturday, June 7 in Downtown Ruston. Discover the homegrown flavors, art, music, and culture of Ruston. This free fest will feature over 12 hours of live music, a juried arts market, food vendors, kids’ activities, and more peachy fun.

Get ready for the first ever Rumble on the Bayou Saturday, June 14 at Grand Bayou Resort. All cars, trucks, motorcycles and Rat Rods are welcome. Registration starts at 10am with awards at 2:30pm. There is a $25 registration fee. Free admission for spectators. Vendors are needed. If you are interested contact Jacqueline Martin 318.471.8370 or Patrice Harper 318.471.4714.

John L. McCray
November 29, 1958 – May 21, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11am at Summer Hill Baptist Church in Pelican.

Wanda Giddings Welch
August 7, 1947 – May 19, 2025
Graveside services will be  Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 2:30pm at Thomas-Wren Cemetery in Martin.

Jeri Jones Cobb
July 8, 1940-May 24, 2025
A private service will be held for the family.

Tuesday, DeSoto Parish Schools announced the appointment of Coach Patrick Lindsey as the new Assistant Principal of Logansport High School.  

 Most recently, Coach Lindsey served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of Red River High School, where his visionary leadership earned him the honor of being named the 2025 Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s District V Athletic Director of the Year.  

 As the announcement from DeSoto hit social media, a separate announcement from Red River Parish Schools welcomed the promotion of Dadrian Harris as the new Athletic Director for Red River High.  Harris, the men’s basketball coach, led the Bulldogs to an appearance in last season’s final four. He has been coaching for 11 years and has served as the Head Boys Basketball coach at RRHS for the last 5 years. Harris also takes his position in the community to heart, mentoring youth through various programs outside of school.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.

Congratulations to Red River High senior Jemarcus Latson. He has been selected to join the Grambling State University “World-Famed” Tiger Marching Band.

Latson will play the French horn.  However, the French horn is often called a mellophone in a marching band. It’s a marching-style adaptation of the French horn, and many marching bands use it as the equivalent of a French horn in their ensemble. The mellophone is usually referred to as “the horn”. 

He plans to study music education at GSU.

While at Red River High School, Latson was a member of the Marching Band for six years and the Captain for the last three years. He is also in the Ed Rising teacher preparation program, a teacher assistant, Vice President of the Student Council, 4-H Junior Counselor, and a member of the Cross Country track team.

Latson is the son of Jasmin Latson and the grandson of Marie Carroll. His Godparents are Pastor Jimmie and First Lady Thelma Mitchell of Deliverance Temple. 

He will sign a letter of intent on Monday, June 9. The public is invited to attend.

Coushatta Chute Chapter DAR delivered baskets to the Veterans Home of Shreveport on May 28, 2025.  The crocheted baskets were filled with toiletries for both men and women.  The chapter spent part of the programming during the March meeting filling the baskets with items donated by members.  

Giving back to and honoring veterans is one of the cornerstone initiatives for each DAR chapter.  

President Trump’s comeback was much more than a rejection of Washington’s failed leadership. It was a mandate to take our country in a new direction — a call to write the next chapter of American history by and for the people.

House Republicans are cementing President Trump’s bold vision with One Big Beautiful Bill. This legislation makes the largest investment in border security in a generation, provides historic tax relief for American workers, will rein in Washington’s waste, unleashes energy dominance, strengthens our military, and puts America back on a path to peace, strength, and prosperity.

House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill on Thursday morning. Click here for a full list of this bill’s key wins. Click the image below to watch Speaker Johnson’s speech on the House floor.

Keeps the border secure

The Biden Administration deliberately opened the border, and the results were catastrophic. The One Big Beautiful Bill is the largest border security investment in history to permanently secure our borders:

• $46.5 billion to complete the border barrier system
• $8 billion to hire 10,000 new ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, 1,000 new Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) criminal investigators, and 750 support staff
• $1.25 billion to hire 200 immigration judges and to expand immigration courtroom space

Grows our economy & cuts taxes

Washington Democrats created the worst inflation in forty years, thanks to trillions in reckless spending that crushed family budgets and sent everyday costs through the roof. Through One Big Beautiful Bill, House Republicans are backing President Trump’s economic revival:

• Trump’s 2017 tax cuts will be made permanent
• NO taxes on tips and overtime
• Provides tax relief for seniors
• Slashes regulations that are holding back our economy

This legislation is our best chance to deliver historic relief to American families, resulting in take home pay for American families to increase up to $13,300 a year.

Makes government more efficient

The federal government has become too large, does too much, and very little of what it does, it does well. Republicans in Congress are moving in lockstep with this administration to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government, and to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. The One Big Beautiful Bill includes:

• $715 billion in savings by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicaid to strengthen the program for those who need and deserve it
• Over $290 billion in savings by eliminating, waste, fraud, and abuse within the SNAP program
• $500 billion in savings by repealing and phasing out provisions of Democrats’ so-called Inflation Reduction Act

Restores America’s energy dominance

President Biden and Democrats in Washington waged war against American energy for four years straight. President Trump and Republicans in Congress are paving the way for a return to American energy dominance. Our legislation builds on the President’s bold steps to tear down the regulatory barriers that have held back American energy producers, and it gives American producers and job creators the confidence to build, grow, and innovate.

• Mandates onshore and offshore oil and gas leases
• Resumes leasing for energy production
• Supports domestic critical mineral mining development

Returns to peace through strength

President Biden left America weaker, our adversaries emboldened, and the world more unstable than at any time in decades. Our One Big Beautiful Bill will deliver on President Trump’s promise to modernize our military, revitalize our defense industrial base, support our servicemembers, and construct the ‘Golden Dome’ to defend every American from a dangerous world:

• $9 billion to improve servicemember quality of life
• $25 billion for the Golden Dome for America
• $13 billion for nuclear deterrence

Courtesy of the Office of Speaker Mike Johnson

I didn’t intend to address this topic until “reporter” Jake Tapper came out with the promotion of his new book. Not only is what he says transparently hypocritical but the truth he previously attempted to obscure sets a dangerous precedent for America.

Let me recap: any one of us who observed President Biden for much of the last 4 years could recognize he was suffering from some form of mental and physical deficit. We saw him falling up the stairs, walking off from other world leaders in a group photo—requiring one of those leaders to gently grab him by the arm and lead him back to the group, struggling to merely exit a stage from which he had just spoken although there were frequently 3 or 4 well marked exits from which to do so, and regularly and awkwardly losing his train of thought—slurring and stammering in such a way he was simply not able to be understood. We saw it clearly but were attacked and then subjected to world class gaslighting by Biden supporters and the Leftist national “media” when we pointed it out.

Then came the June 2024 debate between President Trump and President Biden and the wheels came off; the lies were completely unmasked when Biden was unable to stand at his podium and speak coherently. However, what is astounding is how the Left is incapable of seeing itself in its true light. How it is so often wrapped up in its own fabrication and virtue-signaling that it simply cannot comprehend what average Americans see clearly—that the emperor has no clothes.

The Wall Street Journal makes this point well: “The Biden senility coverup is also a media reckoning. Whenever someone dared to point out that Mr. Biden wasn’t up to the job, a praetorian media guard assembled to deny it. We could quote chapter and verse from many media sources, but one example worth citing is none other than Mr. Tapper” with “the CNN host casting doubt on those who cast doubt on Mr. Biden’s mental fitness.” (WSJ, May 18, 2025).

WSJ concluded its blistering critique of Tapper and major media by stating, “the coverup of Mr. Biden’s mental decline will go down as one of the great scandals of modern politics. By refusing to admit what voters could so clearly see, Democrats denied their party an open primary. Democrats and the press are now appalled by Mr. Trump’s second term. They would do better to think upon, and seek contrition for, their own role in making it possible.” Ouch.

Tapper has responded as anyone would whose tail feathers were being burned, stating he had found “tremendous humility about my coverage.” I laughed out loud. If he had any humility he would never have been so smug and dishonest in the first place.

Broadly though, it makes you wonder who was making presidential decisions.

The presidential autopen scandal is being looked into now. I also recount a story Speaker Mike Johnson has related publicly, and with me privately. It involves a conservation he had with President Biden when Speaker Johnson was at the White House on a different matter. Speaker Johnson pulled President Biden aside and stated something to the effect “Mr. President, may I ask why you imposed the ban on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports … it’s really hurting my state of Louisiana.” To which Biden replied, “I didn’t do that.” Speaker Johnson respectfully but firmly pushed back, “Sir, it’s happening in my own state. I assure you that you did impose the ban.” To which Biden again stated, “I didn’t do that.” Speaker Johnson was truly taken aback. How could Biden not know he had imposed the ban and how many other things did Biden supposedly do that he had no idea he had done, or did not do himself at all?

This is all disturbing but what is truly worrisome is that an incapacitated Biden could have been called upon to make life and death decisions, perhaps in a crisis involving an Iranian nuclear strike on Israel, for example, or the need to send American troops to war. There are countless grave and dangerous situations with which a president must contend. To think Biden would have been faced with one or more of them in his fragile mental and physical health is alarming.

This coverup needs to be fully exposed and memorialized in hopes this kind of treachery never occurs again.

Royal Alexander

Geek’d Con, North Louisiana’s premier comic and pop culture convention, is 90 days from launching its 10th-anniversary event. Scheduled for August 22–24, 2025, at the Shreveport Convention Center, “Geek’d Con X” promises a star-studded weekend marking a decade of fandom and economic impact.

The annual event consistently draws over 10,000 attendees, injecting millions into the Shreveport-Bossier economy. Its regional and national draw is evident, with consistent ticket sales to fans in states as far as Washington, Michigan, and New York. Additionally, vendors annually travel to Shreveport from California, Iowa, and Florida.

Key Attractions Confirmed:

The extensive guest list for Geek’d Con X features notable personalities, and cast reunions, including:

• Shell-a-Bration:  Commemorating the 35th anniversary of the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. Four of the movie’s original actors—Brian Tochi, Robbie Rist, Kenn Scott, and Ernie Reyes, Jr.—will be in attendance
• Mallrats Cast: The film Mallrats was released 30 years ago in 1995, Geek’d Con will host stars Jason Lee, Jeremy London, and Ethan Suplee
• Charmed Cast: Four of the main cast stars from the TV series Charmed will be in attendance, including Rose McGowan, Holly Marie Combs, Brian Kruse, and Dorian Gregory
• The Voice of Mickey Mouse: Bret Iwan has been Disney’s official voice of Mickey Mouse since 2009. Portraying the icon in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Have a Laugh!, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, and across the Disney parks. Anything Mickey is Bret.
• Terrifier Duo:  Actor David Howard Thornton (Art The Clown) and actress Samantha Scaffidi (Victoria Heyes) from the Terrifier film franchise are scheduled to appear. David is planning to appear for photos in his Art The Clown makeup
• My Name is Earl Stars: Actors Jason Lee and Ethan Suplee portrayed Earl and Randy Hickey in the popular TV series My Name is Earl
• Barry Bostwick: From The Rocky Horror Picture Show, celebrating its 50th anniversary
• Scott Steiner: WWE Hall of Fame member
• Alan Ruck: Legendary actor known for his role as Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Connor Roy in the award winning series Succession

For a complete list of confirmed guests and photo-op opportunities, visit the official Geek’d Con Lineup page.

The convention will also host comic book creators from iconic titles like The Avengers, Spider-Man,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Batman, and Tremors. 

As well as voice actors from English dubs of anime shows like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Yu Yu Hakusho. 

Traditional voice actors will also be appearing, like Kat Cressida. Kat is the voice of Constance Hatchaway, The Bride, from Disney’s Haunted Mansion. She’s also voiced characters for franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Event Details:

• Dates: August 22–24, 2025
• Location: Shreveport Convention Center, Downtown Shreveport, LA
• Features: Over 200 vendor booths, cosplay contests, celebrity panels, and autograph sessions.

Tickets and Vendor Registration:

Tickets for Geek’d Con X are available now. Purchase yours directly via TicketSpice.

Vendor registration remains open for businesses and artists looking to connect with thousands of attendees. Interested parties can find detailed information and application forms on the Geek’d Con Vendor Information page.

About Geek’d Con:

Established in 2015, Geek’d Con has solidified its position as the largest pop culture event in the Ark-La-Tex region. The convention serves as a vital community event, celebrating all facets of geek culture, from comics and movies to gaming and cosplay, and drawing a diverse audience from across the nation.

Connect with Geek’d Con:

• Website: geekdcon.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/geekdcon
• Instagram: @GeekdConShreveport
• X (formerly Twitter): @GeekdCon