Bingo at the Ashland Fire Station June 6 at 5pm. Each game wins a prize. Proceeds support the Ashland Fire Department.

The 2nd Annual LSU AgCenter Hay Day is June 11 at Dodson Ranch in Coushatta. RSVP by contacting the Red River Parish Extension Office at 318.932.4342.

Red River Man Church will be June 11 at 6pm at The Shop. Speaker is Bro. Dominic Mowrer, Pastor of United BC in Campti. Free burgers from Petersen’s Pit Stop. 

Red River Parish Extension Office will hold Wellness Wednesday June 17 at noon. The topic will be Hydration. To register visit https://tinyurl.com/yutdeb98. 

Fairview Baptist Church will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration Service July 12 from 10am-12pm. Guest speaker is Dr. Drew Landry. A meal will be served following morning service.

The 10th Annual Balloons over DeSoto will be held Sun July 12 from 4-10pm at the C.E. “Rusty” Williams Airport in Grand Cane. Gates open at 4pm. Balloons enter the airport & tethered balloons rides begin at 7:30pm. The balloon glow is scheduled for 8:30pm followed by fireworks at 9:15pm. Gates close at 10pm.

The Red River Crusade & Concert is scheduled for July 19-22 at the Red River High School gym. Doors open at 5:30pm. Service begins at 6:30pm. Each night will include a free meal, live worship music by Jason Lovins Band and a powerful message from Luke Hockenjos, founder of Give ’em Jesus. Everyone is invited to attend. All ages welcome.

Teachers are eligible to receive a FREE windowsill greenhouse kit and a seed bundle after completing a Louisiana Farm to School survey from the LSU AgCenter. Take the survey at https://tinyurl.com/farm2school26. Kits are available in limited supply.

Harry Connick Jr will be the halftime show at the New Orleans Saints Home Opener in Sept.

According to recent reports, Louisiana is facing a critical shortage of certified teachers with over 1,100 positions unfilled in the state.

Lucille Anderson Thomas Henry
December 24, 1926 — May 25, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home in Shreveport. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Baptist Church Cemetery, 6373 Hwy 783, in Coushatta.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order June 2 creating what he calls a bipartisan task force to develop a permanent funding source for teacher and school support worker pay raises through changes to the state’s Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), the formula that funds public education.

The proposal would redirect approximately $168 million within the MFP to continue the current $2,000 teacher stipend and $1,000 support staff stipend for the 2026-27 school year. The move follows voters’ rejection of Constitutional Amendment 3 in May, which would have created a permanent funding source for educator pay raises.

While teachers generally support maintaining the stipends, educators and school leaders are questioning how the plan will affect local school districts. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter has said educators still have significant questions about where the money will come from and what impact funding shifts could have on schools.

In northwest Louisiana, school officials are closely monitoring the proposal. Red River Parish Superintendent Alison Strong said the district has long prioritized employee compensation and currently ranks among the state’s top-paying school systems.

“Red River Parish has always made employee compensation a top priority,” Strong said. “Every teacher and employee in the school system deserves competitive wages, and we work each day to make that happen.”

However, Strong expressed concern about using existing MFP dollars to fund the state mandate.

“What is not good is the possibility of cutting or reallocating the MFP to fund this specific mandate,” she said. “There is no way that this will not directly or indirectly impact student services in the future.”

Education officials across Louisiana have warned that diverting MFP funds toward salaries could create pressure on district budgets that rely on those dollars for transportation, maintenance, utilities, technology, and other operational needs. The concern may be especially significant in larger districts such as Caddo and DeSoto parishes, where payroll costs are substantially higher.

For now, local school boards are waiting for details on how the proposed changes would be implemented and whether individual districts could see funding reductions as a result.

BATON ROUGE, La. – The nearly three-month 2026 Regular Legislative Session adjourned today, after legislators approved a $47 billion balanced budget that prioritizes attracting private industry to create new higher-paying jobs in Louisiana, improving the state’s roads and infrastructure, investing in K-12 education and paying down state debt. 

From the state’s $12.5 billion in State General Fund dollars alone, lawmakers voted to spend $4 billion on K-12 education (fully funding the Minimum Foundation Program) and $1.3 billion on higher education – together, representing close to half of all State General Fund dollars.  Education funding approved includes $420 million for early childhood education and $30 million for tutoring programs.  In the final days of the legislative session, legislators worked with Governor Jeff Landry to provide a legislative path that can fund teacher stipends again in the coming year, and created a task force expected to recommend a more permanent teacher pay solution going forward.

Lawmakers approved spending more than $360 million in economic development initiatives to attract better jobs for Louisianans, including $75 million in incentives for companies that pay higher-than-average wages, $50 million in business site readiness funding, and $139 million for businesses to retain and recruit employees. 

The legislature made additional investments, above the annual Capital Outlay bill, in road and infrastructure improvementstotaling more than $500 million; approximately $33 million in rate increases for Medicaid home and community-based services for disabled individuals; and $144 million in surplus payments to LASERS to specifically pay down additional state retirement debt.

“We are at a unique point in Louisiana’s history right now, building on two years of tax reform work that has already attracted more than $100 billion in new private industry investments heading into Louisiana,” said Senate President Cameron Henry.  “Look at the budget we passed, and you will see our priorities include modernizing our educational systems, creating better workforce training programs and improving our roads and infrastructure.  We are readying our state to meet the opportunities that will literally be life-changing for our people.”

Before both chambers gaveled to a close, lawmakers had created a new congressional district map to elect U. S. House members from Louisiana, removed the vehicle inspection sticker requirement for all but five parishes, steered $50 million more to Louisiana’s fortified roof grant program next year, provided more protections for minors online; and strengthened protections against hazing on college campuses. 

“I’m proud of the work our members did together this session.  From education and health to crime and the courts, we tackled some controversial issues this year to be sure, and it wasn’t always easy,” said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier. “Throughout this process, one belief we all share is the desire to serve our constituents and to create better opportunities for Louisiana families.”

Legislators considered more than 2,500 legislative instruments over the 85 calendar days allowed in a regular legislative session, and sent more than 900 bills to the governor’s desk for his approval.

Additional legislation that received final passage included:

• scheduling this year’s U.S. House congressional elections to be held as an open primary election on November 3, 2026, with a general election on December 12, 2026 (qualifying period August 5-7, 2026);
• opening up TOPS-Tech tuition assistance awards to potentially include more students, including certain part-time students and veterans;
• enhancing the penalty for using marijuana within 2,000 feet of a school zone;
• authorizing Homelessness Court programs, approving minimum standards for homelessness service providers;
• strengthening criminal penalties for obstruction of worship services; and
• creating the first-ever recreational alligator hunting season in Louisiana.

For more information on legislation passed during the 2026 Regular Session, the public can log onto www.legis.la.gov to search for bills and watch live streams of committee room and floor debate.  Additionally, the legislative mobile phone app, LALEGE, can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.

The Red River Parish School Board will receive bids for price quotations on the following:

Milk, Bread, and Meat and Select Spices for a period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

And Request for Proposals for Food Products for a period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.  

Invitation to bid and proposals, general instructions, and specifications can be obtained at the Red River Parish School Board Office, School Food Service Department, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta, Louisiana 71019, Telephone Number (318) 271-3144 or e-mail Katie Bethard at kbethard@rrbulldogs.com.  Deadline for submission and opening of the bids will be held at 10:00 a.m., Moday, June 15, 2026 at the Red River Parish School Board Office, School Food Service Department located at 100 Bulldog Drive.  Bidding vendors do not need to be present at the opening in order to qualify.  Formal awarding of Milk and Juice Products, Bread and Bread Products, and Pest Control bids will be done at the next regular Red River Parish School Board Meeting in the Red River Parish School Board Meeting Room, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta, Louisiana 71019.

The public is invited to attend bid openings.

The Red River Parish School Board, School Food Service Program is funded with 98% federal funds for a total of approximately $990,000.00

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Hundreds of kids who dream of playing in the pros – or, kids who just love to play – can get signed up for the free New Orleans Saints & Pelicans/Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp on Saturday morning, June 27 on the Northwestern State campus in Natchitoches.

The JTC annually provides two hours of full throttle fun alongside Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame members and NSU coaches, and staff from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans community relations department.

The clinic registration can be done quickly on the LaSportsHall.com website under the “events’ button. Or parents can call the LSHOF Foundation office at 318-238-4255 for registration help. The camp fills to its 300-kid capacity almost every summer.

The LaSportsHall.com website has the full schedule for the Induction Celebration June 25-27. The JTC is one of three free events, beginning with the Thursday evening Welcome Reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. The biggest free ticket is Friday night, June 26 Rockin’ Riverfest concert from 6-10:30 on the downtown riverbank, featuring a fireworks show after the Class of 2026 is introduced at 9:15.

The Junior Training Camp runs from 9-11 a.m., starting with registration between 8-9 a.m. at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center (WRAC) gymnasium on the NSU campus. It’s important for parents to get their campers checked in well before the fun starts at 9 a.m. Then, campers get introduced to the sports stars who will be coaching them for the next two hours, inside focusing on basketball skills, and outside at Turpin Stadium, with football and general sports skills instruction.

Every camper will bring home two free T-shirts, other items, and a coupon for a meal at Raisin’ Canes. Photos from the camp will be posted on the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Facebook page, and so will a highlight video.

The goals of the JTC are simple – a fun, and thrilling, experience for the kids, free of charge; skills instruction from some of the best to ever play, or coach, the games; and promotion of health lifestyles and positive life choices.

The campers are separated into two groups. One stays inside for the first hour for basketball instruction, while the other is next door at Turpin Stadium, having football fun. The groups switch locations in the second half of the camp.

Parents can follow their favorite campers and watch all the fun from the stands in the gym and on the east side of Turpin Stadium – where it will be sunny, and hot, watching some really cool memories being made.

The Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court’s office continued to be busy recording new leases as it filed 76 more oil and gas leases during the month of May 2026.

Natchitoches Parish Clerk David Stamey confirmed that activity remains steady in the area described as from Interstate 49 at Highway 6, along La. Highway 6 to the Sabine Parish line and approximately 10 miles north into the Spanish Lake bottoms. However, leasing has now occurred south of La. Highway 6 and across I-49 on the east side of the interstate. There was one lease in the far northeastern portion of the parish near the Red River Parish and Bienville Parish lines, indicating activity is also occurring in neighboring parishes.

“This is wonderful economic news for our area,” Stamey said, “but it will be even better with every gas well that is drilled. Drilling has mostly been in the northwest portion of Natchitoches Parish, but indications are that production companies have been pleased.”

Stamey mentioned that his office has been busy with both in-person abstracting and online access for conveyances dating back to 1905. “We have been lucky to meet abstractors from companies new to the Robeline field,” Stamey said. “We thank them all for their business.”

The geographic expansion of leasing activity represents a significant shift, with operators now securing acreage beyond the traditional Robeline Field concentration and into previously untapped areas across parish boundaries. Activity across I-49 and into the northeastern portion of the parish suggests operators are assessing broader geological targets within the Haynesville Shale formation.

The seismic 3D graphing project, active across a 310-square-mile area mostly in Natchitoches Parish, supports this expanded exploration strategy. This extensive subsurface mapping work indicates operators are preparing detailed geological models across a much larger footprint than the initial Robeline Field concentration.

Landowners approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests should understand the complexity and long-term consequences of these agreements. If you are not an expert in oil and gas matters, strongly consider contacting a qualified oil and gas attorney before signing any documents. Mineral leases can have significant implications for mineral rights, royalty structures, surface rights and future property use. Professional legal guidance is essential to ensure fair terms and protect your interests.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the 76 leases filed in May 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.

Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026: 279

Partner Rodney Harrington says that with the proliferation of leasing going on in Natchitoches and surrounding parishes, many land owners are at a loss of what they should do and whether or not they are making the right move to lease their property. 

Harrington said he worked many years as a petroleum land man meeting with landowners on behalf of oil and gas leasing companies to try and convince them to lease their property.  

“It’s usually a good idea to lease your land as opposed to leaving it unleased,” said Harrington, “But you want to make certain you are making the best deal possible and that the terms of the lease are the most favorable to you.”

“You need to remember that the agents working for the leasing companies, or ‘lease hounds,’ as they are sometimes called.”  Harrington continued, “They are trying to get the best deal possible for their company and lease your property under the terms most favorable to them.  That’s their job.”  Harrington also said that his previous employment as a petroleum land man gives him a unique prospective.

“I know how these guys think,” he said.  “It’s not that they’re trying to take advantage of landowners for the most part, it’s just that, as I said, their job is to make the best deal possible for their employer.”  He did say there are also some “bad actors” out there.

Harrington said that he has recently represented several clients in Natchitoches Parish in lease negotiations and has been able to obtain significant increases in the bonus payments they were offered and significant improvements to their lease terms.  He also worked extensively in the field during the first Haynesville Shale Boom several years ago. 

The Harrington Law Firm is an AU Rated firm by Martindale-Hubble, ranking it in the top 10% of all law firms in the nation.            

The attorneys also represent clients in the areas of Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Wills and Successions.

You can reach Rodney Harrington at the Harrington Law Firm at 352-5900 or call that number for a free consultation. 

Celebrate the Louisiana Peach Festival’s 76th year with free admission, a wide range of entertainment and activities, and plenty of peachy events to enjoy leading up to the festival. Browse our guide below and start planning your trip to Downtown Ruston for the weekend of Saturday, June 6.

EAT:
From June 1-6, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach cocktails and desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available on the Peach Fest website.

SEE:
Get a preview of all the arts of the festival with the 39th Annual NCLAC Peach Art Exhibit. Check out the display of local artist of all ages in the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center happening all through July.

– Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, take the quick drive to explore downtown Ruston, scope out the festival grounds, and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

EXPERIENCE: There’s plenty to enjoy Friday before the festival:

• Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 3-6.
  – Peach Fest Hack: Find your perfect festival outfit during the sidewalk sale!
• The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will roll down W. Alabama Ave. and N. Monroe St. on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
• After the parade, you can head over to the North Louisiana Expo Center for the 37th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family fun entertainment, trick riders, and more.

Saturday June 6: Festival Day!

Festival activities start at 9:00 AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

EAT:

Festival Eats

• This year, enjoy bites from 15 food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks.
• You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi
  – Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival

Local Eats
Feeling like a sit-down meal? Check out these local restaurants that are walkable from the festival:

• The Local: morning pick-me-up coffee, pastries, and breakfast bites.
• Uptown Downtown or Heard Freighthouse Food Park: perfect for lunch and plenty of options! For sandwiches, wraps, and a sweet treat, go to Uptown Downtown. For BBQ, Burgers, Chinese, or Mexican cuisine, head over to the Food Park.
• Sundown Tavern or Ponchatoulas: both are beloved Ruston staples with that classic dive bar charm. Be sure to try the fried green beans at Sundown or the stuffed catfish at Ponchatoulas.
• Roma or Utility Brewing: For classic Italian-style pizza, pasta, and fresh salads, take a stroll to Roma’s Italian Bistro. Want to try something different? Utility Brewing serves up creative wood fire-baked pizzas paired with craft beer in a cozy setting.

SEE:

• Festival Art Displays: Discover Plein Air artists painting the scenes and capturing the action of the festival in real time. At Kids Alley, there will be interactive displays and activities for the kiddos to participate in the arts themselves!
• Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
• Fireworks Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s Firework show at 8:45 PM! This dazzling sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.
• Go to www.lapeachfest.com/schedule to see all festival events!

EXPERIENCE:

• Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 consecutive hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Chee-Weez, taking the stage at 9:00 PM.
  – Peach Fest Hack: Bring a lawn chair or blanket in case seating runs out!
• Kids Alley: Make fun memories in this family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
• Curated Market: Browse the booths of more than 90 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op.
  – Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering.

SUNDAY:

After a busy Saturday, sleep in, take Sunday slow and enjoy Ruston’s cozy charm:

EAT:

• Trios: Enjoy their signature brunch menu in a trendy atmosphere.
• The Local: Order specialty brunch cocktails and bites in the heart of Downtown.
• Beau Vines Steakhouse: Not a brunch fan? Dive into a hearty lunch and bottomless mimosas.

SEE:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

EXPERIENCE:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats and live music to charming shops and peaceful parks, the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 76 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

I’ve been pondering one of life’s great mysteries: what happened to hats? Real hats. The kind men used to wear when they went to work, went to town, or went anywhere except the shower. Once upon a time, a man wouldn’t leave the house without a fedora, a trilby, or something with a brim wide enough to shade half the county. Now the only folks still wearing real hats are cowboys—and even they take them off indoors, which is more than I can say for the baseball‑cap crowd at Walmart.

I watch Perry Mason before bed most nights. Not for the suspense—there isn’t any. We all know Perry’s client didn’t do it. I watch to see how much the world has changed. In the 1957 episodes, everybody wears a hat. Even Perry. The only hatless soul is Paul Drake, the detective, who apparently needed full cranial ventilation to solve crimes. And have you noticed? Nobody has a television in their living room. They’re sitting around talking to each other like it’s normal. Wild times.

Do y’all know what happened to hats? Should we start a new fad here in Ruston? On second thought, no. I’d rather someone start a movement to make neckties disappear. That’s the one part of my calling I’ve never understood. Why wrap a decorative noose around my neck and cut off blood flow to my already overworked brain? I’m trying to preach the gospel, not pass out in the pulpit. Someone please start a necktie revolt. I’ll sign the petition.

And while we’re talking about things that vanished—what happened to CB radios? That was the first social media. You could make friends for a solid five miles. Longer if you were driving 55 on the interstate, which we all were back then, unless we weren’t, which is why we needed the CB in the first place. “Breaker one‑nine, where’s Smokey hiding?” Then radar detectors came along and CBs went the way of the eight‑track.

Some things I’m glad disappeared. Felt boards in church. I never trusted those things. One wrong move and Moses would fall off Mount Sinai. Typewriters? Good riddance. I used more liquid paper than ribbon. I’m surprised they didn’t sell it by the gallon.

But here’s something I hope doesn’t vanish: you.

So go to church on Sunday—before someone starts wondering what happened to you.

MANSFIELD, La. — Sharpco Hotels Group has officially broken ground on a new 67‑room Comfort Inn & Suites in Mansfield, marking the company’s return to a community where its roots run deep.

The hotel will be built at the Interstate 49 and Highway 175 interchange, next to the LOVES Travel Center. When completed, it will become the first hotel at the exit, bringing new lodging options to travelers and supporting continued growth in DeSoto Parish.

The project will feature the Comfort brand’s Rise & Shine prototype, which includes a modern lobby, flexible seating areas, refreshed guestroom layouts, and amenities designed for both business and leisure guests. Plans call for complimentary hot breakfast, high‑speed Wi‑Fi, a fitness center, and meeting space.

For Sharpco Hotels Group, the project represents both progress and a homecoming.

“We are thrilled to return to the Mansfield market. I spent several summers living and working in our former Best Western here during my college years, so this community holds a special place in my story. Opening the first hotel at the Interstate 49 exit, right beside the LOVES Travel Center, is an exciting milestone for Sharpco Hotels Group,” said Jay Sharplin, President of Sharpco Hotels Group.

Sharpco previously owned and operated the Best Western in Mansfield throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, and the company says the new Comfort Inn & Suites will build on that legacy by bringing investment, jobs, and modern accommodations to the area.

Construction is now underway, with the hotel expected to open once development is completed.

According to a report from WalletHub and based on new data set to be released Friday by the Federal Reserve, credit card debt will decrease by $61 billion.

Lucille Anderson Thomas Henry
December 24, 1926 — May 25, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home in Shreveport. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Baptist Church Cemetery, 6373 Hwy 783, in Coushatta.

Recent earthquake activity in and around Red River Parish was part of a state oversight hearing held May 26 by the Louisiana House Select Committee on Homeland Security.

The hearing included discussion of the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster, with Red River Parish being one of the main areas of concern. Scientists, academic experts, and state officials shared early information about the recent seismic activity and discussed what may be needed to better understand and monitor future events.

State Representative Charles “Chuck” Owen, who represents Louisiana House District 30, said the hearing showed that Louisiana needs to continue paying close attention to the issue. Owen noted that while earthquakes do happen in Louisiana from time to time, the recent activity in Northwest Louisiana has been more significant than usual.

Red River Parish became a focus earlier this year after a magnitude 4.9 earthquake was recorded in March. The quake was felt by many residents and brought attention to the need for more information about what caused the activity and whether additional monitoring may be needed.

The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy has also been involved in reviewing the tremors, along with the Red River Office of Emergency Preparedness and the U.S. Geological Survey. State officials have reported multiple earthquakes in the area since late 2025, including several tremors recorded over a short period of time.

The recent activity has led to discussion of creating an Earthquake Task Force to study seismic activity in Red River and nearby parishes. The proposed task force would look at monitoring needs, possible causes, and ways Louisiana can be better prepared for future events.

For Red River Parish residents, the hearing shows that the recent earthquakes are being taken seriously at the state level. While many questions remain, lawmakers and experts are continuing to look for answers and ways to strengthen Louisiana’s response to unusual seismic activity.

By Alan Wooten | May 28, 2026

(The Center Square) – Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, Kentucky since 1992, Louisiana and North Carolina since 2008.

Respectively, outgoing Republican Sens. John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Dr. Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis are accused of being of the party in name only, and a fair number from their party are glad to see them go. In three of the four races in November, their departure won’t matter too much for their party because the state leans Republican.

But for purplish North Carolina, the Grand Old Party has an imposing rally to complete to keep the streak. Republican Michael Whatley, notable as the leader of the Republican National Convention handpicked to get Donald Trump back in the White House, trails Democrat Roy Cooper in fundraising, polls and increasingly important as the clock ticks, name recognition.

“A failed governor, Roy Cooper spent eight years releasing violent criminals into North Carolina’s communities, drove up costs for working families, and deserted thousands of victims devastated by Hurricane Helene,” said Executive Director Alex Latcham of the Senate Leadership Fund after $71 million from $342 million went to the North Carolina race. “By contrast, Michael Whatley is a successful entrepreneur and strong ally of President Trump who always puts North Carolina’s families first.”

The dollars of the pivotal super political action committee are expected to eventually be spent in Texas; Cornyn lost his primary to state Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday. McConnell’s Kentucky and Cassidy’s Louisiana are strong Republican grounds, with May 19 primary winner Andy Barr and June 27 runoff survivor Julia Letlow or John Fleming, respectively, expected to win in November.

The four departing Republicans voted plenty with the party. Ultimately, they were unwanted by second-term Republican President Donald Trump.

Tillis drew the mercurial leader’s ire as one of two holdouts on a reconciliation bill last June. He’s also been a thorn in confirmation committee work, and even back to the first term. Still, he carried a 9-0 record in 23 years of political elections, notably flipping his seat in 2014 from the late Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan.

“It’s not a hard choice,” he said of being done with partisan gridlock of Washington and saying he would not seek reelection.

Party battle wounds are many.

Cornyn’s “Trump’s time has passed him by” line three years ago was never forgotten. Even still, Paxton didn’t get the presidential endorsement against him until May 19 – a week ahead of the runoff with early voting already ongoing. Cornyn also supports the filibuster rule, criticized the 2017 firing of FBI Director James Comey and defended Special Counsel Robert Mueller regarding a Russian investigation.

Five years have passed since Cassidy voted to convict Trump in the impeachment trial after the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol.

“Bill’s loss was predictable, and Bill knew it,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., in published reports, adding he respected him for running anyway.

Cassidy even labored diligently to navigate the waters. For example, as a physician he questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines yet still delivered a confirmation vote. Cassidy has chaired the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, adding even more impact to his vote.

For Tillis, he and Trump had different views on Medicaid and tax policy. His blocks or holding out until late on nominees, such as federal prosecutor Ed Martin or War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth, were another division, as was speculation on controlling Greenland. Tillis also didn’t like the rhetoric on what did or did not happen Jan. 6, 2021.

Collectively, the four were generally reliable votes as Republicans and in many occasion gave support to the president. Just not always.

And in 14 weeks, absentee ballots go into the mail in North Carolina ahead of Nov. 3 Election Day. Without a doubt, a Cooper win would definitely mark another “nay” vote to the Trump agenda.

The Senate today is 53 Republicans, 47 Democrats and two independents caucusing with the minority party. Thirty-five Senate seats will be decided – two of which are special elections.

Forecasts have it close – prediction markets favoring 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans and one too close to call; the renowned website 270towin says consensus is four too close to call, 50 Republicans and 46 Democrats.

Tough as any metric for Whatley, aside from what money pours in for each campaign, is polls asking about favorability or recognition. In the Carolina Journal poll this month, 52.7% either have no opinion (19.3%) or say they have not heard (33.4%) of Whatley. That’s great disparity from Cooper’s 11.7% combined for no opinion (8%) or never heard of him (3.7%).

“Roy Cooper’s double-digit lead over Michael Whatley is real – but it’s not just a generic midterm backlash,” said Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation and publisher of Carolina Journal. “Cooper’s 24 years of statewide name recognition is a massive advantage that no challenger can easily overcome. At the same time, Republicans are fighting headwinds: President Trump’s approval is underwater, while a majority of North Carolinians say the country is on the wrong track. That combination makes this Senate race even more difficult for the party in the White House.”

Whatley is arriving at his first public office election. His work has been hailed at the national level. On the ground, his campaign is nearing a sweep of stumping in all 100 counties. Wednesday, he was in the coastal Pender County community of Hampstead celebrating “250 years of American exceptionalism and strength.”

Cooper, a career politician, has six statewide victories (two for governor, four for attorney general) in his 13-0 ledger inclusive of state Senate and House of Representatives races he began five decades ago in the 1980s.

According to Federal Elections Commission information, Cooper’s cash on hand at the end of the first quarter March 31 was $18.4 million. Whatley was at $2.5 million.

Earlier this month, twice in five days Cooper’s poll lead on Whatley increased. Carolina Forward had it 49%-42% with margin of error +/- 3.3%; Carolina Journal had it 49.8%-38.7% with margin of error +/- 4%. Sampling for each was within the first 11 days of the month.

“If you’re a Republican candidate running in a competitive race in North Carolina this year, these are tough results,” said Rebekah Whilden, executive director of Carolina Forward. “The evidence is piling up, between polling results like these as well as in special elections around the country, that the voters do not like what they’re seeing and demanding a course correction.”

The president was fine with losing Cornyn, McConnell, Cassidy and Tillis. He firmly believed Whatley can win the state where he’s triumphed three times.

Election Day is five months from Tuesday. North Carolina voters get ballots in 14 weeks.

So, while it’s not the left field sun at Yankee Stadium, Yogi Berra’s famous line applies: “It gets late early out there.”

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