Betty Jean Ross – Woodley
March 17, 1938 – July 28, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday August 2, 2025 at 12pm at Zion Hill B.C. #2 in Mansfield.

Riverdale Academy is gearing up for the new school year with a sweet start. Students and families are invited to an Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 7 from 5-7pm. The event will give students a chance to meet teachers, reconnect with classmates, and enjoy a cool treat before classes officially begin.

The 2025–2026 school year will kick off the next day, Friday, August 8, with a half-day of instruction for grades 1 through 12. School officials say the short day is designed to ease students back into the classroom routine and allow time for final preparations.

Parents are encouraged to attend the social and help make the first week of school a welcoming and memorable experience for all.

For more information, contact the school or visit their website (www.riverdaleacademy.org).

Louisiana lawmakers have created a special legislative committee to closely examine the operations and transparency of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), the private organization that governs athletic programs in over 410 public, private, and parochial schools statewide.

Though the LHSAA oversees sports for thousands of public school athletes and utilizes publicly owned facilities, it remains exempt from open records and public meeting laws—a fact lawmakers say poses significant accountability issues.

Recent legal battles, including the expulsion of prominent New Orleans coach Randy Livingston, have drawn criticism. Courts revealed that LHSAA officials rose formal penalties without disclosing findings or offering due process—haunting a growing number of parents, coaches, and legislators.

A 10-member joint committee—drawing House and Senate appointees—has been tasked with reviewing LHSAA governance, disciplinary procedures, classification systems, and financial accountability. Subcommittees will also hold hearings across the state and seek public input. A final report is due to the education committees by February 2026.

Key legislative members include:

• Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson (R), committee chair

• Rep. Bryan Fontenot, designee of House Education Chair Laurie Schlegel

• Sen. Regina Barrow, Senate President Pro Tem

• Sen. Rick Edmonds, Senate Education Chair

• Sen. Alan Seabaugh (R–Shreveport), appointed by the Senate to serve on the committee alongside Sen. Bill Wheat

Main events prompting the review include:

• The Newman School/Livingston case, where penalties—and the forfeiture of championships—were levied without revealing specific allegations, forcing legal action to regain lost titles. A judge has since ordered the LHSAA to produce investigative materials.

• Multiple Baton Rouge and New Orleans public schools suffering sanctions perceived as arbitrary, with little access to appeals or clarity.

Panel meetings will begin July 29, with public hearings tentatively scheduled across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and central Louisiana in the fall. Lawmakers will accept written comments and public testimony through October 2025. The final report—with reforms or recommendations—will be delivered by February 2026.

By placing LHSAA under legislative review, Louisiana lawmakers are pushing for greater accountability in school sports governance. With Sen. Alan Seabaugh and a mix of education and oversight officials on the panel, the review is positioned to challenge long-standing practices—potentially reshaping how high school athletics are managed across the state.

Wednesday, July 30

Partly cloudy early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Continued hot and humid. High 97F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

A few clouds from time to time overnight. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable. 

Thursday, July 3

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 98F. Winds light and variable.

Partly cloudy in the evening. Low of 74F.  Winds light and variable.

Louisiana Secretary of State

Baton Rouge
Important news for Louisiana voters: Beginning on August 1, any voter who is registered as Independent will automatically have their party affiliation changed to “No Party.” Many voters registered as Independent, believing that they were choosing not to affiliate with any party; however, they were affiliated with the Independent Party.

Changing voters’ registrations from Independent to “No Party” will help eliminate voter confusion heading into the Closed Party Primaries and will ensure that those who wish to be unaffiliated with a political party can participate in the party primaries.

Beginning in 2026, Louisiana will be transitioning to the Closed Party Primary system, which was created by the Legislature in Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session. In party primaries, Democrats can only vote in the Democratic primary, Republicans can only vote in the Republican primary, and No Party voters can choose which party primary they participate in, but these voters must stick with that party through the first round and the party primary runoff, if one occurs.

To learn more, or to check your party affiliation, visit GeauxVote.com or download the
free GeauxVote Mobile App.

By Nolan McKendry Jul 23, 2025

(The Center Square) − Louisiana collected more than $81 million in severance taxes during the quarter ending June 30, with oil and gas revenues nearly evenly split, according to new figures released by the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Since the beginning of the calendar year, the state has collected $169 million in severance.

The report comes just ahead of sweeping changes to the state’s severance tax structure, that took effect on July 1, aimed at stimulating oil production and revisiting how revenues are shared with local governments.

According to the data, the state brought in $41.16 million from oil production and $36.88 million from natural gas during the final quarter of fiscal year 2025.

DeSoto Parish led all parishes in total severance collections with over $12.4 million, followed by Caddo ($11.7 million), Plaquemines ($9.6 million), and Lafourche ($5.38 million), reflecting strong production in the Haynesville Shale and Gulf regions.

Under House Bill 600, passed during the 2025 legislative session and authored by Rep. Brett Geymann, R-Lake Charles, the severance tax on oil dropped from 12.5% to 6.5% for wells completed on or after July 1.

Geymann pitched the changes as a way to revitalize Louisiana’s energy economy, arguing that the state’s high severance tax has driven investment to other states.

“The motivation is to get the oil and gas industry booming again,” Geymann told lawmakers. “We’re uncompetitive as it stands.”

While oil producers will see lower tax burdens, a separate provision in HB600 also scales back a popular exemption for natural gas from newly completed horizontal wells. Beginning July 1, the tax exemption period shrinks from 24 months to 18 months — though existing wells are unaffected.

Geymann said the modification is meant to make the overall package fiscally neutral and emphasized that most gas wells already pay out within that timeframe.

By Nolan McKendry Jul 22, 2025

(The Center Square) − Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order this week creating the Governor’s Task Force on Public Higher Education Reform, joining a growing bloc of Southern states seeking to leave traditional university accreditation systems in favor of a new model focused on “merit-based achievement” and reduced oversight from legacy accreditors.

The order signed on Monday positions Louisiana to join the Commission for Public Higher Education, an alternative accrediting organization launched earlier this year by Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Texas A&M University System.

CPHE aims to supplant what critics call an “ideologically driven” accreditation monopoly — particularly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which currently accredits most public institutions in the region.

“This task force will ensure Louisiana’s public universities move away from DEI-driven mandates and toward a system rooted in merit-based achievement,” Landry said in a statement, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that conservatives have targeted as political overreach in higher education.

According to the order, CPHE seeks to streamline the accreditation process, emphasize student outcomes, modernize credentialing standards, and explicitly bar accreditors from imposing “divisive ideological content” on universities.

The group also intends to seek federal recognition from the U.S. Department of Education to qualify as a Title IV gatekeeper — meaning its accreditation would determine eligibility for federal student aid.

Landry’s executive order directs the new task force to explore dual accreditation models, assess legal and administrative steps needed to join CPHE, and make formal recommendations ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Louisiana’s move follows recent federal shifts under the Trump administration. A 2025 executive order signed by former President Donald Trump instructed the Department of Education to allow new accreditors, ease switching between agencies, and tie federal recognition to academic rigor and the protection of intellectual diversity.

The CPHE effort is led in part by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who described the group as a response to accreditors “beholden to woke ideology.” 

For thousands of Americans each year, applying for Social Security Disability benefits becomes a frustrating, confusing, and often disheartening process. Many who are physically or mentally unable to work find themselves buried in paperwork, unsure how to move forward after being denied. But in Natchitoches, one law firm has built its reputation on standing beside those individuals, step by step, appeal by appeal.

“We meet people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” said attorney Eddie Harrington. “They’re hurting, they’re unable to work, and they feel like the system has forgotten them. We are honored to be able to help folks through that.”

SSI vs. SSDI: What You Need to Know

Before tackling the application process, Harrington stresses the importance of understanding the two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

“SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system over the years. You earn it through your work history,” Harrington explained. “SSI is different. It’s for those with limited income and resources, even if they haven’t built up a strong work history or never paid into Social Security. It’s a safety net for the most financially vulnerable. However, in SSI your assets can affect how much you can receive in benefits.”

While the qualifications differ, both programs require proof that the applicant is unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

The Process Can Be Long—But You’re Not Alone

The application process typically begins with filing an initial claim with the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, most first-time applications are denied.

“That first denial catches people off guard,” Harrington said. “They think, ‘I’m obviously sick, I can’t work, why was I denied?’ But the SSA’s process is incredibly strict and technical. You have to meet very specific legal definitions and provide the right evidence. That’s where we come in.”

After an initial denial, applicants must file a Request for Reconsideration. If denied again, which is often the case, the next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. That hearing stage is often where many applicants are finally successful but getting there can take months or even more than a year.

“We’re with our clients every step of the way,” Harrington said. “From the first form to the final hearing, we fight for our clients like they’re family. We prepare the case, gather the medical records, build the arguments, and stand beside them when they need someone the most.”

Why They Do What They Do

For Harrington and his team, this work is personal.

“We’re proud to be part of this community,” he said. “We see the faces behind these files, these are our neighbors, our former teachers, our friends’ parents. We’re humbled to help them because they deserve dignity, support, and justice.”

Harrington adds that he often sees people give up on their claims out of frustration or fear, especially when going up against a slow and complicated system.

“That’s heartbreaking because so many of them are entitled to help, they just need someone in their corner who won’t back down,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously. When we take a case, we treat our clients like family and fight just as hard as we would for our own.”

A Message of Hope

If you or a loved one is considering applying for Social Security Disability, or has already been denied, The Harrington Law Firm encourages you not to give up.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” Harrington said. “Let us handle the process. You focus on your health and we’ll take care of the rest.”

For a free consultation or more information, contact The Harrington Law Firm. Help is just a phone call away.

Years ago, I admitted my age and the ever-increasing number of conversations I was missing. I blamed it on soft talkers. The truth was the promise of my mother that if I don’t turn that noise down, I’ll go deaf, came true. Years of loud music, loud concerts, and loud lawn equipment have taken their toll.

The household mantra has become, “you don’t listen to me.” If Alabama has the football and it is third and seven on the LSU twenty-yard line, it is true I am not listening, I’m holding my breath to see what happens. Talk to me after the play! I did give up a coupe of years ago and bought hearing devices.

Speaking of hearing, I hear the sounds of football returning. I am rejoicing greatly. The dark period is almost over; we are less than a month away from kickoff. I don’t care who, we are going to be playing football again. If you want your team to win this year, come to Trinity Methodist I am offering the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and fervent prayer for your team. You must be present to receive the football prayer.

I had a secretary once who could not hear. I was told by church members that when Ellen smiles it means she is not hearing a word you are saying. It seemed that Ellen smiled all of the time. When she would leave messages for me that involved phone calls they were always amusing and often incorrect.

I served a church with an associate pastor who was decades past retirement. He couldn’t hear even with his hearing aid. One day, he forgot the name of the dearly beloved we were burying. I couldn’t bail him out by whispering in his ear. I had to say loudly, “Her name is Helen Jones.” From then on, I made sure he had the name of the dearly departed written down.

The takeaway in this noise is that I have concerns that I am not hearing God. There is often too much noise in daily life. Even in prayer, we have such a long prayer list that by the time we tell God everything that is on our minds, we don’t have time to be quiet and listen to Him. I’m great at telling God stuff, I’m not so good at listening to His “still small voice.” The Hebrew behind that English phrase is better translated “the sound of utter silence.” Ponder that phase in your heart.

God speaks, most clearly in Jesus. He speaks. I confess that I need to do a better job of finding ways to listen for the “sound of utter silence.”

How is your heart hearing?

Red River Parish Schools will hold Open House Thursday, July 31. Schools will stagger times. Red River Elementary will hold theirs from 3:30-5:00pm; Red River High from 4:00-5:30pm and Red River Junior High from 5:00 until 6:30pm. 

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host a Bass tournament Saturday, September 13 on the Red River. Launch will take place at the Red Oak Boat Launch. $2000 guaranteed pot plus 50% payout on entries. For questions contact Brandon Baxley (318) 332-4159.

Need a summer course? Take the LSU AgCenter Home Gardening Certificate course for free! This is a 10-week online gardening course developed by LSU AgCenter horticulture agents! Take the course: https://tinyurl.com/HomeGardenCourse

Louisiana vehicles can legally have darker window tint starting August 1.

Target has ended its price matching policy for competitors’ prices, effective July 28. This means they will no longer match prices found on websites like Amazon or Walmart. They will, however, continue to match prices between their own stores and their website.

Charles Edwin Hillin
July 30, 1964 — July 14, 2025
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11am at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Hwy 783, in Coushatta.

Funeral services for Brandon Mitchell Ezernack, 37, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Open Door Baptist Church with Dr. Thumper Miller and Bro. Larry Sales officiating. Interment will follow in Springville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until service time on Tuesday at Open Door Baptist Church. Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Brandon was born June 8, 1988 in Shreveport, LA and passed away July 24, 2025. Brandon was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, but his special love for sports was coaching football and soccer in the youth program at Open Door Baptist Church. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially duck hunting and fishing. Brandon was a family man who loved his family with all his heart. He will truly be missed by all those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his step-brother, Josiah Speir; maternal grandfather, Gerald Eddy; maternal great-grandparents, Alfred and Dorothy Ezernack, Laurie Ward and Louise Lindsey.

Brandon is survived by his wife, Michelle Ezernack; children, Carson, Dallas, Jackson, Laquaylon and Rozlynn; mother, Christy Speir and husband, Dale; brothers, Christian Hulion and Ren Speir; sisters, Christian Speir, Alexia Lorimer, and Mary Ann Speir; maternal grandmother, Sandra Eddy; maternal grandfather, Raymond Ezernack; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Joey Creamer, Colby Creamer, Corey Norris, Patrick Corley, Sandy Scott, and Robert Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Williams, Robert Foster, and Joey Longlois.

On August 1 and August 2, stop by CBS/Ace Hardware and support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and CHRISTUS Coushatta Kids Clinic during Ace Bucket Days.

When you make a $5 donation at the register, you’ll receive a limited-edition 5-gallon bucket and get 20% off almost everything that fits inside.

Buckets are available while supplies last, so plan your visit early. Your support brings hope and healing to children right here in Coushatta —one bucket at a time!

From archery to firearms, it’s time to start marking your calendar, prepping your stands and deep freezers, giving your favorite taxidermist a call, and preparing your boss for when you ask for leave for those hunting trips.

Official dates and regulations have been released by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

According to LDWF’s regulations pamphlet, available online and in print as of July 2025, these are the firearm and archery season windows across Deer Areas:

All deer hunters—regardless of age—must purchase a basic hunting license and a deer-specific license/tag. Tags must be kept on-hand while hunting and promptly validated (via LDWF’s online portal or LA Wallet) within 72 hours of harvest. Hunters on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) also need the appropriate WMA Access Permit.

Additionally, hunter education and firearm safety remain a priority. Proper visibility (e.g., blaze orange), knowledge of shot identification, and respect for regulations are strongly advised.

With its mix of pine forests, hardwood bottoms, and agricultural lands, Deer Area 2 offers some of Louisiana’s most diverse and productive hunting terrain. The extended firearm season, combined with generous archery and primitive weapon opportunities, makes it a prime destination for both seasoned and new hunters. Whether you’re setting up near food plots in Bienville Parish or tracking sign in Red River or Natchitoches parishes, Area 2 promises a challenging and rewarding experience. As always, hunters are encouraged to review current regulations, respect private land boundaries, and prioritize safety as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Happy hunting—and stay safe.

Monday, July 28

Sunny skies. Hot and humid. High 98F. Winds light and variable.

Clear skies overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Tuesday, July 29

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. Continued hot and humid. High around 100F. Winds light and variable.

Partly cloudy in the evening. Low of 77F.  Winds light and variable.

Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that aims to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees.

In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. These messages are fraudulent; do not click links, respond, or send payment. The OMV advises all recipients to ignore and delete these messages immediately.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:

·      DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source

·      DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text

·      Delete all suspicious texts and emails, and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov

·      Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources

·      Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source

·      Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.

Contact Information:
TFC Ryan Davis
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
ryan.davis@la.gov     

In a move aimed at improving rider safety and comfort, Uber is testing a new feature that allows women riders to request female drivers, and vice versa. The option, called “Women Rider Preference,” is now available in select U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit—with potential to expand depending on user demand and driver availability.

The new feature works both ways:

• Women riders can choose to be matched with a female driver when booking a ride.

• Female drivers can opt to receive ride requests only from women.

This added layer of choice is designed to help women feel more secure, especially during nighttime rides or when traveling alone. While the feature doesn’t guarantee a female match every time—only about one in five Uber drivers are women—the company says it should significantly increase the likelihood of such pairings when selected.

Safety concerns have long been a topic in the ride-hailing industry. Uber has faced lawsuits and high-profile reports involving misconduct. By offering gender-based matching, the company hopes to better serve those who may feel more comfortable with a same-gender driver or rider.

The feature is entirely opt-in and doesn’t restrict service for male riders or drivers. Users can switch it on or off depending on their preferences and situation.

Given that only about 20% of Uber drivers nationwide are women, smaller cities and rural regions could face issues like longer wait times or fewer matches if the feature becomes widely available.

Coca‑Cola has confirmed that a new version of its flagship cola, sweetened with U.S.-grown cane sugar, will debut in the American market this fall. The announcement, made alongside the company’s Q2 earnings report on July 22, 2025, follows speculation sparked by President Trump earlier this month.

CEO James Quincey explained that the cane-sugar variant is part of Coca‑Cola’s “innovation agenda.”

This new product will supplement the classic Coke (which continues to be sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup), not replace it.

Coca‑Cola’s move represents a potentially significant boost for Louisiana’s sugar cane sector—boosting demand, prices, and local investment. But the full impact depends on scale, supply logistics, and how quotas and prices adjust. Still, even a small share of Coca‑Cola’s sugar needs turning to Louisiana could be a big win for the state’s agricultural communities.

Classic Coke isn’t disappearing — but this fall, consumers will have a new choice: the familiar taste of Coke with the perceived purity of U.S. cane sugar. It’s a nod to changing tastes and ingredient preferences, albeit without altering the beverage’s caloric footprint. As the Coca‑Cola Co. expands its sweetener toolkit, the move will likely resonate with both cane sugar farmers and consumers seeking variety—though its health impact remains unchanged.

The Northwestern State University family is proud to be purple and invites you to join the Proud to be Purple movement sweeping the community.

“This initiative is all about boosting school spirit and strengthening community partnerships through visual displays of support for NSU,” said Amy Lee, director of Marketing and Branding. “Our goal is to turn Natchitoches and beyond purple and celebrate our Demon pride in a way that engages students, faculty, alumni and the greater community.”

NSU has developed a variety of branded flags, window decals, yard signs and more that will be distributed to local businesses. Students, student-athletes and volunteers will distribute the items Wednesday, July 30 and hold giveaways through social media.

To sign up and view a message from NSU President James Genovese, visit http://www.nsu.la/purple.

Northwestern State Move-In Day is Saturday, Aug. 16, with classes starting Monday, Aug. 18. Administrators hope to see the city of Natchitoches decked out in purple to welcome students and their families back to Natchitoches for the semester

Information on Northwestern State is available at http://www.nsula.edu. Information on NSU Athletics is available at nsudemons.com.

By Nolan McKendry Jul 24, 2025

(The Center Square) − Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple publicly contradicted Gov. Jeff Landry’s claims about General Motors Insurance’s entry into the state and broader assertions about insurance regulation authority.

Landry hailed the recent launch of a General Motors-backed insurance product as a win for his administration’s tort reform agenda.

In a celebratory statement, the governor said, “General Motors Insurance coming to Louisiana is a testament to the work we accomplished this legislative session to bring about real insurance reform.”

In a pointed clarification, the Louisiana Department of Insurance noted that GM National Insurance Company has held a certificate to operate in Louisiana since 2006 and that its affiliated agency has been licensed as a producer since 2019.

The only recent change was regulatory approval of a new usage-based auto product — granted not as a result of legislative reform, but through routine compliance with LDI’s longstanding review process.

“The program became effective in July 2025 after undergoing standard regulatory scrutiny,” the department stated. “It is not a new market entry.”

Temple’s challenge is the latest in what has been a fairly rocky relationship between the governor and the insurance commissioner.

In April, Landry hosted a news conference focused exclusively on expected insurance legislation in which Temple was not present.

When asked why Temple was hosting his own separate news conference on auto insurance reform, Landry said “I have no idea, you’d have to ask him tomorrow.”

Temple would host his own conference the next day addressing and rejecting claims made by Landry.

“There were a couple of things he said that are incorrect, and it’s important to correct those on the record,” Temple said. “If we aren’t on the same page about the problems, we can’t begin to make real progress on the solutions.”

The two also disagree on how to address the state’s high insurance costs, which are often cited as the highest in the country.

Landry has repeatedly argued that insurance companies are gouging consumers and that state regulators lack the authority to stop them. During the legislative session, he championed bills to grant the insurance commissioner broader powers to reject “excessive” rates.

But Temple has consistently disputed that characterization. He says Louisiana’s legal climate — not a lack of regulation — is what’s driving insurers out of the state, particularly in commercial auto.

A last minute amendment to a bill — which has since become law — provoked the ire and scrutiny of Temple after Landry had advocated for the provision. That amendment now allows the Insurance Commissioner to more easily regulate the rates that insurers can charge. 

“I have all the authority I need to deny a rate for being too high, and I exercise it,” Temple said in April, adding that his office frequently requires insurers to reduce or withdraw rate filings deemed unjustified.

Cowtown Nutrition shared it will have new hours starting August 4, 2025–open from 6am until 6pm.

The Red River Parish Library will host Adult Game Day Tuesday, August 5 at 10am. Drop by and play a few games.

The Mansfield State Historic Site will have the Terry’s Texas Rangers first weekend of August at the site. This is an opportunity to experience what happened during the Red River Campaign through the eyes of Texas rangers, who participated in the Battle of Mansfield. Experience cavalry tactics and maneuvers. Entry fees into the park apply.

Don’t forget, beginning August 1, it will be ILLEGAL to hold your phone while driving. That means no texting, no scrolling, no holding, hands-free only. Violating this law could result in fines, points on your license and increased insurance rates.

On Friday, August 8, 2025 between 11am and 8pm, Whataburger Rewards members can purchase a #1 burger for just 75 cents to celebrate “National Whataburger Day.”

Want to help grow and improve shooting ranges across Louisiana? LDWF is looking for a dedicated leader to oversee the Shooting Range Enhancement Program – supporting both public and private range development statewide. Apply by August 1 at https://buff.ly/mfRDxDG Help shape the future of shooting sports in Louisiana.

A promising new blood test, developed in Sweden, can identify early-stage cancer across 14 different types, offering a potential revolution in non-invasive diagnostics. This Swedish-developed blood test marks a significant advance: a low-cost, non-sequencing assay capable of identifying 14 cancers early with promising sensitivity and specificity. While its performance is compelling, further large-scale research is needed before it becomes a reliable tool in clinical practice. If validated, it could complement existing DNA-based MCED tools by reaching cancers that traditional methods may miss.

Earth is spinning faster this summer, making the days marginally shorter and attracting the attention of scientists and timekeepers. These days are not “short” in terms of how many sunlight hours they have, but rather because they clock in at slightly less than exactly 24 hours.

The Mamou Cajun Music Festival is scheduled for September 12 & 13 at the Mamou Recretional Complex. Enjoy not only Cajun music and dancing but also authentic Cajun dishes like jambalaya, red beans and rice, boudin, cracklin, and more. There will also have arts & craft vendors, games and a washerboard tournament.