Texas has a documented long-term water problem and is aggressively planning future supplies. Louisiana has major new industrial and data-center water demands of its own. Because the two states share interconnected river systems, Louisiana should conduct and publicly release a comprehensive study of the cumulative effects before major water commitments are made.

Opinion submitted by a Journal reader


𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁?

Louisiana citizens ought to start asking a question before somebody else answers it for us:

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱, 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲?

That question matters because Louisiana citizens have watched enormous economic-development projects negotiated under NDAs, public authorities become major players in private industrial development, fights over eminent domain and permanent underground CO₂ injection, massive transmission projects, thousands of acres targeted for solar development, rapidly expanding data centers, and even discussions involving nuclear development and radioactive-waste disposal.

And then there is water.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿.

Researchers at the University of Texas reported in May 2026 that Texas data-center growth could eventually account for 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝟵% 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟬 under a high-growth scenario.

Louisiana is facing many of the same questions as enormous data-center and industrial projects move into our state.

So while everybody asks:

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲?

Maybe Louisiana should also be asking:

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺?

𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗦 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠.

The Texas Water Development Board adopted its 2027 State Water Plan on July 23, 2026.

Texas estimates that implementing more than 3,000 recommended water-management projects through 2080 will require nearly $174 billion in capital investment.

Even if Texas builds all of those projects, its plan still projects approximately 𝟭.𝟲 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲-𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟴𝟬.

Texas also warns that without the recommended strategies, roughly one out of every four Texans in 2080 could have less than half of the municipal water supply needed during a drought of record.

Call it pressure, need, shortage, or desperation.

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁.

𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧.

North Texas already takes water from 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿, and additional Texoma conveyance infrastructure is being developed.

Texas planning also identifies additional supplies involving 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 and the proposed 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗿 on the Sulphur River; 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗢’ 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, which feeds Big Cypress Bayou toward Caddo Lake; and 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗱 on the Sabine River.

These are not all one project. Some are operating, some proposed, and some are long-range strategies.

But Louisiana should not look at each one in isolation and ignore the cumulative question.

The Sulphur River belongs to the larger Red River drainage system.

Lake O’ the Pines controls flows into Big Cypress Bayou toward 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲, a Texas-Louisiana water system. The Corps of Engineers has documented that reservoir operations altered the natural downstream flow regime enough that special releases have been used to restore portions of that flow.

Texas planning identifies approximately 𝟳𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲-𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 from Lake O’ the Pines as a potential North Texas supply strategy and approximately 𝟭𝟮𝟮,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲-𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 associated with Wright Patman.

𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗘 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗞𝗘-𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟.

For decades, many Louisiana citizens probably would have laughed if somebody suggested Louisiana might someday discuss selling Toledo Bend water to Texas.

Then it became a real public-policy discussion.

Residents pushed back. Public meetings were held. Controversy followed.

Louisiana law expressly gives the Sabine River Authority power to enter contracts involving the sale, distribution, or consumption of water within or outside Louisiana, subject to required approvals.

So when somebody says:

“Oh, they would never sell our water.”

Louisiana citizens have every reason to ask:

𝗜𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀?

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥?

Nobody has shown us a document saying Texas is going to reroute the Red River.

We are not claiming one exists.

But Texas already takes water from the Red River system and is planning or studying additional supplies from tributaries connected to that regional drainage.

So what happens when you add all of those withdrawals together?

What happens at Shreveport?

What happens at Alexandria?

What happens during drought?

And what happens underground?

The 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 is hydraulically connected to the river in significant areas. When the river rises, water can move into surrounding alluvial sediments and contribute to groundwater recharge and bank storage.

If major upstream withdrawals materially alter river levels, flow duration, or high-water periods, Louisiana needs to know whether recharge could decline, groundwater levels could fall, hydraulic gradients could change, or poorer-quality groundwater could move differently.

Those are not accusations.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲.

𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗧?

USGS mapping shows that the 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

That does not mean the Red River simply pours directly into the Chicot.

It does mean Louisiana’s groundwater systems are not isolated underground tanks.

USGS data show that approximately 𝟱𝟭% 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 comes from the Chicot aquifer system.

And even if Texas water transfers never directly lower Chicot water levels, another concern remains:

𝗜𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

Cities, agriculture, industry, data centers, and power plants all still need water.

One substitute is more groundwater pumping.

More groundwater pumping means more pressure on the Chicot.

𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗢.

Toledo Bend sits on the Sabine River.

If significant quantities of water are transferred from Toledo Bend or elsewhere in the Sabine system, the concern does not stop at the reservoir shoreline.

The Sabine continues south toward Sabine Lake and the Gulf. Freshwater flow affects salinity, wetlands, fisheries, ecosystems, municipalities, and industry.

Change the amount and timing of freshwater long enough, and downstream systems can change with it.

The Calcasieu is a separate basin, but southwest Louisiana’s water resources do not exist in isolation. If one source becomes less dependable, demand can shift elsewhere.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬.

Louisiana officials may not like citizens asking these questions.

But they created the atmosphere that makes us ask them.

When citizens repeatedly watch public business conducted under NDAs, they stop assuming silence means nothing is happening.

When enormous projects are negotiated before communities understand them, citizens stop accepting:

“Don’t worry about it.”

Louisiana citizens have watched eminent-domain battles, permanent underground CO₂ injection, huge transmission projects, enormous solar developments, data centers beside rural communities, nuclear and radioactive-waste discussions, and actual discussions about sending Toledo Bend water to Texas.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

That does not mean every rumor is true.

It means:

𝗪𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀.

𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔’𝗦 𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬?

Texas is identifying reservoirs, pipelines, interbasin transfers, drought strategies, and future supplies while planning for population growth, industrial expansion, and data-center demand.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀’𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀?

Where is the cumulative analysis combining Lake Texoma, the Red River, Wright Patman, Marvin Nichols, Lake O’ the Pines, Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend, the Sabine, the Red River alluvial aquifer, the Chicot, industrial growth, data-center demand, and drought?

Maybe such a study exists.

𝗜𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰.

If it does not exist, why not?

𝗪𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗬. 𝗪𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦.

Maybe every one of these projects is independent.

Maybe Texas can develop all of these supplies without materially harming Louisiana.

Fine.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

Model it.

Put the numbers on the table.

Show us what happens to the Red River at Shreveport and Alexandria, Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend, the Sabine, the Red River alluvial aquifer, and the Chicot.

Show us what happens under drought conditions.

And model it while accounting for the unprecedented growth in AI data centers, power generation, and industrial development across both states.

Because Louisiana citizens should have learned one lesson by now:

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁.

Texas is planning for Texas.

Texas is protecting Texas.

Texas is searching for water.

𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮.

Our water feeds our rivers, aquifers, farms, industries, wetlands, wildlife, fisheries, and communities.

It is not simply another commodity.

It belongs in Louisiana’s future.

𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘄—𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁, 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮, 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼𝘅

𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦 & 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦

Gulf States Newsroom / WWNO — Louisiana NDAs and major economic-development projects:

https://www.wwno.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-27/a-muzzle-on-elected-officials-ndas-cloak-louisianas-biggest-business-developments

Louisiana Illuminator — Louisiana nuclear-energy campus and radioactive-waste discussion:

https://lailluminator.com/2026/07/29/louisiana-nuclear-campus

University of Texas — Texas data-center growth and projected water demand:

Data Centers Are Growing in Texas, But Big Questions Remain About Water Use

Laredo Morning Times — Laredo water concerns involving data centers:

https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/trevino-laredo-data-center-opposition-neeb-city-22385565.php

Gulf States Newsroom / WWNO — Independent air and water monitoring around Meta’s Louisiana data center:

https://www.wwno.org/public-health/2026-04-13/were-monitoring-the-air-and-water-around-metas-data-center-in-louisiana-heres-why

KALB — Applied Digital Delta Forge water-related documents and Rapides Parish concerns:

https://www.kalb.com/2026/06/25/fact-check-what-early-documents-confirm-about-applied-digitals-data-center-coming-rapides-parish

Texas Water Development Board — 2027 Texas State Water Plan:

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/waterplanning/swp/2027/index.asp

Texas Water Development Board — 2027 State Water Plan, projected projects, costs and unmet water needs:

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/waterplanning/swp/2027/docs/DraftSWP27-Water-For-Texas.pdf

Region C Water Planning Group — North Texas water-management strategies, including Lake Texoma, Lake O’ the Pines, Wright Patman, Marvin Nichols, Toledo Bend, Red River off-channel storage, and other potential supplies:

https://regioncwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_01_06-Region-C-Combined.pdf

North Texas Municipal Water District — Texoma Two-Step program; additional pipelines designed to add approximately 90 million gallons per day of Lake Texoma conveyance capacity:

https://www.ntmwd.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/126

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Big Cypress Bayou / Caddo Lake Sustainable Rivers Program; documents the downstream connection between Lake O’ the Pines, Big Cypress Bayou, and Caddo Lake:

https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/sustainablerivers/sites/bigcypress

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Lake O’ the Pines environmental pulse releases designed to reproduce portions of the natural flow regime downstream:

https://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/480266/corps-conducts-environment-release-at-lake-o-the-pines

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Lake O’ the Pines / Ferrells Bridge Dam Water Control Manual and environmental-flow information for Big Cypress Bayou and Caddo Lake:

https://water.usace.army.mil/cda/documents/wc/3332/FERRELLS%20BRIDGE%20DAM%20AND%20LAKE%20O%20THE%20PINES%20AND%20WATER%20CONTROL%20MANUAL.pdf

U.S. Geological Survey — Hydrogeologic framework of the Red River alluvial aquifer and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer in northwestern Louisiana:

https://www.usgs.gov/publications/hydrogeologic-framework-red-river-alluvial-aquifer-and-carrizo-wilcox-aquifer

U.S. Geological Survey — Detailed hydrogeologic framework and conceptual model of the Red River alluvial aquifer and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer system:

https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/sir20255054/full

U.S. Geological Survey — Relation of water levels in the Red River alluvial aquifer to the Red River, documenting river/aquifer hydraulic relationships:

https://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1996/4053/report.pdf

U.S. Geological Survey — Water Use in Louisiana, 2020; approximately 51% of Louisiana groundwater withdrawals came from the Chicot aquifer system:

https://www.usgs.gov/publications/water-use-louisiana-2020

U.S. Geological Survey — Louisiana groundwater withdrawals dataset; approximately 960 million gallons per day, or about 51% of Louisiana groundwater withdrawals, came from the Chicot aquifer system:

https://www.usgs.gov/data/water-withdrawals-louisiana-2020

U.S. Geological Survey — Coastal Lowlands Aquifer System; background on the Chicot aquifer in southwestern Louisiana:

https://pubs.usgs.gov/ha/ha730/ch_f/F-text3.html

KALB — Public opposition and discussions involving possible Toledo Bend water sales to Texas:

https://www.kalb.com/2025/07/25/residents-push-back-possible-toledo-bend-water-sale-texas

Louisiana Legislature — Sabine River Authority powers involving water sales, distribution and consumption:

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=95019

E&E News — Texas water planning and rapidly growing data-center demand:

https://www.eenews.net/articles/texas-water-plan-ignores-data-center-surge-2

Reuters — Meta expansion in Richland Parish:

https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-expands-louisiana-data-center-5-gigawatts-compute-capacity-2026-07-13

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

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By Dustin Granger / Reader-submitted opinion

Louisiana has a long history of officials cutting deals with private interests at the public’s expense. During the oil and gas boom, the state left severance tax revenue on the table while enforcement gaps let industry pollute our air, water, and land for decades. Governor Jeff Landry has accelerated that pattern faster than any of his predecessors. He installed an unqualified Secretary of Environmental Quality, then reorganized the Department of Natural Resources into something even statehouse reporters can’t fully explain. This year the legislature signed off on tax breaks and NDAs for AI data centers, keeping voters in the dark about what those companies are getting and what they’re using.

Now it’s SpaceX’s turn, and it’s the biggest giveaway yet.

The Landry administration is negotiating to hand over roughly 130,000 acres on Pecan Island, in Vermilion Parish, for a rocket blast pad, not a research facility, the kind Boca Chica, Texas is still fighting over. That land is reportedly tied to Exxon’s punishment, part of a coastal damages settlement for decades of polluting our marshes, though the settlement itself is sealed by court order. If that reporting holds up, instead of restoring the land, the state is routing it straight to Elon Musk.

Pecan Island is about the worst possible place for this. The coast there has been sinking and washing away for decades, and hurricanes are speeding it up. The site borders two wildlife refuges and some of the best hunting and fishing water left in this state, the kind “Sportsman’s Paradise” was supposed to protect. If this goes through, we can stop pretending coastal restoration is a real priority in Louisiana.

The legislature already greased the wheels this session, passing tax breaks and liability shields for unnamed “aerospace” companies and exempting them from public records requests. So, when something goes wrong, and something eventually will, Louisianans may not have the right to sue, and may not even have the right to know. Now Trump’s FAA wants to waive thirteen federal environmental and health laws, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, so Musk doesn’t have to deal with “regulatory burden.”

We don’t even know the full extent of what Musk stands to gain. We know the eligibility thresholds in the tax break bills, not the actual value of what’s being handed over. Given how this Republican-controlled legislature has handled every other corporate giveaway this year, there’s little reason to think this deal is any different.

Local officials keep telling us we must accept this to “compete.” I don’t buy it. A state that can only land these deals by throwing out the rule of law and hiding negotiations behind NDAs is giving Louisiana away, one 130,000-acre parcel at a time.

Most Louisianans haven’t been told what this deal actually involves. That’s worth being angry about. Ask your legislators what they voted for this spring, and whether they’ll say so publicly.

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Qualifying for the upcoming election cycle has officially concluded, setting the field of candidates who will appear on the local ballot. Across the parish, voters will consider candidates seeking office at every level of leadership, from key judicial seats and school board positions to municipal offices and parish-wide boards.

To help keep our readers informed, Journal Staff has compiled a complete roster of candidates who have qualified for contested races. Below is the official list of candidates, organized by office, along with their political party affiliation and direct contact details to help you connect with those seeking to represent our community.

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Good stewardship requires the discipline to save, but also the courage to invest in the future.

That philosophy guided Northwestern State University throughout the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

During the year, Northwestern strategically invested $4.5 million of accumulated reserves in campus improvements. Those investments included replacing aging technology infrastructure that had reached the end of its useful life; enhancing nursing instructional resources and biology laboratories; replacing fire alarm systems; completing painting, plaster and restroom renovations; improving HVAC systems; and upgrading athletic facilities.

Athletic improvements included a new NCAA Division I track surface, upgraded scoreboards in Prather Coliseum and instant-replay technology that meets Southland Conference standards.

These projects represent far more than expenditures. They are investments in Northwestern’s students, employees and future.

“When President Genovese arrived at Northwestern in August 2024, I had already been here about eight months and was developing a thorough understanding of the University’s finances,” Chief Financial Officer Rodney Wilson said. “We were fortunate to inherit healthy reserves that gave us the flexibility to invest in our campus. Good stewardship requires balance. We cannot spend every dollar we have, but we also cannot allow resources to sit unused while our facilities and infrastructure decline.”

The impact of those investments is already visible. Nursing students in Alost Hall will train with modern instructional resources designed for today’s healthcare environment. Biology laboratories serving more than 520 undergraduate students have been transformed with new flooring, refreshed instructional spaces and improved accessibility. The renovations provide current students with a modern learning environment while allowing the University to welcome hundreds of prospective students each year into facilities that reflect the quality of the education taking place inside them.

The University’s investments extended beyond facilities. Through Northwestern’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, new enrollment specialist positions will strengthen retention and student success by helping more students successfully progress from their freshman to sophomore years.

The University’s year-end financial results reflect these measured investments. Northwestern began the fiscal year with a $64.7 million fund balance and closed with $59.8 million. Of the $4.9 million reduction, $4.5 million (92%) was deliberately invested in the campus.

Even after making those investments, Northwestern finishes the fiscal year with one of the strongest liquidity and reserve positions among its peer institutions in Louisiana. These final results alleviate concerns raised by an earlier news report that pointed to a preliminary projection of a deficit rather than the University’s completed fiscal year.

Northwestern also made a deliberate investment in its employees by providing a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment during the fiscal year. The adjustment was not an extraordinary salary increase. It was intended to help employees keep pace with inflation while partially offsetting a 7.75 percent increase in state employee health insurance premiums. Without it, many faculty and staff members would have experienced a reduction in take-home pay.

Looking Ahead

Northwestern began the 2026–2027 fiscal year with a balanced budget. A budget is an estimate of anticipated revenues and expenditures. From this point forward, the University has the opportunity to maintain that balance, improve upon it and finish the year with a surplus, or make strategic investments from reserves to address emerging priorities and unforeseen needs.

Higher education continues to face significant challenges, and Northwestern has not been immune. Enrollment drives nearly every major source of university funding, making it the single most important factor in Northwestern’s long-term financial health.

Between fall 2021 and fall 2024, Northwestern’s enrollment declined by 2,212 students—an average loss of approximately 737 students per year. Losses of that magnitude cannot be reversed overnight. After two years of focused effort, however, the decline has begun to stabilize.

Recovery does not begin with growth. It begins by stopping the decline, and stabilization is the first important measure leading into progress.

“When an airplane loses altitude, the first step is to pull the nose up and level the aircraft before it can begin to climb,” President James T. Genovese said. “That is where Northwestern is today. We have worked hard to address a significant enrollment decline, and the indicators are beginning to move in the right direction. We are not yet at our destination, but we are level, gaining momentum and preparing to rise.”

Spring 2026 enrollment was essentially flat compared with spring 2025, providing encouraging confirmation that the years-long downward trend has begun to level. During summer 2026, student credit-hour production increased by 3 percent over the previous year, meaning students enrolled in fuller academic course loads. First-year retention continues to improve, the average ACT score of incoming students has increased, and on-campus housing is at or near full occupancy.

Together, these indicators point to a student body that is increasingly engaged, better prepared for college and committed to earning a degree. Stabilization is not the destination, but it is the necessary foundation for renewed enrollment growth.

Another important component of Northwestern’s enrollment strategy is the continuing expansion of dual enrollment, through which high school students earn college credit.

Dual enrollment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Although Northwestern receives less tuition revenue from a dual-enrollment student than from a traditional undergraduate, each participating high school student is also a prospective Demon. Introducing students to Northwestern while they are still in high school creates an opportunity to welcome them back after graduation to complete their undergraduate degrees. That transition is critical to the University’s long-term enrollment strategy. If Northwestern is not serving those students, another university will.

Classes for the fall semester will begin Aug. 17. The University’s official fall enrollment will be determined on the 14th class day.

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POLLOCK, La. — Pollock Elementary School is looking to add new members to its cafeteria team and is now accepting applications for several food service positions ahead of the upcoming school year.

The school has announced openings for:

Lunchroom Technicians

Lunchroom Manager

School officials encourage individuals who enjoy working in a school environment and serving students to apply.
Those interested in learning more about the available positions are encouraged to contact Erica Firment by email at Erica.Firment@gpsb.org.

Applications can be submitted through the Grant Parish School Board website at http://www.grantpsb.org.
The available positions offer an opportunity to play an important role in supporting students by helping provide nutritious meals in a positive and welcoming school environment.

Pollock Elementary encourages qualified applicants to apply as soon as possible as the school prepares for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

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By Jim Rhodes, Special to the Journal

We all honor the events of June 6, 1944. It was a monumental task and should be recognized for the bravery and sacrifices of all involved on that day. It was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich. It would be another year to finish it but we did and the world rejoiced. But there was another completely different war taking place in the Pacific theatre.

The United States military, along with Australia, England and a few others were fighting the Imperial Japanese in the Pacific. Beach landings such as Normandy were happening on a more frequent basis. At Normandy 160,000 soldiers hit the beaches on that famous day. Casualties were horrendous. Too many killed, maimed and injured (2,500 killed in action, 5,000 injured and an untold number of missing). In comparison on July 21, 1944, 65,000 hit the beach on Guam, spearheaded by the United States Marines, United States Army and our allies. The staggering results of that landing were 1,718 killed and 6,000 wounded.

I take up this comparison not from a historical perspective but from a personal one. You see I happened to be quite familiar with a participant in the Pacific Theatre. He was Private First Class Joseph Bernard Rhodes USMC Co D 1St Bn (Pioneers) 19th Marines Third Marine Division.

He was never one to talk about those days, as many of “Our Greatest Generation” participants, chose not to. On one particular day back when nothing was digital I had received my National Geographic magazine with its coveted fold out map. This particular issue was entitled “The Pacific Theatre”. As I had the map spread out on the kitchen table my Father walks in the side door asking what I was doing. I explained in short detail; he walked up standing behind me and started detailing his 3 year adventure. He pointed to each island that he had been to and explained very briefly what had happened and why he was there. When he got to Guam his only comment was “and that’s when I got to come home.”

There were no other comments after that. I sensed that there would be no questions or answers after that. Everything had gotten put back in that mental box and locked away.

Guam, what was so important about that island, aside from the strategic placement, it was an American Territory until December 10, 1941 when the Imperial Japanese captured it.

Later in life I started doing a little research on my Dad’s role in this part of history. The most intriguing part was trying to understand what one particular word meant “PIONEER”. There is no clear meaning as it is no longer used. But following that trail the best I could manage was that in today’s military jargon he was a combat engineer. Ask today’s military people and they give you this description that has no bearing on the 1940’s. Basically from what I could piece together here is my definition.

USMC PIONEER (n): Operates as member of crew of specially trained troops in constructing and repairing roads and bridges, removing natural and man-made obstacles to facilitate movement of friendly forces, executing demolitions, and creating man-made obstacles to prevent or slow advance of enemy force. My Dad’s training records indicate that he was qualified on most heavy equipment and specialized in putting potable water systems in place. His actual classification was part of the 3 man crew for heavy machine gun Browning M1919.

My Dad hit the beaches of Guam on the initial wave on July 21st. He was wounded on July 22nd and evacuated to a hospital ship to start his journey home to begin building a “normal” life. But he was reminded every day that he took a step of that hidden part of his life. I could see the physical pain that stayed as a reminder but I often wonder about the mental pain so many of those guys carried with them. I thought us as a family lived a normal life. That perspective changed as I grew older. I know I was loved as a child and throughout my life. But the words were never spoken by him or me until too late in life. I remember the phone call as clear as yesterday. He apologized for the personal troubles his actions had cased in my life and said he wanted me to know that he loved me. After shedding tears with a sense of relief I told him that I was proud to have been by his side and that I had always loved him and even more now. He passed shortly after that and finally found peace after the early 1940’s.

So when we pause to honor those who gave more than enough for us please honor all who have defended us and our way of life not just the ones from that particular event. REMEMBER THEM ALL.

A Brief History of the Invasion of Guam

The Battle of Guam, codenamed W-Day, commenced on July 21, 1944, as a vital piece of the American campaign to recapture territory lost to the Japanese Empire early in World War II. Japan had captured the U.S. territory on December 10, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, subjecting the local Chamorro population to a brutal occupation.

Reclaiming the island was strategically paramount for the Allies. Guam’s large size and deep-water harbors made it an ideal base for upcoming operations against the Philippines and Taiwan, while its airfields would put Japan within range of the new American B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The assault began with an intense, multi-day naval and aerial bombardment to soften Japanese defenses. When the 3rd Marine Division, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Army’s 77th Infantry Division finally hit the western beaches on W-Day, they faced fierce resistance from roughly 18,500 dug-in Japanese defenders. Despite steep limestone cliffs and heavily fortified machine-gun positions, Allied forces secured the beachheads. After weeks of brutal, close-quarters jungle warfare, heavy nighttime counterattacks, and massive casualties on both sides, the island was officially declared secure on August 10, 1944.

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Well, well, well, you just never know what life will throw at you until it does. In early June of this year, after going through a few cardio tests like an EKG, ultrasound and a stress test, we (Dr. Chris Ingram and I) felt like everything was going to be okay. 

Nothing really showed up during the tests that was alarming. Then a few days later, Dr. Ingram looked at my imaging and saw a shadow that got his attention. During my consultation, I could tell by his reaction while going over the imaging with my wife and I that he was very concerned.

Now my first reaction, like anyone else who thinks there’s nothing wrong, was that it can’t be that bad. I mean I’m only 65 years old and fit as a racing horse that’s been put out to pasture.

But then reality set in and after a heart Cath two days later, doctors discovered that there were seven blockages! That’s right, seven! Two in the back that had almost 100% blockage and 5 frontal arteries with partial blockage. 

Finally, they had my attention and no longer could I deny that there was an issue. I then knew that this was something that would require extensive surgery to fix. My summer plans were now going to be altered dramatically. 

It also explained why I was having the issues I had been experiencing during my last two bass tournaments. During and after both event’s, exhaustion does not describe how bad I felt. 

I had major muscle fatigue and tightness across the shoulders. Leaning over to pick up a rod on the deck of the boat resulted in almost total black out, especially once the heat of the day set in from noon till 3:00. At first, I chalked it up to maybe being dehydrated or just getting too hot. 

But at the end of my last tournament on the Red River with thirty minutes left before weigh-in, the rod I was holding in my left hand felt like it weighed 20 pounds. No chest pain, no arm pain, just extreme muscle fatigue. 

But the worst part was when I had to beach my boat at the weigh-in and walk up the long 50 yard boat ramp to retrieve my truck and boat trailer. It felt like the walk of shame as I glanced around hoping no one was watching me. It was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. 

As I got in my truck, I just sat there for ten minutes trying to recover. Then once I got my boat on trailer, I had to climb into the back of my boat and get my fish out of the live well and into my weigh-bag. Then tote the bag of fish to the scales, which really pulled my energy level down to zero. 

Once again, I got back in the truck to head home but sat there for at least fifteen minutes trying to catch my breath and recover. I knew something was wrong as I’ve never experienced this kind of fatigue even during my worst two-a-day football workouts from my high school or college days. 

It got worse, as I arrived back home and parked the boat, I basically rolled out of the truck and walked into the house where I literally collapsed on the floor. My wife walked in and asked if I was ok to which I responded, “No!” 

She then realized I was not good and got me a cold towel for my face. I laid on the floor for about forty minutes just so I could get enough energy to take a shower.   

My thoughts and reasoning were, “It’s just hot (95 degrees). Maybe I didn’t drink enough water and just got too hot.” But as it turned out, there were some major issues going on internally. Problems that could not be fixed with medication or more exercise. 

I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Chris Ingram and my personal physician Dr. Anil Matta for their persistence and due diligence in putting me through tests that, at the time, I thought were unnecessary.

After all, based on MY many years of medical experience and watching You Tube videos on heart related issues, I just knew nothing was wrong! Yeah right! Ha, a typical man who thinks he knows more than any doctor. 

So, here’s the moral of this story. First, listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Understand your symptoms and what they mean. Second, trust your doctor and follow the directions he or she gives you on what needs to be done because it will probably save your life. 

Update: It’s been over a week (June 29^th) since my quadruple bypass surgery and I’m doing much better. Still a long way to go but making progress every day. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this tough time.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator


Northwestern State president says his plan is ‘wasting away in Margaritaville’

State Sen. Alan Seabaugh takes credit for ousting Northwestern State University’s president in 2024 and, with the backing of Gov. Jeff Landry, replacing him with former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese. 

Two years later, Genovese says he isn’t able to count on either of his two supporters to advance his plans for the school, which include starting the first law school in North Louisiana. 

In recent interviews, Genovese said his feud with Seabaugh, a Republican whose district includes the Natchitoches campus, is costing Northwestern State much-needed cash from the state. And it was Landry who came up with the idea to open a law school at the university, but the governor has since dropped his support of the plan, he said

“It wasn’t my idea,” Genovese said. “When I came on board … there were discussions coming out of the governor’s office regarding a law school, so I just went with the flow.” 

When asked if the governor supports a new law school at Northwestern State, Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said that decision is completely up to the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in Louisiana.

While he maintains the governor still privately backs the idea, Genovese said two factors have led Landry away from providing any public or material support. The first, Genovese said, is Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, whose district includes Tulane University, home to one of the state’s four law schools. Genovese said the governor doesn’t want to get crosswise with a legislative leader he needs to advance his agenda.

“The last thing Louisiana needs is more lawyers,” Henry said when reached for comment about Genovese’s proposal. 

Another obstacle, Genovese said, is that promoting a new law school might create the impression that Landry supports trial attorneys. The governor himself is an attorney and has received campaign contributions from trial lawyers. 

“There was this nasty fight  … between the insurance industry and the trial lawyers, and I don’t think the governor wants to be labeled a trial lawyer person,” Genovese said. 

Genovese provided a copy of his law school proposal he said he submitted to the Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which oversees Northwestern State. Genovese and UL System board member Robert “Skeeter” Salim, Genovese’s lifelong friend and a prominent trial attorney in the state, requested the Regents expedite their review process so it could receive approval from the UL System Board just a month after it was proposed. 

Emails the Illuminator obtained through a public records request show Board of Regents staff discussed the matter with Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, who was not comfortable with an expedited review. Genovese and Salim have not brought the law school pitch to the full UL System board. 

Genovese described his proposal as “wasting away in Margaritaville,” a reference to the Jimmy Buffet song. 

Despite no further moves to make the proposal a reality, Genovese has continued to publicly advocate for the law school in speeches and in news interviews, rankling state lawmakers and other stakeholders. 

“If the Board of Regents wanted another law school, they would do it,” said state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, whose district includes Natchitoches. “So I don’t know why he continues to talk and advocate for things like that and get people’s hopes up, when obviously an application to do a law school has not moved within the Board of Regents.” 

From reference to rival

While he seemingly tilts at windmills for a new law school, Genovese has also feuded with the lawmaker who got him the job at Northwestern State. 

Seabaugh, an conservative lawmaker, said in an interview last week his first order of business after joining the Louisiana Senate in 2024 was ousting Marcus Jones, the first Black leader at Northwestern State, who Seabaugh said was responsible for the school “going downhill in many ways.” 

After being forced to resign, Jones returned to the University of Louisiana System office as executive vice president and chief operating officer. 

Seabaugh proposed Genovese replace Jones in Natchitoches. Landry also backed Genovese for the job. 

“Nobody was more responsible for putting him there than me,” Seabaugh said. 

Genovese, despite having had no experience in higher education leadership, touted his budget expertise when interviewing with faculty and staff for the president’s job. He took credit for securing money for the Louisiana Supreme Court during his time as an associate justice from 2017-24.

That claimed fiscal prowess isn’t reflected in the state budget that takes effect Wednesday, however. 

Northwestern State was the only public university in Louisiana to receive no additional funding in the primary budget bill on top of what each campus is required to receive. It was also the only campus left out of the supplemental budget, where lawmakers dole out millions for special projects. These special projects find their way into the budget at the request of lawmakers, usually senators. 

When asked about Northwestern State’s omission in the budget, Genovese blamed Seabaugh. 

“We don’t have a senator that helps us,” Genovese said. “[Seabaugh has] been mad at me from day one. I … hardly even know this guy.” 

‘I don’t think he’s suited for the job’

Genovese said the feud started because he refused to fire Northwestern State employees  Seabaugh asked him to dismiss. Since then, Genovese said, Seabaugh hasn’t answered his phone calls. 

Seabaugh said none of that is true. By his account, he never asked Genovese to fire anybody but rather warned him not to take advice from the same people he viewed as leading Jones astray. 

Jones has not responded to a request for comment. 

Seabaugh also said he hasn’t refused any calls from Genovese, because he hasn’t gotten any to reject. 

“If they want me to put something in the budget, they might want to ask,” Seabaugh said. 

Though he wouldn’t characterize the tension between the two leaders as a “disagreement,” Seabaugh expressed frustration in the way Genovese handled the first major hire of his administration. 

Genovese brought in former Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy as a special adviser in fall 2024 shortly after he was hired. McConathy is a Louisiana basketball coaching legend who was recently inducted into the state’s Sports Hall of Fame. He also ran against Seabaugh in his 2023 Senate bid.

Seabaugh said he didn’t mind that he hired McConathy, but he did take issue with how Genovese addressed it with him. 

“When he called me, he said, ‘I know this is going to piss you off, but I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway,’” Seabaugh recounted.

Genovese said that was not the language he used but confirmed he did call Seabaugh as a courtesy to tell him he was hiring McConathy, which he said angered the senator. 

The two confirmed they haven’t talked since that call in 2024. 

“He doesn’t know how to ask,” Seabaugh said. “I think he’s used to being a judge and telling people what to do. I don’t think he’s suited for the job he’s in.” 

“The university has not improved and it’s not going to as long as he’s there,” the senator added. 

Spending in question 

McFarland, who leads the legislature’s budget-writing committee, said some of Genovese’s “decision making has been questioned.” 

McFarland didn’t detail the gripes he has heard from lawmakers, but a look into Northwestern State’s budget shows warning signs of financial difficulties ahead. 

Genovese has raised pay for Northwestern State’s approximately 800 employees three times in less than two years, despite the university operating at a deficit. The university projects a shortfall of $13.4 million for the fiscal year that ended Tuesday, according to a UL System financial report. The university has covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves. 

Other UL System schools are in worse financial positions, but Northwestern State’s spending has raised the eyebrows of its board members, who questioned Genovese about the deficit at last week’s meeting. Genovese said the university was likely to end the next fiscal year in the black, possibly with a surplus. 

While Genovense’s spending at Northwestern State has increased, enrollment at the school has dropped. Its student body reached 8,847 in 2023 and fell to 8,402 for fall 2025, a 5% decrease. Less than a quarter of NSU students attend class on campus, which means they bring in less revenue for the school. 

Other schools in the UL System are also experiencing enrollment declines, but most are adjusting their budgets to match. 

“We’re closely monitoring the enrollment projections and being optimistic that they will be able to turn the tide on their own,” UL System President Rick Gallot, Genovese’s boss, said about the budget situation.

Photo and Article Courtesy of the Louisiana Illuminator

North Louisiana law school proposal puts university leader at odds with Landry, lawmakers

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As Northwestern State University (NSU) looks ahead to the Fall 2026 semester, internal tracking data reveals that high school dual enrollment programs are projected to play an even larger role in the university’s total headcount than in previous semesters.

According to an official institutional research document, the university has set an aggressive Next Fall Target of 7,879 undergraduate students. However, a closer look at the tracking metrics shows that nearly one-third of that entire target population is made up of high school students.

The ‘Enrollment Mask’ Expands

The university separates its high school and introductory enrollment into two tracking categories: University (Non-Prep) and University (Prep). For the upcoming Fall 2026 semester, the university’s targets for these categories are:

• UNIV (Non-Prep) Target: 351 students
• UNIV (Prep) Target: 2,183 students
• Total High School Target: 2,534 students

If NSU hits its goals, dual enrollment students will account for 32.2%—nearly one out of every three—of the total undergraduate student body. This represents a significant shift from previous years, expanding the “Enrollment Mask” that higher education analysts say allows institutions to report stable or growing total headcounts while masking a structural decline in full-time, on-campus students.

Current Summer Progress

As of June 24, 2026, registration tracking shows the university still has a long hill to climb before reaching its census goals, which is typical for this point in the summer cycle.

The university’s Current Enrollment stands at 4,732 out of the 7,879 target. When isolating the true degree-seeking undergraduate numbers from the high school dual enrollment categories, the breakdown shows:

• Total Reported Current Enrollment: 4,732*
• Current Dual Enrollment (Prep & Non-Prep): 768
• True Current Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,964**

*Note: Across the university’s broader tracking metrics, true undergraduate enrollment stands at 3,964; however, it should be noted that many of these students are online-only or attend classes outside of the main campus in Natchitoches.

While a vast majority of the targeted 2,534 high school students will be registered later in the summer as school districts finalize their schedules, the physical campus infrastructure remains tied to the 3,964 true undergraduates currently on the books.

Budget vs. Body Count

The economic reality for the Natchitoches campus remains stark. Traditional undergraduate students pay full tuition and generate critical “auxiliary revenue” through campus housing, meal plans, and student fees. In contrast, dual enrollment students pay deeply discounted contract rates or receive state-funded exemptions.

The physical presence of these students on campus remains rare. While a select few students from local institutions like Natchitoches Central and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) are granted rare permission to attend classes in person, the vast majority of the dual enrollment population completes coursework remotely or at their respective high schools.

As the university pushes toward its ultimate master plan under leadership to stabilize total institutional footing, the tracking data indicates that the path to high headcount numbers relies more heavily than ever on the high school demographic.

**Note
Dual Enrollment (DE) students are excluded from “True Enrollment” figures above. While these students are academically valuable, their reduced tuition and minimal use of campus facilities mean they do not reflect the institutional sustainability or the market demand for the university’s core physical and residential services.

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Family influences pivotal for Hall of Fame inductees Holloway, Fowles

By JASON PUGH, Written for the LSWA

Those who followed the Tioga Lady Indians basketball team when Kathy Holloway coached noted the team’s tough defense. That wasn’t modeled on how young Kathy Stewart played at now-defunct Poland High School.

Holloway, inducted last Saturday night in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner, established a long-standing Class C state tournament record by scoring 86 points across two games while at Poland.

Her basketball skills were honed at home, on a metal rim that her father hung on the side of the family’s wooden garage. A photo in the Hall of Fame museum shows elementary school-aged Kathy shooting baskets on that backyard goal.

That led to her All-State playing career at Poland in southern Rapides Parish near Lecompte, and sparked a lifelong love of basketball. Holloway, a math major at LSU where there was no women’s team in the 1960s, entered the education field and launched career in high school sports, first as a championship head coach at Tioga then as the first female president of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, achieved in 1986, and as the president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 1992.

“Title IX was passed in 1972,” said Julie Wilkerson, one of four high school All-Americans Holloway coached at Tioga. “That energized someone like Mrs. Holloway.”

That energy may have indirectly led Holloway to her trailblazing positions within the coaches associations she eventually chaired.

“In those days, there was All-Star Week and on the Friday before the all-star games on Saturday, there was the final meeting of the coaches association to elect the president,” Holloway said. “One of the guys who was running asked me at the barbecue, ‘Will you vote for me (for president)?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if you’ll vote for me if I ever run.’ He said, ‘There ain’t ever gonna be a woman president of this association.’ That sealed it for me.”

Following her gilded administrative career, the NSCA in 2021 created the Kathy Holloway Women of Inspiration Award that honors a female “that has promoted female athletics by either coaching, serving, supporting or leading high school female athletic programs that focus on changing lives and inspiring women to strive for greatness.”

Holloway remains involved in the sport she loves, working closely with the Upward Basketball program at First Baptist Church in Pineville where her son, Stewart, is the pastor.

“She’s been involved the past 13 or 14 years,” he said. “It’s a fantastic way to use her skills to invest in another generation.

“Mom didn’t win a lot of state championships, but she’s been a champion in a lot of other ways.”

A close bond between siblings helped deliver a signature moment for the LSU women’s basketball team when it landed Sylvia Fowles, a 6-foot-6 standout from Miami.

Brought to LSU by coach Sue Gunter, who promised Fowles nothing more than the opportunity to complete for playing time, Fowles teamed with fellow Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus (a 2024 inductee) to usher in the golden era of Tigers women’s basketball – one that included four straight Final Four appearances.

“In my home visit, (Gunter) told me she wasn’t starting me as a freshman, that I had to earn it,” said Fowles via a Zoom call from Chicago where her Portland Fire were preparing for a WNBA game Friday night against the Chicago Sky. “That motivated me to be around her. I was signed, sealed and delivered after hearing her say you had to work for everything you want.”

Fowles, who is now an assistant coach with the Fire, averaged a double-double at LSU before a prolific WNBA career with the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx where she averaged 15.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in her career.

Four Olympic gold medals, two WNBA titles and a spot of the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team only buttress a resume that came in a sport Fowles once regarded as “dumb,” thanks in part to her three older brothers.

“Growing up with them, I was allowed to play defense only,” she said. “I didn’t learn the rules of the game until eighth grade. I didn’t there were two ends of the court playing simultaneously. It was that moment I realized I was getting cheated. I didn’t think the sport was dumb after that.”

Although her brothers failed to share the full extent of basketball with their younger sister, Fowles never missed an opportunity to help someone else.

“She’s the best center of all time in women’s basketball” said former Minnesota teammate Lindsey Whalen. “She had a relentless will to rebound and to get to her spot on the block. She had great hands. Then there were times you’d look over and she’s helping put towels away or doing anything she could to help someone else.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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Bills that are now acts and new law cover a wide range of issues. For Rep. Gabe Firment, the session yielded several key legislative completions along with measures left behind in committee chambers.

His legislative package includes:

Rep. Gabe Firment — Eleven passed, including requiring peace officers to be United States citizens, strengthening protections for places of worship, creating the crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate, and increasing penalties for violations in drug-free school zones. Also enacted were measures fighting insurance fraud on motor vehicle glass claims, allowing the impoundment of out-of-state vehicles lacking compulsory liability insurance, clarifying the prescriptive period on property damage insurance claims, and requiring insurers to check for outstanding child support obligations on specific settlement payments.

Additionally, three authored House resolutions passed, urging Congress to oppose the transfer or privatization of Kisatchie National Forest lands, encouraging the establishment of tax-advantaged catastrophe savings accounts, and promoting state water resource management; leftover, his individual proposals on workers’ compensation reform and civil liability protections for the oil and gas industry against climate-change litigation, which were instead incorporated into and passed within larger comprehensive legislative packages.

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It’s time to celebrate: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame festivities begin Thursday

Three days of festivities unfold beginning Thursday through Saturday for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67^th Induction Celebration.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. No need to dress up, just come enjoy appetizers, entertainment and the first look at the new items the 2026 inductees have provided for display.

The Friday schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Lunch is served at 11:30 with a festive warmup session for the bowlers before celebrity introductions and the competition begins about 12:45. Tickets are available at LaSportsHall.com.

The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event, with an array of Louisiana dishes and specialty drinks at Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room overlooking the Rue Beauport riverbank venue.

The slate on Saturday kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening. A few seats are still available.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.  

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By Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D.

Louisiana Republicans face an important choice in this Senate runoff election. My opponent and I offer two very different visions for the future of our state and our nation.

I entered this race because I believe Louisiana deserves a U.S. Senator who will fight for our values, challenge the political establishment, and put our citizens’ interests ahead of special interests.

The establishment is investing heavily in this race because they understand what is at stake. They know I will challenge the status quo. They know I will vote based on conservative principles rather than political pressure. And they know I will put Louisiana first.

My opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is totally controlled by Governor Jeff Landry, whose operatives are managing her campaign and whose allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into the race to support her with dishonest advertisements. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.

Throughout my career as a physician, small business owner, U.S. Congressman, and Louisiana State Treasurer, I have built a record of service rooted in conservative principles, not political convenience.

This campaign has demonstrated the difference between grassroots leadership and establishment politics. While outside groups and political operatives relied on lies attempting to influence the race, I have relied on the support of ordinary Louisianans who are tired of seeing Washington insiders dictate the future of our state. I advanced to this runoff despite being heavily outspent because voters are looking for authenticity, experience, and conviction.

In this campaign, one of the most important issues is the protection of private property rights. Louisiana landowners should never be forced to surrender property rights to allow private carbon capture companies to profit from federally subsidized projects.

Julia Letlow strongly supported President Joe Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration. In contrast, I staunchly support MAGA and America First policies and thoroughly oppose dangerous carbon sequestration.

I also believe the federal government should focus on merit, excellence, and equal opportunity, not divisive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Throughout her academic career, Julia Letlow passionately supported DEI policies, which seek to divide Americans by race, gender, or identity.  In the Senate, I will vote to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to support DEI mandates and that federal policies reward achievement, hard work, and individual responsibility.

Louisianans are also tired of seeing elected officials enrich themselves while in office. Public service should be exactly that, service. The American people deserve confidence that their representatives are working for them rather than leveraging their positions for personal financial gain.

Sadly, the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice have received complaints from watchdog organizations about my opponent’s alleged campaign finance violations. While serving in Congress, Ms. Letlow admitted to 210 late stock trade filings. In contrast, there is no blemish on my record, and I did not engage in stock trading in Congress.

I have spent my career standing up for conservative values, supporting secure borders, defending the unborn, protecting the Second Amendment, and fighting for limited government.

This election is about whether Louisiana will send another politician to Capitol Hill or a proven conservative fighter who is willing to challenge the status quo.

I am asking for your vote because I will not disappoint you and will always put Louisiana first. Together, we can protect our freedoms, defend our values, and ensure that our U.S. Senate seat belongs to the people of Louisiana, not political insiders.

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I absolutely believe Americans have a lot more in common than what is depicted on the news or via social media. I’m a “glass-more-than-half-full” type of person and I wholeheartedly believe people are entitled to their own opinions and, given an opportunity to discuss those opinions, I can find some commonality with them.  I do not believe that I am in the minority in my thinking. A Pew Research study conducted in 2023 found that only 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is functioning well or very well, which means an overwhelming 96% of those polled had an unfavorable opinion of American politics. Not surprisingly, the number of Americans that consider themselves to be politically independent is on the rise (45%, news.gallop.com).  

Other things the majority of Americans agree on is that teachers should be paid more (73%, yougov.com); Congress should enact laws to lower healthcare costs (91%, familiesusa.org); corporations have too much influence in politics (76 – 83%, americans-agree.org); and social security should be strengthened (79%, nationwidefinancial.com).

The overwhelming sense that Americans are becoming malcontent is not a result of divisive opinions, but rather the way we communicate those opinions. As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, may we all embrace the words of Abraham Lincoln who wrote in a letter to Henry L. Pierce and others on April 6, 1859, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.”

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Alexandria-area residents have a unique opportunity to peek behind the legal curtain next month while earning some extra cash.

Proven Focus, a Denver-based trial consulting company, is seeking local participants for a paid jury research project regarding an upcoming legal matter.

The three-hour sessions will take place on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11. Two time slots are available each day: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participation Details

To qualify for the research focus group, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a resident of Alexandria or the surrounding parishes.

Participants will be compensated $110 at the conclusion of their session. Individuals are only permitted to attend one of the four scheduled sessions.

How to Apply

Those interested in participating or who have questions regarding the project should email info@proven-focus.com for more information.

Paid Content

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Customers encouraged to take precautions due to projected rainfall, flooding and high winds

Cleco is prepared for Tropical Storm Arthur, which is projected to bring heavy rain, flooding and high winds, as it moves northeastward across Louisiana tonight and tomorrow.

“As heavy rain and strong winds move through Cleco’s service territory, customers may experience outages,” said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability. “Cleco is ready to respond to any power outages caused by the storm, and we encourage customers to take the following precautions before and during the storm.”

How customers can prepare:

• Create an emergency plan and be ready to evacuate if needed.
• Prepare a storm kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications and a first aid kit.
• Test generators before the storm and operate them in a well-ventilated area.   
• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around and find another route. If water begins rising around your home or business, turn off electricity at the main breaker and evacuate. Have an electrician check the wiring before using electricity.
• Stay away from downed lines. Assume all downed power lines are energized.

How to report an outage:

Customers can report an outage by texting “OUT” to 69378 or by calling Cleco’s Customer Call Center at 1-800-622-6537.

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My name is Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett, and I am seeking re-election as Judge of the Thirty-Fifth Judicial District Court for Grant Parish. For  over 17 years, it has been my honor to serve this community, ensuring that justice is fair, efficient, and grounded in the rule of law.

I am a lifelong resident of Grant Parish, the middle child of Keith and Tomi Willett of Pollock.  I am a graduate of Grant High School, and have been married to my wife, Suzy, daughter of Sharon and the late Bob Rhinehart of Dry Prong, for 32 years. We raised our two daughters in Pollock and are active members of Pollock First Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon, youth Sunday School teacher, trustee, offering counter and children’s church leader. Over the years, I have also supported and volunteered with numerous local organizations, including our public schools, Delta Waterfowl, Whitetails Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Grant 4-H Shooting Sports, and GYBA. I am a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and serve on the Grant Parish College and Career Advisory Panel. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, hunting, fishing, wildlife habitat improvement,  and training our two black labs.

After earning my accounting and law degrees from LSU, I practiced as an attorney at Stafford, Stewart & Potter in Alexandria.  From 2002 until my election in 2008, I practiced and helped manage Tillman & Willett, LLC, with my law partner, the late Gary Tillman.  My background in real estate, business, lending and successions prepared me well for the diverse caseload and administrative responsibilities of the Court.

The Role of a District Judge

A district judge must be well-versed across many areas of law, carefully determine facts, and faithfully apply the law. While jail is appropriate in some cases, our justice system must also aim to reduce future harm. That means using fines, education, treatment, and structured probation to hold individuals accountable while helping them become productive citizens.

As a fiscal conservative, I believe the Court must recognize Grant Parish’s limited financial resources. I have worked closely with the Police Jury to control operational expenses. By utilizing technology to improve efficiency rather than hiring more personnel, our small, dedicated staff manages thousands of annual filings.  Michelle Calk, the Court’s Judicial Administrator has over 22 years of court experience.  Vickie Jolisaint, has been employed as the certified Court Reporter for over 11 years.  Nola Parker Day, who serves as the law clerk, has been employed for over one year.  During my 17 years on the bench, the Court’s financial accounts have been audited annually with zero adverse findings.

Meeting New Challenges

Grant Parish is growing, bringing new opportunities and challenges, including rises in property disputes, custody conflicts, and substance abuse. One of the most serious issues affecting our families is addiction.

Our Court works closely with the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Public Defender to move individuals ready for help into treatment quickly. We partner with private, evidence-based providers and faith-based programs like Adult & Teen Challenge and Celebrate Recovery with impressive results. Likewise, those involved in domestic violence cases must complete intensive intervention programs before family reunification. We also collaborate with local educational providers and employers to ensure that those capable of working find employment to provide for their needs.

Principles Guiding My Decisions

The Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judges from having private, outside communications about pending cases. To ensure fairness for everyone, our Court emphasizes scheduled pretrial conferences where all parties are represented to try to resolve cases without protracted litigation.

Several core principles guide my daily service:

• Every person is equal and deserves fairness, respect, and justice.
• I believe in a strict construction of our Constitutions and laws.
• Punishment must be balanced with rehabilitation and, when appropriate, mercy.
• The family, not the government, is the foundation for an individual’s development.
• Every person has a purpose in life that is best achieved through hard work, education and experience.

These past 17 years have been challenging, humbling, and deeply rewarding. The volume and complexity of cases have strengthened my understanding of the law and my appreciation for the people of this parish. I respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote.

Judge Danny Willett
Candidate for Re-Election, 35th Judicial District Court 

Paid for by the Willett Judicial Campaign

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By Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John Fleming, M.D.

Now that the incumbent, Dr. Bill Cassidy, has been eliminated from the Republican Party’s runoff election, Louisiana voters need to decide who is the best candidate to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

All voters hear from my opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is that she “earned the endorsement of President Trump.” However, the endorsement was totally engineered by Governor Jeff Landry through the political back door.

What did Julia Letlow do to earn the endorsement? Was it her lifetime commitment as a liberal academic to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), policies that President Trump strenuously opposes? Was it her liberal voting record in Congress that was in direct opposition to the President’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) and America First agenda?

Was it her vote to fund the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Biden administration that allocated taxpayer money toward abortions and gender reassignment surgeries overseas?

Was it her staunch support for Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration?

Was it her record of incompetence, passing no bills into law during her five years in Congress?

In contrast to her history of liberalism and ineffectiveness, I offer Louisiana voters a record of achievement and honest service. I am a physician, military veteran, small business owner, and job creator. I served as a Louisiana Congressman, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, and was Co-Founder of the House Freedom Caucus. Presently, I am honored to serve as your Louisiana State Treasurer.

My voting record is unabashedly conservative, staunchly supporting MAGA and America First policies. I totally oppose the Green Energy and Carbon Sequestration scams.

Unlike my opponent, whose campaign has been referred to both the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice for investigation and who admitted to late filings of 210 stock trades, there is no blemish on my record. In fact, as a Congressman, I did not engage in stock trading.

As Julia Letlow’s liberal views are being exposed, her poll numbers are falling. In recent days, her own pollster announced that I am leading in the polls.

The more she drops in the polls, the more desperate and unhinged her attacks become. Her campaign is panicking and issuing shrill statements to confuse and intimidate voters.

Fortunately, Louisiana voters are smart. They know Julia Letlow will not debate me because she cannot defend her record. They know that Governor Landry and his allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into this race to support her. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.

I am running for the United States Senate because Louisiana needs a senator who will challenge the political establishment, both in our home state and in our Nation’s Capital, not accommodate it.

Louisiana voters face a clear choice in this Senate runoff. You can continue sending politicians like Julia Letlow to Washington who only talk about conservative values, or you can elect me, a proven conservative fighter who has spent a lifetime defending them.

Throughout my career, I have stood unapologetically for limited government, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, energy independence, and the sanctity of life. I have consistently placed principles above political convenience.

Friends, as the only genuine MAGA conservative in the runoff, I am asking for your vote to become Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator.

Early voting continues through June 20, and Election Day is June 27.

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Music, food, family fun at free Hall of Fame Rockin’ River Fest Friday, June 26

Friday night is just right for some midsummer magic under the moonlight, free for all, during next weekend’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

Specifically, it’s going to happen next Friday evening into night, June 26, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district. It’s the free Rockin’ Riverfest party presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center and Louisiana Propane Dealers.

The showcase act is Blue Crab Redemption, a Louisiana bred and fed alt blues/rock band whose major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and The Eagles.  Their sound is a raw, classic vibe from ghosts of legends past blended with the soulful influences of the modern rock era.

The opener is Connor Martin, a country artist passionate about creating music that inspires and connects. Recently, Martin has opened for Easton Corbin, Tyler Farr, Parker McCollum, and Keith Urban.

Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: at 9:15, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2026 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. Then the music cranks up again for another hour of festivities.

And yes, you read correctly. It’s free to attend.

There will be food and beverage vendors – Girlines Home Cooking, Soulful Wings, Summer Snow To Go and for the grown-ups, Maggio’s, on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.

MOVE Sport and Spine will set up their sharp-looking apparel line for sale, and Hall of Fame gear will also be available.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans will include basketball, football, baseball games and inflatables for all ages to enjoy. NSU athletes will be on hand to help the kids have all the fun, and give away some basketballs.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up some of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2026 Induction Class.

Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 26, in downtown Natchitoches.

Rockin’ River Fest is one of three free events during the Induction Celebration, starting with the free Welcome Reception Thursday evening, June 25, from 5-7 in the Hall of Fame museum. It’s not a dress-up event, just a come eat and meet the inductees and check out the world-class museum at no charge. The other free event is the Saturday morning June 27 Saints & Pelicans LSHOF Junior Training Camp for kids. Advance registration is necessary at LaSportsHall.com.

For information on all seven events during the June 25-27 Class of 2026 Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

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In a nutshell, yes.  To be fair to restaurants, though, it seems like the price of just about everything has gotten ridiculous.  In my research for this article, I found the website latestcost.com, which has a blog post on the average cost of a burger. The site has tons of pop-up ads that are a deterrent for spending much time delving into their blogs but I was intrigued with their vast list of average costs they discussed in their blog posts. According to their data, the average cost for just a hamburger with no sides or a drink is $3.50 – $12.00.  I don’t know about where you live, but in my neck of the woods, $3.50 is going to get you a burger that you would normally find in a kid’s meal with little to no nutritional value.  According to the website datassential.com, burger prices have risen by 14% since 2023 while beef production costs surged 32%. The average net profit margin a restaurant makes on each hamburger sold is 10 – 15% for a regular burger and 12 – 18% for a gourmet burger. 

There are ways to save when dining out. The easiest way to reduce your costs is to order water instead of a drink. According to moneydigest.com, the markup for a fountain drink at a restaurant ranges between 650% to 1,100%! Consider sharing a meal with your spouse, date, or friend. By sharing your meal, you’ll not only leave your wallet a little fatter, you’ll keep from growing your girth. You can also save on your meals by using coupons or discounts that may be available through your credit card or bank card. You may also find discounted gift cards at your local membership club or through gift card exchange websites. You can explore recommendations for gift card exchange websites at pcmag.com, which suggests you read a website’s FAQ section to determine if they offer a money-back guarantee before making any purchase.

Got a question about work, money, family—or just figuring life out? Ask Ida is where real people get real answers, served with humor and plain talk. Send in your question, and let’s make sense of life’s bumps together. ASK IDA

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State Representative Firment provides updates on insurance reform, teacher pay and the Legislature’s resolution to oppose any effort to transfer, divest, privatize, or dispose of Kisatchie National Forest lands.

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