The Ark-La-Tex Gazette


By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
February 11, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Louisiana’s entire congressional delegation is standing behind Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a federal Major Disaster declaration following the devastating effects of Winter Storm Fern.
In a unified letter sent to President Donald Trump this week, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, along with all six of the state’s U.S. Representatives, urged the administration to expedite federal aid for recovery efforts across the state’s northern parishes.
Impact of Winter Storm Fern
The storm, which swept through Louisiana from January 23–27, 2026, brought a lethal combination of ice and extreme cold. At its peak, the weather event caused:
What Lawmakers are Requesting
While President Trump issued an initial emergency declaration on January 24 to assist with immediate life-safety measures, the delegation is now pushing for a more comprehensive "Major Disaster" status. Specifically, they are asking for:

The Ark-La-Tex Gazette salutes those individuals that have made great strides in Black History. From politics to sports, Black Americans have contributed in prolific ways, furthering the arts, science, and overall consciousness.
Sign up to get each issue delivered straight to your inbox.

About Us
Welcome to The Ark-La-Tex Gazette, a non-partisan online publication dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and engaging news across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and connect the communities we serve by providing fact-based reporting, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories that matter.
Why Choose Us?
The Ark-La-Tex Gazette is dedicated to bridging gaps within our communities by recognizing and uplifting those working for change. The Ark-La-Tex region is rich with unrecognized African American leaders and inspiring changemakers and we are committed to sharing their stories. As a nonpartisan publication, we welcome all who believe in unity, progress, and community empowerment.
Unlike many news outlets, The Ark-La-Tex Gazette remains free from political bias and corporate influence. We prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism, offering clear, well-researched journalism that respects the intelligence of our readers.
Let us know what you think. Email us at editor@thearklatexgazette.com
Copyright © 2026 The Ark-La-Tex Gazette - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.