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The Ark-La-Tex Gazette

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Happening Now

Bondi clashes with Democrats amid Epstein records controversy

By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff 

February 12, 2026  | WASHINGTON, DC 


Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with congressional Democrats on Wednesday as she attempted to move past renewed controversy surrounding the Justice Department’s handling of records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose criminal case continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency.


The confrontation unfolded during a contentious oversight hearing on Capitol Hill, where Democratic lawmakers accused the department of withholding key documents and failing to fully disclose what federal authorities knew about Epstein’s network of associates. Bondi defended the department’s actions, stating that officials were complying with legal requirements and protecting the integrity of ongoing reviews and related investigations.


Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee argued that the lack of full public disclosure has fueled distrust and speculation, particularly given Epstein’s high-profile connections and the serious nature of the crimes involved. Several members pressed Bondi to provide a clearer timeline for the release of remaining records and to explain why some documents remain sealed or heavily redacted.


Bondi responded that the Justice Department must balance transparency with legal constraints, including court orders, privacy laws, and the rights of victims. She emphasized that her office is reviewing the materials carefully and working with federal courts to determine what can be released without jeopardizing sensitive information. Bondi also said the department has expanded internal reviews of how Epstein’s case was handled in previous years, including decisions related to plea agreements and prosecutorial discretion.


The exchange highlighted ongoing partisan divisions over the department’s role and independence, with Republicans largely backing Bondi’s position and Democrats expressing frustration at what they described as slow progress. Some lawmakers called for the appointment of an independent special counsel to oversee any remaining investigations, a proposal Bondi did not endorse but said she would consider if warranted by new evidence.


The Epstein case, which dates back more than a decade, continues to reverberate through Washington, raising broader concerns about the treatment of powerful defendants and the consistency of federal law enforcement. Advocacy groups for victims of sexual abuse have also urged the government to prioritize transparency and survivor protections as records are reviewed and potentially released.


As the hearing concluded, Bondi said the department remains committed to accountability and pledged to provide additional updates to Congress in the coming months. Lawmakers indicated that further hearings and document requests are likely, signaling that scrutiny of the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein matter is far from over.

Happening Now

Gov. Landry seeks more disaster funds for winter storm relief

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:

  • Widespread Utility Failures: Over 175,000 residents lost power, and several municipalities, including the city of Monroe, suffered complete water system disruptions.
  • Fatalities: At least nine deaths have been attributed to the storm.
  • Significant Costs: State officials report that Louisiana has already incurred over $11.3 million in storm-related expenses, surpassing the federal threshold required for a disaster declaration.

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:

  • Public Assistance: Funding for debris removal and "snow assistance" for hard-hit parishes including Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll.
  • Cost-Share Adjustment: A request for the federal government to cover 100% of the costs for the first 30 days of recovery.
  • Individual Assistance: Lawmakers are also advocating for direct aid to residents, which would provide funding for temporary housing and crisis counseling for those whose homes were damaged.

The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Salutes Black History

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. 

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About The Ark-La-Tex Gazette

Our Mission

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

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