Shreveport Approves Riverfront Lighting Expansion
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
July 6, 2026 | BATON ROUGE, LA
The Louisiana Supreme Court's decision to temporarily halt the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill continues to draw attention as legal and political leaders debate the court's emergency action. The stay came less than a day after an Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill on 16 counts, including malfeasance in office and intimidation.
The court's majority said the stay was appropriate because Murrill had presented substantial concerns about how the grand jury proceedings were conducted. In its order, the court pointed to possible procedural defects, including questions surrounding the handling of the indictment and potential conflicts involving the special prosecutor. The ruling pauses the criminal proceedings while Murrill pursues motions seeking to have the indictment dismissed.
Not all members of the state's highest court agreed with the decision. Two justices issued dissenting opinions, arguing that the case should move through the normal judicial process rather than receiving expedited review. The dissenting justices expressed concern that granting immediate relief could create the appearance that a statewide elected official received different treatment than other criminal defendants.
The indictment stems from letters Murrill sent to New Orleans elected officials during a dispute over a state law that reorganized parts of the city's court system. Prosecutors allege the letters constituted criminal intimidation, while Murrill maintains she was carrying out her duties as Louisiana's chief legal officer. The disagreement is part of a broader conflict between state leaders and New Orleans officials over changes to the city's courts.
The stay does not dismiss the charges or determine Murrill's guilt or innocence. Instead, it temporarily pauses the case while legal questions are addressed in the lower courts and, if necessary, by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Additional hearings are expected in the coming weeks as both sides continue presenting their legal arguments.
Cross Lake Centennial Draws Families to Celebration
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
July 6, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered at Cross Lake over the Independence Day weekend to celebrate the lake's 100th anniversary with an evening of family activities, live entertainment, and fireworks. The event also coincided with the nation's 250th anniversary, making the celebration a dual tribute to local history and American independence.
The festivities took place at Ford Park and along the lakefront, where families enjoyed food vendors, children's activities, and opportunities to learn about the history of one of Shreveport's most important landmarks. Cross Lake was created in the 1920s to provide a dependable water supply for the growing city and continues to serve as a primary source of drinking water, recreation, and fire protection for the region. City leaders and local historians highlighted the lake's lasting role in Shreveport's development throughout the celebration.
As evening approached, spectators gathered along the shoreline and on boats to watch a fireworks display over the lake. The show served as the centerpiece of the centennial celebration and attracted families from across northwest Louisiana. Organizers said the event was designed to bring the community together while recognizing both the lake's century of service and the nation's historic milestone.
Cross Lake has long been one of Shreveport's most popular outdoor destinations, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and other recreational activities throughout the year. The centennial celebration also built on annual traditions such as the Cross Lake Floatilla, which returned this year with a boat parade, live music, and community events commemorating the lake's 100th anniversary.
City officials and event organizers said the strong turnout reflected the community's appreciation for Cross Lake and its importance to the region. As Shreveport continues to preserve and invest in one of its most valuable natural resources, organizers hope the centennial celebration will inspire future generations to enjoy and protect the lake for years to come.
Pickleball State Championship Coming to Bossier City
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
July 6, 2026 | BOSSIER CITY, LA
The 2026 Louisiana State Pickleball Championship is scheduled to take place Oct. 9-11 at The Picklr in Bossier City, bringing hundreds of athletes and spectators to the region for a multi-day competition featuring singles, doubles and mixed doubles play, according to event organizers and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
The event, officially titled the 2026 Powerball Louisiana State Championship presented by the Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball, will be held at The Picklr Bossier City, a 39,000-square-foot indoor facility at the Louisiana Boardwalk that features 11 dedicated courts. Organizers say the venue is designed for high-level competition and year-round play.
The championship is expected to draw more than 300 players and their supporters from Louisiana and neighboring states. Competitors will be placed into multiple age brackets and skill divisions, ranging from beginner levels to advanced play.
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, working with Visit Shreveport-Bossier and Southern Pickleball, announced the tournament as part of a broader effort to grow sports tourism in the region. Officials said events like this are intended to boost local visitation, fill hotels and increase traffic for restaurants and entertainment venues across Bossier City and Shreveport.
The tournament will begin Friday, Oct. 9, with men’s and women’s singles matches. Doubles competition will follow on Saturday, Oct. 10, with mixed doubles concluding play on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Southern Pickleball representatives said the championship is part of a larger state series held across multiple southern states, designed to elevate amateur competition and expand participation in one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. The Bossier City stop marks one of the latest additions to the series.
The Picklr facility, which opened earlier in 2026, has quickly become a regional hub for pickleball activity. Local officials have highlighted its role in attracting tournaments and recreational players to the area, as well as supporting community engagement and youth and adult recreation programs.
Organizers also noted that registration for the event is set to open in early July, with players able to sign up in advance of the October competition window.
As preparations continue, officials say the event is expected to become a recurring fixture on the regional sports calendar, contributing to the continued growth of pickleball in Northwest Louisiana and across the Southeast.
Subscribe to The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Newspaper
Never miss a story by subscribing to our newspaper. Get access to in-depth reporting, analysis, and opinion from our award-winning team of journalists. Sign up today and stay informed on the issues that matter most to you.
SWEPCO Offers Summer Bill Relief Options
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
July 6, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) outlined energy-saving guidance and financial assistance options aimed at helping customers manage higher electricity bills during peak summer temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex region. The utility said increased cooling demand often leads to higher household energy use during July and August.
SWEPCO encouraged customers to set thermostats at energy-efficient levels, typically around 78 degrees when at home during summer months, and to use ceiling fans to improve air circulation. The company also advised limiting the use of heat-producing appliances such as ovens and dryers during peak afternoon hours. Customers were also urged to check home insulation, weather stripping, and air filters to help cooling systems operate more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
The utility noted that customers facing difficulty paying bills may be eligible for payment arrangements or energy assistance programs through state and federal resources, including income-based support administered through local community action agencies. SWEPCO also offers budget billing options that average monthly electricity costs over a 12-month period, helping reduce sharp seasonal increases during high-demand months.
Energy demand across Northwest Louisiana and East Texas typically rises during extended heat waves, placing additional pressure on electric infrastructure and household budgets. SWEPCO said it continues to monitor system reliability while encouraging customers to reduce energy use during peak demand periods in the late afternoon and early evening when possible.
Officials added that proactive conservation measures can help stabilize the regional power grid during periods of extreme heat while also lowering monthly utility expenses. The company emphasized that small adjustments in daily energy use, when combined across thousands of households, can have a measurable impact on overall demand.
Customers are encouraged to review available billing tools and conservation resources ahead of the hottest part of the summer season. SWEPCO said early planning and consistent energy-saving habits can help households better manage costs while supporting grid stability during periods of high electricity usage across the Ark-La-Tex region.
Barksdale Reports Routine Training Over Bossier Area
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
June 21, 2026 | BOSSIER CITY, LA
Barksdale Air Force Base confirmed routine training exercises over the Bossier City area this week, with residents expected to notice increased aircraft activity and occasional low-altitude flight operations. Base officials said the exercises are part of standard readiness training and do not indicate any specific threat to the region.
According to Barksdale Air Force Base public affairs statements and U.S. Air Force training protocols, the exercises are conducted regularly to maintain pilot proficiency, mission readiness, and operational safety. The activity may include flight maneuvers, navigation drills, and coordinated air operations involving multiple aircraft.
Local officials in Bossier City said they were notified in advance of the training schedule. Similar notifications are typically issued to reduce public concern when increased flight activity is expected. Emergency management agencies also monitor such exercises to ensure coordination with local authorities if needed.
The Federal Aviation Administration works with military installations to establish designated training airspace and flight corridors. These areas allow military aircraft to operate safely while minimizing disruption to civilian air traffic and communities on the ground.
According to early reports, the exercises are expected to continue intermittently over the coming days, depending on weather conditions and operational requirements. Residents in surrounding areas may hear increased jet noise during morning and evening hours.
Base officials emphasized that routine training is essential for maintaining national defense readiness. Barksdale Air Force Base plays a key role in strategic air operations and regularly conducts training missions throughout the year.
The base has encouraged residents to remain informed through official channels and stated that no changes to normal base operations are expected following the exercises.
Texarkana Launches Downtown Small Business Grants
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
June 21, 2026 | TEXARKANA, AR/TX
City officials in Texarkana have launched a new downtown business grant program aimed at supporting small retailers and encouraging economic growth in the city’s central business district. The initiative was announced this week as part of ongoing redevelopment efforts in the bi-state community.
The program will provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses located in the downtown area. According to city economic development officials and local government reports, the funding is intended to help retailers with startup costs, renovations, marketing, and operational improvements. The goal is to attract new businesses while helping existing ones remain competitive.
City leaders said the grant program is part of a broader strategy to revitalize downtown Texarkana and increase local investment. Officials have focused on improving infrastructure, increasing foot traffic, and supporting entrepreneurship in recent years as part of long-term economic planning.
According to early reports, application guidelines include eligibility requirements related to business size, location, and industry type. City officials are expected to release additional details on funding amounts, deadlines, and selection criteria in the coming weeks.
Local business groups and chambers of commerce have previously emphasized the importance of financial support programs for small retailers, particularly in recovering downtown districts. Similar initiatives in other Ark-La-Tex cities have been used to encourage storefront occupancy and reduce commercial vacancy rates.
The city will continue to accept feedback from business owners as the program develops. Officials say the effort is designed to strengthen the downtown economy and create a more active commercial corridor for residents and visitors on both sides of the state line.
Marshall Approves Small Business Tax Incentives
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
June 21, 2026 | MARSHALL, TX
The Marshall City Council has approved a new small business tax incentive program designed to encourage investment, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the city’s downtown economy. The decision was made during a regular council meeting this week.
City officials said the program will offer tax relief to qualifying small businesses that open, expand, or renovate operations within designated commercial areas. The initiative is intended to reduce financial barriers for business owners while increasing occupancy in underused storefronts.
According to city financial reports and local economic development data, Marshall has focused in recent years on revitalizing its historic downtown district. Officials have worked to attract new retail shops, restaurants, and service-based businesses as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and local spending.
The tax incentive program is expected to complement existing redevelopment efforts, including infrastructure upgrades and property improvement grants. City leaders said similar programs in other Texas and Ark-La-Tex communities have helped increase small business activity and reduce commercial vacancy rates.
According to early reports, eligibility requirements will include business size limits, location within designated zones, and compliance with city permitting standards. Officials plan to release full program guidelines and application procedures in the coming weeks.
Local business advocates have long supported targeted tax relief programs, saying they can help small retailers compete with larger regional and national chains. City officials emphasized that the program is designed to encourage long-term investment rather than short-term development.
The city will continue to evaluate the program’s impact on economic growth and downtown activity. Officials say additional adjustments may be made based on business participation and overall economic performance.
Heat-Related Emergency Calls Rise Across Region
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
June 21, 2026 | CADDO PARISH, LA
Regional health officials are reporting an increase in heat-related emergency calls across the Ark-La-Tex area as high summer temperatures continue to affect residents. Hospitals and emergency responders in Caddo Parish and surrounding communities have seen a rise in heat exhaustion and dehydration cases.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health and local emergency medical services reports, heat-related illnesses typically increase during extended periods of high temperatures and humidity. Officials say vulnerable groups include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Emergency responders across Shreveport and Caddo Parish have responded to multiple incidents in recent days involving heat exhaustion symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting. According to early reports, some patients required hospital treatment while others were treated at the scene.
The National Weather Service has issued advisories warning of elevated heat index levels across northwest Louisiana and surrounding parts of Texas and Arkansas. Officials encourage residents to limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and to stay hydrated.
Health agencies recommend checking on elderly neighbors, using air conditioning when available, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Public cooling centers in several Ark-La-Tex cities remain open to provide relief for residents without adequate cooling at home.
Local hospitals have not reported capacity issues, but emergency officials say they are monitoring trends closely as temperatures are expected to remain high. Additional advisories may be issued if conditions worsen.
Officials continue to stress prevention as the most effective way to reduce heat-related emergencies during the summer season, particularly in areas where humidity levels intensify heat stress.
