Community Focus Group Explores Economic Impact of $30 Billion Development
By Dr. Carla Buntyn
December 12, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Residents, business leaders, faith representatives, and elected officials gathered for a Community Focus Group hosted by the African American Chamber and moderated by Drayden Dunn to examine the potential economic, environmental, and infrastructure impacts of a proposed $10- $30 billion development.
The forum emphasized transparency and accountability, providing community members with the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from project leaders and state representatives. Organizers described the meeting as an information-sharing session designed to ensure residents have a clear understanding of how the project could affect the region long term.
Justyn Dixon, with North Louisiana Economic Partnership, outlined the project’s workforce expectations, noting the creation of approximately 150 permanent jobs with an average annual salary of $85,000, requiring certifications. An estimated 150 contractor positions would also be required. Hiring will be facilitated through staffing agencies, and while only five specialized contractors are qualified to perform certain aspects of the work, officials said local businesses would benefit from support services, including food providers and other contractor needs.
Attorney Michael Busada, representing the state’s economic development team, described the project as a multi-generational investment. He explained that the original $10 billion plan can expand to $30 billion to address community concerns related to noise, pollution, and environmental safeguards. Busada emphasized that no chemicals will be produced at the site, noting that the facility will house only computers and employees.
Built-in accountability measures were also discussed. Project leaders said employment levels will be reported quarterly to the state to ensure job commitments are met. If those targets are not achieved, tax incentives will be adjusted, and the difference will be owed back to the parish. This review process will occur annually. Public Service Commissioner further assured attendees that the development would not result in increased electricity rates for residents.
Infrastructure considerations were a central part of the discussion. Attorney Busada stated that extensive studies have been conducted on the electrical grid to support data center operations, and they would be responsible for 100 percent of grid-related costs. Backup generators will activate only during power outages. Water and sewer capacity were also addressed, with Chris Erickson noting that sewer upgrades will be required to support the project. He added that the development will comply fully with the Clean Water Act and that increased water usage is expected to generate additional revenue for the water department, despite seasonal fluctuations in supply.
Providing firsthand insight, Ursula Bowman shared her experience visiting a similar facility in Manassas, Virginia. She described quiet surrounding neighborhoods, minimal noise, and the presence of physical barriers separating the facility from nearby homes. Bowman emphasized that the visit was not promotional in nature and acknowledged the confidentiality requirements tied to such projects. She stated her commitment to ensuring that constituent concerns remain a priority as discussions continue.
As the meeting concluded, participants expressed a mix of cautious optimism and continued concern. While many welcomed the prospect of high-paying jobs and long-term investment, community members stressed the importance of ongoing oversight, environmental responsibility, and open communication.
Organizers noted that additional forums and updates are expected as the project moves forward, reinforcing the message that community engagement will remain a central part of the process.
5 indicted in alleged hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | BATON ROUGE, LA
On December 10, 2025, an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury returned indictments against five men in connection with the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson earlier this year.
Prosecutors allege that Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University, died in February 2025 following an off-campus hazing ritual tied to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. According to court records, Wilson collapsed at a warehouse after receiving blows to the chest during the ritual.
The grand jury has charged the following individuals:
- One defendant was indicted on manslaughter and principal to felony hazing.
- Other indictments include felony hazing and obstruction of justice charges.
- Additional misdemeanor hazing charges were also filed related to the event.
Two of the men recently arrested were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, and one remains at large pending arrest. The grand jury did not indict a sixth person at this time but may consider additional charges if more evidence is presented.
District Attorney Hillar Moore stated that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities continue to examine evidence and seek cooperation from those involved.
In the months since the incident, Southern University expelled the Omega Psi Phi chapter from campus, and the family of Caleb Wilson filed a wrongful death lawsuit related to his death.
Shreveport Artists Express Concerns Over Arts Council’s Use of AI; Public Forum Planned
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Several artists in the Shreveport area have raised concerns about how the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) has used artificial intelligence (AI) in promotional materials on its social media accounts. In response to the feedback, the arts council has announced a public forum to discuss the topic with the local arts community.
Artists such as Chang Liu and Whitney Tate said they were disappointed that AI-generated images were used in posts, and they would prefer that artwork created by local artists be featured instead. Some expressed that SRAC’s role includes supporting and providing guidance for local creatives, and they want that support reflected in its communications.
There were also remarks that younger aspiring artists have questions about the role of AI in the visual arts and how it may affect opportunities for learning and creative development.
SRAC previously acknowledged the discussion around AI and indicated that it welcomes a broader conversation on the topic. The organization plans to hold a forum on January 8, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where artists and community members can discuss the use of AI and related issues with representatives from the arts council.
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Shreveport Reviews Pay Raises for Police as Part of 2026 Budget Discussion
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Shreveport city leaders are moving forward with plans to adjust compensation for city employees, including law enforcement, as part of the 2026 fiscal year budget process. The City Council recently approved pay increases for most municipal workers, with specific steps aimed at addressing staffing challenges within the police department.
Under the current plan, police officers and firefighters will receive a total pay increase of 5 percent in 2026. This includes a 2 percent raise effective January 1, 2026, followed by an additional 3 percent raise beginning May 1, 2026. Other city employees earning under $75,000 annually are also included in the compensation adjustment but pay raises for that group are not part of the initial action and remain under consideration for further review when the budget is revisited in July.
City officials have highlighted recruitment and retention of police officers as a factor in the discussion. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith noted that the department graduates officers from academy classes twice a year but hiring numbers have not kept pace with monthly attrition, which he estimates at two to three officers per month. Chief Smith described competition for qualified candidates among nearby jurisdictions as a continuing challenge for filling open positions.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux said that maintaining competitive pay is part of efforts to support public safety staffing, but also indicated the city is exploring other resources such as technology and equipment to enhance policing efficiency.
The approved raises are part of Shreveport’s larger 2026 budget package, which city officials say balances operational needs with financial sustainability while addressing compensation for public safety and other employees.
Louisiana Medicaid Announces Contract Changes for 2026
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 7, 2025 | BATON ROUGE, LA
Louisiana officials have announced that two major health insurance providers will no longer hold state Medicaid managed care contracts beginning January 1, 2026. Aetna Better Health of Louisiana and UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana were notified that their contract extensions with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will not be continued into the next contract year.
Under the Medicaid managed care system, the state contracts with several managed care organizations (MCOs) to provide health coverage and services to Medicaid enrollees. LDH stated that it will continue contracts with the other existing MCOs, which include AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, Healthy Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana, and Louisiana Healthcare Connections.
Current enrollees with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna will remain with their plans through December 31, 2025, and then be transitioned to one of the remaining contracted plans beginning January 1, 2026. LDH is overseeing the transition process and plans to provide details to members about their new assigned plans and any updated identification cards.
LDH officials emphasized that the objective of the contract updates is to maintain continuity of care and access to services for Medicaid members statewide. The department will communicate with affected members ahead of the change and has stated that beneficiaries do not need to act at this time while transitions are implemented.
Shreveport Mayor Responds to Planning Commission’s Decision on Proposed Data Center
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has publicly responded to the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s (MPC) recent decision to reject plans for a proposed data center in west Shreveport. The planning panel’s vote was tied 4–4, which resulted in the proposal being denied after significant public comment during the meeting.
Mayor Arceneaux expressed that he is concerned about the outcome and its potential effects on the city’s ability to attract future economic development projects. He suggested that the rejection of the data center could influence how other businesses view Shreveport as a location for large industrial investments.
Arceneaux noted that the project had been expected to bring construction jobs and generate revenue through sales tax, hotel-motel tax, and other economic activity while building the facility. He framed those potential benefits as reasons why the project warranted consideration.
City Councilman Grayson Boucher also spoke in support of the proposed data center, noting that increased economic activity could provide resources to address local needs such as public safety and infrastructure.
The MPC’s vote followed public debate, with some residents opposing the project and others advocating for potential economic gains. The planning commission’s rejection does not preclude the proposal from being brought before the City Council for further review or appeal.
Louisiana to Resolve Two Lawsuits Against CVS Health Over Pharmacy Practices
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Louisiana officials announced that the state has reached settlements in two federal lawsuits filed against CVS Health Corporation and its pharmacy benefit manager subsidiary, Caremark PCS Health LLC. The agreements were finalized in federal court, and dismissal orders were signed by a judge this week. The specific terms of the settlements have not been publicly disclosed.
The lawsuits were originally filed in state court earlier this year and later moved to federal court. In those cases, the state had alleged business practices involving pharmacy reimbursements and drug rebate negotiations that it said negatively affected independent Louisiana pharmacies and contributed to higher prescription drug costs.
A federal judge signed dismissal orders for both cases. Under those orders, the parties have a period to file motions that could result in final judgment, reopen the cases if the settlements are not completed, or seek enforcement of the settlement terms. If no motions are filed within that period, the dismissals will become final, and the cases cannot be refiled.
In separate litigation, Louisiana continues to pursue an additional case against CVS that has not yet been resolved. That lawsuit relates to separate allegations involving communication sent by CVS to customers.
Neither state officials nor representatives for CVS have publicly commented on additional details about the settlement agreements.
Louisiana DCFS to Open New Child Welfare Call Center
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | BATON ROUGE, LA
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has announced the launch of a new call center facility intended to enhance the state’s response to reports involving child safety. The center is scheduled to begin operations December 15, 2025, and is in Iberville Parish. The facility was previously used for emergency preparedness before DCFS repurposed it to support child welfare calls.
DCFS officials say the call center will centralize child welfare intake functions to improve the speed and coordination of responses when reports are made. The department’s leadership characterized the new center as analogous to a 911 system for child welfare, with staff handling incoming calls, prioritizing cases, and directing appropriate follow-up action.
To assist with managing call volume and documentation, DCFS plans to use automated transcription and summarization tools that will convert spoken reports into written summaries. The department indicated that the technology is intended to support faster handling of incoming information and help staff focus on urgent cases.
The call center team will include more than 30 employees, some of whom will be reassigned from other divisions within DCFS. Officials said the department intends to provide job-specific training so that staffers are credentialed for their roles in child welfare response.
DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris said the new facility and staffing model aim to strengthen the department’s capacity to manage reported concerns and ensure timely attention to children in potentially harmful situations.
No Charges Filed in Two Officer-Involved Shootings in Shreveport
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
December 14, 2025 | SHREVEPORT, LA
The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office has announced that no charges will be filed against Shreveport police officers in connection with two separate officer-involved shootings that occurred in May 2025. The decision came after investigations by the Louisiana State Police and a review by the district attorney’s office.
The first incident took place on May 10, 2025, when officers responded to a reported shooting on Yancey Place. According to law enforcement, Ricardo Ware, 44, had fatally shot another man and remained armed when officers arrived. The investigation found that officers attempted to use a taser multiple times before shooting Ware after he discharged his weapon.
The second incident happened on May 18, 2025, in downtown Shreveport during a response to a reported attempted carjacking. Police encountered Brandon Davenport, 32, who was reported to have pointed a firearm at officers. The state police investigation concluded that officers deployed a taser before firing their weapons. The firearm recovered at the scene was later determined to be an airsoft gun.
After reviewing body camera footage and other evidence, the Louisiana State Police provided findings to the district attorney’s office, which concluded that no further legal action is warranted against the officers involved in either incident.
Shreveport police officials stated that external investigators were called in for a comprehensive review of both shootings and expressed confidence that the officers acted within established practices based on the situational assessments.
