Arkansas Ten Commandments Law Faces Appeals Challenge
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | LITTLE ROCK, AR
A federal appeals court is considering whether Arkansas can require Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms and libraries after a lower court ruled the 2025 law unconstitutional. The case centers on Act 573 and its impact on religious freedom and First Amendment protections.
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Sept. 22 in St. Louis. The lawsuit involves 10 Arkansas families from different religious and nonreligious backgrounds and six school districts: Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, Lakeside, Siloam Springs and Springdale.
Act 573 requires public schools and public institutions of higher education to prominently display a historical representation of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and libraries. The law also applies to other taxpayer-funded public facilities. The requirement took effect in August 2025, but court orders have prevented the six districts involved in the lawsuit from enforcing it.
In March, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks permanently blocked the law in the six districts and ruled that it violated the families' First Amendment rights. Arkansas appealed that decision, arguing the law's requirement is historical rather than religious and does not require teachers or students to study or acknowledge the displays.
Attorneys for the families argued that placing a government-selected version of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms raises constitutional concerns involving the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. The appeals panel questioned both sides about religious neutrality and how the displays should be treated under the First Amendment.
The judges took the case under submission and said they would issue a decision as soon as possible. The ruling could determine whether Arkansas may enforce Act 573 in the six districts and could influence ongoing legal disputes over similar classroom-display laws in other states.
Shreveport Issues Boil Advisory After Water Main Breaks
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
The City of Shreveport issued a precautionary boil advisory for customers in several neighborhoods after multiple water main breaks caused pressure to fall in parts of the system. City water officials said crews completed repairs and are collecting samples to determine when the advisory can be lifted.
The advisory covers portions of Lynbrook Boulevard, Sally Ann Drive, Janet Circle, Janet Lane, Lelia Drive, Melanie Lane, Paulette Lane, Sugarleaf Trail, Dorinda Lane, Coyth Lane, Potomac Drive and Linwood Avenue. It also includes Brushy Bayou Subdivision and portions of Kennie Road, Wynnewood Road, Gravois Drive, McCarey Street, Sunny Oak Drive and Watts Road.
The Department of Water and Sewerage said several breaks occurred during a period of extended dry weather. Dry soil can contract and shift, placing additional stress on underground water lines. The National Weather Service in Shreveport reported continued dry conditions across the region through the weekend, while federal drought information showed below-normal precipitation and declining soil moisture in parts of Louisiana.
Although the breaks occurred at specific locations, the resulting pressure changes affected areas beyond the immediate repair sites. The city issued the advisory because water pressure fell below established levels, creating a potential risk to water quality. Water samples are being tested under Louisiana Department of Health requirements.
Customers in the affected areas should boil water for at least one full minute before drinking it, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food. The advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms that the water meets required safety standards.
The city said customers will be notified when the advisory is lifted. Residents can report water emergencies and additional main breaks to Shreveport Water and Sewerage at 318-673-7600.
Shreveport Police Report Rise in Domestic Violence Calls
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Shreveport police say domestic violence-related calls have surpassed 2,124 this year, putting the city on pace for its highest number in five years. Police and local victim-support organizations say the increase has made domestic violence a major focus for public safety and community services.
The figure was reported by the Shreveport Police Department in September and represents calls for service rather than confirmed criminal cases. Police said the number is about 5% higher than the same period last year. Department officials have identified domestic violence as an area requiring continued attention, particularly because of the potential for violent incidents to escalate.
Police Cpl. Chris Bordelon said about 40% of domestic violence calls this year have been connected to homicides, according to KSLA. Officers are focusing on de-escalation and connecting victims with available resources when they respond to domestic incidents.
The increase also follows a rise in calls to Project Celebration, a regional organization that provides domestic violence and sexual assault services. The organization operates a domestic violence shelter in Shreveport and maintains a 24-hour hotline for people seeking assistance.
Project Celebration has also continued offering support groups in Shreveport for people affected by abuse in relationships or within families. The organization has scheduled additional support sessions through the fall.
Shreveport police reported nearly 2,900 domestic violence calls during 2025, an increase of about 10% from the previous year. That earlier increase prompted the department to work with community organizations and other agencies on responses to domestic violence.
As the year continues, police and local service providers are expected to maintain efforts focused on prevention, victim support and early intervention. Residents seeking domestic violence assistance in Caddo and Bossier parishes can contact Project Celebration's 24-hour hotline at 318-226-5015.
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Mike Johnson Brings Washington Update to Shreveport
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson returned to Shreveport on Sept. 22 for a legislative update at LSU Shreveport, where he discussed national defense, artificial intelligence, Louisiana's economy and the long-delayed I-49 Inner-City Connector project. The event brought Johnson together with students, business leaders and members of the community.
Johnson, a Shreveport native and graduate of Captain Shreve High School, spoke about the role of Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command in national defense. He also discussed a defense authorization measure that he said would provide $1.15 trillion in defense spending. Barksdale's presence in Northwest Louisiana has made federal defense policy a significant issue for the region.
Artificial intelligence was another major topic. Johnson said AI could help address challenges in rural areas, including limited access to health care, while emphasizing the need for the United States to remain competitive with China in developing the technology. He also discussed the debate over safety measures and how federal policy could affect continued AI development.
Infrastructure also received attention, particularly the I-49 Inner-City Connector. Johnson said federal meetings were scheduled during the week of Sept. 22 to discuss advancing the project, which has remained a long-running transportation issue for Shreveport and the surrounding region. The project is intended to improve transportation connections through the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Johnson also discussed Louisiana's economic performance and federal tax policy. He cited state economic growth and increased business applications while promoting legislation affecting taxes and working families. Later in the week, he addressed business and community leaders at a joint Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce event, where national defense, artificial intelligence and tax policy were again discussed.
The Shreveport visit gave local residents an opportunity to hear directly from the House speaker about issues connecting federal policy with Northwest Louisiana. The I-49 project, defense spending and AI policy are expected to remain areas of interest as federal and local officials continue discussions.
Shriners Shreveport Breaks Ground on Pediatric Facility
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
Shriners Children’s Shreveport has broken ground on a new 43,000-square-foot pediatric outpatient facility designed to expand specialized care for children across the Ark-La-Tex and surrounding states. The two-story facility will be built at Kings Highway and Samford Avenue, directly across from the organization’s current building.
The project was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 23 attended by Shriners Children’s leaders, staff, patient families, donors and community partners. Construction is expected to begin within the next few months, with the new facility scheduled to open in spring 2028.
The new center will include 19 clinic rooms, two radiology suites with low-dose imaging technology, casting rooms, laboratory services and a motion analysis center. It also will provide physical, occupational and speech therapy, along with a dedicated sports medicine gym for children recovering from injuries and preparing to return to sports.
An expanded Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services area will allow the facility to continue providing custom braces and prosthetic devices. The building also will include an outdoor play area designed for patients and families.
Shriners Children’s Shreveport currently handles nearly 17,000 clinic appointments each year and provides more than 800 surgeries through arrangements with other medical facilities. Its specialty services include pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine and cleft lip and palate care.
The Shreveport location has a significant place in the history of Shriners Children’s. The first Shriners hospital opened in Shreveport in 1922, and the organization moved into its current facility in 1986. The new building is being designed around the organization’s current outpatient care model rather than traditional inpatient services.
When completed, the facility will provide a modern setting for pediatric specialty care while allowing Shriners Children’s to continue serving families from Louisiana and surrounding states. Construction updates and the final opening schedule are expected as the project progresses.
Bossier City Plans Reserve Funds for $85.8M Budget
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | BOSSIER CITY, LA
Bossier City officials are considering using about $1.88 million from the General Fund balance to close a projected gap in the city's proposed 2027 budget. The proposed General Fund spending plan totals $85.8 million, compared with about $83.9 million in projected revenues and transfers.
The City Council reviewed the proposed budget during a Sept. 22 workshop as part of the annual budget process. The draft calls for $85,805,018 in expenditures and transfers, while projected revenues and transfers total $83,923,802. The difference would be covered by existing fund balance if the proposal remains unchanged.
The proposed use of reserves would reduce the General Fund balance from an estimated $65.54 million at the beginning of 2027 to approximately $63.66 million by the end of the year. The city expects to finish 2026 with a General Fund surplus of about $2.27 million, according to budget documents presented to the council.
Sales tax revenue remains a major source of General Fund income. The proposed budget estimates about $38.34 million in sales tax collections for 2027, compared with $36.2 million in the original 2026 budget. Public safety also represents a significant share of spending, with approximately $29.6 million proposed for police and $21.7 million for fire services.
The full proposed city budget is about $321.6 million across multiple funds. Other proposed spending includes approximately $1.7 million for streets and drainage, while the city expects to maintain 735 positions, compared with 732 budgeted positions in 2026.
The $1.88 million reserve draw is part of the draft budget and has not represented a final adoption decision. The City Council is expected to continue reviewing the proposal and can make changes before the 2027 budget is finalized.
Abbott Promotes Affordability Agenda in Texarkana
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | TEXARKANA, AR
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Texarkana on Sept. 24 to promote his affordability agenda and discuss rising costs with rural residents and business representatives. The campaign stop at Miller Bowie Supply focused on property taxes, insurance, housing, electricity and water infrastructure.
Abbott was joined by state Sen. Bryan Hughes and Chris Spencer, a candidate for Texas House District 1. The event was part of a series of stops across rural Texas in which Abbott has been presenting his affordability proposals ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The governor's agenda calls for reductions in property taxes and lower costs for home and auto insurance, health care, housing and electricity. Abbott has also proposed keeping tuition and fees frozen at Texas public colleges and universities and reducing regulations that he says increase the cost of building and buying homes.
Water availability was another issue discussed in Texarkana. Abbott highlighted state investments in water infrastructure and said long-term planning is needed to maintain reliable supplies for communities. The discussion comes as Texas continues to address water demand from population growth, agriculture and expanding industrial development.
Abbott has also made data center development part of his recent affordability and infrastructure discussions. On Sept. 21, he directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt state-issued permits for new data centers while state agencies conduct an audit of their effects on electricity, water use and other infrastructure.
The affordability issue has become a major subject in Texas politics. The Texas Tribune reported earlier this month that candidates across the state have increasingly focused on housing, health care, groceries, gasoline and other household expenses as voters face higher costs.
Abbott's Texarkana visit was part of his broader campaign effort to explain his economic proposals to voters. Details of the proposed policies, including legislative and administrative steps needed to implement them, are expected to remain part of the 2026 Texas election debate.
Louisiana Farmers Get Temporary Diesel Relief
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | BATON ROUGE, LA
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has issued an executive order allowing farmers and timber harvesters to use tax-exempt dyed diesel in certain highway vehicles through Oct. 22. The temporary measure is intended to reduce fuel costs during the peak harvest season as diesel prices reach record levels in Louisiana.
The order, Executive Order JML 26-090, declares a state of emergency involving the state’s agriculture and forestry diesel fuel supply. It suspends the state penalty for using dyed diesel in vehicles registered for “Farm Use” or “Forest Products” while those vehicles are being used for agricultural or timber harvesting operations.
Dyed diesel is regular diesel fuel marked with a red dye to show that it is intended for off-road use and is not subject to the same fuel taxes. Farmers commonly keep the fuel in storage for tractors, irrigation equipment and other machinery. Under the order, that stored fuel can temporarily be used in qualifying highway vehicles involved in harvest activities.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue issued guidance Sept. 24 on the waiver. Under normal state law, using dyed diesel in a licensed highway vehicle can result in a penalty of $10 per gallon or $1,000, whichever is greater. The temporary state suspension does not automatically eliminate any federal fuel-tax requirements, and the governor's order directs state officials to seek federal penalty relief from the IRS.
Fuel costs have risen sharply as U.S. and global diesel supplies remain tight. The Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. distillate inventories were 13% below the five-year seasonal average as of Sept. 11 and forecast inventories would remain below the five-year range through much of 2027. Reuters also reported that global diesel shortages linked to reduced refining activity and supply disruptions are contributing to elevated prices.
The governor's office reported Louisiana diesel prices had reached about $6.03 per gallon, while LSU AgCenter planning estimates for 2026 farm budgets were based on substantially lower fuel costs. The temporary order is scheduled to remain in effect through Oct. 22 as farmers and timber operators complete harvest operations.
AT&T Opens Connected Learning Center in Shreveport
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
Sept. 28, 2026 | SHREVEPORT, LA
AT&T and the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association have opened a Connected Learning Center in Shreveport to provide residents with free internet access, computers and digital skills assistance. The center is located at the association’s facility at 1341 Russell Road and was supported by a $50,000 contribution from AT&T.
The center provides Dell computers and high-speed AT&T internet access at no cost to community members. Volunteers are available to help residents with tasks such as creating email accounts, completing online applications, downloading applications and navigating government services. The resources are intended to assist residents who may need technology access or additional help using online services.
The Shreveport center is the first AT&T Connected Learning Center in the city and the third in Louisiana. AT&T launched the program in 2021 and has expanded the centers through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country. The company said its centers provide internet access, computers and digital literacy resources for activities such as schoolwork, job searches, college applications and access to online services.
The Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association has operated from the Russell Road location and provides educational, recreational and community programs. Louisiana legislative records identify the organization as a nonprofit corporation, with Bennie R. Dotie listed as president and CEO. Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation has also used the facility for youth programs, including photography instruction for middle and high school students.
The center also is expected to support workforce development. Earlier this month, LSU Shreveport announced an agreement to offer a 100-hour medical billing and coding certificate program at the Connected Learning Center, with classes scheduled to begin Oct. 5. The partnership could expand the facility's role beyond internet access by providing residents with training tied to employment opportunities.
The new center adds another technology resource for Shreveport residents as schools, employers, government agencies and health providers increasingly rely on online services. Programming and community use are expected to continue through the center’s partnership between AT&T and the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association.
