On August 27, fans and music historians alike pause to mark a milestone in rock history: the release of Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten. Dropping on this date in 1991, Ten would prove foundational to the rise of grunge music, shaping the sound—and the spirit—of a generation.
Though Pearl Jam wasn’t the first grunge band to emerge from Seattle, Ten thrust them into the spotlight with raw emotion and powerful anthems. Tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” weren’t just radio hits; they became rallying cries for disaffected youth across the country. “Jeremy” also earned Grammy nods for both Best Rock Song and Best Hard Rock Performance—signaling both commercial and critical acclaim.
The album’s impact was nothing short of seismic. Certified 13× Platinum by the RIAA, Ten remained on the Billboard 200 chart for nearly five years, giving it one of the longest chart runs for any rock record—a clear testament to its staying power in a volatile music landscape.
The timing of Ten’s release was crucial. The early ’90s were a turning point for rock, as the glossy excess of the ’80s gave way to grunge’s gritty realism. Pearl Jam’s sound—gritty yet melodic, emotional yet restrained—struck a chord in that transition. Ten anchored the grunge movement alongside albums like Nirvana’s Nevermind and Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger, contributing to a musical paradigm shift that still influences artists today.
Beyond the music itself, Ten fostered a cultural ethos. Pearl Jam was staunchly anti–mainstream-rock commercialism, rejecting music videos and limiting single releases, yet they built an intense fanbase through raw authenticity and electrifying live performances. Their authenticity and activism—such as efforts to fight ticket-gouging—became part of the band’s legend, and Ten served as the cornerstone of that identity.
As Ten celebrates its 34th anniversary this August 27, it’s worth noting how the album’s themes of introspection, alienation, and resolve remain uncannily relevant. Teen angst has never really gone out of style—and few albums express it with the sincerity and sonic heft of Ten.
AllMusic calls Ten “one of the most important records of the ’90s,” while Rolling Stone repeatedly places it high in rankings of greatest albums. Indeed, its songs still appear in movie soundtracks, TV shows, and Spotify mixes, introducing new generations to its pensive power.
In short, August 27 isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of a defining moment in modern music. Pearl Jam’s Ten changed the course of rock with its explosive debut, and over three decades later, its echoes are still being felt.
Dorothy Jones McDonald Brasfield March 8, 1937 – August 23, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 10am at Pinecroft Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Cabrina Rochelle Anderson Glidewell March 4, 1969 – August 21, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 11:30am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
William Osler Huckabay Jr. CAPT U.S.N. (Ret.) July 27, 1935 – August 21, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 2pm at First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Shreveport.
LaShanti Lanise Speed August 17, 2000 – August 20, 2025 Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Marion Starks, Jr. December 29, 1932 – August 18, 2025 Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 11am at Abounding Grace, Shreveport.
Charles Blount March 29, 1947 – August 16, 2025 Service: Friday, August 29, 2025, 11am at Zion Baptist – John H. Wilson Center, Shreveport.
Edward Lee Federick October 19, 1936 – August 16, 2025 Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Wanda Cowling November 29, 1945 – August 15, 2025 Service: Friday, September 5, 2025, 3pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Lisa M. Sager McCarty-Jackson December 22, 1960 – August 8, 2025 Service: Sunday, August 31, 2025, 4pm at Life Church, Shreveport.
Milton Ford Pearce March 13, 1923 – August 7, 2025 Service: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 1pm at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Wayland Bradley Bearden July 10, 1954 – August 6, 2025 Service: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Sgt. Robert Taylor Elliott June 9, 1986 – July 4, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com.)
FIVE DECADES OF TEACHING: Loyola College Prep’s Mike Mawhinney has spent his entire career at the same school. (Photo by John James Marshall)
Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s Tony Taglavore takes to lunch a local person – someone who is well-known, successful, and/or influential, and asks, “What’s Your Story?”
By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
It wasn’t just any week in 1976. It was state high school football championship week.
The first-year teacher, who was also the boys’ assistant basketball coach, gave a test to his students. Some were seniors on the football team. Afterwards, one of them, a starting defensive back who was also a back-up quarterback – approached the wet-behind-the-ears educator.
“Coach, can I talk to you?”
Of course he could.
“Coach, I cheated on the test. There’s been so much going on with football and everything this week, I just didn’t have time (to study). I cheated on the test. I just wanted to let you know.”
Gulp.
“Talk about being stunned . . . . This was my first year teaching. I didn’t have a lot of experience with this. Since he came right up after the test and didn’t try to hide anything, my first reaction was, ‘We will deal with this.’ I really didn’t know what to do.”
The teacher, not much older than his students, could send the young man to the principal’s office, which might lead to not playing in the big game. Or the teacher could handle the issue himself.
He chose the latter and let the student re-take the test.
You may not agree with the teacher’s decision (he later consulted with an assistant principal, who did agree), but he saw this as a teaching opportunity.
“Sometimes you make bad choices. You own up to your bad choices and take responsibility without wanting something special. You take full responsibility for it and let it go.”
73-year-old Mike Mawhinney, who looks closer to 53, and is in his 50th year in the classroom – all at Loyola College Prep (formerly Jesuit High School), told me that story – and his story – during lunch at a place he chose, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Mike had a cheeseburger, waffle fries, and sweet tea. I enjoyed a chicken avocado sandwich, waffle fries, and a water with lemon.
Let that soak in. 50 years teaching at the same school. Wow. And by the way, Jesuit won that state title, led by another senior – quarterback and now Shreveport-Bossier Journal colleague John James Marshall.
“14-0 baby!”, JJ says with pride.
With five decades in the classroom, I assumed Mike was a really good student in his day. Well, you know what they say about the word “assume.”
“I was your average student. Nothing special. I wasn’t overly motivated. I never liked to read a lot. I was more interested in playing sports and doing other activities.
Born in New Jersey, Mike and his family (one sister) moved south – his mother was from Shreveport – when Mike was in first grade.
“Back then, we played Civil War games. I was the only Yankee, so I was always getting beat up.”
But Mike also played sports – football, baseball, and basketball. When he started high school, Mike concentrated on one sport.
“I just always enjoyed watching basketball. When I was at (The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School), I would sneak into the gym at Jesuit and watch the basketball team practice. I saw those older guys playing basketball, and that was motivation. I thought I would like to do that someday.”
He did, playing all four years. But when Mike graduated, he wanted to stay around the game – and stay around the school.
“I thought I would like to come back and coach basketball. I didn’t think about coaching any place else.”
That sounded great, but there was one issue. To coach, Mike would have to teach a subject. So, he went to LSU-Shreveport, then LSU in Baton Rouge, and earned a major in physical education and a minor in math.
“I always enjoyed math and science classes in high school . . . . I thought those would be good areas in which I could possibly teach.”
Throughout five decades, Mike has taught several subjects, including Algebra One, Algebra Two, Trigonometry, and – for the last 20-25 years – Geometry. He’s also coached several sports, including football, boys basketball, girls basketball (he started the program), golf (he’s between an eight and nine handicap), and tennis, which he has coached the past 35-40 years.
Mike has never thought about doing something different.
“I love what I’m doing. I’m not in it for the money. I enjoy working with the kids. Have there been good years and bad years, and good classes and bad classes? Of course. Every day is different . . . . I couldn’t be an accountant and sit at a desk every day and push papers and numbers. Every day is different. That’s what I like about it”
I assumed – there’s that word again – that in 50 years, Mike had seen a lot of changes in 14–17-year-olds. But he insisted kids haven’t changed that much.
“I think the biggest change is technology. Back when you were there (I am a member of the Jesuit Class of ’81), you had a calculator. I wrote on overhead projectors and had blue hands from doing all that. But the technology they have now is scary. I worry about the younger generation and all the access they have with technology. There are a lot of benefits to it, but they are so into cell phones and iPads The social skills, I would like to see people talk to somebody and not text them. I would like to see guys pick up a phone and call a girl and ask her to the homecoming dance. Now, I think they probably just text somebody and see if they want to go. They don’t have the fear of that girl saying, ‘No’ on a live phone.”
For the record, Mike isn’t on social media. No Facebook posts. No tweets. No TikTok videos.
“Somebody said something about Snapchat or something like that. I said, ‘What’s that?’ If you’re going to find a picture of me, you’re probably going to back to the 1970’s and have to find a yearbook . . . . I’m a semi-private person. I don’t care what everybody does every day, and I’m sure they don’t care what I do every day.”
Mike figures he has taught 5,000-6,000 students, which means often running into someone who sat in his classroom.
“I can be at an airport in Atlanta and I will hear the words, ‘Hey Coach!’ I turn around and it’s somebody I taught.”
Sometimes, those encounters come in the most unexpected of places.
“In Arkansas, there was an overhanging bluff we were hiking with friends. We’re climbing over rocks, and all of the sudden, I hear, ‘Hey, Coach!’ In a million years, I never thought I would run into somebody while doing that.”
Worried Mike was about to pull out a disciplinary file with my name on it from my days at Jesuit, I asked my final question. As always, what has he learned about life that he would like to share with you?
“You’ve got to find something you enjoy doing. . . . Finding something you like to do makes a big difference. . . . Find something you like to do and pursue that admirably. I think it will make you a happier person in the long run.”
50 years teaching – at the same school – is a long run. And Mike couldn’t be happier.
Investment in artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure is giving the U.S. economy a notable boost in 2025.
Economists estimate that spending in these areas is adding between 0.1 and 0.4 percentage points to gross domestic product growth this year. In the first quarter, the impact briefly spiked as high as 1 percentage point, driven by construction, hardware purchases and AI system deployment.
Data center and AI-related spending has quadrupled since 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing capital investment categories. Analysts compare the surge to past waves of U.S. industrial growth, including railroad expansion in the 19th century and the telecom boom of the 1990s.
The trend underscores how technology investment is shaping the economy. Data centers and AI are already supporting short-term growth, and continued spending could sustain momentum through the decade.
The Shreveport Police Department is currently investigating reports of fraudulent parking citations being placed on vehicles in the city. These counterfeit tickets contain QR codes that direct unsuspecting citizens to a fraudulent payment website.
The individual responsible could face several criminal charges, including theft, forgery, and related offenses. Citizens are urged not to scan the QR code or make any payments if they receive one of these fraudulent citations.
The Shreveport Police Department would like to remind the public:
SPD does not issue parking violations on construction paper.
SPD will never direct citizens to pay fines through Venmo or similar applications.
Anyone who may have received one of these fake citations, witnessed the suspect placing them on vehicles, or has photographs or video footage of the suspect is asked to contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300. Citizens may also provide information anonymously through Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373; Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects.
The investigation is ongoing. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
The City of Shreveport’s Department of Water & Sewerage is notifying customers in the Southeast Pressure Zone that a Voluntary Boil Advisory is in effect until further notice.
This area includes:
Customers south of East Bert Kouns
Certain subdivisions along Linwood Avenue south of Bert Kouns
The area southeast of the Interstate 49 and 3132 interchange
The booster station experienced temporary pump faults that significantly reduced the pressure in that area. As a precaution, customers are advised to disinfect water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food preparation, or rinsing foods.
Recommended safety measures:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The minute starts after the water has reached a rolling boil.
To improve taste, cooled boiled water may be poured back and forth between clean containers or shaken in a clean bottle.
This voluntary boil advisory will remain in effect until water samples are collected, analyzed, and confirmed safe. Once satisfactory test results are obtained, the Department of Water & Sewerage, with approval from the Louisiana Department of Health, will rescind the advisory and notify customers.
The City of Shreveport appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they complete this necessary repair work to maintain the safety and reliability of Shreveport’s water system.
Click here to find out if you’re in the Southeast Pressure Zone.
Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world as Bossier Parish Libraries chats virtually with Dr. Tasha Eurich about her new book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And why resilience alone isn’t enough) on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 1pm CT via digital live-stream.
READY, BREAK: Whit Weeks (left) and Garrett Nussmeier (right) flank LSU coach Brian Kelly during a preseason practice. (Photo by ELLA HALL, LSU Athletics)
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – LSU head football coach Brian Kelly provided a preview in his in-season weekly Monday press conference of what he’d like to say to the media after Saturday’s season-opening battle at No. 4 Clemson.
“I want to have this conversation with you after the game that we competed the right way, that our composure was amazing, and we played with great confidence,” Kelly said of comments usually made after a victory.
What he doesn’t want is a repeat of his postgame press conference rant following last year’s season-opening 27-20 loss to Southern Cal in Las Vegas when the Tigers were outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter.
“We’re sitting here again, we’re sitting here again,” said Kelly, pausing to pound his fist on a table, “talking about the same things, talking about not finishing an opponent in a position to put them away.
“What we’re doing on the sideline is feeling like the game’s over, and I’m so angry about that I’ve got to do something about it. I’m not doing a good enough job as a coach. I’ve got to coach better.”
This also involves acquiring veteran, seasoned players from the transfer portal who have started and played in enough games to handle the pressure.
At least eight of LSU’s 19-man Class of 2025 transfer portal will start, and many of the others will get substantial playing time.
“After our Baylor win the (Texas) bowl game (last Dec. 31), we went to work on our roster and the process of developing this football team,” Kelly said.
“When you’re putting together the DNA of a football team, it’s not just about talent acquisition. It’s making sure that you have the pieces necessary to compete in those moments, right when there’s a turnover, when there’s sudden change, or when momentum is not going your way. What’s the makeup of your team?
“So that when we get to these moments, it’s having a confident team that plays the game the right way in a hostile environment, plays with composure and competitiveness.
“You make sure you recruit the right guys. And this is a team that we were very intentional about in terms of going out and getting mature players that can stand up to those moments.”
Here’s Kelly on other topics:
On LSU’s depth
“It’s an evolution. This is about depth, and probably the most depth we’ve had on the roster. Now, we still have to go out and play and perform at the highest level, but I would just say what’s different is that it’s a mature group that has played a lot of football. At the end of the day, we’re not going into a game where we can’t handle the moment.
“We’re going to play a number of defensive ends and defensive tackles. The same thing is true on the offensive line. You’re going to see more than just five guys out there.”
On the improvement of the defense
“I just think there’s a lot of confidence back there. It’s the way they handle themselves, the way they play. They believe in themselves. There’s a trust factor that they’re going to go make a play. I think it starts with confidence. Confidence comes from playing the game. A lot of those guys that are back there now have played a lot of football.”
On the idea of colleges being allowed to play an exhibition game or host another team for a preseason scrimmage
“I thought it was the rage, and now you see the NFL backing out of them, because they’re really physical, and it puts your guys at risk. There are some things I do like about it, but sometimes you bring in another team, and they have something that they want to prove against you. They’re not in the right emotional zone. They do some things that maybe put you at risk with your top guys. My initial feeling is we’d have to be very careful.”
KNOW YOUR ENEMY
No. 9 LSU vs. No. 4 Clemson, Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. CT (ABC)
Series record and last LSU-Clemson meeting: LSU leads 3-1. In the 2019 CFP national championship game, LSU QB Joe Burrow threw for 463 yards and five TDs and ran for another in a 42-25 win in New Orleans.
Clemson head coach: Dabo Swinney (180-47 overall in 17 seasons overall and at Clemson).
THIS AND THAT
Appearance fee paid by Clemson to LSU per game contract: $500,000.
Early betting line: Clemson favored by 3½ points.
Betting tip: In its last 10 games vs. SEC teams, Clemson is 2-8 against the spread, including four straight ATS losses.
Number of Louisiana natives on Clemson roster: 1 (redshirt freshman WR Parker Fulgham, Shreveport-Evangel Christian)
Number of South Carolina players on LSU roster: 0
Number of transfers on Clemson roster from 4-year schools: 4 players from 4 schools
CLEMSON PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Cade Klubnik (3,639 passing yards last season, 36 TDs, 6 interceptions), WR Antonio Williams 75 catches for 904 yards, 11 TDs), DT Peter Woods (32 tackles, 5½ TFL, 3 sacks, 5 QB hurries), LB Wade Woodaz (89 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 7 PBU, 10 QB hurries), PK Nolan Hausar (18 of 24 FG, 59 of 60 extra points).
DID YOU KNOW. . .
Two of LSU’s three Heisman Trophy winners have thrown TD passes vs. Clemson in wins that clinched national titles and unbeaten seasons. Quarterback Joe Burrow, the 2019 Heisman winner, threw five TDs in LSU’s College Football Playoff national championship. Halfback Billy Cannon, the 1959 Heisman winner, threw a TD pass in LSU’s 7-0 1959 Sugar Bowl victory to win the Tigers’ first-ever national championship.
Will we have Frito pies, hot chocolate and coffee at the concession stands this week when football season gets going?
Watching the TV weather Monday night, I saw a map that had blue tones – signifying cooler temperatures. In August. Just in time for kickoff.
“Cooler temperatures” is a misleading description. “Less sweltering heat” is more like it. Don’t expect the concession stand near you to offer midseason fare. Do expect it to run out of ice. Hopefully you are pleasantly surprised.
Pleasant surprises are what nearly everybody has in mind this week as we head to a stadium, or at least, to a TV. Strong lean to the stadium visits. Remember, the goal of the telecast is to make you feel like you’re there. Unless you are, you’re not, and no amount of crowd shots provides the real feels of a football game.
Upside to the TV: There are no lines to the fridge, the bathroom (almost) never runs out of TP, and it costs nothing to park. If your remote control skills are more relevant than your super-smart back way into the stadium lot, you can scope out wall-to-wall ball, minus the fringe benefits.
Downside: if you weathered the DirecTV disputes not that long ago with NBC and FOX, and spent months without their football coverage, and to avoid that, signed up with YouTube TV (I did). It’s been great, but Monday, the YouTube people said they are in a Jerry Jones-Micah Parsons staredown with FOX. If it’s not resolved by Wednesday, when I’m afraid Ryder Cup hopeful Sam Burns becomes a full-time football fan and doting daddy to 15-month-old Bear, FOX networks will disappear from the YouTube lineup before college football’s Week 1 slate. For Saints fans, missing NFL on FOX may not be totally terrible.
The high school games that count, and the NFL season, are a weekend away. This week’s slate brings high school jamborees (defined as “large festive gatherings” by those brainiacs at Merriam-Webster) with mini-games divided into a quarter or two of competition, and Week 1 college football involving the 250 or so teams across the wide range of NCAA Division I.
A spicy jam will be served Thursday evening at Lee Hedges Stadium when rivals Byrd and Captain Shreve collide for half a game. Tell the Yellow Jackets and Gators this doesn’t count. Good luck with that. They won’t meet again until the last week of the regular season, 11 weeks to the day away on another Thursday night, when Frito pies and hot chocolate and such WILL be in demand.
Also Thursday, Huntington heads up to Northwood. The other 15 local teams do the jam thing Friday or even Saturday.
College ball of interest in the 318 gets going down I-49 Thursday night in Natchitoches, where the Northwestern Demons host the Alcorn State Braves, trying to walk off winners for the first time since the Astros beat the Phillies in the 2022 World Series. With 50 true or redshirt freshmen, any victory by Blaine McCorkle’s second NSU squad will be an upset this season, but if it’s going to happen, Thursday night is a prime opportunity.
No chance of an upset, or any upset home fans, Thursday night in Funroe. ULM kicks off against St. Francis, which ended last fall with a 21-20 loss to Mercyhurst. Nothing more needs explained. After slamming the Red Flash, the Warhawks stay on I-20 next week, going to play the Crimson Tide. That’s not as big a mismatch as the next Week 2 outing to consider.
Saturday’s college menu starts at Independence Stadium, where Grambling will rely on defense to put away the Langston Lions. A week later, the Tigers go to the Big Horseshoe to play the O-HI-O State Buckeyes. As in the reigning superpower national champion Buckeyes. There will never be a bigger contrast than Ohio State will encounter: watching game tape this week preparing for Saturday’s battle against Texas, then trying to figure out if Langston has any football players who would make the OSU scout team.
Over in Ruston, the folks running the replays on the super-sized videoboard spanning sideline-to-sideline at Aillet Stadium will have the toughest task. Louisiana Tech’s new (and not so new; he was with the Bulldogs 13 seasons ago and led them to a 51-point AVERAGE) offensive coordinator Tony Franklin wants the ball snapped 12 seconds after it is spotted. Tech meets a pretty stout Southeastern Louisiana squad that could win the Southland Conference. The Bulldogs best not be looking ahead to their Week 2 visit to LSU.
Speaking of the Tigahs, if you can get past worrying about their untested and unsteady offensive line, you can feel good about their visit to Clemson. If you realize Clemson has some high NFL Draft prospects on its defensive front, you make sure you have good stuff to eat and drink and you hope Garrett Nussmeier can scramble a lot better than you’ve seen so far.
Perhaps. But at least after months of talking about it, we’ll finally find out.
MORE LIKE THIS: New Southwood coach De’Aumante Johnson expects the Cowboys defense to be around the ball consistently this fall. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)
JOURNAL SPORTS
It’s a fact, but it’s irrelevant.
Southwood has the state’s longest high school football losing skid, 46 straight. The Cowboys have only three official wins in the past decade (two to start the 2022 season had to be forfeited).
None of which has any bearing on how their 2025 season will fare, say new coach De’Aumante Johnson and two senior leaders.
“It really doesn’t weigh heavy on me,” said Kaden Davis, a talented cornerback. “I know we’re going to do good. Those bad times in the past, they are in the past. We’re ready to play everybody on our schedule.”
Winfred Tobias “T.J.” Avant Jr., a rock-solid force up front, concurs. It’s a whole different perspective for the Cowboys with the enthusiastic and energetic Johnson in charge.
“I’ve been able to bring in some great coaches, and these players are buying in. In the past, they’ve had a lot of discipline problems, I understood. This year, they’ve bought into the disciplined program we’re running, and this is definitely going to be the year,” said Johnson, seasoned by two years as an extremely young head coach at Bossier High, followed by stints on staff at Captain Shreve and with his college alma mater, Grambling, coaching the position he played for the Tigers – defensive back.
He’s just a shade over 30, but has the wisdom of a much older person.
“In my first year at Bossier, I was a very young head football coach, 25-26 years old, one of the youngest in the state. I learned a lot there, good and the bad, things I won’t do again, and things I know will work,” he said. “Then I went to Captain Shreve and Grambling, learning from the coaches I worked under, and that makes me a better head coach today, understanding better how to do certain things and how to go about other things.”
And he knows what he sees from the Cowboys since he took over this spring.
“They’re doing a heck of a job with what we’re doing in the system, scheme-wise. The coaches are phenomenal and I couldn’t be more proud or happier to be working with those guys. It’s all lining up.
Johnson has a 10,000-foot view as head coach, but he does focus on the defense, partly because of his background and partly because former Centenary offensive coordinator Keondre Wudtee is running things on the other side of the ball.
Southwood’s strengths?
“We have a truly great corps of receivers. And coach Wudtee, he’s a heck of an offensive coordinator, we all know that, and he’s dialing up a lot of explosive stuff right now.
“We have a really good defensive line, and most importantly, we have numbers up front. We can make a lot of adjustments, we can substitute and we can keep fresh guys in there. The defense has done really well this offseason,” said Johnson.
Another major asset is senior leaders like Davis and Avant.
“They’ve been nothing less than phenomenal. They work extremely hard, they don’t miss, and they lift up their teammates. They’ve bought in and I’m telling you, this is going to be the year these young men are going to shock and surprise a lot of people,” said Johnson.
“Kaden is a very good cornerback, great with his feet, and very smart. He has a high football IQ. T.J. brings a type of physicality that I love, playing on the inside and outside on the defensive line.”
Davis said he’s blossoming under Johnson’s guidance.
“I never had a coach who played my position before, so I can connect with him on ways to play the game and he’s going to help me like nobody else. I’m blessed to have him as my head coach.”
The feeling is mutual, which sets the stage for a strong sense of optimism in the Cowboys’ camp.
Southwood opens the season in Week 2 on Sept. 11 against Class A Arcadia, the visits 2A North Caddo. District 1-4A play starts Sept. 25 against Loyola.
THE PRIZE: Army players raise the Independence Bowl championship trophy in a postgame ceremony after the latest edition of the bowl, last Dec. 28. (Journal photo by KEVI PICKENS)
JOURNAL SPORTS
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl has big news to share today, calling a 4 o’clock press conference to make a “major announcement.”
There was no immediate indication of the topic, although the timing of this news and Monday’s announcement of a $370 million building project in Ruston by Radiance Technologies lent to speculation about the bowl’s sponsorship deal.
Radiance Technologies is headquartered in Huntsville, Ala., but has Louisiana offices in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Ruston. It is the third corporate title sponsor of the bowl this century and that partnership has been in place since 2021.
Other possible topics could include the ever-shifting conference affiliations with the bowl, which took a hit last December when Sun Belt Conference champion Marshall backed out of an invitation to play in Shreveport just five days after accepting it.
That left nationally-ranked Army briefly without an opponent, but I-Bowl leadership quickly pivoted despite a lack of any remaining six-win, bowl-eligible teams and tapped five-win Louisiana Tech to fill the void. Army scored a dominant 27-6 victory, but the announced crowd attending (34,283) was the best for the local bowl in 10 years.
SAFETY FIRST: Northwestern State sophomore safety Kaden Mackey models the Q-Collar, shown from both the front and back views. (Photos by JASON PUGH, NSU)
By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information Director
NATCHITOCHES – As one of the world’s foremost experts on concussions, Natchitoches native and former Northwestern State football player Dr. Julian Bailes is a gifted man.
Ahead of the 2025 Northwestern football season, Bailes has taken those gifts and returned them in kind to the Demons, helping provide an innovative Q-Collar for every player on the roster.
The Q-Collar, designed by Bailes, is worn around the neck and applies light pressure to the neck, which causes a partial occlusion to the jugular veins and a slight increase of blood volume inside the head, which helps reduce the brain’s movement upon impact thereby greatly reducing the risk of concussion.
“(Natchitoches lawyer) Billy West, who is obviously really, really good friends with Dr. Bailes, made the introduction,” second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “Dr. Bailes came in town (last year), and he had a meeting with our staff just to educate us on concussions. Just the knowledge was unbelievable, and that led from one thing to another, including the discussions about the Q-Collar. When he came back this spring, there were more discussions and it kind of grew into an opportunity for him to provide our whole team with Q-Collars.”
The Demons already are reaping measurable benefits thanks to Bailes, formerly the Pittsburgh Steelers’ team neurosurgeon and a longtime advisor to the NFL, NCAA, and Pop Warner football. He and Natchitoches residents David and Dr. Jennifer Thornton helped provide the Q-Collars to Northwestern, making the Demons among the first NCAA programs to utilize them.
McCorkle said concussion incidents through fall camp were among the lowest he could remember throughout his three decades of college coaching.
The Q-Collars and the custom-fit Schutt helmets the Demons ordered played roles in that number shrinking while the Q-Collars themselves have loosened up some of the Demons as an unexpected plus.
“Before I was wearing the Q-Collar, I’d take a big hit and feel a little rung up and it would take a little bit to get back to the huddle, but the Q-Collar allows you to play with confidence,” sophomore offensive tackle Garrett Morphis said. “It allows you to play free. You can take big hits or you can lay big hits and your head doesn’t hurt after the play. I think it does its job, so I can do my job at a high level.”
As training camp progressed, the Demons who used their newest piece of equipment quickly adjusted to it.
“I’ve gotten really comfortable wearing it,” sophomore safety Kaden Mackey said. “When I hit, I don’t even feel anything, so it’s amazing.”
With Bailes’ involvement in the development of the Q-Collar, a partnership with his hometown university made sentimental sense. The execution of it re-emphasized a message McCorkle has shared with his team throughout his 21-month tenure as the head Demon.
“We talk about ‘The Link’ we wear all the time and, it seems like he’s (Bailes) a teammate as well,” Mackey said. “Him donating it shows a lot of love. He wants us to play free because he loves the game.”
While the meeting between McCorkle and Bailes helped lead to the addition of the Q-Collars, it also gave McCorkle insight into what has helped Bailes relay his expertise to any and everyone.
“Dr. Bailes, obviously, he’s brilliant, and he has a lot of information and a lot of things that we’ve never heard, thought of or even knew existed, but he has a unique way of making it make sense,” McCorkle said. “He kind of boils that cabbage down so the lay person – the simple football coach like myself – can really understand it. That’s a gift – to be able to communicate that way. Every time he shows up or we have a chance to visit or listen to him present, you take something different away.”
FOCAL POINT: The World Famed Grambling State University Marching Band will be a prime attraction Saturday night at Independence Stadium. (Courtesy photo)
JOURNAL SPORTS
The opening week of college football nationally includes a festive slate of events surrounding the inaugural Shreveport Kickoff Classic, highlighted by Saturday night’s 7 o’clock game at Independence Stadium between Grambling and visiting Langston (Okla.).
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission hosted a media event Monday promoting the three-day schedule on Labor Day weekend, and predicting a significant local economic impact from visitors and locals alike. Grambling’s football program and marching band are iconic pieces of the national sports landscape, and Langston has its own niche among prominent HBCU football-playing institutions.
“This game not only ignites the spirit of competition on the field but also celebrates our city’s rich cultural legacy and commitment to community pride,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for fans, students, and families throughout the entire weekend.”
Events away from the stadium add luster to the weekend celebrating the heritage, pride, and culture of two historic HBCU programs, said Caddo Parish Commission president Stormy Gage-Watts.
“This event represents more than a football game. It is a powerful tribute to tradition, excellence, and the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” she said. “I am proud to support this historic matchup to our community and invest in a weekend that brings together families, alumni, and fans from across the region to celebrate culture, community, and collegiate pride. We look forward to hosting an unforgettable experience that reflects the spirit and hospitality of Caddo Parish.”
State Rep. Steven Jackson said a half-million in state support is targeted to the success of the Shreveport Kickoff Classic.
“As a proud Grambling alum and former band member who grew up watching Grambling play an annual game in Shreveport, I’m honored to help bring this tradition back to Shreveport,” said Jackson. “The State of Louisiana is proud to support the Shreveport Kickoff Classic as it returns to Northwest Louisiana. Events like this not only celebrate the legacy of our HBCUs but also generate meaningful economic impact for our local communities. I look forward to seeing it grow into a signature event for the region.”
Officials stressed the economic impact to Shreveport-Bossier through hotel stays, restaurant visits, and attractions. Tourism leaders also emphasized the event’s potential to elevate the region’s visibility as a destination.
“Hosting the inaugural Shreveport Kickoff Classic is a great opportunity to further elevate our community as a sports destination,” said Stacy Brown, president & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “This game will draw fans from across the region, support local businesses, and increase visibility for Independence Stadium for future events like the Independence Bowl.”
The weekend schedule include events that showcase the local community and vibrant HBCU culture, officials said.
The Shreveport Police Department’s Field Support Bureau conducted a sobriety checkpoint in the 6800 block of Line Avenue on Friday, Aug. 22. The checkpoint was funded through the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission DWI Grant.
Results of the checkpoint include:
2 DWI arrests
1 felony narcotics arrest
1 felony resisting arrest charge
18 traffic violations cited
198 vehicles screened
To date in 2025, Shreveport has experienced 22 fatal crashes, seven of which involved pedestrians. The Shreveport Police Department remains committed to reducing impaired driving and traffic-related deaths. By working together with the community, SPD continues to do everything possible to keep roadways safe.
Shreveport Police Department Property Crimes detectives have added more charges against 20-year-old Cadarius Southall after linking him to a July 26 vehicle burglary incident.
On that date, officers responded to the 400 block of Ratcliff Street regarding two vehicles that had been burglarized. One of the victims provided security camera footage of the incident. During the investigation, officers learned that a cross-body bag containing a wallet had been stolen from one of the vehicles. The victim later reported that her credit card was fraudulently used multiple times to order food through DoorDash.
Detectives secured and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4100 block of Forest Oak Drive. Inside Southall’s bedroom, investigators located a Chime debit card embossed with his name. Further review of the security footage confirmed Southall matched the description of one of the suspects seen committing the burglary.
At the time of this discovery, Southall was already incarcerated at Caddo Correctional Center on unrelated vehicle burglary charges stemming from an Aug. 10 offense. An arrest affidavit was filed adding charges of Simple Burglary and Access Device Fraud (4 counts).
The investigation that led to this point began on August 8, when Shreveport Police Department uniformed officers responded to a shots fired call at 3212 Gorton Road. Upon arrival, officers located multiple shell casings in the yard and observed that the residence had been struck several times by gunfire. Fortunately, it was determined that no one was inside the home at the time of the shooting, and no injuries were reported.
Later in the investigation, officers recovered doorbell camera footage that showed two Black male suspects exiting a red Kia Soul and approaching the residence armed with firearms. The suspects fired several rounds into the home before returning to the vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Through investigative efforts, SPD Property Crimes Detectives located the red Kia Soul, which had been reported stolen on Aug. 7 around 10pm. The vehicle was recovered, and two suspects were taken into custody: Cadarius Southall (DOB: 03/08/2006) and Dandricus Kennedy (DOB: 09/04/2005).
The two have been arrested in connection with the Gorton Road shooting and are facing charges including:
Illegal Use of a Weapon
Simple Burglary (Vehicle)
Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Armed Robbery (related to a separate, unrelated case)
Both individuals remain under investigation for multiple crimes reported across the city.
Anyone with additional information regarding this or other property crimes is urged to contact Shreveport Police at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects.
In 2006, 28-year-old Army Specialist Todd Shriver was just one of many soldiers fighting in Iraq against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Todd and other soldiers in his unit were tasked with clearing buildings of enemy insurgents in the city of Ramadi, but the work was slow. The soldiers listened for any movement in the room to be cleared. If they heard nothing, the soldiers took a quick peak into a room, with a mirror if one was available, to check for any signs of obvious danger such as enemy soldiers or explosives. They could be hiding anywhere. Then, the soldiers cautiously and slowly walked or crawled through the doorway with their weapons at the ready. Once a room was cleared, they repeated the process on a slow, seemingly endless cycle. If they failed to notice a tripwire, just one…BOOM!
Enemy soldiers had set booby traps in many of the buildings. The explosives were triggered by nearly invisible trip wires. The various branches of the military had spent an untold amount of money searching for a practical solution for finding these tripwires, but none of their ideas became standard-issue equipment. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, explained that soldiers often have to improvise on the battlefield and that commanders are given money to purchase nonstandard supplies. During the war in Iraq, soldiers bolted scrap metal to vehicles in what they called “Hillbilly Armor.” Troops removed old bulletproof windshields from damaged vehicles and attached them to working military vehicles to provide extra protection to gunners. Medics used tampons to plug bullet holes until the wounded soldiers could be transported from the battlefield to medical facilities. Soldiers used condoms over the muzzles of their rifles to keep sand out.
With no clear solution to easily locating tripwires, Todd and his fellow soldiers continued the slow process of clearing buildings. One day in October 2006, Todd was assisting some Marines in clearing a building. It was pretty much the same process of listen and look. Then, the Marine did something Todd was not expecting. He pulled out an aerosol can and sprayed its contents through the doorway. Todd was curious about the Marine’s action, but the soldiers knew to keep quiet. After clearing a few rooms in the same manner, the Marine took out the aerosol can and sprayed it as he had through the other doorways. This time, something different happened. The contents that spewed from the can clung to a nearly invisible thread which spanned the doorway. With a quick push of the can’s nozzle, the soldiers located a practically invisible tripwire that could have been deadly.
Todd requested cans of the product, but none could be found in Iraq. The product was plentiful in the United States, so Todd turned to his mother, Marcelle Shriver. On a telephone call, Todd told her what the product was and how they could use it if they had it. Todd’s mother sprung into action. She sent her son a few cans of the spray, but they needed more. With the help of her church, Todd’s mother sent him a few more dozen cans. Word spread quickly about the need and manufacturers joined in the cause. Within a year, Todd’s mother had sent more than 80,000 cans of the spray to soldiers in Iraq. Todd’s mother was collecting the spray cans, not from hardware stores, but from party supply stores. You see, the product in the aerosol cans that has saved countless lives by making the invisible tripwires visible was a silly solution called Silly String.
2. Mel Evans, “Silly String care packages sent to troops in Iraq,” October 15, 2007, NBC News, accessed August 17, 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21309380.
The Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a First Aid and CPR Training class specifically designed for adults. This interactive workshop will take place at Safety Town, located at 8910 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 1pm to 4pm.
The class aims to enhance participants’ ability to assist individuals in need of first aid. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and skills from instructors at the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Interested participants are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. For more information or to secure a spot, contact Sgt. Carlos Chenevert at (318-698-7233 or via email at carlos.chenevert@caddosheriff.org.
This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for adults to improve their personal safety skills and learn about the resources available through the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Dorothy Jones McDonald Brasfield March 8, 1937 – August 23, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 10am at Pinecroft Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Judy Bardwell Gates September 27, 1941 – August 22, 2025 Service: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 11am at Open Range Fellowship Church, Greenwood.
Bruce DeWayne Addison September 21, 1980 – August 21, 2025 Service: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 3pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
William Osler Huckabay Jr. CAPT U.S.N. (Ret.) July 27, 1935 – August 21, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 2pm at First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Shreveport.
Donald Ray Whitfield, Sr. August 5, 1935 – August 20, 2025 Service: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Marion Starks, Jr. December 29, 1932 – August 18, 2025 Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 11am at Abounding Grace, Shreveport.
Edward Lee Federick October 19, 1936 – August 16, 2025 Service: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 1pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Wanda Cowling November 29, 1945 – August 15, 2025 Service: Friday, September 5, 2025, 3pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Lisa M. Sager McCarty-Jackson December 22, 1960 – August 8, 2025 Service: Sunday, August 31, 2025, 4pm at Life Church, Shreveport.
Milton Ford Pearce March 13, 1923 – August 7, 2025 Service: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 1pm at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Wayland Bradley Bearden July 10, 1954 – August 6, 2025 Service: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Sgt. Robert Taylor Elliott June 9, 1986 – July 4, 2025 Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com.)
Radiance Technologies will invest $370 million to build a secure microchip packaging facility in Ruston, marking Louisiana’s largest semiconductor manufacturing project and advancing national security objectives through domestic chip production.
The Alabama-based defense contractor announced the 40,000-square-foot facility Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson and other state officials. Construction begins spring 2026 with completion expected summer 2027.
The facility will create 150 jobs paying an average $85,000 annually — 180% higher than Lincoln Parish’s average salary. Total annual payroll will reach $12.7 million by fiscal year 2032.
Louisiana Economic Development is providing $37 million in incentives: $17 million to Louisiana Tech for equipment upgrades and training programs, plus $20 million in performance-based matching funds to the Louisiana Tech Foundation for facility equipment purchases.
“This new secure microchip facility not only strengthens our national security, it also positions North Louisiana as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” Landry said, aligning the project with President Donald Trump’s “America First” reshoring initiatives.
The facility will house microchip research, development, design and fabrication operations on city-provided land north of the Ruston Sports Complex. Radiance, founded in 1999 with over 1,200 employee-owners nationwide, serves the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies.
CEO Bill Bailey, a Louisiana Tech alumnus, called the project “a win-win opportunity” benefiting the company, university, Ruston and the state. Radiance already operates from Louisiana Tech’s Enterprise Campus research park.
The partnership leverages Louisiana Tech’s expertise in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and microelectronics while providing students enhanced learning opportunities and creating a skilled workforce pipeline.
This represents the second major technology investment in North Louisiana following Meta’s announced $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, signaling the region’s emergence as a technology corridor.
The multi-institutional workforce development initiative will span multiple educational institutions, creating sustainable connections between university research capabilities and industry applications while establishing Louisiana as a key player in semiconductor security and advanced manufacturing competitiveness.
Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.
By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services
I love a good salad any time of year, but especially this time of year.
The days are hot, humid, and downright miserable. But a salad, with lettuce and goodies that have been chilled in the refrigerator, makes for a bit of relief. Drizzle it with some oil and vinegar, or a zesty dressing, and you’ve got not only a tasty, but healthy meal.
A recent Saturday – of course it was hot and humid – seemed like the perfect day for a salad. So, I invited a friend to join me for lunch at a place I had never been. A place which I was told served salads and sandwiches.
Stacked & Tossed has locations in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Haughton. We were closest to the one in Bossier (789 Duckwater Landing, Ste. A) and arrived at 1:15. We weren’t the only ones having a somewhat late lunch, as the parking lot was full and so was the restaurant.
At Stacked & Tossed, you order at the counter, then sit and wait for your name to be called. Doing the work were two young women and a young man, each dressed in a Stacked & Tossed uniform. They looked very professional – a small intangible but nice to see. The restaurant was light and airy, with grey walls and a grey and white floor. I could have sat there all day and listened to the country music which was playing. We’re not talking about New country. Think Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, and Reba McEntire from the 90’s.
However, before we could order, we had to digest the menu. My friend and I had our choice to either have one of the salads or sandwiches on the menu, or we could create our own, which would take some decision-making.
There were six “Tossed” salads available, each in a small or large size. My friend, who usually takes awhile to make decisions, didn’t look at the menu long. She was quickly drawn to the Berry Poppy salad. I liked the fact that on display was both a small and large bowl. That way, my friend could see exactly the size salad she would be getting. There was a three-dollar difference in size, and being the generous person I am, I suggested she go big or go home. So, my friend ordered the large Berry Poppy salad ($14). In another moment of generosity, I encouraged her to make it a meal. For an extra $3.50, my friend could have her choice of chips or a cookie, and a fountain drink. She chose chips.
Speaking of . . . . Stacked & Tossed had the most unique selection of chips I had seen. We’re talking “Funky Fusion”, “Sriracha Honey”, and “Maui Onion”. There were also some names I recognized: “Sea Salted”, “Salt & Vinegar”, “Mesquite BBQ”, and “Jalapeno Heat”. The bags of chips were larger than what you usually find. These were two-ounce sizes. Of course, just because the bag is bigger doesn’t mean there are more chips in the bag.
Now, my friend could have created her own salad. To do that, she would have chosen from three greens, and up to eight toppings (from 27). For an extra $3, my friend could have a protein of her choice. It would all be topped with one of 12 dressings. A small salad would have been $9, and a large would have been $12.
Yes, I love salads. But I always let my guest choose first what they would like to eat. So, when my friend selected a salad, I felt obligated to get a sandwich, as that’s what makes up the other half of the Stacked & Tossed name. Like with salads, I could have one of six sandwiches on the menu or make my own. I went the easy route and ordered the Italian ($11). I, too, made it a meal. However, instead of chips, I chose a cookie.
There were two “Soups of the Day” offered. My friend and I decided to share a cup of Roasted Red Pepper & Gouda ($4.50).
Stacked & Tossed is a small restaurant, with seating for about 30 people. Not only is the restaurant small, so are its tables. My friend noticed this as we were trying to find a place for our food, phones, glasses, etc. We ended up putting some of our things on the floor.
I’m usually a little nervous when I take off the top of a covered Styrofoam container of soup. If I don’t see smoke, that’s a sign the soup is probably cold. Thankfully, when I lifted the lid, smoke was rising. While I wouldn’t say the soup was hot, it was warm. It was also spicy! And I am glad my friend and I decided to share the soup. The cup was much larger than I expected and held plenty of soup for both of us.
My friend’s salad came as promised. Spring mix, grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, pecans, and sliced almonds, with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. She said everything tasted fresh. My friend also said, “It’s hard to make lettuce taste different than it does at home. Lettuce is lettuce.” In other words, her Stacked & Tossed salad didn’t taste better than if she would have made the same salad at home. She did say Stacked & Tossed was generous with the salad’s ingredients.
When I opened the wrapper on my sandwich, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my bread was toasted. I wasn’t asked if I wanted toasted bread, but often times that’s how I prefer my sandwich. Pulling apart the bread, I found generous portions of turkey, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, olive spread, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, red onion, & mayo.
The star of the show was the olive spread. Its taste stood out from everything else. Also, the spread wasn’t overly messy. It stayed within the confines of the bread. I didn’t really taste anything else, but I was happy that the olive spread was the dominant taste.
I mentioned that instead of chips, I chose a cookie. I probably would not have made that choice, had I not asked the young man who took our order if the cookies were homemade. He said yes, they are made at the restaurant each morning. I have a weakness for red velvet, so I locked in on the large, red velvet with chocolate chip cookies in front of the register.
My cookie must have been wrapped in plastic by an engineer, because it took me forever to figure out how to get the plastic off. Once I did, it was obvious the young man had told the truth. I effortlessly bit into the cookie. It was so soft and so fresh! The chocolate chips melted in my mouth. And the size of the cookie was huge! I happily shared it with my friend. While my sandwich was good, the cookie might have been the best part of my meal.
The cost of all we had, before taxes (I didn’t leave a tip since it was basically a self-serve process), was $41.76. That included a small upcharge for paying with a card instead of cash. I thought the price was fair, considering the quality and quantity of what we received.
I give Stacked & Tossed Three Forks. If I am near one of their locations the next time I am in the mood for a salad or sandwich, I won’t hesitate to stop in. Maybe I will even forgo the restaurant’s suggestions and make my own. Well, I won’t actually do the making, but I will choose the ingredients. I can’t speak to the salad, but Stacked & Tossed will likely fix a better sandwich than me.
1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt 2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying 3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it 4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so
Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit for lunch?
Leading Willis Knighton Health with Deep Roots and Forward Vision
When Jerry “Jaf” Fielder II assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Willis Knighton Health System in October 2021, he brought both deep institutional knowledge and fresh perspective to guide the 7,100-employee organization into its next chapter. Taking the helm from James Elrod, who had led the system for 56 years, Fielder’s ascension marked a seamless transition rooted in decades of preparation and community connection.
A Foundation of Experience
Fielder’s connection to Shreveport runs generations deep, with his grandfather and great-uncle establishing Fielder’s Grocery on the corner of Fairfield and Pierremont in the 1940s. This family legacy of community service continues through his healthcare leadership today. As a Shreveport native, Fielder understands the unique challenges facing northwest Louisiana’s healthcare landscape.
His ascension to CEO was the culmination of more than 30 years with Willis Knighton Health System, where he started at age 23 and served in multiple senior roles including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Administrator of Willis Knighton North before his promotion in October 2021. This extensive tenure provided comprehensive understanding of the organization’s operations, from clinical excellence to financial stewardship.
Strategic Business Leadership
Fielder’s business acumen shines through his strategic approach to healthcare delivery in a challenging market environment. He demonstrates sophisticated understanding of healthcare economics, noting that “greater than 40%, almost 45% of our population is on Medicaid,” highlighting his data-driven approach to reimbursement challenges. Under his leadership, Willis Knighton continues navigating complex financial realities while maintaining its commitment to accessible, high-quality care.
As CEO, Fielder oversees an integrated healthcare delivery system consisting of four acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, an extensive multi-specialty physician network, and the state’s largest retirement community, The Oaks of Louisiana. His leadership philosophy balances technological advancement with the personal touch that has defined Willis Knighton’s approach since 1924.
Medical and Operational Excellence
Fielder’s medical expertise extends beyond traditional hospital administration. He has positioned Willis Knighton Health as a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation while maintaining its core community service mission. His ability to maintain operational excellence while implementing strategic improvements demonstrates the sophisticated business skills that have made him an effective healthcare executive.
Educational partnerships, such as the agreement with Centenary College’s Center for Innovative Learning, exemplify his commitment to healthcare workforce development. These initiatives create pathways for employee advancement, reflecting his understanding that excellent healthcare depends on continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Fielder’s influence extends well beyond hospital walls. His reelection as a trustee for the Louisiana Health Association (LHA) in 2024 underscores his statewide impact on healthcare policy and advocacy. As one of only two representatives from northwest Louisiana on the board, he serves as a crucial voice for regional healthcare interests, actively engaging in critical conversations about Medicaid reimbursements and healthcare policy.
His extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank, where he served as chairman for two years, the North Louisiana Goodwill Industries board of directors, and five years on the MLK Clinic board. His faith-based leadership extends to his role as a deacon at University Church of Christ.
Fielder’s contributions to healthcare and community service were formally recognized in May 2025 when Northwestern State University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities during spring commencement exercises, acknowledging his professional achievements and broader impact on education and community development in Louisiana.
Balancing Leadership and Values
Despite leading a major healthcare system, Fielder maintains strong connections to his agricultural roots, spending time on his family farm when away from executive duties. This connection provides perspective on the diverse communities Willis Knighton serves, from urban Shreveport-Bossier to rural areas throughout the Ark-La-Tex region.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Abilene Christian University, plus a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from LSU Shreveport. His commitment to family—he is married to Shelly and has three grown daughters, Jordan, Jenna, and Jamie—reflects the personal values that inform his healthcare leadership approach.
Leading into the Future
Under Fielder’s leadership, Willis Knighton Health System continues embodying its mission of improving the health and well-being of the people it serves. His vision extends beyond maintaining current excellence to positioning the organization for sustained success in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Through strategic leadership, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, Jerry “Jaf” Fielder II exemplifies CEO leadership that not only sustains organizational success but also strengthens the community’s healthcare systems serve. His story represents deep roots, professional growth, and dedicated service—qualities that continue defining Willis Knighton Health’s approach to caring for northwest Louisiana.
The artificial intelligence revolution is driving an unprecedented boom in data center construction and investment. As AI workloads demand massive computational power and energy resources, technology companies are committing hundreds of billions of dollars to build the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of AI applications. At the center of this transformation, Louisiana is emerging as a critical hub for AI infrastructure development.
Louisiana: The New AI Infrastructure Capital
Louisiana’s strategic advantages are positioning the state as a premier destination for AI data center investments. Leading this transformation is Meta’s historic $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, located on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm megasite between the municipalities of Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe. This facility, expected to occupy 4 million square feet, will be the largest data center in the Western Hemisphere and Meta’s largest globally.
Construction began in December 2024 and is expected to continue through 2030, with the project creating 500 direct jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs, and employing 5,000 construction workers at peak construction. The communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge, and Delhi have come together to make this transformational project a reality.
Beyond Meta’s flagship facility, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta revealed that there are three other AI data centers in various phases of planning in central Louisiana, though specific details about these additional projects have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Governor Jeff Landry has been a driving force behind Louisiana’s AI infrastructure strategy, stating at the Meta announcement: “Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office. Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future.”
The state’s abundant energy resources, favorable business climate, robust electrical grid infrastructure, and access to renewable energy sources make it an ideal location for power-hungry AI facilities.
Texas Follows Louisiana’s Lead
While Louisiana establishes itself as the Gulf Coast AI leader, neighboring Texas is also seeing significant activity. Vantage Data Centers is investing over $25 billion in a 1,200-acre facility in Shackelford County, Texas, dubbed “Frontier.” This massive undertaking will feature 10 ultra-high-density data centers, each capable of handling over 250 kW per rack, with a combined capacity of 1.4 gigawatts. The first building is expected to come online in the second half of next year.
Texas is also home to the Stargate initiative, a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and other partners that represents $500 billion committed to U.S. AI infrastructure by 2029. The project includes building 10 data centers in Abilene, Texas, with plans for further expansion. However, industry experts suggest that Louisiana’s superior energy infrastructure and business climate may attract similar large-scale projects in the near future.
Tech Giants Recognize the Gulf Coast Advantage
Microsoft is making perhaps the largest single commitment to AI infrastructure, allocating $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 alone to build AI-enabled data centers globally. More than half of this spending will occur in the United States, with Louisiana positioned to capture a significant portion of this investment due to its strategic advantages. The company is also exploring the potential “Stargate” supercomputer facility, a collaboration with OpenAI that could cost approximately $100 billion, and Louisiana’s infrastructure capabilities make it a prime candidate for such projects.
Meta Platforms has entered into a six-year, $10 billion cloud deal with Google Cloud for AI infrastructure support. Additionally, Meta is planning capital expenditures of $66-72 billion in 2025, including new AI data centers like the “Hyperion” and “Prometheus” superclusters, which will have capacities of approximately 1 GW and 5 GW respectively. Louisiana’s energy resources and business-friendly environment position the state to compete for these major investments.
Amazon Web Services continues its global expansion with new data centers planned across multiple regions, all designed to enhance access to Nvidia GPU technology for AI workloads. Louisiana’s strategic location and infrastructure advantages make it an attractive option for AWS’s continued U.S. expansion.
Investment Summary: The Scale of AI Infrastructure
The scope of these investments is staggering, with Louisiana poised to capture a significant share. The following table illustrates the major players and their commitments:
AI Data Center Investment Summary
Investment Summary: The Scale of AI Infrastructure
Company / Project
Investment / Scale
Highlight
Meta Richland Parish (Louisiana)
$10B, 4M sq ft, 2.25GW capacity
Largest data center in Western Hemisphere
Planned Central Louisiana Projects
TBD
Three additional AI data centers in planning
Vantage “Frontier” (Texas)
$25B, 1.4 GW, 10 centers
Massive Texas campus
Stargate (OpenAI + partners)
$500B by 2029
National AI network
Microsoft
$80B in FY2025
Global AI infrastructure
Meta
$10B cloud deal + $66-72B spend
Hyperscale AI build-out
AWS
Data centers globally
AI capacity expansion
CoreWeave
32 centers, 250K GPUs
AI GPU infrastructure
YTL Malaysia
USD 4.3B
Renewable AI campus
Africa / Middle East
Hundreds of millions to billions
Regional AI hubs
South Korea
Government-backed, large-scale
National AI center
Louisiana’s Competitive Edge and Future Outlook
Meta’s $10 billion investment in Richland Parish represents the largest private capital investment announcement in Louisiana’s state history, establishing a powerful precedent for future AI infrastructure development. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta has confirmed that three other AI data centers are in various phases of planning in central Louisiana, indicating the state’s growing momentum as an AI hub.
Louisiana’s combination of reliable energy infrastructure, strategic Gulf Coast location, and business-friendly policies creates a compelling value proposition for AI companies. The state now boasts the No. 1 lowest industrial electricity prices according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration and has achieved the No. 1 and 2 tech talent pipeline rankings in 2023 and 2024 by Business Facilities. The state’s ports provide easy access for equipment imports, while its central location offers optimal connectivity to major U.S. markets.
Louisiana Community and Technical College System has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity, scaling up construction trades programs and partnering with peer institutions experienced in data center operations. This workforce development initiative ensures a skilled labor force capable of supporting sophisticated AI operations.
While Texas captures headlines with major announcements, Louisiana’s proven ability to attract the world’s largest AI data center facility demonstrates the state’s superior infrastructure foundation and strategic advantages. As Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois stated, “Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector”, positioning Louisiana to become the true center of America’s AI infrastructure development.
The concentration of AI investment in Louisiana, anchored by Meta’s world-record facility in Richland Parish and supported by additional planned projects in central Louisiana, demonstrates the state’s emergence as America’s premier AI infrastructure destination. As these facilities come online over the next few years, Louisiana will play a central role in expanding global AI computational capacity, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in machine learning, autonomous systems, and other AI applications that require massive computational resources.
