A Shreveport man convicted earlier this year of possessing a firearm while prohibited from doing so must serve 20 years in prison, a Caddo District judge ruled Monday, June 29, 2026.

District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. sentenced Germaine Marquise Jack, 26, as a third habitual offender. The prison term is to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.  Jack was convicted of the crime March 19.

Early January 13, 2025, Shreveport Police Officer Rodrick Carter was patrolling near the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Kings Highway when he observed a man in all-black clothing travelling on a bicycle without proper lighting equipment. Officer Carter stopped the subject and attempted to identify him.

The man was unable to produce any form of ID but provided his name so the officer could run a background check. While checking for warrants, Officer Carter observed the outline of a firearm from the man’s front hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then patted the defendant down and confirmed there was a Sig Sauer P365 9MM pistol in the hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then confirmed that the man, who proved to be Mr. Jack, had been convicted of three counts of simple burglary in 2019, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. 

Jack was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defender’s office.

The case was docket No. 406295.

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Bossier Parish Emergency Medical Service recently honored Steve Braidwood upon his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the community.

For nearly three decades, Braidwood served the citizens of Bossier Parish with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment. Department officials noted that his dedication touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the agency.

Bossier Parish EMS expressed gratitude to Braidwood for his 29 years of service, friendship, and dedication, noting that he will be greatly missed by the department. Representatives extended well wishes for happiness, good health, and blessings as Braidwood begins his retirement.

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Hot summer temperatures will continue across Caddo and Bossier parishes through the Independence Day holiday, with only isolated afternoon thunderstorms expected before rain chances increase late in the weekend.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs reaching the mid-90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph will shift to the southeast during the afternoon. Skies will remain mostly clear Wednesday night with overnight lows in the mid-70s and light winds.

Thursday brings another mostly sunny day with highs in the lower 90s and light southeast winds around 5 mph. Mostly clear conditions will continue Thursday night as temperatures dip into the upper 70s.

Temperatures will climb back into the mid-90s on Friday under mostly sunny skies. A slight 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is expected, but most areas should remain dry. Friday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.

Independence Day will feature partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid-90s. While the day is expected to remain largely dry, a slight 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms could briefly affect some outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the upper 70s.

Rain chances increase on Sunday as partly cloudy skies give way to scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon. High temperatures will once again reach the mid-90s, with a 50 percent chance of rain. A slight chance of lingering showers and thunderstorms will continue Sunday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.

By Monday, clouds will increase throughout the day, bringing a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon. High temperatures will be slightly cooler, topping out in the lower 90s.

Residents planning outdoor activities for the holiday weekend should prepare for hot conditions each day and remain aware of the potential for isolated afternoon storms, especially Sunday and Monday. Staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade and monitoring local weather updates will help keep holiday celebrations safe.

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The Rotary Club of Shreveport has named Mary Wood the 2026 Rotarian of the Year, recognizing Wood for her ongoing service, leadership, and generosity within the local community.

Wood expressed gratitude for the recognition, sharing that giving back to Shreveport and Caddo Parish is an absolute joy. She also extended appreciation to the Rotary organization for the opportunity to serve, and to her partners in the Rotarians Rising initiative. Looking forward, Wood stated her commitment to making the upcoming year even bigger and better.

Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton issued congratulations to Wood, highlighting her dedication to the school system. According to Burton, Wood consistently supports the staff, shares the district’s story, and brings community partners together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students. Burton thanked Wood for her leadership and her unwavering commitment to serving others across Caddo Schools and the broader community.

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Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.”

Doug said, “I drive, therefore I am,” and honestly, I’m starting to trust my version more.

I spend so many hours with my body attached to a car that I’m basically a mobile Methodist. I know I20 like the back of my hand—every bump, every dip, every spot where my cell signal disappears as if it’s entering the Witness Protection Program. I know where law enforcement hides, waiting to catch those who treat the speed limit as a suggestion from a friend rather than a command from the state. I know exactly how far I can push the fuel light before I’m praying in tongues at the next exit. If you see me on the Interstate, give me a wave. I’ll wave back. I’m friendly like that.

Driving entertains me. I read bumper stickers like they’re sacred texts. If you see me tailgating, don’t worry—I’m not being aggressive; I’m just trying to discern whether your “Coexist” sticker is faded or ironic. And I’ve developed a spiritual gift: I can tell when someone is talking on the phone while driving. They always slow down. Always. It’s like the car senses the conversation and decides to meditate.

Today I was headed to Bossier City when the nice truck in front of me decided it was time for a midjourney spa treatment. He hit his windshield washer at 70 mph. At my following distance, his washer fluid became my washer fluid. A surprise baptism by RainX. I just smiled and thanked God for the improvisational rain shower. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, but apparently so are Louisiana drivers.

Now here’s where the sermon sneaks in.

My actions can change your attitude, and your attitude interprets my actions. That’s the whole ballgame.

I could’ve gotten mad. I could’ve imagined he did it on purpose. I could’ve turned on my wipers and smeared my windshield into a Monet painting. Or I could interpret it factually: I was following too closely behind a man with a dirty windshield who needed to see better. Or I could interpret it spiritually: God’s grace falls on the just, the unjust, and the guy behind the truck who wasn’t expecting a windshield blessing.

We don’t live in a vacuum. Our actions splash onto the people behind us—sometimes literally. That’s why Scripture tells us to be careful how we walk. We don’t want to trip someone else up. But the other side is just as important: I’m not responsible for what you do to me, but I am responsible for what I let your actions do inside me.

The world is small. The road is shared. And whether we like it or not, we’re all windshield washers for somebody.

So drive kindly. Live kindly. And if you must baptize the car behind you, at least use the good fluid.

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July 1 marks the anniversary of one of the most significant events in American history—the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

Fought over three days in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the battle became the largest and deadliest engagement of the American Civil War. More than 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers converged on the small town, where intense fighting ultimately resulted in an estimated 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing.

The battle began on July 1 as Confederate and Union forces unexpectedly encountered one another outside Gettysburg. As additional troops arrived throughout the day, the fighting intensified and eventually spread across the surrounding hills and ridges.

The conflict reached its climax on July 3 with Pickett’s Charge, a massive Confederate assault against the center of the Union line. The attack failed, forcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee to retreat south, ending his second and final invasion of the North.

Historians widely consider the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War. Lee’s defeat halted Confederate momentum, while the Union victory strengthened Northern morale and shifted the course of the conflict.

Just four months later, President Abraham Lincoln returned to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. During the ceremony, he delivered the Gettysburg Address, a brief speech that became one of the most enduring expressions of American democracy and the nation’s founding ideals.

Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield, allowing millions of visitors each year to explore the site where one of the defining moments in United States history began on July 1, 1863.

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By Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator


Northwestern State president says his plan is ‘wasting away in Margaritaville’

State Sen. Alan Seabaugh takes credit for ousting Northwestern State University’s president in 2024 and, with the backing of Gov. Jeff Landry, replacing him with former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese. 

Two years later, Genovese says he isn’t able to count on either of his two supporters to advance his plans for the school, which include starting the first law school in North Louisiana. 

In recent interviews, Genovese said his feud with Seabaugh, a Republican whose district includes the Natchitoches campus, is costing Northwestern State much-needed cash from the state. And it was Landry who came up with the idea to open a law school at the university, but the governor has since dropped his support of the plan, he said

“It wasn’t my idea,” Genovese said. “When I came on board … there were discussions coming out of the governor’s office regarding a law school, so I just went with the flow.” 

When asked if the governor supports a new law school at Northwestern State, Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said that decision is completely up to the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in Louisiana.

While he maintains the governor still privately backs the idea, Genovese said two factors have led Landry away from providing any public or material support. The first, Genovese said, is Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, whose district includes Tulane University, home to one of the state’s four law schools. Genovese said the governor doesn’t want to get crosswise with a legislative leader he needs to advance his agenda.

“The last thing Louisiana needs is more lawyers,” Henry said when reached for comment about Genovese’s proposal. 

Another obstacle, Genovese said, is that promoting a new law school might create the impression that Landry supports trial attorneys. The governor himself is an attorney and has received campaign contributions from trial lawyers. 

“There was this nasty fight  … between the insurance industry and the trial lawyers, and I don’t think the governor wants to be labeled a trial lawyer person,” Genovese said. 

Genovese provided a copy of his law school proposal he said he submitted to the Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which oversees Northwestern State. Genovese and UL System board member Robert “Skeeter” Salim, Genovese’s lifelong friend and a prominent trial attorney in the state, requested the Regents expedite their review process so it could receive approval from the UL System Board just a month after it was proposed. 

Emails the Illuminator obtained through a public records request show Board of Regents staff discussed the matter with Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, who was not comfortable with an expedited review. Genovese and Salim have not brought the law school pitch to the full UL System board. 

Genovese described his proposal as “wasting away in Margaritaville,” a reference to the Jimmy Buffet song. 

Despite no further moves to make the proposal a reality, Genovese has continued to publicly advocate for the law school in speeches and in news interviews, rankling state lawmakers and other stakeholders. 

“If the Board of Regents wanted another law school, they would do it,” said state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, whose district includes Natchitoches. “So I don’t know why he continues to talk and advocate for things like that and get people’s hopes up, when obviously an application to do a law school has not moved within the Board of Regents.” 

From reference to rival

While he seemingly tilts at windmills for a new law school, Genovese has also feuded with the lawmaker who got him the job at Northwestern State. 

Seabaugh, an conservative lawmaker, said in an interview last week his first order of business after joining the Louisiana Senate in 2024 was ousting Marcus Jones, the first Black leader at Northwestern State, who Seabaugh said was responsible for the school “going downhill in many ways.” 

After being forced to resign, Jones returned to the University of Louisiana System office as executive vice president and chief operating officer. 

Seabaugh proposed Genovese replace Jones in Natchitoches. Landry also backed Genovese for the job. 

“Nobody was more responsible for putting him there than me,” Seabaugh said. 

Genovese, despite having had no experience in higher education leadership, touted his budget expertise when interviewing with faculty and staff for the president’s job. He took credit for securing money for the Louisiana Supreme Court during his time as an associate justice from 2017-24.

That claimed fiscal prowess isn’t reflected in the state budget that takes effect Wednesday, however. 

Northwestern State was the only public university in Louisiana to receive no additional funding in the primary budget bill on top of what each campus is required to receive. It was also the only campus left out of the supplemental budget, where lawmakers dole out millions for special projects. These special projects find their way into the budget at the request of lawmakers, usually senators. 

When asked about Northwestern State’s omission in the budget, Genovese blamed Seabaugh. 

“We don’t have a senator that helps us,” Genovese said. “[Seabaugh has] been mad at me from day one. I … hardly even know this guy.” 

‘I don’t think he’s suited for the job’

Genovese said the feud started because he refused to fire Northwestern State employees  Seabaugh asked him to dismiss. Since then, Genovese said, Seabaugh hasn’t answered his phone calls. 

Seabaugh said none of that is true. By his account, he never asked Genovese to fire anybody but rather warned him not to take advice from the same people he viewed as leading Jones astray. 

Jones has not responded to a request for comment. 

Seabaugh also said he hasn’t refused any calls from Genovese, because he hasn’t gotten any to reject. 

“If they want me to put something in the budget, they might want to ask,” Seabaugh said. 

Though he wouldn’t characterize the tension between the two leaders as a “disagreement,” Seabaugh expressed frustration in the way Genovese handled the first major hire of his administration. 

Genovese brought in former Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy as a special adviser in fall 2024 shortly after he was hired. McConathy is a Louisiana basketball coaching legend who was recently inducted into the state’s Sports Hall of Fame. He also ran against Seabaugh in his 2023 Senate bid.

Seabaugh said he didn’t mind that he hired McConathy, but he did take issue with how Genovese addressed it with him. 

“When he called me, he said, ‘I know this is going to piss you off, but I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway,’” Seabaugh recounted.

Genovese said that was not the language he used but confirmed he did call Seabaugh as a courtesy to tell him he was hiring McConathy, which he said angered the senator. 

The two confirmed they haven’t talked since that call in 2024. 

“He doesn’t know how to ask,” Seabaugh said. “I think he’s used to being a judge and telling people what to do. I don’t think he’s suited for the job he’s in.” 

“The university has not improved and it’s not going to as long as he’s there,” the senator added. 

Spending in question 

McFarland, who leads the legislature’s budget-writing committee, said some of Genovese’s “decision making has been questioned.” 

McFarland didn’t detail the gripes he has heard from lawmakers, but a look into Northwestern State’s budget shows warning signs of financial difficulties ahead. 

Genovese has raised pay for Northwestern State’s approximately 800 employees three times in less than two years, despite the university operating at a deficit. The university projects a shortfall of $13.4 million for the fiscal year that ended Tuesday, according to a UL System financial report. The university has covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves. 

Other UL System schools are in worse financial positions, but Northwestern State’s spending has raised the eyebrows of its board members, who questioned Genovese about the deficit at last week’s meeting. Genovese said the university was likely to end the next fiscal year in the black, possibly with a surplus. 

While Genovense’s spending at Northwestern State has increased, enrollment at the school has dropped. Its student body reached 8,847 in 2023 and fell to 8,402 for fall 2025, a 5% decrease. Less than a quarter of NSU students attend class on campus, which means they bring in less revenue for the school. 

Other schools in the UL System are also experiencing enrollment declines, but most are adjusting their budgets to match. 

“We’re closely monitoring the enrollment projections and being optimistic that they will be able to turn the tide on their own,” UL System President Rick Gallot, Genovese’s boss, said about the budget situation.

Photo and Article Courtesy of the Louisiana Illuminator

North Louisiana law school proposal puts university leader at odds with Landry, lawmakers

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As Northwestern State University (NSU) looks ahead to the Fall 2026 semester, internal tracking data reveals that high school dual enrollment programs are projected to play an even larger role in the university’s total headcount than in previous semesters.

According to an official institutional research document, the university has set an aggressive Next Fall Target of 7,879 undergraduate students. However, a closer look at the tracking metrics shows that nearly one-third of that entire target population is made up of high school students.

The ‘Enrollment Mask’ Expands

The university separates its high school and introductory enrollment into two tracking categories: University (Non-Prep) and University (Prep). For the upcoming Fall 2026 semester, the university’s targets for these categories are:

• UNIV (Non-Prep) Target: 351 students
• UNIV (Prep) Target: 2,183 students
• Total High School Target: 2,534 students

If NSU hits its goals, dual enrollment students will account for 32.2%—nearly one out of every three—of the total undergraduate student body. This represents a significant shift from previous years, expanding the “Enrollment Mask” that higher education analysts say allows institutions to report stable or growing total headcounts while masking a structural decline in full-time, on-campus students.

Current Summer Progress

As of June 24, 2026, registration tracking shows the university still has a long hill to climb before reaching its census goals, which is typical for this point in the summer cycle.

The university’s Current Enrollment stands at 4,732 out of the 7,879 target. When isolating the true degree-seeking undergraduate numbers from the high school dual enrollment categories, the breakdown shows:

• Total Reported Current Enrollment: 4,732*
• Current Dual Enrollment (Prep & Non-Prep): 768
• True Current Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,964**

*Note: Across the university’s broader tracking metrics, true undergraduate enrollment stands at 3,964; however, it should be noted that many of these students are online-only or attend classes outside of the main campus in Natchitoches.

While a vast majority of the targeted 2,534 high school students will be registered later in the summer as school districts finalize their schedules, the physical campus infrastructure remains tied to the 3,964 true undergraduates currently on the books.

Budget vs. Body Count

The economic reality for the Natchitoches campus remains stark. Traditional undergraduate students pay full tuition and generate critical “auxiliary revenue” through campus housing, meal plans, and student fees. In contrast, dual enrollment students pay deeply discounted contract rates or receive state-funded exemptions.

The physical presence of these students on campus remains rare. While a select few students from local institutions like Natchitoches Central and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) are granted rare permission to attend classes in person, the vast majority of the dual enrollment population completes coursework remotely or at their respective high schools.

As the university pushes toward its ultimate master plan under leadership to stabilize total institutional footing, the tracking data indicates that the path to high headcount numbers relies more heavily than ever on the high school demographic.

**Note
Dual Enrollment (DE) students are excluded from “True Enrollment” figures above. While these students are academically valuable, their reduced tuition and minimal use of campus facilities mean they do not reflect the institutional sustainability or the market demand for the university’s core physical and residential services.

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As Louisiana families prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th year, the Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is urging residents to put safety first and use fireworks responsibly.

Fireworks remain a leading cause of preventable holiday injuries each year. Sparklers can reach temperatures above 2,000 degrees, creating a serious burn risk, especially for children.

According to 2025 data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks misuse and malfunction were linked to at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries. Sparklers accounted for an estimated 1,300 injuries. People ages 15 to 24 were injured most often, with burns to the hands, fingers and head among the most common injuries.

More than 660 permitted fireworks stands will operate statewide this season, with retail sales allowed through 11:59 p.m. July 5. Louisiana law requires fireworks vendors to be licensed and permitted through the SFM and to sell only where fireworks are authorized.

“Public fireworks displays remain the safest way to celebrate,” said DPS Principal, Assistant Chief Bryan J Adams. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks at home, plan ahead, follow safety guidelines and buy only from licensed vendors.”

To help prevent injuries, the Office of State Fire Marshal recommends:

Check local burn bans and avoid fireworks during dry or windy conditions

Use fireworks in open areas at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials

Never allow children to handle fireworks; consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks or public displays

Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks and always follow label instructions

Do not use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs

Light one firework at a time and keep a hose or bucket of water nearby

Soak used fireworks before disposal and never place dry fireworks in the trash

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When you think of bigtime celebrating in Louisiana, most people automatically think “New Orleans.”

I get it.

A town with few rivals. Internationally appreciated. A culture all its own. Can’t walk down its streets without overhearing several different languages.

I love it.

But if you want to celebrate without the traffic, the potholes, and a less likelihood of your car getting jacked, you getting mugged, or your toilet getting backed up, I’ll take Natchitoches any day of the week.

(I’d take Ruston, Minden, and Farmerville too, and we haven’t even gotten out of northwest Louisiana yet.)

Louisiana is blessed with small-town goodness.

But today, for a special reason, the salute goes to charming, quaint, welcoming Natchitoches.

Of course there are the annual Christmas lights. (I might be the only person in a five-state area who’s never been.) Eeeeeeeverybody loves the Christmas lights.

But Natty lights up each summer too.

The annual Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class is inducted each June, usually on the fourth weekend.  The welcome mat, the red carpet, the good times are rolled out and one of the South’s finest small towns says, “Come on and getcha some!”

Last weekend was no exception, and my encouraging word would be to consider going next summer or the next or as soon as you can to a Hall of Fame weekend. All the deets — plus a replay of the ceremony and video intros of each inductee, all produced by the team of all-stars at Louisiana Public Broadcasting — are at lasportshall.com.

The weekend never disappoints.

If you haven’t studied just how the actual LASHOF works, the induction side of it, please be encouraged to read this effort by Doug Ireland, the chairman of the Hall. The road to the sports hall of fame in your state is significantly steeper than the road to the sports halls of fame in most any other state. Most states are trying to scrape together a couple of inductees each year. Louisiana’s selection committee has year-long knock-down drag-outs to figure out which eight stars should be inducted that year.

And each year, some deserving candidates are left knocking on the door. It’s fascinating that in Louisiana, you can’t swing a cat without it hitting a Super Bowl winner, All-American, Pro-Bowler, Olympic medalist, national champ, All Star … and the list goes on.

And on and on.

And each year, more stars and studs become eligible.

The setting is always a no-doubter. Natchitoches. The actual Hall of Fame on Front Street. (Don’t forget to go upstairs! It’s a state history museum, not just sports.) The Cane River Right There, even though it’s not a river. The awnings. The bricked street. The food.

The flowers. The hospitality.

It’s a movie set.

And then the Events Center, decorated more beautifully each year. (One member of this year’s induction class didn’t “get it” until Saturday night when he saw the joint. “Wait a minute,” he said. “I thought … I didn’t know it was going to be like this.”

Oh, it’s a big deal. Done right.

And if you walk downtown a couple of hours after the Saturday night induction, all is calm again. Like walking in a painting.

Because of the pandemic in 2020, two ceremonies were held in 2021. In the same summer. Both were full throttled. Natty didn’t skimp. Sponsors, volunteers, organizers: everyone showed up with their A-games. The whole town is like a living Statue of Liberty.

And this year’s inductees? Humble. Authentic. Seldom does an inductee disappoint. They get what ball means to Louisiana, and maybe through the ceremony and the weekend, they begin to get how they each fit into the state’s Phenomenal, Stunning Sports Story.

The Hall’s a place where legends live, and Natchitoches keeps the lights on and the fire burning so you can meet them any time.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

RUSTON — It’s New Year’s Day for Louisiana Tech Athletics.

Today the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters are officially members of the Sun Belt Conference, completing a move that despite its obvious logic, required nearly a year of legal wrestling with Tech’s former league, Conference USA.

Discussions between the Sun Belt and Tech began last spring and the deal was officially announced last July 15. The terse relationship with Conference USA boiled throughout 2025-26 athletic year, notably with CUSA including the Bulldogs on its initial conference football schedule release in March, just ahead of the Sun Belt’s release of its league schedule also including Tech. For a few weeks, the Bulldogs had 20 conference games in two leagues.

The conference shift carried an $8 million pricetag to satisfy CUSA’s legal challenges and pay the entry fee for Sun Belt affiliation. Tech officials won’t confirm the figure but acknowledge the cost was significant.

“First I want to thank the Louisiana Tech Foundation and those who love Louisiana Tech Athletics for helping make that possible,” said university president Dr. Jim Henderson. “It was certainly a financial decision that just about any reasonable person would make.

“Within two years we’ll be more than whole. Within four years, we’ll have a solid athletic budget, which not a lot of schools are talking about. We’re actually talking about adding sports because we know they can add benefits to the bottom line.

“Moving conferences makes that possible because (of) the reduced costs associated with travel and certainly the increased revenues associated with fans being accessible to the games. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the finances,” said Henderson Monday in a media session.

The Bulldogs football season ticket base is growing rapidly, said athletics director Ryan Ivey, with regional rivalries with ULM and UL Lafayette a big part of the appeal.

“We feel like we’ve had a lot of success over the years. … Being in the Sun Belt again allows us to really grow that brand and really strengthen it moving forward,” he said.

After being subjected to playing October mid-week games in CUSA, Tech will have six Saturday home games this fall for the first time since 2017.

“It’s kind of boring. We just have six Saturday home games,” said football coach Sonny Cumbie, sarcastically.

“The city of Ruston and North Louisiana thrive on Saturday game days,” Cumbie said. “… It’s a great opportunity for people to come together on Friday in Ruston and go to restaurants and stay in hotels and just frequent all the places that they remember when they went to school here.”

Ivey said the home football schedule is being well received and indicates Tech fans are buying into Sun Belt membership and regional rivalries that simply did not exist in CUSA. One Tech athletics official referred to visiting team fans from league foes as “non-existent.”

Not the case in the Sun Belt. Blending in non-conference games, Tech’s start to this football season is a Bulldog fan magnet, said Ivey.

“With Army, (UL) Lafayette, Southern Miss, and Northwestern State (visiting Tech in the first six weeks of the season) … in the month of October, we don’t leave Lincoln and Ouachita Parish (an Oct. 17 game at ULM). It’s big,” he said.

Kennesaw State (Georgia), Jacksonville State (Alabama), Sam Houston State (Huntsville, Texas), Missouri State and Middle Tennessee were Tech’s closest conference foes in CUSA. Longer trips included Delaware, Liberty, Florida International, New Mexico State and UTEP.

Now along with ULM and UL Lafayette, there’s reasonable drive time between Tech and Arkansas State, Southern Miss, South Alabama and Troy.

In the Eastern time zone are Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Marshall, and Old Dominion.

Coaches are thrilled to have a much-reduced number of long road trips in conference play, several requiring air travel with tight connections in particular for basketball two-game swings to the Eastern time zone.

Tech was in the Sun Belt from 1999-2011 before jumping to a then robust CUSA. But most of the league’s premiere teams soon migrated to the American Athletic Conference and fan interest dipped. Meanwhile, Tech officials were dismissive of the Sun Belt when reports surfaced of possible interest in the Bulldogs returning to the SBC fold.

But that mindset shifted in recent years and as of today, all is forgiven – or paid for.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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Today is International Joke Day.

No, seriously.

July 1 … every year. We have a day for everything, don’t we?

So, make sure you find some humor in something during the course of today. Maybe you can take a little from this tongue-in-cheek effort that you are hopefully about to consume.

For Louisiana Tech fans, this year’s version of International Joke Day has even greater meaning. It’s the first official day of the school’s membership in the Sun Belt Conference.

And that’s no joking matter.

For the first time since the 1986-87 season — yes, four decades — Louisiana Tech and ULM are conference foes. For the first time since 2000-01 — yes, a quarter of a century — the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters are league opponents with those dirty Cajuns of UL-Lafayette.

The gloves officially come off today, and I couldn’t be more excited.

I grew up hating — strong word, but probably accurate — both NLU (now ULM) and USL (now ULL).

The first Louisiana Tech sporting event I ever attended was a Bulldog homecoming football game in 1979 against USL (now ULL) at Joe Aillet Stadium. For some reason, my dad thought it would be a good idea to sit us right next to the LA Tech student section on the east side.

The good guys won that day, 17-0. And by the time I got home, I was running around the house chanting, “Go to hell, USL! Go to hell, USL!”

Mom wasn’t very happy, but I was hooked. That was the day my Tech fandom began, and it’s only grown over the past four-plus decades of wearing the ole red and blue.

Although my hate for ULL began that day, it didn’t stop there. It grew in intensity and magnitude the older I got (the more wise I became) and the more I watched my beloved Bulldogs and Lady Techsters.

It was a hate that was almost unmatched. Almost.

That is until I was introduced to the maroon and yellow of the school 30 miles east on I-20. I had a new love (to hate). I stood in line outside of the Thomas Assembly Center for three hours in 1984 to get in and watch both the Lady Techsters and Bulldogs defeat NLU (now ULM) in a basketball doubleheader.

Sold out. More than 8,500 fans that night. It was an atmosphere that I wish every current Tech student could experience. Two fan bases that loved their schools and loved to hate the other.

That’s one of the great things about reuniting with these two schools (and Southern Miss and Arkansas State), calling the Sun Belt Conference home.

It won’t matter the sport. We could be playing in dominoes, and I would be table-side pulling for the Bulldogs. Tiddlywinks? Go Dogs. Thumb wrestling? Go Dogs.

Rivalries Renewed is how Louisiana Tech has marketed the move since last July when it was announced. Well put. It’s not a coincidence that the LA Tech home attendance record for a football game was in 1997 vs ULM. The home attendance record for a men’s and women’s basketball game was in 1984 vs. ULM.

And although the two programs have met an assortment of times in different sports (some more regularly then others), the rivalry begins on the gridiron.

I have plenty of good friends who are ULM and ULL fans and/or employees and/or alums. I try not to hold it against them. That is until gameday.

Then I will “hate” them too until the game is over. And I know the feeling will be mutual.

Rejoining the Sun Belt is a full circle moment for Tech fans. It’s been a quarter of a century for us. It’s also been that long since the Bulldogs and the Warhawks have met on the gridiron, something which will change Oct. 17 at Malone Stadium in Monroe — one week after Tech hosts the Ragin Cajuns at The Joe.

I’m going to have to build my hate stamina quickly. Outside of a few “rivalries” within a few sports with a very few teams over the last 25 years, there hasn’t been this level of despise in a while.

I sure am looking forward to it.

Heck, who knows. Maybe I won’t hate them nearly as much as I did growing up. I may even like them.

That was a joke, folks. Remember, it’s International Joke Day.

So let the good old fashioned hate begin.

Contact Malcolm at lpjnewsla@gmail.com

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By JASON PUGH, Written for the LSWA

NATCHITOCHES — Those who followed the Tioga Lady Indians basketball team when Kathy Holloway coached noted the team’s tough defense. That wasn’t modeled on how young Kathy Stewart played at now-defunct Poland High School.

Holloway, inducted last Saturday night in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner, established a long-standing Class C state tournament record by scoring 86 points across two games played at Shreveport’s Hirsch Coliseum while at Poland.

Her basketball skills were honed at home, on a metal rim that her father hung on the side of the family’s wooden garage. A photo in the Hall of Fame museum shows elementary school-aged Kathy shooting baskets on that backyard goal.

That led to her All-State playing career at Poland in southern Rapides Parish near Lecompte, and sparked a lifelong love of basketball. Holloway, a math major at LSU where there was no women’s team in the 1960s, entered the education field and launched career in high school sports, first as a championship head coach at Tioga then as the first female president of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, achieved in 1986, and as the president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 1992.

“Title IX was passed in 1972,” said Julie Wilkerson, one of four high school All-Americans Holloway coached at Tioga. “That energized someone like Mrs. Holloway.”

That energy may have indirectly led Holloway to her trailblazing positions within the coaches associations she eventually chaired.

“In those days, there was All-Star Week and on the Friday before the all-star games on Saturday, there was the final meeting of the coaches association to elect the president,” Holloway said. “One of the guys who was running asked me at the barbecue, ‘Will you vote for me (for president)?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if you’ll vote for me if I ever run.’ He said, ‘There ain’t ever gonna be a woman president of this association.’ That sealed it for me.”

Following her gilded administrative career, the NSCA in 2021 created the Kathy Holloway Women of Inspiration Award that honors a female “that has promoted female athletics by either coaching, serving, supporting or leading high school female athletic programs that focus on changing lives and inspiring women to strive for greatness.”

Holloway remains involved in the sport she loves, working closely with the Upward Basketball program at First Baptist Church in Pineville where her son, Stewart, is the pastor.

“She’s been involved the past 13 or 14 years,” he said. “It’s a fantastic way to use her skills to invest in another generation.

“Mom didn’t win a lot of state championships, but she’s been a champion in a lot of other ways.”

A close bond between siblings helped deliver a signature moment for the LSU women’s basketball team when it landed Sylvia Fowles, a 6-foot-6 standout from Miami.

Brought to LSU by coach Sue Gunter, who promised Fowles nothing more than the opportunity to complete for playing time, Fowles teamed with fellow Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus (a 2024 inductee) to usher in the golden era of Tigers women’s basketball – one that included four straight Final Four appearances.

“In my home visit, (Gunter) told me she wasn’t starting me as a freshman, that I had to earn it,” said Fowles via a Zoom call from Chicago where her Portland Fire were preparing for a WNBA game Friday night against the Chicago Sky. “That motivated me to be around her. I was signed, sealed and delivered after hearing her say you had to work for everything you want.”

Fowles, who is now an assistant coach with the Fire, averaged a double-double at LSU before a prolific WNBA career with the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx where she averaged 15.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in her career.

Four Olympic gold medals, two WNBA titles and a spot of the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team only buttress a resume that came in a sport Fowles once regarded as “dumb,” thanks in part to her three older brothers.

“Growing up with them, I was allowed to play defense only,” she said. “I didn’t learn the rules of the game until eighth grade. I didn’t there were two ends of the court playing simultaneously. It was that moment I realized I was getting cheated. I didn’t think the sport was dumb after that.”

Although her brothers failed to share the full extent of basketball with their younger sister, Fowles never missed an opportunity to help someone else.

“She’s the best center of all time in women’s basketball” said former Minnesota teammate Lindsey Whalen. “She had a relentless will to rebound and to get to her spot on the block. She had great hands. Then there were times you’d look over and she’s helping put towels away or doing anything she could to help someone else.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Communications

Single game tickets for the 2026 Centenary football season go on sale today and are available for purchase online.

Fans can visit the link below beginning at 8 a.m. today to purchase tickets:

https://fan.hudl.com/usa/la/shreveport/organization/69826/centenary-college-of/tickets

Previous Premium Season Pass holders also have an exclusive renewal window before tickets become available to the general public. Renewals for past Premium Season Pass holders are also available at this time.

New this season is the option for anyone to purchase single-game tickets in the premium section at $40 per ticket. These seats are chairbacks and located at midfield.

Any remaining Premium Season Passes will go on sale to the general public beginning Thursday, July 9, at midnight.

The Gents will open their season on Sept. 5 against Westgate Christian University at home with kickoff set for 6 p.m. in the first of five games played at Atkins Field.

The Gents are scheduled to play nine regular-season games – five at home and four on the road. Centenary will play its first two games at home as the Maroon and White will face Millsaps College on Sept. 12 before traveling to Marshall, Texas in Week 3 (Sept. 19) to face East Texas Baptist University for its first road contest.

General admission single game tickets are $15 for all persons age 13 and older.

General admission youth tickets cost $5 for all children 12 and younger.

Premium Season tickets go for $200.

General Admission Season tickets are just $70 (age 13+).

General Admission Season tickets for children are a bargain at $20 (12 and under).

See the complete Gents’ season schedule here: https://gocentenary.com/sports/fball/2026-27/schedule

For more information or to donate to Centenary athletics and the football program, visit gocentenary.com/gocentenary/C_Club.

ACADEMICS:  Nine Centenary STUNT student-athletes were named to the College STUNT Coaches Association Division III Academic Honor Roll, the organization announced.

Student-athletes must have completed at least 24 credit hours and have maintained an overall GPA of a 3.5 or higher. The nine Ladies are freshman Ja’Kyra Allen, junior Leah Dawson, freshman Allison Gonzales, senior Jo Hoffman, junior Amelia Jones, sophomore Keagan Malone, freshman Riley Navarro, junior Dalila Ramirez and freshman Ella Wilson. 

BACK IN THE SCAC: The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference announced that Millsaps College will return to the conference beginning with the 2027-28 academic year after the SCAC Presidents Council approved the college’s formal application for membership. 

When Millsaps returns in 2027, the Jackson, Mississippi-based institution will rejoin the conference it first called home in 1989 after competing as an NCAA Division III independent since 1973. At the time, the league was known as the College Athletic Conference, and the Majors became one of its longest-tenured members before departing with six fellow institutions in 2012.

Millsaps currently has 19 varsity programs and approximately 385 student-athletes. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis and track and field. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

“As current Chair of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, I am delighted to welcome Millsaps College into a league defined by academic excellence, spirited competition, and shared values,” said Centenary College President Christopher Holoman. “Millsaps brings a strong tradition and a commitment to the student-athlete experience that will enrich our conference community from day one. We look forward to the championships ahead and to the strengthened bonds this partnership will create across the SCAC.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Millsaps back to its original Division III conference home,” said Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. “Millsaps has a proud history within the SCAC, and I have no doubt the institution will once again be an outstanding fit. Having previously worked with several of the college’s current administrators and coaches, I know firsthand the values they bring, and I am confident they will once again thrive with the collaborative culture that defines the SCAC.”

The Majors have captured 22 conference championships as members of the CAC/SCAC and 10 titles in the Southern Athletic Association.

When they rejoin, they’ll compete against SCAC members Austin College, Colorado College, University of Dallas, Centenary, Texas Lutheran, St. Thomas, Concordia, University of the Ozarks and LeTourneau.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

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Have you ever questioned why you’re here? Ever wondered, ‘what am I supposed to be doing with my time on this Earth?’

Each of us has a calling but it may take a while to discover what it is. As a child, I questioned a lot of things that took place during my younger years, especially as I started school. 

It became very apparent that the classroom was going to be a challenge. The biggest problem was that I had no guidance, no one to make sure I did my homework or that I even got up every day to go to school.

But there was one day in my life that I will never forget. It was the day they had Little League baseball tryouts. Even though I was not old enough to play Little League, I still showed up with glove in hand and ready to show anyone that I could play this game. 

I rode my bike up the street to a local ballpark where the tryouts were taking place. I hopped off my bike and ran onto the field and got in the first line of players I saw as they were taking ground balls and throwing them back to a coach. 

When my turn came around, the coach hit the ball to me, and I scooped it up and fired it back at the coach. I’ll never forget his reaction as he waived me over to talk to him. Then he uttered words that I will never forget. 

“Son, I don’t think you’re old enough to play Little League, but I can tell you one thing for sure. You’re going to be one heck of a player when you get older.”

Disappointment that I was not eligible to play baseball yet really hit me hard mentally. Finally, there was something that I knew I was good at! Baseball was going to give me purpose! 

It would be on a baseball field that I would shine. It would be through baseball that my confidence and self-esteem would soar. The baseball field was where I was supposed to be!

School on the other hand would continue to be difficult as I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. But because of a couple of great teachers by the name of Mrs. Mickey Sinclair and Mrs. Elwanda Carpenter, my world in the classroom was turned around.

From the third grade on, school curriculum would not be as challenging, but I had to work hard to make passing grades. Studying was a necessary evil in order for me to do good in school and get to play sports.  

My parents understood school was a challenge but expected nothing short of A’s and B’s. C’s were not acceptable and there would be consequences for bringing home one. Mother would threaten to pull me out of sports when a C appeared on a report card. 

But again, I figured out early in life that sports, especially baseball, would be my purpose in life. It would be my calling and my saving grace for me as person. It gave me a feeling of confidence that nothing else could. 

Today when I speak to youth, this is one of the topics I’ll discuss. No matter what it is, find that one thing you’re good at and make that your purpose. Make that the reason you get up every day. Make that your passion whether it’s sports, education, music or, maybe if you’re lucky, it’s bass fishing!

Life can offer us so many opportunities but it’s up to each of us to take advantage when those opportunities roll around. I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us. 

It just might take some of us longer to figure out exactly what our purpose is, but isn’t that what life is all about? The journeyis the great adventure.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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A cast, orchestra, and choir of more than 80 local performers will bring Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame to life this summer at the Emmett Hook Center.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the beloved Disney film, the musical follows Quasimodo (played by Caleb Williams), the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, whose first taste of freedom draws him into a struggle against Judge Frollo (portrayed by local favorite Steve Valenzuela). What unfolds is a sweeping story of love, courage, justice, and the search for belonging.

This is not a typical Disney musical. Featuring a 24-member backstage choir, a 20-piece orchestra, and a cast of 20 local actors, Hunchback brings together one of the largest musical forces ever assembled for an Emmett Hook Center production. From intimate character moments to thunderous cathedral-sized musical scenes, the production offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable score live.

The music was written by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken, whose songs helped define Disney’s Renaissance era through classics such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Widely regarded as his most ambitious stage work, Hunchback blends Broadway storytelling with the grandeur of symphonic and choral music.

Bringing together performers from across the Ark-La-Tex, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame comes to the Emmett Hook Center for six performances: July 10 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and July 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $20–$30. Buy tickets HERE. They are also available through the Emmett Hook Center Box Office at 318-429-6885.

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Bailey Elaine Ebey, 30, passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2026, in Keithville, Louisiana.

Bailey was born on July 7, 1995, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. She graduated from Caddo Magnet High School in 2013 and devoted herself to being a full-time mother. She later began working as a teacher before joining Splash Kingdom Family Waterparks, where she served as a Guest Services Supervisor. She was later promoted to Sales Specialist for P23 Consulting. Bailey took great pride in her work and had a remarkable ability to make genuine connections with anyone she met.

Bailey’s greatest joy in life was her children, and she loved them with all her heart. She had a passion and talent for makeup and hair and often shared those talents with the people she loved. She also enjoyed cooking and was especially known for her unforgettable banana pudding. Bailey had a contagious smile that could light up any room and a kind heart that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She loved fiercely, cared deeply, and created countless memories that her family and friends will cherish forever.

Bailey was preceded in death by her uncle, Justin P. Shaver; her sister, Ashley N. Allen; and her grandparents, Paula S. Whittington, Tyrone D. Whittington, and Jessie Phillips Moss.

She is survived by her sons, Caven W. Ebey and Case R. Ebey, and their father, Casey Ebey. She is also survived by her parents, Patti E. Whittington, Kevin “Pete” Moss, and Angela C. Moss; her grandmother, Joy L. Moss; her siblings, Zoe G. Moncla, Tucker W. Moncla, and Coty Allen; her friend, Kursty Sepulvado; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, chosen family, and friends who will cherish her memory and carry forward the love she shared throughout her life.

Though Bailey’s time with us was far too short, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the lives she touched will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bailey’s memory by holding your loved ones a little closer, extending a helping hand whenever you can, and keeping her children in your thoughts and prayers.

“If you have hate in your heart, there is no room for love.”

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Jonathan (JP) Wilks Payne was born on November 30, 1966 to Alva Morris Payne and Betty Moore Payne. He died on June 17, 2026.

He is survived by his brother, Todd Payne and wife Amy Payne, and his nephews and nieces, Julie Stewart, Christine Royals Walker, Erika Royals, Thomas Royals, Zach Royals, Adeline Payne, Mary Peyton Payne, Tyler Stewart, Trent Stewart, and Jon Michael Payne.

He leaves behind two children, Sarah Kathryn Payne Lemoine and husband Steve Lemoine, and Spencer Payne.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ted Payne, sister, Debbie Payne, and his parents, all of whom he loved dearly.

JP attended Louisiana Tech University and was a proud member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He made many lifelong friends while there.

JP never met a stranger. He made friends with everyone from the clerks at convenience stores to the dry cleaner he frequented weekly. Although he encountered some struggles throughout his life, his family is grateful for the time and memories of him during these last few months. These memories will not be forgotten.

They are thankful for the care and support his brother Todd showed throughout JP’s life.

He was eternally proud of his two children and the miracle of his new grandson, Frederick Paul Lemoine.

JP lived large and had fun. The family would like to remind everyone that his motto was always “everybody just maintain”.

In times like these, that seems especially fitting.

“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

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Phonetic: /mal·​a·​prop·​ism/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

an amusing error that occurs when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds like another word but that has a very different meaning

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Play Sudoku online!

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