SporTran Launches Louisiana’s First Autonomous Public Transit Vehicle
SporTran Transit unveiled Shreveport-Bossier’s first autonomous public transit vehicle Thursday, becoming the first transit authority in Louisiana to operate a self-driving bus. The 12-passenger vehicle is part of a pilot program and will cycle through different routes across the Shreveport-Bossier area. A driver remains behind the wheel during this initial phase to monitor the vehicle’s performance. SporTran CEO Dinero Washington said the agency plans to expand the autonomous program across the region as confidence in the technology grows. The bus was purchased using federal transit funds.
Bossier City Attorney Charles Jacobs Steps Down Today
Bossier City Attorney Charles Jacobs submitted his resignation last week, with today, Aug. 31, being his last day on the job. The city has not released a reason for his departure and is actively accepting applications to fill the position. Jacobs served as city attorney through several significant legal matters, including the long-running U.L. Coleman federal consent decree that reached its final phase earlier this year.
Louisiana AG Murrill Appeals Caddo Commission Open Meetings Case
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has formally appealed the district court ruling in her office’s open meetings lawsuit against seven Caddo Parish Commissioners. The case stems from a June 2025 incident in which some commissioners prepared and issued a resolution welcoming U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to Shreveport without holding a formal public meeting. The lawsuit was dismissed in January 2026 by Special Judge John C. Davidson, who later ordered Murrill’s office to pay nearly $245,000 in attorney’s fees and sanctions to the Caddo Commission. Murrill is contesting both the dismissal and the fee award. The appeal is now before the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal.
Reminder: Bossier Parish Restroom Ordinance Public Hearing Tomorrow
The Bossier Parish Police Jury holds its public hearing on Ordinance No. 5127 tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. at the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton. The proposed ordinance would criminalize the use of parish-owned restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities that do not correspond with a person’s biological sex assigned at birth. Opponents include the ACLU of Louisiana, Louisiana Trans Advocates, and more than 270 individuals and organizations statewide. No final vote is expected at tomorrow’s hearing.