Please vote Yes for Constitutional Amendment 5 on the ballot for May 16. The amendment raises the age of retirement for Judges in Louisiana to 75 years, from the current 70-year retirement mandate. The reasons are simple.

• The voters are best suited to decide if a candidate should continue to serve.
• Experienced, highly qualified Judges are being forced into retirement.
• People are living longer productive lives and working longer.
• No other political office has a mandatory retirement age.
• By Supreme Court oversight, incompetent Judges can already be removed.

While the amendment does not put an end to what can only be called age bias, it does soften its effect. Voting Yes to raise the age is simply the right thing to do. In this election cycle alone, some 60 Judges of the approximately 360 in the State are being forced to retire. While some are doing so voluntarily, many others have an earnest desire to continue to serve the people of this great state. They should have the opportunity to do so, and it should be up to the voters to decide if they can continue, not some arbitrary age limit.

Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 9.

For more information go to http://www.yeson5for75.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Judge Van H. Kyzar

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Tressie Mabel Robinette Wynn Sepeda, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1938, in Bakersfield, California to Harold Robinette, Sr. and Grace Odell Mancil.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 307 Hammond St. in Zwolle, Louisiana. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Rd. in Shreveport. Officiating the service will be Father Mark Watson.

Tressie was a woman of strength and dignity, an example to all who knew her. She was an avid reader and a talented seamstress who loved sewing. Her faith was a guiding presence in her life. 

She is survived by her son, Bruce Wynn (Anita); granddaughter/daughter, Dawn Castie (Jeff); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She also loved Ron, Don, James, and Angela Sepeda, as her own. She is also survived by her sisters, Peggy Burkett of Hall Summit, LA; Lanell Hartley of Middleburg, FL; Rita Hernandez of Pace, FL; and Dana Robinett of Pace, FL; and her brothers, Harold Robinett Jr. (Diane), and Douglas Robinett. Tressie was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Sepeda; her daughter, Brenda Williams; her sons, Brett Wynn and Richard Wynn; stepson, Mike Sepeda; sisters, Marydell Grubb and Neva Bonhomme; and brothers, Danny Robinette, Pat Mancil, and Tommy Robinette.

Tressie will be greatly missed, but the family will always love and cherish her memory.

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Mary Helen Sessum Hawkins went to her heavenly resting place on Saturday, April 25 2026, while in the comfort of her home in Savannah, GA.

Mary was born in Vivian, LA on September 14, 1947. She was a 33 year employee of Lucent Technologies. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Savannah to be close to their son and family.

Mary and Jerry were avid round dancers, but what she was best known for was her love of sewing and quilting. To say she was a master of her craft is an understatement. She always made sure every stitch was perfect and sewn with love. She loved teaching classes and sharing her knowledge and skills with others.

She developed many close friendships with the ladies in her sewing community, and with her church family at the Sanctuary of Savannah. She always spoke so fondly of her friends, and appreciated the calls and visits as her health declined.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Sr; her parents, Robert and Lavern Sessum; one brother, Bobby Sesum; and one sister, Joyce McGee.

Mary is survived by her son and daughter in law, Jerry and Kelly Hawkins of Rocky Ford, GA; two grandsons, Thaddaus (Dawn) Deppen and Jordan Hawkins; three great-granddaughters Remy, Daliya, and Hazelee Deppen, and one sister Judy Inman.

Per Mary’s request, the family will hold a private memorial service at a later date to honor her. We appreciate all of the cards, calls, and messages, and ask that you continue to keep the family in your prayers.

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In a cute and interesting way of admitting how he dukes it out daily with his ego, our funny friend said, “You know, I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.” 

Laugh every time that crosses my feeble mind. So true of me.  What an impressive bundle of ego and selfishness. I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.

Such is the human condition. We are born selfish, waited on hand and foot. Now and then, a minor miracle takes place and some of us get better. At least a little better. Maybe for a time, maybe for a lifetime.

With graduation looming, a good rule for this spring’s class, for any class, for any of us still enrolled in this School of Life, would be the opposite of anything close to a grandiose attitude.

A great graduation gift would be Golden . . . “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That kind of a deal.

Sounds trite, right?  But so do reminders like, “Say please!” and “Wash your hands before dinner” and “Remember to say your prayers.”  (When all else fails, call on the classics, right?

Say you’re sorry and mean it. Clean up your own backyard. Keep short accounts with others. “. . . in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

If I were giving the commencement address today — we would both be shocked. All we know for sure is it would be short. Extremely. Any commencement speaker could do worse than offer these four pieces of encouragement. Be kind. Get cleaned up. Spend time with your Creator.  Treat others as you wish to be treated.

So pick up the rhythm guitar for a change. Let someone else have the mic. God can work a spotlight. He knows when to put it on you. In the meantime, enjoy his applause for you and his delight in you when you ask, “How can I help make the road less long for someone today?”

Christ really does want to make us a little more like Himself each day and to educate us in the School of Him. Why?  Because of what he did to save us from ourselves, to show us the joy in him available when we move away from me-centeredhearts and closer to the One who lives for “the least of these.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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A stretch of active weather is expected across northwest Louisiana as Caddo and Bossier parishes move through multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms midweek, followed by a noticeable cooldown heading into the weekend.

Wednesday will feature mostly cloudy skies across both parishes with a morning chance of showers and thunderstorms. Storm activity is expected to become more widespread during the afternoon hours. Temperatures will trend cooler than recent days, with highs in the mid to upper 70s. Winds will shift from light southwest or west flow in the morning to northerly flow by afternoon, helping usher in slightly cooler air.

By Wednesday night, showers are expected to continue, with a lingering chance of thunderstorms as moisture remains in place. Overnight lows will settle into the upper 50s to around 60 degrees, marking the start of a cooler pattern.

Thursday brings continued unsettled conditions with mostly cloudy skies and isolated to scattered showers possible throughout the day. A few thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. High temperatures will remain subdued, generally in the upper 60s to around 70. Northeast winds will pick up slightly at times, with occasional gusts adding to the cooler feel.

Thursday night keeps the chance of showers in place, with additional rounds of rain likely developing. Lows will drop into the mid 50s as cooler air becomes more established across the region.

Friday looks to be the most impactful weather day in the forecast period, with widespread showers expected and a chance for thunderstorms during the afternoon. Conditions will stay cool for late April, with highs ranging from the upper 50s in Caddo Parish to around 60 in Bossier Parish. Rain chances remain very high throughout the day.

Rain will likely continue into Friday night, though coverage may gradually decrease after sunset. Some lingering showers could persist into the overnight hours, with lows holding near 50 degrees.

A noticeable improvement arrives Saturday as drier air moves in. Skies will be partly cloudy with highs recovering into the upper 60s in Caddo Parish and near 70 in Bossier Parish. Saturday night turns mostly clear and cooler, with lows falling into the mid 40s.

Sunday brings a return to more typical spring conditions with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid 70s across the region. Dry weather continues into Monday with sunshine and highs in the upper 70s.

By Tuesday, cloud cover begins to increase again with a slight chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms, though most areas should remain dry. Highs will climb back into the lower 80s as warmer air begins to return.

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Students at W.T. Lewis Elementary School were recognized during a recent ceremony marking their completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, hosted in partnership with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The event brought together students, families, and school staff to celebrate the program’s conclusion, which focuses on helping students develop decision-making skills and make positive life choices.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by 5th grade student Levi Harkins, followed by remarks from School Resource Officer Sarah Laurent and school leadership. Bossier Schools Assistant Superintendent Andrea Spinney spoke to students about using the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model in their daily lives, while D.A.R.E. Coordinator SRO Deputy Cedric Payne encouraged students to carry the program’s lessons forward as they grow.

Several students were recognized for outstanding essays, including Benton Ocmand, Katinie Goodrum, Christopher Woodard, and Carmen Moreno. Woodard also read his winning essay aloud during the ceremony.

Levi Harkins received the Daren the Lion Award, recognizing leadership and positive influence among his peers. Students also performed a musical selection, including the D.A.R.E. Song, under the direction of music teacher Katie Muslow.

School leaders praised students for their effort and participation, and officials with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office extended congratulations to all participants for completing the program and representing their school and families with pride.

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By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.

The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.

Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.

“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”

The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”

Purchase Raffle Tickets: https://nsudemons.com/

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Local action in the LHSAA baseball playoff quarterfinals begins today, weather permitting, with third-seeded Calvary at home against No. 11 Dunham starting a Select Division III best-of-three series.

Calvary is 23-13 after a pair of shutout wins in the regional round over Fisher last week.

Benton’s Tigers (29-6-2), seeded sixth in Non-Select Division I, are home beginning Thursday against No. 14 Destrehan.

Loyola’s Flyers (21-14), fifth seeds in Select Division II, play a doubleheader Thursday at Acadiana Renaissance School with the if-necessary Game 3 Friday.

Benton and Loyola took Game 3 wins to capture their regional round series last week.

Local teams in LHSAA baseball quarterfinal matchups

Non-Select Division I

Benton (6) hosts (14) Destrehan Thursday (6:00), Friday (6:00), if necessary Saturday (noon)

Select Division II

Loyola (5) at (4) Acadiana Renaissance Charter, Thursday (4:30/7:00 DH), if necessary Friday (4:30)

Select Division III

Calvary (3) hosts (11) Dunham today (6:00), Thursday (3:30/6:15 DH if necessary)

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Chloe Larry and Mikaylah Williams teamed up in an extremely successful run for the Parkway High girls basketball program, and now they’ll play together again at LSU.

Williams will enter her senior season with the Tigers as the team’s undisputed leader with a long resume of accomplishment at LSU.

Larry – a pivotal figure in two Parkway state championships — was announced Tuesday as a new addition to the program, with two seasons of eligibility left after transferring from Tennessee Tech.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey announced Larry’s addition to the team.

“I’m excited to welcome Chloe to LSU,” Mulkey said. “She brings an incredible work ethic, strong leadership, and a natural ability to elevate those around her. I have no doubt she will work tirelessly to represent the purple and gold with pride.”

In her two seasons at Tennessee Tech, Larry had immediate impact as one of the best freshmen in the Ohio Valley Conference, Larry was named to the 2024-25 OVC All-Newcomer Team after averaging 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest in her opening campaign.

She was OVC Freshman of the Week four times through the season.

Larry made 30 starts in 31 appearances. LSU coaches said Larry has the ability to get her shot off at all three levels, including behind the 3-point arc. In her first collegiate season, Larry knocked down 35-of-98 (35.7 percent) from distance.

As a sophomore, she started 26 times in 27 appearances and averaged 13.6 points per game. Larry was named to the All-OVC second team, ranking ninth in the conference in scoring, fifth in free throw percentage and seventh in 3-pointers made.

Larry combined with Williams to lead Parkway to the 2023 LHSAA Non-Select Division I state championship.

In the following year when Williams moved on to the collegiate ranks, Larry guided the Lady Panthers to a second consecutive state title. She hit a 60-foot 3-pointer to win a semifinal battle in overtime and was a repeat All-State pick after earning state tournament Outstanding Player honors.

The 5-8 guard was a very accomplished three-sport athlete at Parkway, also starring in softball and track and field.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

MONROE – Senior Alexander Jayroe of Evangel prevailed in a tight second set after taking control with an impressive first set to upset the defending champion and win the LHSAA Division III boys singles championship Tuesday.

Jayroe won 6-2, 7-5 over St. Charles Catholic’s Brody Matherne in the LHSAA tennis tournament hosted by ULM.

Jayroe earned his spot in the championship match with a grueling 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 semifinal victory over Arjun Walvekar of Newman.

His triumph helped the ECA boys finish fourth in team standings. Calvary’s girls were fourth in their division.

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By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Communications

A strong second half of the conference season has lifted the Centenary baseball team into the mix at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament beginning Thursday at La Moderna Field in Cleburne, Texas.

The No. 6 seed Diamond Gents (21-19 overall, 16-14 in the SCAC) will face No. 3 seed Concordia University 25-15, 18-12 SCAC) in the opening game of the tournament at 11 Thursday morning. It is a double-elimination bracket.

Centenary clinched a berth into the SCAC Tournament and completed a three-game series sweep over the University of the Ozarks Eagles with a 16-6 run-rule victory in seven innings on Saturday at Shehee Stadium.

The Maroon and White opened the series with a 6-1 win last Thursday night and followed that with a 15-1 win in seven innings on Friday.

The Diamond Gents, who finished 10-6 at home, rebounded from an 0-3 start to conference play to go 16-11 the rest of the way including winning five of its final six conference series.

Freshman right-hander Garritt Romero was named the SCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week on Monday after he tossed his first-career complete game in Thursday’s win, which set the tone for the Diamond Gents’ series sweep. He allowed just one earned run in his nine innings of work on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts. He faced 32 batters and threw just 76 pitches with 49 for strikes.

SOFTBALL: The Ladies (16-22, 14-16 SCAC) have qualified for the SCAC Tournament for the 10^th season in a row and will be the No. 6 seed in the event and will face No. 3 seed Concordia University on Friday at 1:30.

The tournament is set to begin on Friday and will run through Sunday in Abilene, Texas, on the campus of McMurry University.

The Ladies were swept by the University of the Ozarks this past weekend on the road as they fell 3-2 in the series finale on Sunday preceded by a doubleheader  sweep at the hands of the Eagles on Saturday, falling 7-3 and 4-1. 

TRACK & FIELD: The Ladies and Gents capped action in the 2026 SCAC Championships on Sunday in Abilene on the McMurry campus.

The Gents finished ninth with 15 points and the Ladies finished 11^th with three points. The following earned top 10 finishes in their respective events during the weekend:

Sophomore Dwayne Mills Jr. took eighth in the 100-meter dash (10.96);

Sophomore Clayton Hancock, freshman Malcolm Pierce, Bryan Washington, and freshman Zack Wroten ran a time of 3:23.51 in the 4 x 400-meter relay to finish fourth;

Freshman Michael Cunningham captured Centenary’s top finish, fourth in the discus (139-3), and 10^th in the javelin as he threw 133-9;

Sophomore Jay Scott earned seventh in the long jump (21-8 3/4);

Sophomore Grayson Shugart finished sixth in the triple jump (33-8). Sophomore Gabrielle Malagarie finished ninth in the high jump (4-7 3/4).

STUNT: The Centenary STUNT team finished its second season in historic fashion at the National Tournament in Nashville.

USA Cheer hosted the STUNT National Championship Tournament at Lipscomb University. The Ladies entered the tournament as the sixth seed after finishing their regular season with an 8-9 record. 

Six teams were welcomed into the National Tournament for DIII; Muskingum University (1), George Fox (2), Saint Mary’s College (3), Misercordia (4), Maryville College (5), and Centenary (6). The Ladies held the number five ranking for five weeks straight in the regular season and dropped to number six one week prior to the tournament announcement. Final rankings will take place following the tournament conclusion.

“I am extremely proud of this team and the grit that they showed all season,” said head coach Kaylee King. “To make it to the national championship tournament in only their second season, says a lot about the drive and determination that they possess. This season has been a roller coaster of not only emotions but physical abilities, and there were times where we had to question whether we would even qualify.”

LACROSSE: The Gents fell27-4 to the Colorado College Tigers in their season finale on Saturday at Washburn Field in Colorado Springs.

The Gents finished with a 10-4 record, their most successful one in program history, while the Tigers improved to 12-2. 

Centenary finished as one of the top offensive teams in the country this season with 246 goals, 150 assists, and 396 points as the Maroon and White averaged just under 18 goals per game as six players scored 10+ goals each this season.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

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For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!  

In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.

Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch. 

The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.   

He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine. 

Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament. 

The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide. 

What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish. 

The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.

As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person. 

All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do. 

Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments. 

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If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.

Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.

But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?

Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.

Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.

Spiritual wax works the same way.

• A little pride here.
• A little resentment there.
• A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”

Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:

• The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
• The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
• The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”

But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.

After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.

Spiritually, the same principles apply.

1. Stop sticking things in your ears.
You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.

2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning.
Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.

3. Get professional help when needed.
Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.

When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.

When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.

Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”

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It’s 2026, and they’ve put AI inside everything from your toaster to your toothbrush. Now, a local genius claims to have optimized the highway driving experience. Our advice? If the app gives you the option to ‘Cancel,’ hit it before it hits your windshield.

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April 29 has served as the backdrop for events ranging from historic weddings to moments of unrest, each leaving a lasting imprint on society.

One of the most widely recognized events tied to this date occurred in 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal wedding was seen as a modernizing moment for the British monarchy, blending tradition with contemporary appeal and capturing global attention.

April 29 is also remembered for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest lasted several days, resulting in widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life. The riots highlighted deep racial and economic tensions in the United States and prompted ongoing discussions about policing and justice.

In wartime history, April 29, 1945, marked the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Allied forces during World War II. The discovery of the camp’s conditions exposed the full extent of atrocities committed during the Holocaust and became a pivotal moment in documenting those crimes.

The date also carries significance in technological progress. In 2004, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of one of America’s oldest automobile brands and symbolizing shifts within the auto industry.

From celebration to conflict and remembrance, April 29 reflects the wide spectrum of human experience, illustrating how a single date can hold moments of joy, tragedy, and transformation.

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“When a mother realizes her child is watching history unfold in real time—and feeling afraid—she faces a question no parent is ever quite prepared to answer: how do you explain a frightening world without making it feel even more dangerous?”

 See what Ida says 

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Frederic Halbur, 64, “Fred”, son of Bobbie Bass and Norbert Halbur, loving husband of Diana Christine Halbur, passed away on April 9, 2026 at his home in Shreveport, LA.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; brother, Frank and his wife Shuala; and sister, Pat and her husband Albert.

Fred worked as an auto mechanic until his retirement in 2015, bringing his love of cars home with him to work on many occasions. He also loved animals, boat rides on the lake and scenic rides on the motorcycle.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

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A funeral service for Lee Allen Howell “Dub,” 82, will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating the service will be Brother Chad Rhoades.

Lee was born on March 18, 1944, to Morgan Howell and Sadie Butler Howell in Winnfield, Louisiana, and passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Lee Howell spent his life working in the logging industry, a trade he respected and poured his strength into for many years. The heart of his world was his wife, Nancy Dubois Howell, with whom he shared 63 years of unwavering companionship. Their long marriage stood as a testament to loyalty, resilience, and a love that carried them through every season of life. Lee will be remembered for his quiet dedication and the steady presence he offered to those around him.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Morgan Howell; mother, Sadie Butler Howell; brothers, M.L. Howell and Robert Howell; sister, Lucille Clifton Woodell; and mother-in-law, Maymie Dubois. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Dubois Howell, and their baby, Lil Red Howell of Haughton, LA; brother, Thomas” Buddy” Howell and wife, Billie Jean of Castor, LA, and Jimmy Howell and wife, Carolyn of Stonewall, LA; and sister, Ann Howell of New Castle, OK.

Honoring Lee as pallbearers will be Colby Howell, Lucas Howell, Blake Howell, Richard Willis, Craig Howell, and Tommy Ashburn. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Joseph Boots Clifton.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, http://www.stjude.org.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Pilgrim Manor for taking such good care of Lee.

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Two men from south Louisiana were arrested early April 26 after Shreveport Police responded to a reported burglary in progress at a dealership on East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.

Officers arrived around 1:45 a.m. and established a perimeter, taking both suspects into custody at the scene.

Authorities identified the suspects as Elijah Barnaba of Opelousas and Jacolby Castille of Lafayette. Investigators said the pair was in possession of a device used to program key fobs, along with other tools commonly associated with vehicle theft.

Both men were booked on multiple charges, including two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, possession of burglary tools and resisting an officer.

Police credited the quick response and coordination of patrol officers in preventing the theft and making the arrests.

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A carport fire in the Dogwood North subdivision spread to multiple structures Sunday night, displacing two families, according to Bossier Parish Fire District No. 1.

Fire crews responded around 8:22 p.m. on April 26 to Dogwood Trail, where the carport was found fully engulfed upon arrival. The fire extended to the attached home, a neighboring residence and several vehicles.

Firefighters conducted water shuttle operations using 3,000-gallon engines until a water supply was established from a hydrant located about 900 feet away. Crews worked for approximately an hour to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported. A total of five engines, two rescue units, one EMS unit and three chiefs responded to the scene.

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