STATEWIDE:

Louisiana voters will head to the polls on May 16 to consider five proposed amendments to the state constitution. These proposals, passed during the 2025 regular legislative session, cover a range of issues including civil service protections, school district creation, educator compensation, and judicial retirement ages.

To be enacted, each amendment must receive a majority vote at the polls. Two of the five proposals seek to adjust Article VII, the “money section” of the constitution, which remains the most frequently amended portion of the document.

The following is a summary of the five amendments appearing on the ballot:

Amendment 1: Civil Service Reclassification This amendment would allow the Louisiana Legislature to remove specific state government positions from the classified civil service system through state law. Currently, such changes require approval from the State Civil Service Commission. Supporters argue this would provide agencies with the flexibility to manage workers like the private sector, while opponents fear it could lead to increased political patronage and corruption.

Amendment 2: St. George Community School System Voters are asked to authorize the creation of the St. George Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish, separating it from the existing parishwide district. If approved, the new district would begin operations in July 2027 with the same authority as other parish school districts. Proponents believe a smaller district will increase local ownership and oversight, whereas opponents argue the fragmentation will lead to increased administrative costs and further segregation.

Amendment 3: Teacher Pay and Retirement Debt This proposal seeks to dissolve three education trust funds—containing approximately $2 billion—to pay down a portion of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana debt. The resulting savings in annual retirement payments would be used to fund a permanent $2,250 raise for teachers and a $1,125 raise for support staff. Supporters note the maneuver would save the state an estimated $1 billion in interest over time, while opponents express concern over the loss of a protected, perpetual revenue stream for education programs.

Amendment 4: Business Inventory Property Taxes Amendment 4 would grant local governments the authority to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory. Parishes that choose to permanently exempt inventory before July 2027 would be eligible for a one-time state incentive payment ranging from $500,000 to $15 million. Supporters argue the tax makes Louisiana uncompetitive for economic development, while opponents caution that losing this revenue could create financial gaps for essential local services like law enforcement and schools.

Amendment 5: Judicial Retirement Age The final amendment on the ballot proposes raising the mandatory retirement age for Louisiana judges from 70 to 75. Under the proposal, a judge who turns 75 while in office would be permitted to complete their current term. Proponents argue the change accounts for increased life expectancy and preserves institutional knowledge, while opponents contend that an age limit is necessary to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that the southbound lane of the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge on US 167/Pineville Expressway will be reduced for maintenance work Sunday, May 17.

According to DOTD, the lane closure will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

The maintenance work will take place on the southbound bridge over the Red River and Greer Street near the intersection of US 167 South and Interstate 49 in Rapides Parish.

Officials said one lane of traffic will remain open throughout the project, and no detour will be necessary.

In their fourth game of the LHSAA baseball playoffs, the Glenmora Wildcats were finally scored upon Wednesday.

But just like in the other playoff games, Glenmora came out on top. The Wildcats held off Pitkin 3-2 in Sulphur to complete their impressive run to the Class B state baseball championship.

Glenmora never trailed in a matchup of the top two seeds in the Class B bracket. The No. 2 Wildcats jumped on top in the first inning on an RBI double by Logan Eaves.

Eaves scored in the sixth inning on an infield single by Logan Cloud for a 2-0 advantage. Cloud later took advantage of a rundown and scampered home safely to get Glenmora a three-run lead – with that run proving pivotal.

Pitkin rallied for two runs and had the tying run at third base with two outs, but the comeback stopped there on a groundout and Glenmora (19-6) celebrated its first-ever state baseball championship.

Pitkin (19-5) was the defending state champion, aiming for its 15^th state title.

“There’s no better feeling than this right now,” said Wyatt Gillespie, who threw six shutout innings, scattering five hits while striking out three, and earned the game’s MVP award.

“Words can’t even describe it,” said Eaves, speaking with KALB TV. “We all came together, minds were right, and we just competed. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Everybody pulled through and did their job. Wyatt absolutely did great on the mound. He’s the guy we needed for this.”

Eaves, Cloud and Brayden Holloway, who threw a shutout Tuesday in the semifinals, each delivered two hits for the Wildcats, who had eight total.

When the team returned home, supporters who couldn’t make the trip to join a big crowd of Glenmora fans in Sulphur were on hand at the school to greet the state champs.

Louisiana Christian’s baseball team and the softball squad from LSU Alexandria completed their comebacks through the losers’ bracket in their respective NAIA postseason regionals Wednesday, but couldn’t take the final steps.

LCU pounded Northwestern Ohio 16-3 to reach the championship round of the Lawrenceville (Ga.) regional in the NAIA Baseball Opening Round, but the home team was too stout. The Grizzlies, ranked fourth nationally, completed an unbeaten run through the regionals on their home field and advanced to the World Series by beating the Wildcats 12-4.

The LSUA softball team did beat the regional hosts on their home field Wednesday, taking a 9-2 victory in a showdown with Science and Arts of Oklahoma in the losers’ bracket final of the Chickasaw regional. But College of Idaho stayed perfect in the regional in the championship round, stopping the Generals 10-6.

LCU WILDCATS: Scoring five runs in each of the first two innings, the 24^th-ranked Wildcats took command in their do-or-die contest with Northwestern Ohio. Harrison Waxley had a three-run double in the first inning for LCU, and Jake Messina’s two-run single was the last blow in the second frame for a 10-1 lead. Three more runs in the third sealed the deal as Waxley went 4-for-5 with 4 RBI.

But Georgia Gwinnett (49-6) was not to be denied its eighth straight World Series trip, including a 2021 national championship and semifinal appearances in each of the last two years.

LCU (37-15) opened a 2-0 lead on an RBI single by Monday’s walk-off HR hero, Gavin Vordick, and Matthew Cody ripped a solo homer for a third-inning advantage. It grew to 3-0 in the fifth when Drake Aldridge rapped a run-scoring single.

The Grizzlies got on the board in the fifth, then posted a five-run sixth and blew it open with six runs in the eighth inning. Aldridge went 3-for-5 in the final game.

LSUA GENERALS: A seven-run third inning was the cornerstone of the 9-2 win over the tournament hosts. Kaetlyn Dunbar’s bases-loaded triple and a two-run double by Haley Fontenot were the big rips to blow open the game for LSUA, which eliminated the regional top-seeded Drovers (48-11).

College of Idaho had the fast start in the championship round. Needing to beat the Yotes twice to reach the World Series, the Generals fell behind 9-2 after two innings.

But LSUA (37-18) punched back with a four-run third inning. College of Idaho added another run in the bottom half, and neither team scored again.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. – Among professional golf’s four majors, the PGA Championship is the one with Louisiana flavor.

Sam Burns would love to spice that up this weekend at Aronimink Golf Club in the 108^th renewal of the event.

Four Louisiana golfers have captured PGA Championship titles: Shreveport-Bossier’s David Toms (2001), Shreveporter Hal Sutton (1983), and Lafayette’s Hebert brothers, Lionel (1957) and Jay (1960).

Burns has put together his best finishes and rounds in major championships last year and in this year’s Masters, where he tied for seventh at 9-under par. He tied for 19^th in last year’s PGA Championship, then held the lead during the weekend and onto the back nine Sunday at the U.S. Open before mishaps in heavy rain left him tied for seventh.  He was 45^th at the British Open, where his best finish is 31^st in 2024.

The eight-year PGA Tour veteran, who has over $37 million in career earnings and five tournament titles highlighted by the 2023 World Match Play crown, embraces the opportunities major championships present.

“As a competitor, those weeks typically have the best fields and are the hardest weeks to win. It’s what we gear up for,” he said in a recent interview on SI.com’s Dan Evans Show. “With the majors, you only have four cracks a year, so it’s those weeks you look forward to, and try to gauge your schedule around so hopefully you’re playing well at those times.”

Burns, a 29-year-old Shreveport native who now lives in Choudrant and plays out of Squire Creek Country Club, is in one of the featured threesomes teeing off in Rounds 1 and 2 today and Friday on the 7,394-yard, par-70 layout just outside of Philadelphia.

His playing partners are both major champions – Gary Woodland (2019 U.S. Open) and Jason Day (2015 PGA). Golf Magazine’s Golf.com analysts have listed the threesome as one of the 10 “best groupings” for the first 36 holes. Woodland is 23^rd in current year purse winnings at $3.1 million, while Burns is 35^th ($2.4 million) and Day is 49^th ($1.8 million).

Burns (35^th) is highest among his partners in the Official World Golf Rankings, with Woodland at 47^th and Day at 41^st.  The PGA Championship annually claims it has the strongest field in pro golf, and 97 of the OWGR top 100 are teeing off this week.

Burns’ group will go off the 10^th tee this morning at 6:34 CDT, and Friday start on the first tee at 11:59 CDT in pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy that goes to the PGA winner.

Burns has two top 10 finishes and six in the top 25 this season. He fired a 64, his second-lowest round of the year, Sunday in Charlotte, N.C., in his latest round at the Truist Championship.

American players have won the last 10 PGA Championships. Burns’ good friend Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, is the defending champion.

Television coverage begins with streaming on ESPN+ this morning and Friday morning from 6-11 CDT, with ESPN picking it up from 11-6. Weekend coverage is on ESPN in the mornings for the final two rounds and CBS has the contenders playing in its broadcast window from noon-6 Saturday and Sunday.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Phonetic: /REK-tuh-fye/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

• Rectify is a formal word meaning “to correct (something that is wrong).”
  
  We were given the wrong room key, but the hotel management quickly rectified the situation.

This summer, kids are invited to buckle up and hit the road for an unforgettable Vacation Bible School adventure at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria! “Road Trip: On the Go with God,” VBS will take place on Friday nights throughout July, transforming each evening into a journey filled with faith, fun, friendship, and discovery.
 

Open for children entering Pre-K through 5th Grade for the 2026–2027 school year, Road Trip VBS will feature music, food, crafts, science activities, games, and Godly Play Bible stories that bring scripture to life in creative and engaging ways. Each week, children will explore how God journeys with us through every season of life while discovering that they are never alone on the road ahead.
 

“God is with us on the journey” serves as the central Bible point for this year’s adventure-themed program. Through stories from both the Old and New Testaments, children will discover how God remains present whether they feel joyful, lonely, uncertain, near, far away, or even off course.

Featured Bible stories include Abraham and Sarah following God into the unknown, Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, Mary and Elizabeth’s joyful reunion, and the Israelites taking the scenic route through the wilderness. The week’s key verse comes from Joshua 1:9: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
 

Created by Cokesbury, the Road Trip VBS curriculum combines Bible storytelling with interactive learning experiences designed to help children connect faith with everyday life. According to the program overview, every activity—from games and crafts to science experiments, snacks, music, and storytelling—reinforces the Bible lesson of the day. Children will travel station-to-station through themed activities, hands-on projects, and memorable experiences that make learning about God engaging, creative, and fun.
 

Parents get a date night, because FUMCA’s Vacation Bible School will be held Fridays in July from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria.

Dates include:

• Friday, July 10
• Friday, July 17
• Friday, July 24
• Friday, July 31

Registration is free and open now. Register online at: FUMCA VBS Registration

For more information about ministries and events at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, visit www.fumca.org

Last October 31st, it was trick-or-treat at Alexandria International Airport – but on that day, it was all treats as it was announced that United Airlines would be returning to AEX in 2026. Fast forward 6+ months and the celebration date is set. This Thursday, May 21, at 2:30pm, the inaugural flight between Alexandria International Airport (AEX) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will mark an important milestone for connectivity across Central Louisiana.

The route was suspended in 2022 due in part to a nationwide pilot shortage, leaving Central Louisiana without a direct United connection. The new service will operate under United Express, powered by SkyWest Airlines, providing direct access to Houston’s global network.

Beginning this Thursday, United Express will offer two daily flights between Alexandria and Houston. Flights are now available for booking at united.com or by calling 800-864-8331.

Departures from AEX: 9:43 AM and 4:00 PM
Return Flights from Houston: 1:40 PM and 6:45 PM

This schedule gives travelers the freedom to make same-day business trips or connect to hundreds of destinations across the U.S. and abroad and is a convenient alternative to driving to Lafayette or even Dallas.

Ralph Hennessy, Executive Director of AEX, says United is starting slow in their return. “They’re starting out, baby steps, right? You’ve got to crawl before you can walk,” Hennessy said. “It’s two flights a day, and then we envision going to three and possibly four.”

Bringing United back to Cenla has been at the top of the list for Hennessy since he first came to England Airpark in December 2022. Hennessy said this move will provide another avenue for people to come and go.

“There are a number of people that live in this area that drive to Houston to do work and then come back. It’s also going to allow people that are in Houston to fly here to do business and go back,” he said. “It’s going to help spur some interest back in the community.”

So Welcome Back United, and welcome back to convenient, same day, non-stop flights to and from Houston, a huge benefit for Cenla’s business travelers, the military and tourists alike.

After 22 years of shared finances, a new disagreement puts one couple at odds: should they help an adult son with car payments, or protect their retirement?

 See what Ida says 

Louisiana Central will host Rally the Region, a collaborative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education, workforce readiness, and economic development across a 10-parish region.

The event features nationally recognized workforce expert Mark C. Perna and Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council. Local leaders from the Rapides Parish School Board, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, and the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce will join regional stakeholders to discuss creating stronger pathways from the classroom to the local workforce.

WHAT: Rally the Region: Business & Industry Partners Session

WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: England Airpark Community Center Alexandria, Louisiana

WHO:

• Chris Masingill, president and CEO, Louisiana Central

• Mark C. Perna, author and workforce expert

• Nathan Ohle, president and CEO, International Economic Development Council

• Jeff Powell, superintendent, Rapides Parish School Board

• Dr. Heather Poole, chancellor, Central Louisiana Technical Community College

• Deborah Randolph, president, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Regional business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders

The Alexandria Senior High track and field teams headed into last Saturday’s state championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium among the favorites, based on their impressive Region 1-5A triumphs.

It was on display in Baton Rouge. The ASH girls won the team championship going away, with 85 points. It was the school’s first state track and field team title since the 2007 Lady Trojans took state.

There were four event champions for the ASH girls:

• Brielle Texada, javelin

• Nyla Stewart, discus

• 4×100, and 4×200 relays (Jamaria Byrd, Amari Dupar, Devan Williams, Ja’Nya Gray)

Other pivotal performances included a second in the triple jump and third in the long jump by Noelle Williams; third in the 4×400 relay (Evelyn Wold, Dupar, Byrd, Madeline Davis); Alyssa Skipper’s third-place shot put; a 3-4 finish in the 100 meter dash by Gray and Dupar; Gray taking fourth in the 200; and fourth in the 4×800 relay (Makiera Keys, Wold, Davis, Sophia Reish).

Rapides Parish produced six more state champions.

ASH’s Joseph Carter Rivet took the 5A boys discus with a 186-7 mark, winning by over 25 feet.

Tioga’s Shawniya Dixon won the 4A girls high jump with a 5-3 ¾ clearance.

Lady Indians teammate Naomi Dishman was the 4A girls 400 meter champion, clocking 56.85.

In Class 2A, Menard’s Carly Menard was the girls discus winner with a 112-5 throw.

Grace Christian’s Ben Stokes was the Class B boys discus king, marking 119-1.

Audrey Tarver of Grace Christian took the Class B girls 100 meter hurdles in 16.83.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Louisiana Christian weathered an eighth-inning go-ahead rally by Marian and got a walk-off, pitch-hit two-run home run by Gavin Vordick Monday to win 4-3 in the Lawrenceville Bracket of the NAIA Baseball Opening Round.

The Wildcats, ranked 24^th nationally and seeded second in the regional, advanced to a 2 p.m. (CT) winner’s bracket battle with host Georgia Gwinnett, ranked fourth nationally and seeded first in the regional.

Marian, No. 23 nationally and the third seed at the regional, will play today at 10 a.m. in an elimination game and if it survives, will face elimination again in the third and final game today.

LCU (36-13) got a solo homer in the second inning by Matthew Cody, but Marion tied the game in the fourth on an RBI double. The Wildcats quickly regained the lead on Harrison Waxley’s double scoring Drake Aldridge, who had singled to open the bottom of the fourth.

With the Wildcats three outs from advancing, the Knights found their offense. A lead-off walk was sacrificed over to second, and then a RBI single and a RBI double on back-to-back hits gave Marian its first lead of the game at 3-2 before reliever Owen Simoneaux came on to put out the fire, retiring the two batters he faced. 
Caleb Brown led off the bottom of the ninth by dropping a base hit into left-center. Waxley laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Brown into scoring position. Vordick was called on to pinch hit and took a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left, into the LCU bullpen for the walk-off home run.

Vordick’s blast was his fourth home run of the season.

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN 7, LSUA 0: In Kingsport, Tenn., the third-seeded Generals (33-17) managed just two hits and struck out 10 times against the second-seeded winners (41-14).

LSUA will meet fifth-seeded William Woods at 10 a.m. (CT) in an elimination game. The winner will play again tomorrow at 5 in an elimination contest against top-seeded Webber International, upset Monday by No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan 10-6.

Second-seeded Glenmora is the last Rapides Parish team standing in the LHSAA baseball playoffs, after another parish team, Grace Christian, went down in a tough 5-4 loss Friday averting a possible all Rapides semifinal game in Class B.

Grace Christian was edged by visiting Family Community. On Thursday, Glenmora run-ruled Stanley10-0.

Glenmora and Family Community, the sixth seed, meet at 2 o’clock Tuesday in Sulphur at McMurry Park on Field 37.

Baseball playoff results, schedule

Class B (quarterfinals, single-elimination)

Glenmora 10, Stanley 0

Family Community 5, Grace Christian 4

(Tuesday’s semifinals at McMurry Park, Sulphur) 

Glenmora vs. Family Community, 2:00

BOM Bank is proud to sponsor the Midstate Arts & Athletics Golf Tournament!

Midstate Homeschool Organization is a Christian nonprofit serving homeschool families in the greater Alexandria area, providing Christ-honoring opportunities for social, physical, and educational growth through sports, classes, and special events.

Pictured left to right: BOM’s Titan Marler and Dylan Stokes.

The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced an emergency relocation Friday for two voting precincts ahead of the May 16 election.

Voters in Precincts C11 A and C11 B, who previously cast ballots at 1402 Reed Ave., will now VOTE in a  new location to vote. The change is effective immediately.

The new polling site for these precincts is located at:

Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Life Center
11 16th St. Alexandria, LA 71301

For additional information, voters may contact the Rapides Parish Police Jury office or the Registrar of Voters.

Update:

Rapides Parish Schools announced Thursday that Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School and Alexandria Middle Magnet School will officially reopen Friday, May 8.

The campuses were previously forced to close on Thursday, May 7, due to significant flash flooding and heavy rainfall that caused drainage issues across the district. District officials confirmed that maintenance teams and contractors worked throughout the day to resolve the issues and ensure the facilities were safe for occupancy.

“Thanks to the hard work of our school and district maintenance teams and contractors, both campuses are ready to safely welcome students and staff back,” the district stated in a release.

Parents or guardians with further questions may contact the district at 318-487-0888 or via email at contactus@rpsb.us. Additional updates can be found on the official district website at http://www.rpsb.us.

ORIGINAL

Following significant flash flooding across the district today, Rapides Parish Schools has announced the closure of two campuses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Heavy rainfall caused drainage issues at both locations, preventing the schools from opening safely.

Maintenance teams and contractors are currently on-site working to resolve the issues. District officials will provide updates as more information becomes available.

WHAT: School Closures due to flash flooding and drainage issues WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2026 WHERE:

• Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School

• Alexandria Middle Magnet School

CONTACT:

For questions or further information, the district can be reached at:

• Phone: 318-487-0888

• Email: contactus@rpsb.us

• Website: http://www.rpsb.us