News

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) attempted to pass his resolution to withhold senators’ pay during government shutdowns via unanimous consent on Sunday, but Senate Democrats objected and blocked the resolution.

“And here is what my resolution would do: It would change Senate rules to provide that, when we are in a shutdown, that Senators cannot be paid, cannot receive their salaries. Their checks would be — think of it this way, Mr. President — locked in a vault. And once the shutdown is over, the Senators could pick them up,” Kennedy explained.

“This resolution — again, it is not a bill — is about shared sacrifice. And I am not doing it to punish anybody. I am not doing it to try to embarrass anybody,” Kennedy said, later adding, “It is about shared sacrifice and sending a message. We have about a squillion employees at the Department of Homeland Security that aren’t being paid, and there is no prospect of them being paid.”

The staff of the Pelican Branch Library would like to say a very heartfelt thanks to local author, Emily Myers, for coming to share a few chapters of her new book with us yesterday. After reading the first chapter, the audience was captivated and asked her to read another one! Emily also took the time to answer questions and give us a little insight on new projects that she is currently working on. Also, thanks to our wonderful patrons that came to participate in this great event. Be on the lookout for more exciting books from this very talented author!

Join us in the Ozarks for an outdoor adventure at the Reel ‘Em Inn as we follow the story of the Wilburn family headed by D. Gene Wilburn, who desires a peaceful fishing weekend. Unfortunately, he finds himself surrounded by chaos, including his caffeine-addicted wife, a relationship guru, and an axe murderer. The play features a cast of quirky characters, including a shy retiree and a feisty sister, all contributing to the comedic and chaotic narrative.

We have four performances this upcoming weekend only — Friday, March 20 @ 7:00 pm; Saturday, March 21, and 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; and Sunday, March 22 @ 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at backalleygrandcane. com. If you have any questions or need assistance, call our box office at 318–461–0202. Join us for glorious hilarity as you laugh your way through our Jones Hope Wooten comedy. This production promises to be one habit you’ll never want to break!

Longtime Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett announced in a meeting to his staff this morning that he will not seek reelection.

Burkett is Louisiana’s longest-serving District Attorney, having served in elected office for over 40 years. He is a past inductee in the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, Judicial Hall of Fame and the Sabine Hall of Fame.

Pete Abington, a Many businessman and highly respected political strategist, said Burkett notified him of his decision in an early morning email.

Longtime Sabine Parish journalist Robert Gentry said he talked to Burkett, and Burkett told him he will not be taking part in the upcoming election for District Attorney.

Ronald “Ronnie” Brandon, who worked as Assistant District Attorney for many years, resigned from the Sabine DA‘s office recently to announce that he will be a candidate in the election this fall.

Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office recently attended the NENA (National Emergency Number Association) “9–1–1 Goes to Washington” event in Washington, D.C. This annual gathering provides 9–1–1 professionals from across the country an opportunity to meet with members of Congress, share ideas, and highlight the critical role of emergency communications in public safety.

During the event, Deputy Chief Daniels was presented with a United States flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on February 4, 2026, by Louisiana Representative Troy Carter. The flag was also signed by Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy, making it a meaningful recognition of the work being done by public safety professionals across the country.

An extraordinary life deserves an extraordinary celebration! Join us in honoring Mrs. Peoples’ 100thbirthday,aremarkablemilestone that inspires us all. On February 1st, her loving family and friends gathered to commemorate this special day, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Mrs. Peoples was showered with heartfelt letters from loved ones and special recognition from The City of Mansfield, presented by Mayor Thomas Jones Jr. Here’s to 100 years of spreading love, joy, and inspiration! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Peoples, may your life continue to be a shining example of God’s goodness!

Earlier today, deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were involved in a high speed pursuit that ended with the arrest of a Texas man.

The incident began when a deputy observed a dark grey Chrysler 300 traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near the Asseff Road exit at speeds exceeding 90 mph. The deputy attempted to execute a traffic stop of the vehicle, but the driver accelerated, with speeds soon surpassing 100 mph. During the pursuit, the suspect exited at the Relay Station exit, ramping the exit embankment before reentering I-49 northbound.

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates Saint Patrick, a 5th-century Romano-British missionary who was kidnapped as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland. After escaping, he returned to convert the Irish to Christianity, using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He died on March 17, 461, and is the patron saint of Ireland.

He was born in Maewyn, Succat in Roman Britain, and was kidnapped at age 16 by Irish pirates. He was forced into slavery for six years as a shepherd in Ireland, turning to prayer for comfort.

Following a divine vision he escaped and returned to Britain, where he became a priest amd later returned to Ireland as a missionary. He used the shamrock to teach The Trinity… Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to the Irish people. Legend credits him with driving the snakes out of Ireland.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said this week that $25 million more is needed to cover the $100 million cost of replacing Louisiana’s 35-year-old ballot machines The system would consist of new touchscreen voting machines that print paper ballots and have climate-controlled facilities for storage. Additional expenses would maintain cybersecurity protections and allow for risk-limiting audits, which are considered the top standard for voter integrity.

“Louisiana voters have consistently indicated that they want a system that combines the speed of modern technology with the security of a voter-verifiable paper ballot, as required by state law,” Landry told the Senate Finance Committee Monday. The paper ballots will allow voters to verify their choices before casting.

Landry also told the committee that her agency’s investigators had identified 403 non-citizens who were registered to vote in Louisiana. Eight-three of them had voted in at least one election, she said.

In an ongoing effort to stay up to date on the law and continuing ed ucation, Deputy Clerks LaBrittainy Allen, Mea gan Burton, Amanda West, Alex Crawford, and Cassie Tadlock at tended the 74th Session of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Institute on behalf of the DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court’s Office.