Good morning, Shreveport.

YMCA of Northwest Louisiana will open its new Caddo Parish Premier Park — an eight-field baseball and softball facility built with $8.5 million in local donations — tomorrow at 10 a.m. for Shreveport Little League and 2D Sports tournaments with a ribbon-cutting and first pitch.

Louisiana's casino operators saw strong revenue growth in 2025 thanks to investments that moved riverboat casinos to land and included a new casino in Bossier City and a major upgrade at Caesars New Orleans — boosting total revenue to $3.05 billion well above the national rate.

SWEPCO said rising gas prices have little effect on electric bills because the company uses a mix of fuels and state regulators review base rates, and Shreveport residents are preparing to use air conditioners as summer heat increases.

More than 2,000 Class of 2026 students will be celebrated at graduation ceremonies next week at the Shreveport Convention Center — events are scheduled for May 21 and May 22 — while Bossier Public Schools host commencements at Plain Dealing High School and Brookshire Grocery Arena later this week.

Louisiana students have surpassed their 2019 reading benchmarks and rank third for math growth, according to an Education Scorecard by Harvard, Stanford + Dartmouth, though rising absenteeism and persistent gaps challenge schools still working on pandemic recovery.

Northwestern State University students learned sustainable forestry in a hands-on field trip on a privately held tract near Natchitoches to observe professionals from American Bird Conservancy, Echo Forestry, Walsh Timber, and RoyOMartin manage woodland resources — linking science, conservation and timber planning with real-world lessons beyond the classroom.

A report published yesterday by World Atlas listed Louisiana’s 10 deadliest animals — venomous snakes, spiders and invasive species — that could harm people.

The list detailed local wildlife risks in areas ranging from suburban neighborhoods to wilderness regions.

Termite season is in full swing as Formosan subterranean termites are active from early to mid-May in several parishes across Louisiana.

Homeowners should remove debris, repair leaks, and schedule licensed inspections this May and June (LSU AgCenter and Terminix report significant activity).

The Shreveport Police Department hosted its annual regional Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Thursday — held on Clyde Fant Parkway — to honor fallen officers.

The event brought together officers, family members and community members to remember the sacrifices of those who served.

LSUS baseball season ended Wednesday when the Pilots lost 7-4 on their home field to Mid-America Christian, ending their postseason run.

Mid-America Christian will advance to the World Series Opening Round in Lewiston on May 22.

Shreveport native Sam Burns is set to tee off today in rounds 1 and 2 of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia (6:34 a.m. and 11:59 a.m.) with major champions Gary Woodland and Jason Day.

The 29-year-old aims to build on his recent major finishes.

The Church Picnic

7-11 p.m. — Kanteen Park — Free entry — Celebrate faith and community at a fun-filled picnic party with food, music, and joy.

Casey Martin Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — El Jimador Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of captivating Country music with Casey Martin in the heart of Shreveport.

Casey Donahew Live at Mudbug Madness

8 PM - Midnight — MUDBUG MADNESS FESTIVAL — Ticket info not specified — Enjoy a night of country music with Casey Donahew in a vibrant local festival setting.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic sounds as Jason Bonham celebrates the legacy of Led Zeppelin behind the drum kit.

Casey Martin Live

6-10 p.m. — Casa Jimador — Entry fee varies — Enjoy an evening of live Country music with local talent Casey Martin.

Casey Martin Live Performance

6:00–10:00 p.m. — Live Casino & Hotel Louisiana — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of country music with local star Casey Martin.

Caddo's Rising Star

6-8 p.m. — Shreveport Convention Center — Free entry — Celebrate local talent and discover Caddo's brightest stars in a lively community event.

PAINT & Praise

3-6 p.m. — Hattie Perry Park — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and uplift your spirit with an afternoon of painting, worship, and connection.