Good morning, Shreveport.

Local firefighters and law enforcement officers from DeSoto, Bossier, and Caddo parishes will face off on Sept.

12 at Live Casino & Hotel in a charity boxing match supporting the 'I'm Still Me' summer burn camp for children — organizers expect to raise about $50,000.

Louis Eugene 'Gene' Williams, Jr., a retired Battalion Chief with the Shreveport Fire Department, will be honored at a memorial service today at Open Range Fellowship in Greenwood (visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.).

His 33-year fire service guided new recruits and left a lasting mark on his community.

State Farm began issuing dividend checks to Louisiana auto insurance customers; the average rebate is $138 per vehicle as part of a $136 million payout from collected profits.

Payments will continue in phases through the end of the year.

At a Board of Regents meeting on Aug.

26, Louisiana’s higher education board approved an expanded anti-hazing policy that permanently bans organizations involved in fatal hazing, a change championed by Urania Wilson on behalf of her son Caleb.

On Monday, Bankruptcy Judge John Hodge signed orders in the Alexandria bankruptcy case that now include a filing from the Diocese of Shreveport, delaying the deadline for objections until Sept.

15 and aiming to secure a settlement covering its own and former Alexandria parishes.

SporTran unveiled Shreveport’s first driverless bus on Thursday along Clyde Fant Parkway—dignitaries including Mayor Arceneaux took the inaugural ride.

The 12-passenger bus was safely tested while local workers will soon train at a new charging facility.

Urban Housing of America began construction on the second phase of Alston Place in Allendale, adding two three-plex housing units to the existing four duplexes.

The project provides affordable housing for families with low and moderate income (with $700,000 in CHDO funding provided by the city).

Minden wide receiver Jaden Johnson, one of only two non-seniors on this year’s Tremendous 13 (a top local honor), led his team last season with 29 catches and will play as a versatile threat when Minden faces North Webster on Sept.

4.

Mansfield linebacker/tight end Kendrick Wyatt Jr. became the school's first Tremendous 13 selection after posting 149 tackles last season and earning All-State honors; he is taking yoga classes to boost his flexibility as the Wolverines open their 2026 campaign at home against New Iberia on Sept. 4.

Last weekend, the LSUS Fishing team finished in the top half at the Strike King Bassmaster College Championship on Leech Lake in Walker, Minn, with Williamson and Distefano placing 22nd with 31 pounds, and coach Thompson said the strong finish boosts the season ahead (with new sponsorship deals in place).

Head coach Ben McLaughlin begins his third season with the NAIA Louisiana Christian Wildcats, who will face the rebuilt Northwestern Demons at Turpin Stadium tonight at 7 p.m. The team returns 18 of 22 starters (including local standout Brandon Henderson) and aims to secure a key win.

Local high school teams kick off a weekend jamboree tonight at 6 p.m. with the Byrd Yellow Jackets facing the Captain Shreve Gators at Lee Hedges Stadium—previewing the 49th annual Backyard Brawl on Nov.

10—while Huntington meets Northwood at Independence Stadium.