HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH  “Trafficking in persons,” “human trafficking,” and “modern slavery” are umbrella terms—often used interchangeably—to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex. When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is …

 INDICTMENT UPGRADES CHARGES IN SIMPSON JUVENILE SEX CASE  In October 2025, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sexual assault involving a juvenile victim. UPSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives initiated an investigation into the allegation. Forensic interviews and evidence collected during the investigation provided detailed accounts of the crimes. 

 Ice Storm Tests Region, but Claiborne Electric Keeps Outages Limited  A severe ice storm swept across multiple states during the last week of January 2026, tightening its grip on north Louisiana as temperatures hovered around the freezing mark. Freezing rain coated trees, power lines, bridges, and roadways with a hard glaze of ice, turning routine travel into a hazardous gamble …