BOSSIER CITY, La. — Community, state, and national leaders gathered in Bossier City this week for the 44th annual Governor's Conference on Juvenile Justice.

ELM GROVE, La. — U.S. Highway 71 near Elm Grove has reopened to traffic following a fatal collision and massive train derailment last week, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

ELM GROVE, La. — A driver died, and two train crew members suffered minor injuries Thursday afternoon when a semi-truck collided with a train in Bossier Parish.

ELM GROVE, La. — A major stretch of Highway 71 in Bossier Parish will remain closed through Friday night following a train derailment and vehicle collision, according to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Family members gathered at VFW Post 4588 Wednesday morning to celebrate the late Louis Vernon Landry, a former Army captain and longtime Bossier physician who was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

BOSSIER CITY, La. -- Stacy Smith has spent more than four decades at Bossier High School, where she began as a student teacher and never left.

BOSSIER CITY, La. — State education Superintendent Cade Brumley visited Bossier City on Monday as part of his statewide "Back to School: Top of Mind Tour," meeting with superintendents from across northwest Louisiana ahead of the start of the new school year.

SHREVEPORT, La. - As students prepare to return to the classroom, the Shots for Tots program is helping families make sure children are protected and up to date on their vaccinations.

BOSSIER PARISH, La. — The Bossier Parish Police Jury voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of parish-owned restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities based on biological sex. The proposal would amend Chapter 78, Article I, of the parish code. If ultimately adopted, it would criminalize someone to knowingly use a designated male or female restroom or similar facility in a parish-owned building that does not correspond with their biological sex. Wednesday's meeting drew a large crowd to the Bossier Parish Courthouse, where supporters and opponents voiced sharply differing opinions before jurors voted to advance the proposal to a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 2. No final action was taken. Under the proposed amendment, parish employees could deny access to a restroom if they believe a person is attempting to use a facility designated for the opposite biological sex. Anyone who refuses to comply could face criminal penalties, including fines or possible jail time. Supporters said the measure is intended to protect the safety of women and children. "My concern is the safety, the privacy, the intimacy that goes on in a restroom for a young lady," one supporter told the Police Jury. "If you want to have a transgender changing room or restroom, fine. But leave the rest of what works alone." If approved, the ordinance would align parish policy with Louisiana's Women's Safety and Protection Act. Opponents argued the proposal unfairly targets transgender residents. "I personally have never felt threatened or unsafe because of someone else using the restroom as a girl, regardless of their appearance or gender identity," said Jazmine Carroll, an employee with The Philadelphia Center. Peyton Rose Michelle, executive director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, also spoke against the proposal, saying transgender people already face challenges when accessing public restrooms. "We're all just going in the bathroom to use the bathroom, wash your hands, look in the mirror and get out," Michelle said. "I think the narrative that we're going to go into the bathroom and do something bad is wrong." Michelle said a letter urging the Police Jury to reject the amendment was sent to both the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and the Police Jury. According to Michelle, the letter was signed by 22 organizations and 277 individuals from across Louisiana. The proposed ordinance includes several exceptions. It allows anyone to use single-occupancy restrooms in parish-owned buildings and permits a parent or guardian to accompany a minor child into a restroom designated for the opposite sex. It also allows someone to assist a person with a disability in a restroom designated for the opposite sex. The Bossier Parish Police Jury will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Sept. 2 before considering final adoption.