It has been a busy week in the news cycle for the Shreveport-Bossier area. And if you need a refresher on what you missed, here are the top five stories from the Shreveport Times.

Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson during the officially opening of the Humor & Harmony Weekend festival Thursday afternoon during a ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Aug. 8, 2024.

What to know about Real ID deadlines, requirements

In Louisiana, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is required for domestic air travel for individuals 18 years of age and older starting May 7.

When obtaining a Real ID, residents will have to provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status and two proofs of address.

One of Best Small College Towns in America by USA Today is in Louisiana

USA Today has released the results for its Reader’s Choice Awards 2025 for the 10 best small college towns, and one Louisiana college town made it on the list.

Ruston, Louisiana, has been named the sixth best small college town on USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2025 list of the “10 Best Small College Towns.”

USA Today’s 10 best small towns in the South. This Louisiana town made the list

USA Today has released its Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 results for the 10 best small towns in the South, and one Louisiana town made it into the top 10.

West Monroe, Louisiana, was voted the fourth best small town on USA Today’s “Charming getaways: 10 best small towns in the South.”

Rapper 50 Cent’s Stageworks lease: What’s in lease agreement?

Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is leasing Stageworks of Louisiana, a former soundstage located in downtown Shreveport, with plans to repurpose the site as a sports and entertainment venue.

Jackson’s G-Unit Films will lease the former soundstage for $2,400 for 30 years with an option to renew for an additional 15 years. The Shreveport Times obtained a copy of the lease agreement between Jackson and the City of Shreveport.

Caddo Parish School Board approves closure of 3 schools

Two weeks after Caddo Parish School District proposed the consolidation of district schools during its Building, Grounds and Security Committee meeting, school board members voted to approve the realignment plan.

This plan will close and consolidate three schools.

The Caddo Parish School Board meeting Tuesday afternoon, April 15, 2025.

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].