The literary arts reign supreme at Critical Mass 11, an annual Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) project. As the literary arts critic, I received submissions from writers that ran the whole gamut of literary styles, from novel excerpts and historical and science fiction to contemporary, experimental and love poems.

"I was shocked at exactly what it looks like when kids are rescued," Baird said. "I had no idea what a hot mess and horrible situation it really is until I saw it for myself. Then I knew what criminal abuse and criminal neglect – and how children are rescued – what it really looks like.