Are you ready for some football? You’re in luck–4 straight days of NFL football are headed your way this weekend (Thursday – Sunday).
New Beginnings Baptist Church in Castor is hosting a Back to School party Saturday, August 9 beginning at 5pm. Bring a towel and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. There will be a slip-n-slide and water games. Hot dogs will be served. Bring a lawn chair also.
There is a Wiffle Ball Tournament benefitting James Lindsey August 23 at Fairview Ball Field. $100 per team (4B/3G). There will be a Home Run Derby and concessions will be available.
The NSU Music Academy is accepting students for the Fall 2025 semester. The academy provides private lessons in piano, guitar, percussion and voice for students ages six and up on the campus of Northwestern State University. Directed by NSU faculty Dr. Francis Yang and Dr. John Price, the academy features dedicated instructors who are current graduate and undergraduate music students at Northwestern. Fall lessons start Monday, Aug. 25. To enroll or learn more, visit https://www.nsula.edu/musicacademy/
HBO has confirmed that Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s quarterback, will portray NASCAR legend Bill Elliott int he upcoming biopic “Dynasty Drive.” It is set to premiere in early 2026 on HBO.
If you are flying out of DFW in the next year, you’ll be interested to learn the airport is beginning a years-long effort to overhaul access into its terminals and help with traffic flow. Detours begin August 6. Airport officials are stressing passengers should arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
David Eugene Hicks March 25, 1936 – August 5, 2025 Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:30am in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit.
Youth in Red River Parish can now sign up for the 2025-2026 4-H program, as enrollment officially opens for the new school year. Known for its hands-on learning and leadership development, 4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities for students in grades 4 through 12.
All previous members must re-enroll every year.
This year’s 4-H program will include favorites like livestock projects, cooking and nutrition, outdoor adventures, STEM activities, and citizenship events. Members will also have the chance to attend workshops, compete in contests, and participate in community service projects throughout the year.
Enrollment forms will be distributed at area schools and are also available through the Red River Parish 4-H Office. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their children early to ensure full participation in club meetings, parish events, and statewide competitions.
The $20 dues covers enrollment, a 4-H t-shirt, and all project club dues and achievement day.
For more information, contact the Red River Parish 4-H Office at (318) 932-4342. Whether your child is into science, animals, leadership, or the outdoors, 4-H has something to offer every young person in Red River Parish.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the organization responsible for distributing federal funds to public media like PBS and NPR, has announced it will shut down by the end of September 2025. The closure follows the elimination of $1.1 billion in federal funding, marking the first time in over 50 years that public broadcasting will no longer receive support from the federal government.
The decision stems from a federal budget passed by Congress and pushed by former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, who criticized perceived political bias in public media coverage. Most CPB staff will exit by September 30, 2025, with a small team remaining through January 2026 to complete administrative and financial wind-down procedures.
For many communities across Louisiana, especially rural areas like Red River Parish, this could be a significant loss. Local stations rely heavily on CPB funding, with some receiving 25% or more of their annual budgets from the corporation. These funds help support local news, educational programming, cultural broadcasts, and emergency alert systems. Without them, many stations may be forced to reduce services, consolidate operations, or close entirely.
CPB CEO Patricia Harrison expressed concern over the impact on public media, describing it as one of the most trusted institutions in the nation. She assured the public that CPB would work to support local stations throughout the transition. Leaders from NPR and PBS echoed her concerns and stated their intent to continue national programming while acknowledging that local affiliates would face the brunt of the funding loss.
For Louisiana residents, particularly those in smaller or underserved regions, the shutdown could mean fewer local stories, reduced access to quality children’s programming, and weaker emergency broadcast infrastructure. It remains to be seen whether local stations can find alternative funding to stay afloat, but the future of public broadcasting is clearly entering uncertain territory.
As Child Support Awareness Month begins, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announces the return of its limited-time offer to help noncustodial parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support get “On the Road Again” for a reduced fee.
The promotion runs August 1 through September 30, 2025. It applies to licenses administratively suspended by DCFS.
“This initiative gives parents a real opportunity to get back on track – not just with their license, but with their role in supporting their children,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support. “Children benefit when both parents are engaged, and a valid license can make a big difference in helping parents meet their obligations.”
Child support can play a vital role in strengthening the bond between non-custodial parents, usually fathers, and their children. By connecting early and offering manageable payment options, the program helps promote steady involvement and long-term positive outcomes for children across Louisiana.
Under normal circumstances, parents must be current on child support, have paid all past-due amounts, and provide health insurance for their child (if required) to reinstate a suspended license. During the promotion, eligible parents can reinstate their licenses by:
Paying two months of child support for each case,
Paying $100 toward any past-due balance for each case, and
Paying any court-ordered fees.
For arrears-only cases, payment amounts will be determined separately. These payments are in addition to any fines or fees owed to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for reinstating a license.
Federal law requires states to suspend licenses for unpaid child support. In Louisiana, a noncustodial parent who falls 90 days behind may lose their driver’s, hunting, fishing, professional, or business licenses.
Noncustodial parents interested in the On the Road Again promotion are encouraged to contact their caseworker to determine the amount they must pay to qualify. Full payment is due by September 30, 2025. Cash, money order, or cashier’s check is the fastest, but electronic payments are also accepted. Licenses may be re-suspended if the parent does not remain current on future payments.
Last year, 131 parents participated in the On the Road Again initiative, resulting in more than $155,000 collected on behalf of 202 children.
To learn more about the On the Road Again program, visit dcfs.la/otra. Noncustodial parents can also:
Single-game tickets for the 2025 Northwestern State football season are now on sale. The Demons, under second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle, will host five games at Turpin Stadium this year.
Tickets can be purchased for as low as $15 for the Thursday night home and season opener on Aug. 28 against Alcorn State, the first of two Thursday home games during the 2025 season.
NSU’s other home games this season come in Southland Conference place as it hosts East Texas A&M for Homecoming on Oct. 4, Lamar (Oct. 25), UIW (Nov. 8) and longtime rival Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 20).
The meeting with the Lumberjacks serves the second Thursday night affair and the regular season finale.
Single-game chairback seats, located in sections D-I, are available for $25 per game. General admission seats in any of the bleacher locations are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Group rates for 20 or more people in both chairback and general admission can be purchased as well.
Season ticket packages are also still available for the season.
Season tickets start at $60 for general admission seating, with reserved chairback tickets available for $115, only $23 per game. VIP seats are also still available.
For more information on single game or season ticket options visit http://www.nsutickets.com or call 318-357-4268.
NSU begins a new season in Turpin Stadium for the first time since 2015 when it plays Alcorn on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
Louisiana has made history by becoming the first state to adopt the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHC), which officially takes effect in 2025. The new law simplifies dental licensing and aims to ease provider shortages—especially in rural areas like Red River Parish.
What Is the Dental Compact?
An interstate compact is a legally binding agreement between states that allows certain professionals to work in multiple states using a streamlined licensing process. It’s similar to existing compacts for nurses or physical therapists.
Licensed dentists and dental hygienists in participating states can apply through the compact to receive “compact privileges” to practice in other member states—without a full new license.
Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license, graduated from an accredited program, passed national exams, and met certain eligibility standards.
Why Louisiana Joining Matters
Residents—especially in rural parishes—often struggle to find dental care. By joining the compact, Louisiana makes it easier to recruit dentists from other participating states more quickly.
It helps mobile professionals—particularly military families—by reducing licensing delays and fees when moving across state lines.
Louisiana dentists under disciplinary review won’t automatically qualify; the compact includes safeguards to protect public safety.
What’s Changing for Louisiana Citizens
Benefit
How It Helps Locally
More Dental Access
Dentists from other states can sign on more quickly, expanding care in underserved areas.
Faster Licensing
Providers choose one “home state” and apply through a centralized system—a process that avoids repeated paperwork.
Patient Protection
Practitioners must pass the same rigorous standards, and disciplinary information is shared among states.
What This Doesn’t Do
It’s not automatic: Dentists or hygienists must still apply for compact privileges and meet all eligibility requirements.
Choosing a home state is required—usually where the provider lives or practices most.
Compact services will be phased in over 18–24 months—so it may be a while before new providers begin arriving.
Voices Behind the Law
Rep. Wayne McMahen (R) sponsored the legislation, which passed unanimously. He emphasized that this compact helps fill gaps in dental care while maintaining high standards and local control. Dr. Daniel Raymond, a dentist in Monroe, noted that participation could bring much-needed care to rural areas—including places like Red River Parish.
What to Expect Locally
Expanded appointments: With more licensed providers able to cross state lines, patients may see reduced wait times for routine cleanings, extractions, or emergency care.
More dental options: Particularly helpful in areas where existing local providers are booked or clinics are limited.
Military-friendly licensing**: Military families in Louisiana or nearby states face fewer fees and fewer delays for dental practitioners relocating.
By joining the interstate compact, Louisiana is modernizing dental licensing—making it easier for professionals to work across state lines while protecting patients with shared standards. Over time, rural communities like Red River Parish could see better access to care, shorter wait times, and broader dental services.
A rare but deadly bacteria is making waves across Louisiana, and health officials are urging residents to take extra precautions during outdoor and coastal activities this summer.
A fast-acting bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus has been linked to multiple severe infections and deaths across the state. The bacteria is naturally found in warm, salty or brackish waters along the Gulf Coast and can also contaminate raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.
This summer, infections have spiked to concerning levels. Several residents have been hospitalized, and at least four have died. What makes this bacterium particularly dangerous is how quickly it spreads through the body—often within just 24 to 48 hours—and how severe the complications can be.
How People Are Getting Sick
The bacteria can enter the body in two main ways:
Through open cuts or wounds exposed to warm coastal water
By eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish
Even small scrapes or insect bites can create an entry point when swimming, fishing, or working near water. Infections that begin in the skin can spread rapidly, causing tissue damage that may lead to amputations or even death if not treated quickly.
Who’s Most at Risk
While anyone can become infected, people with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. Those with liver disease, diabetes, compromised immune systems, or cancer are at much higher risk for severe complications.
Common symptoms include swelling, redness, fever, and pain near the affected wound. If eaten, contaminated seafood can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In some cases, the bacteria can infect the bloodstream, resulting in low blood pressure, blistering skin lesions, and shock.
Precautions You Can Take
Health experts recommend the following steps to stay safe:
Avoid entering salt or brackish water if you have any open wounds, including cuts, scrapes, or recent tattoos or piercings.
Use waterproof bandages to cover skin if you’re working or playing near the water.
Wear gloves when handling raw seafood.
Cook seafood thoroughly, especially oysters.
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms after water exposure or eating seafood.
Why It’s Getting Worse
Louisiana’s warm climate creates ideal conditions for this bacteria to thrive. As coastal waters warm during the summer months, the risk increases. Rising temperatures and extreme heat may be contributing to the higher-than-normal number of cases seen this year.
While these infections are still rare, they are becoming more common and more dangerous.
A Word of Caution
Outdoor activities, fishing trips, and seafood feasts are a way of life in Louisiana—but awareness and prevention are key. Whether you’re swimming, crabbing, or enjoying raw oysters, take time to protect yourself and loved ones from this growing threat.
Health officials stress that fast treatment can save lives. If you suspect an infection, don’t wait—get medical care right away.
Local high school students are invited to take part in the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Video and Pledge Contest, an initiative aimed at promoting safe driving habits among teens. The contest challenges students to get creative while spreading an important message: always wear your seatbelt and never text or use your phone while driving.
Students can participate in two ways:
Create a short video that creatively showcases the importance of buckling up and putting phones away while behind the wheel.
Take the pledge to commit to safe driving and encourage others to do the same.
Winners may receive prizes, be recognized at school and in the community, and help save lives by raising awareness. Whether you’re a future filmmaker or simply passionate about road safety, this is a great opportunity to speak up, get involved, and make a difference.
For full contest rules, deadlines, and how to enter, visit the website.
Remember: Buckle Up. Phone Down. Every trip. Every time.
Located on Hwy 371, just 2 miles north of Coushatta, LA 2,900 sq. ft. | 4 Bed | 2 Bath | 8.85 Acres
This beautifully updated 2014 Southern Energy Model EZ-600 home offers the best of country living with modern amenities!
✅ Custom kitchen featuring brand-new cabinets and a 10-foot island ✅ Massive 20×40 covered back porch/patio—perfect for gatherings ✅ 4-car carport ✅ 30×30 shop with 15×30 enclosed section and 20×30 open lean-to ✅ Mother-in-law house (16×38, 80% finished, materials included) ✅ Red iron 24×60 RV cover
Asking Price: $285,000 Call or text: 318-347-7595 for more info or a private showing!
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a turnkey property with room to grow in beautiful Red River Parish.
Red River Parish 4-H will hold a livestock meeting August 13 at 3:30 at the 4-H office. Anyone planning to show animals or is interested in learning more about livestock projects are invited to attend.
Save the date! Red River Parish Rodeo coming September 19 &20. Watch for more details in RRPJ.
Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15-count boxes that were sold last month at Sam’s Club have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination.
Mall St, Vincent is under new ownership and plans are underway to bring back the kind of shopping experience that makes you want to stay awhile.
U.S. News and World Report recently revealed a list ranking 25 major cities across the country. It based the ranking on each city’s murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people determined by FBI crime reports. Alexandria was ranked 6th.
Procter & Gamble announced it will raise prices on about 25% of its US products starting in August as it works to offset rising tariff-related expenses.
Noncustodial parents in Louisiana who had their driver’s licenses suspended after failing to pay child support have a chance to get them back through a statewide initiative called “On the Road Again”.
Louisiana now allows political signs at public school athletic facilities under a new law.
Dairy Queen in Coushatta joined with the Children’s Miracle Network and Christus Coushatta to sponsor Miracle Treat Day on July 31, 2025. In a highlight of the day, Red River Sheriff’s Office Captain James Moseley beat all participants in the Blizzard eating contest and claimed the title from the previous champion, Brandon Hillman.
If you missed Miracle Treat Day, you can still donate through ACE Hardware on August 1 and 2.
On Tuesday, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) unveiled 17 newly bid infrastructure projects across the state. Among them, several investments directly impact Red River Parish and neighboring communities, with millions allocated for bridge replacements and road resurfacing set to begin later this year.
A $12 million project is currently underway to replace six structurally deficient rural bridges in Red River and Bienville parishes, including on LA 507 and LA 514.
A broader District Overlay Project includes resurfacing portions of LA 4, LA 177, and US 371, spanning Bienville, DeSoto, and Red River parishes. The low bid for this project ranges between $2.5 and $5 million. These roadway improvements aim to enhance pavement quality and drainage along primary rural traffic corridors.
DOTD’s latest statewide project round brings much-needed investment to Red River Parish. From bridge replacements and major resurfacing efforts to continued upgrades on rural highways and main thoroughfares, these efforts mark a significant step toward safer, smoother roads for residents and travelers alike.
Red River 4-Hers are invited to participate in Western Playground August 29-31, 2025.
An unforgettable hands-on ranch experience awaits, designed especially for youth and families.
The Western Playground offers a blend of clinics, team activities, and trade skills that help participants build confidence, learn essential agricultural practices, and have fun in a supportive environment.
Clinics Include:
Horsemanship: Learn foundational riding skills and hands-on care from expert trainers.
Roping: Focus on roping techniques to improve skill, form, and confidence.
Sorting: Build teamwork and strategy while gaining cattle-handling experience.
Team Building Activities: Fun, interactive games designed to strengthen communication and collaboration.
Trades Workshops:
Cattle Production: Learn about herd health, nutrition, breeding, and pasture management.
Farrier Work: Get hands-on with hoof care, anatomy, tools, and technique basics.
Vet Tech: Explore animal health fundamentals, first aid, assessments, and preventative care.
It is presented by Just Believe Training and Desoto Parish 4-H.
Contact the Red River 4-H Office for more information or to sign-up.
Partly to mostly cloudy, with stray shower or thunderstorms possible. High 91F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible overnight. Low around 74F. Winds light and variable.
A push of cooler air will bring some relief late Friday into Saturday with temperatures below average on Saturday for this time of year. Humidity should also be lower on Saturday.
Saturday, August 2
Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable.
A few clouds in the evening. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low of 69F. Winds light and variable.
Sunday, August 3
Mostly sunny skies. High 92F. Winds light and variable.
Mostly clear overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
In the mid-1880s, David McConnell was a traveling book salesman in New York. He went door-to-door trying to convince women to purchase his books. Many women refused to open their doors to him because their husbands were away at work. The ones who opened their doors to him were too uneasy with a man they did not know being in their homes to actually make a purchase. Most of them became irritated that he had stopped their work for a sales pitch. Word spread quickly when David made it to a new neighborhood, and even fewer women opened their doors to him. David altered his introduction, added more charm, and tried different approaches, but sales remained dismal. David realized that unless he came up with a way to sell more books, he would soon be out of business.
David searched for a way to make women feel comfortable with letting a strange man into their homes and to make them comfortable enough with him so they could consider purchasing a book from him. But how? He considered several different gimmicks but discounted each for one reason or another. He considered giving each woman who opened the door to him a free sample, but a sample of what? He could not just give them a page from a book. He needed something that most women would be interested in immediately to make that most important good first impression. Items for cooking and cleaning were okay, but he wanted something inexpensive that would make them feel good, something that would take their minds off their household chores. Finally, he settled on perfume.
In 1886, David put his new plan into action. He knocked on the first door, met the woman with a charming smile and a free perfume sample, and she let him in. So far, so good. She was happy enough with the perfume to listen to his book sales pitch, but she did not buy a book. Neither did the next, nor the string of perfumed women that followed. Now David’s business was in worse shape than before. He had the expense of his book inventory plus the expense of the perfume that he was giving away, but he had few book sales to show for it.
Then, in September of that same year, David had an epiphany. If the women he was trying to sell books to were more interested in perfume, why not sell them perfume. David began redesigning his sales strategy, but there was one issue he was unable to overcome on his own. Most of the women were still uncomfortable allowing a strange man into their homes. He solved this issue by hiring 50-year-old Mrs. Persis Foster Eames Albee. He invested what little money he had left in his new idea. If it failed, David would go bankrupt.
David sent Mrs. Albee out on her first day and waited impatiently for her return. Women welcomed Mrs. Albee into their homes as if she was a lifelong friend, and perfume sales went beyond David’s wildest dreams. David named his new venture the “California Perfume Company” purely for marketing reasons, hired more ladies to sell perfumes, and profits grew exponentially. Through the years, California Perfume Company expanded to a full line of beauty products, all of which were sold, not in stores, but in homes. In 1928, David renamed the company after the birthplace of William Shakespeare. David, the traveling book salesman who continually altered his failing business model until it became successful, was the founder of Avon.
Lt. Cmdr. Yarrow Sheldon (left), assigned to the Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (TAH-20), performs a hernia repair surgery on a Dominican patient aboard Comfort off the coast of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic during Continuing Promise 2025, July 18, 2025. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonas Womack, U.S. Navy photo | DVIDS
By Nolan McKendry Jul 28, 2025
(The Center Square) — Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, who sits on the House Health and Welfare Committee, says the state is well prepared to manage upcoming changes with Medicaid — although concerns remain about the burden of new work requirements and a looming loss of federal dollars.
“I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as all the panic seems to be,” Berault told The Center Square in an interview. “We’re going to have to make some adjustments and plan over time. I think it’s going to force us to speed up some technological improvements that we were going to make anyway.”
Roughly 400,000 people have lost Medicaid coverage in Louisiana since July 2023, when the state resumed eligibility checks that had been paused during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
That reduced Medicaid enrollment to about 1.6 million as of June — a 21% drop from the 2023 peak of 2 million, according to a report from the Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council, citing data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Much of the concern, Berault said, stems from fears that people could lose coverage due to administrative hurdles rather than ineligibility.
“It seems to me that a lot of the panic is around the fear that people will lose coverage because of paperwork issues, not necessarily because they lost eligibility,” Berault said. “We have the technology that we can implement… we’re just going to have to find a way to do it more quickly.”
Under recently passed federal legislation dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Medicaid eligibility rules will tighten further. Most adult recipients will be required to work or participate in certain activities at least 80 hours per month by the end of 2026.
The law also mandates income verification every six months — a compliance challenge for lower-income residents, Berault noted.
“A lot of times, people who are already having low-income challenges, resource challenges — it’s compliance with having to deal with checking in and work requirements that is more difficult,” she said.
Berault expects that her “One Door” law will aid the state transition away from federal dependency. The law aims to streamline benefit access through a centralized system that connects the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Workforce Commission.
“That has put us a little bit ahead of the game… the collaboration between workforce and LDH is already happening here,” Berault said. “There will be a dashboard… they will have a case manager through Louisiana Works who is going to be helping them manage all of their benefits.”
Under Berault’s law, Louisiana Department of Health will handle SNAP and Medicaid eligibility, “but it’s all going to be going through a centralized from the perspective of Louisiana residents needing services,” Berault said.
The federal Medicaid overhaul is also expected to impact the state’s budget in coming years, as Louisiana will be required to shoulder a greater share of costs currently covered through provider taxes — a financing mechanism that draws down additional federal matching dollars.
“That is a concern that we’re going to have to address during the budgeting process,” Berault said. “As the provider tax piece drops down, the state will be required to put up more… so we’re going to have to figure out where that money comes from.”
Of Louisiana’s $21.2 billion Medicaid budget, about $16 billion — or 75% — is currently funded by the federal government.
That reliance is partly due to Louisiana’s high poverty rate and its decision to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. As of 2025, about 32.8% of Louisiana residents are enrolled in the program, one of the highest rates in the country, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Despite the disenrollment trend, Louisiana’s Medicaid budget continues to grow — driven by medical inflation and rate increases for providers — even as fewer people are covered.
Still, Berault remains optimistic that Louisiana’s proactive efforts to modernize its eligibility systems and coordinate agencies will help soften the blow of upcoming federal mandates.
“My hope is, and my expectation is, that fewer people will be missed than maybe the expectation is going to be — that there’s going to be a lot of people that lose their Medicaid just because they didn’t click the box, they didn’t get in and verify their income,” she said. “But if workforce is already communicating with LDH, then hopefully there’ll be a lot less of that.”
In observance of World Lung Cancer Day on Aug. 1, CHRISTUS Health emphasizes the importance of early detection and routine screenings for the deadliest cancer among men and women in the U.S.
Lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced,” said Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, oncologist with CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport. “For those at higher risk, regular screenings are essential to catch lung cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.”
Lung cancer originates in the lungs and may begin in the airways or the tiny air sacs. Smoking remains the leading risk factor.
“Individuals who smoke face the greatest threat,” Chintapalli said. “The longer and more heavily someone smokes, the higher their risk. The good news is that quitting significantly reduces that risk.”
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose CT scans for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history. These scans will identify abnormal cells before symptoms appear, offering more treatment options.
Common signs of lung cancer include:
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
“To reduce your risk, we encourage patients to stop smoking, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, eat a balanced diet, stay active and get screened regularly,” Chintapalli said. “Establishing care with a primary physician is the first step in evaluating your health history and determining if screening is appropriate.”
For more information about lung cancer, visit our website.
As athletes, and no matter what sport you play, the day comes when you must ask yourself, “Am I having fun?” At the age of 35, softball was a sport I truly enjoyed, and I was fortunate enough to play on two national championship teams while making friends for life.
But after winning the last championship, I knew my time was up as I walked out the gate of the USSSA Men’s Softball World Series in Shreveport. I knew this because it was no longer fun. Additionally, my kids were now playing sports as well and it became my time to give back and start coaching.
Tournament fishing is very similar in the fact that there comes a day when you are no longer having fun. Once it becomes a grind and more like work, that’s your cue to do something else.
Being competitive on any tournament trail requires commitment and time on the water, otherwise you’re just donating to the rest of the field. In today’s tournament world, the competition is so good it’s ridiculous.
Twenty years ago, out of 100 anglers in a tournament, maybe 15 were a legitimate threat to win. Today, out of 100 anglers there are probably 40 guys who are capable of winning. The competition level has totally changed with young anglers on the rise and having access to so much information while taking advantage of their ability to use their electronics so much better than the older guys.
Then there’s the mental side of bass fishing that can really take a toll on an angler’s ability to compete. Just like any other sport, you have to believe in yourself as much as you believe in the bait you’re throwing in order to catch bass.
There’s so much thought and preparation that goes into a tournament that it can be exhausting. The research it takes to get ready for an event can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a new body of water you’ve never fished.
That’s why for an angler, it’s important to make sure you enjoy what you’re doing. Never take an event for granted no matter how many times you’ve been to a specific body of water. Have fun and enjoy your practice days because the only way to stay focused is if you’re enjoying the process.
When fishing becomes too much like a job, it’s time to get out and do other things with your time like playing golf or going camping. Do something that you enjoy! Do something that you look forward to and not something you dread.
For me, tournament fishing is still fun, and I enjoy the competition probably more today because at the age of 64, it’s pretty satisfying knowing that you’re beating guys half your age! But most importantly, I enjoy my time with the guys I travel with as we share our experiences on the water over a good meal.
‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and happy times! Make sure to stop me and say hello when you see me at a boat ramp or on the lake.
On August 1, 2025, an array of new statutes—almost 300 in total—passed during the 2025 Legislative Session officially take effect across Louisiana. These laws span traffic enforcement, public safety, education, consumer protections, and more. Here’s a look at key changes that will impact residents:
Public Safety & Criminal Law
Landmark Anti-Grooming Law (Act 97/SB58): Makes it illegal for adults to groom minors under 17 through emotional manipulation, even without direct sexual contact. Applies when the offender is at least 4 years older than the minor. Challengers can now face criminal penalties even before abuse occurs.
Gift Card Theft (Act 28/SB38): Theft of gift cards or digital redemption codes is now a prosecutable offense.
Theft of Critical Infrastructure (Act 26/SB22): Expands penalties for interference with utilities and energy facilities.
Driving & Road Safety
“No-Dawdling” Left Lane Law (Act 24/SB11): Drivers traveling even 1 mph below the limit in the left lane risk fines starting at $150, escalating to $350 for repeat offenses—and possible jail time. Applies only to marked highways.
Hands-Free Phone Rule (New Distraction Law): Statewide ban on holding or using a cellphone while driving—only a one-touch to answer is allowed. Violators face a $100 fine, rising to $250 in school or construction zones. Warnings only until January 2026.
Speed Camera Restrictions: Use of automated speed-enforcement cameras is banned statewide except in school zones or at red-light intersections—Opelousas gets an exemption.
Consumer & Health Laws
Kratom Ban (Act 41): Complete prohibition on sale or possession of kratom, a stimulant often sold in smoke shops or gas stations.
Insurance Fraud Protections (Act 406/SB34): Altering vehicle repair estimates without disclosure now constitutes insurance fraud.
Protections for Military Members (Act 100/SB66): Expands anti-discrimination laws to cover housing, employment, and education for active-duty and veteran service members.
Education & School Policy
Student Mental Health Screenings (Act 469/SB121): Schools may now offer mental health assessments, though they’re not compulsory.
Vocational Training Access (Act 449/SB207): Every public high school student in Louisiana can now access vocational and technical training programs.
Ten Commandments Poster Law (House Bill 71): Requires public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments in an “easily readable” format. State does not provide funding.
Other Notable Changes
Nitrous Oxide Penalties (Act 106/SB98): Selling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) illegally may now result in fines up to $25,000.
Environmental Regulation (Act 95/SB46): Bans intentional release of climate-manipulating chemicals into the atmosphere.
Police Drone Enforcement (Act 170): Law enforcement officers are authorized to shoot down drones deemed a threat—under strict guidelines.
Whether you drive on the interstate, shop for kratom, send texts behind the wheel, or send your child back to class this fall—these new laws could affect your daily life. For some, like military families or students seeking vocational training, these changes bring expanded protections and opportunities. For others, new enforcement rules invite sharper attention to behavior behind the wheel or online.
Louisiana begins August with a renewed focus on safety, fairness, and accountability—opening a new chapter in how the state tackles traffic enforcement, child protection, consumer rights, and education access.
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