Dr. Joseph “Andy” Briseno, an associate professor in Northwestern State University’s Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies, will be a contestant on the popular gameshow Jeopardy on Thursday, July 2. Viewers can watch the episode on KTBS Channel 3 in the Shreveport and Natchitoches areas at 4:30 p.m. The show is also broadcast on their sister station, KPXJ CW 21, at 5:30 p.m. Live streaming is available for subscribers to services that include local affiliates, such as YouTube TV or Hulu.

On Wednesday, Louisiana Tech officially became a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

Residents seeking assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should be aware of upcoming call-in dates and requirements. The DeSoto Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services is accepting names for the LIHEAP cooling assistance waiting list on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 callers will receive a place on the waiting list. Applicants must call (318) 872-8241 and follow the phone prompts to speak with the appropriate case manager, as voicemails will not be accepted. Individuals needing crisis assistance due to utility disconnections may call (318) 872-0880 on Mondays and Fridays, subject to available funding. Applicants should have required documents ready, including identification, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills and proof of residency.

Paul Skenes, former LSU Tiger, got his 500th strikeout of his MLB career last Friday. It is reported, he is the fastest in franchise history to hit the milestone.

The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will take place Saturday, July 18, at Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The family-friendly event begins at 9 a.m. and features a full day of live music, traditional dancing, Louisiana food, handcrafted arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations, KidFest activities, dance lessons, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, and the popular Gumbo Cook-Off. This year’s theme, “America the Beautiful,” celebrates the rich traditions and diverse cultures that make Louisiana unique. Admission is $10 for the full day or $6 after 5 p.m., and children ages 12 and under are admitted free. For a complete schedule and additional information, visit http://www.nsula.edu/folklife or call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332.

LSU legend and Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu will headline the 2026 Radiance Technologies, Inc. Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner Aug 17 at 6pm at the Shreveport Convention Center. Tickets are available now: https://bit.ly/4wyMMOm

Uber is enforcing stricter background checks for its drivers and couriers as part of ongoing efforts to enhance rider safety.

The Buffalo Bills announced the decision to not include OJ Simpson on the team’s Wall of Fame when the team moves into their new Highmark Stadium for the 2026 NFL season. He was the very first player inducted into the Bills’ Wall of Fame back in 1980 and one of the most accomplished player to wear a Bills uniform.

According to social media reports. LeBron James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him. He plans to continue his basketball career elsewhere per his agent.

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