The Pine Beetle Festival in Castor invites everyone to a community-wide prayer meeting on Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. under the pavilion. Bro. James Hester of The Church at Pleasant Grove in Ringgold will bring the message, with music provided by Pat and Angela Bumgardner and Hayley Lewis. Food booths will be open, and everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of worship and fellowship.

New Life Church in Hall Summit invites children and youth ages 4 through 12th grade to Kids & Youth Night on Wednesday, November 4, from 6–7 p.m. The evening will include fellowship, Bible lessons, fun activities and opportunities to grow in Christ. An adult Bible study with Bro. Collin will also be held in the sanctuary at the same time. Everyone is welcome to attend at 5047 Duke Avenue in Hall Summit. Bring your friends and family.

The 46th Annual Sabine Free State Festival returns to Florien, November 6–8, with a weekend full of family fun, entertainment and community traditions. Festivities include a Veterans Day program, parade, car show, live music, shootouts, historical demonstrations, the Wonderdog Show, freestyle bingo and the popular No Man’s Land BBQ Championship. Saturday will be packed with activities for all ages, including games, contests and performances, while Sunday wraps up the celebration with gospel singing, a community church service and more.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes Nov. 12 and 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The Nov. 12 class will feature “Blue Gobbler,” while the Nov. 19 session will feature “Coo Coo Cardinal.” Each class costs $45 and includes supplies. No previous painting experience is required. Children ages 7-12 may participate when accompanied by a parent. Registration is available at checkout.nsula.edu or by calling 318-357-6355.

Red River Parish Head Start and Pre-K 4 students are getting ready to rock around the clock as they celebrate their 50th day of school with a 1950s Sock Hop on Monday, November 16. The little Bulldogs are invited to dress in their favorite 1950s-inspired outfits, slip on some fun socks, and put on their dancing shoes for a groovy celebration. From poodle skirts to classic rock ’n’ roll, it will be a fun day as students celebrate 50 days of learning.

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science has received $612,000 from the U.S. Department of War to support cybersecurity scholarships and expand training capabilities, giving students greater access to careers protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure. The award includes approximately $463,000 for Cyber Service Academy scholarships and $149,000 for capacity building involving artificial intelligence and security operations training. Led by Dr. Brad Glisson, professor of Computer Science, the effort builds on Louisiana Tech’s nationally recognized cybersecurity education and research programs.

The New Orleans Saints are making more changes following a disappointing 2–5 start to the season. The team has fired run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti after continued struggles with its rushing attack. Paganetti joined the Saints in 2025 alongside head coach Kellen Moore after working with him in Philadelphia. New Orleans currently ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 86 yards per game. Offensive line coach Brendan Nugent will take on additional responsibilities as the Saints look to improve their ground game. The changes don’t stop there! The Saints have also parted ways with veteran kicker Daniel Carlson after he missed four field goals in seven games, according to WDSU News. With changes to both the coaching staff and roster, New Orleans hopes to turn things around heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

The Chicago Bears made NFL history this week, becoming the first team ever to defeat both of the previous season’s Super Bowl teams in back-to-back primetime games! Chicago knocked off the New England Patriots 30–24 on Thursday Night Football before defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 34–17 on Monday Night Football. With those impressive victories, the Bears improved to 6–2 and gave fans plenty to cheer about.

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