Red River Parish Public Schools will welcome students and families back to campus during district-wide open houses on Thursday, July 30, ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year. Families will have an opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms, receive important information and prepare for the first day of school.

Open house times are:

• Red River Elementary (Grades K-2): 3:30–5 p.m.
• Red River Elementary (Grades 3-5): 4:30–6 p.m.
• Red River Junior High: 5–6:30 p.m.
• Red River High School: 4–5:30 p.m.

Red River Parish students will return to class on Monday, Aug. 3, to begin the 2026-27 school year.

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Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches across our community are welcoming children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 7387 US Hwy 317, is hosting a 3-day VBS July 24-26. Learn about the Beatitudes and how having a heart like Jesus changes everything. Friday & Saturday from 6-8pm, Sunday 5-7pm with commencement at 7pm. Refreshments will be served after. For more information, please contact: LaJuana Keith 318-505-6430.

Abundant Life Worship Center will host its Vacation Bible School, “Kingdom Quest: An Epic Journey to Discover God’s Kingdom,” July 27–31from 6 to 8pm. Children will embark on a week of Bible lessons, activities, and fun as they explore God’s Kingdom in an exciting adventure-themed VBS.

Red River Cowboy Church M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series offers a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Remaining date is August 2.

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a weekend VBS in October. More plans will be shared at a later date.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

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The National Football League continues to set the financial standard among North America’s major professional sports leagues.

According to published sports business reports, the NFL generated approximately $14.5 billion in national revenue during the 2025 season. That total exceeded the combined centrally shared revenue distributed to teams in the NBA, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League.

The league’s 32 franchises reportedly each received more than $450 million from shared revenue sources, including national television contracts, sponsorships, licensing agreements and other league-wide business ventures. Because those revenues are shared equally among all teams, every franchise benefits regardless of market size.

The NFL’s continued financial growth has been driven largely by lucrative media rights agreements, strong corporate partnerships and the league’s enduring popularity with fans. Those revenue streams provide teams with a significant financial foundation before accounting for income from ticket sales, concessions, parking and other local revenue sources.

As the NFL prepares for the 2026 season, the league remains the most financially successful professional sports organization in North America, with its business model continuing to outpace other major leagues.

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In the early months of 1915, New York policemen knew unsavory characters had been living rent free in the dilapidated and seemingly abandoned building across the street from their station house in Brooklyn.  Finally, in late April, construction workers began demolishing the old building.  Only then did the policemen realize the scope of their problem.  As each floor was systematically disassembled, the unwelcome tenants just moved closer to street level.  The tenants that left the building took up residence in adjoining buildings or lived in the street.  They even began occupying the police station itself.  When policemen chased one away, it seemed that two or three more would take its place.  The New York Times reported, “Policemen who have faced all kinds of danger unflinchingly do not hesitate to say that it makes them feel decidedly uncomfortable.” That was an understatement.  The problem with the unwelcome tenants was out of control.  It affected all of the policemen in one way or another.  Some were unable to eat properly.  Others were unable to get a good night’s sleep.  Their work performance waned.  The whole area was going to pot.  The problem was not relegated to a single station house.  Other New York police station houses including Morrisania Police Station, Alexander Avenue station, and West 152d Street station were facing similar crises.               

In May 1915, the New York City Police Department added more than 100 new officers from a certain local tribe whose sole purpose was to rid their areas of the unwanted tenants by any means necessary.  A team of new officers at the Morrisania Police Station was led by an officer named Peter whom that station’s Lieutenant Peter Brady had adopted and named after himself years earlier.  In some cases, the police department filled the position by using the local homeless population, which solved two problems at the same time.  At the Alexander Avenue station, one new officer was not only homeless but nameless as well.  At the time of the New Yok Times’s report, the other officers at the Alexander Avenue station were trying to come up with a name for him.  One of the new officers at the Brooklyn Station who was described as being large and battle-scarred took the “by any means necessary” portion of his orders to heart.  The New York Times reported, “No count was kept of the number of [them] which [he] dispatched, but those he failed to slay he routed completely from the station house, so terrifying them that, according to the police, [none] since has had the temerity to show his nose in the place.”  With the help of the new officers, the crisis of the New York Police Department was resolved.  Why have you not heard of this murdering cop or his fellow officers who certainly performed similar atrocities against the unwelcome tenants?  They were from, as the New York Times reported, the “Feline Tribe.”  Those police officers and the unwelcome tenants were respectively… cats and rats.        

Source: New York Times, May 7, 1915, p. 23.

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An FDA advisory committee is meeting this week to consider whether seven popular peptides should be added to the agency’s 503A Bulks List, a move that could eventually allow licensed compounding pharmacies to prepare the substances for patients with a valid prescription. The committee’s recommendations are advisory, and the FDA will make the final decision after reviewing the panel’s input and public comments.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play important roles in the body. The compounds under review—BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, Epitalon and Emideltide (DSIP)—have attracted growing interest for their potential use in wound healing, inflammation, obesity, migraine relief, insomnia and certain neurological conditions. None of the seven, however, are currently approved by the FDA for these uses.

Supporters of expanded access say the change could improve patient safety by shifting demand away from an unregulated online marketplace. Many of these peptides are already being purchased from internet vendors and marketed through wellness clinics, where product quality and purity can vary. If the substances are eventually permitted for compounding, they would instead be prepared by state-licensed pharmacies under established compounding standards and dispensed only with a prescription.

FDA scientists, however, have urged caution. In briefing documents prepared for the meeting, agency reviewers said there is limited clinical evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the peptides for their proposed uses. The review focuses on whether there is enough scientific evidence to justify allowing routine compounding—not whether the substances should receive full FDA approval as prescription drugs.

Even if the advisory committee recommends adding one or more of the peptides to the 503A Bulks List, no immediate changes would take effect. The FDA will review the panel’s recommendations before deciding whether any of the substances should become eligible for routine compounding by licensed pharmacies.

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If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack. 

Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat.  I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake! 

I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today. 

Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience! 

One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move. 

I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves. 

This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.

Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.

In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water. 

A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water! 

These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are. 

Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities. 

There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?”  But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite. 

This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite. 

One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Brett Rowland | Jul 20, 2026

(The Center Square) – Forecasters say Democrats are favored to take the U.S. House this November while Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, yet the likeliest outcome is one party sweeping full control of Congress.

The split reflects two maps pulling in opposite directions: a House landscape tilted toward Democrats and a Senate field that favors Republicans. Yet Decision Desk HQ’s forecast finds that a divided Congress, while possible, is less likely than a clean sweep by either party.

Control of Congress is a means to a fiscal end. The majority sets the agenda on the tax provisions in the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on annual appropriations and the recurring threat of a shutdown, and on Social Security’s retirement trust fund, which the 2026 Social Security trustees report projects will run dry in 2032, triggering an automatic benefit cut of about 22% for some 62 million retirees and survivors unless Congress acts.

“The U.S. senators elected this fall will, for the first time, be required to confront Social Security’s insolvency during their term in office,” said Shai Akabas, vice president of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, who testified at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the program in June.

Democrats hold the edge in the House. Decision Desk HQ gives them a 62% chance of winning the chamber, and the Cook Political Report finds Democrats end up with a majority in roughly three-quarters of its scenarios, which range from Republicans holding 221 seats to Democrats winning 228.

But the margin looks narrow up close. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates 213 seats safe, likely, or leaning Republican against 207 for Democrats, with 15 toss-ups left to decide control – a near-even split that underscores how much Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting cushion still matters even in a year favoring Democrats.

Republicans have the Senate advantage. Decision Desk HQ gives them a 59% chance of keeping the chamber. To seize it, Democrats would need to hold all 47 of their seats and flip four Republican ones. Forecasters agree the map runs through a familiar set of states. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball both rate Maine and Alaska as toss-ups – though they differ on the rest, with Cook flagging Ohio and Sabato listing Michigan and Iowa. Both give Democrats an edge in North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper leads.

The forecasts aren’t all measuring the same thing. Decision Desk HQ produces probabilities, the odds a party wins a chamber. Cook and Sabato assign each race a rating, from safe to toss-up, without attaching a percentage. And the generic-ballot average tracks which party voters say they prefer, not how those preferences translate into seats.

That generic ballot is the clearest read on the national mood, and it points to a favorable but not overwhelming year for Democrats. The RealClearPolitics average has Democrats up 4.7 points; Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin puts the edge at 6.1, down from a 7.1-point peak on June 1. Either way, the advantage trails where Democrats stood at this point in 2018, when the generic ballot sat at 7.6 points. That gap is a large part of why control of Congress remains genuinely uncertain.

Democrats are favored for the House, Republicans for the Senate, yet Decision Desk HQ finds the likeliest outcome isn’t the divided Congress those leanings imply, but a sweep by one party. Four months out, the forecasters just can’t agree on which side will do the sweeping.

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If you’ve been planning a trip to Anderson’s Produce & Plants, this is your last chance for the season. Tomorrow, Sat July 25, will be its final day of operation for the 2026 season. The store will remain open during its regular hours, 8am to 5pm, before closing for the year.

East Point Mount Zion Baptist Church is inviting the community to help save lives during its upcoming blood drive Sun July 26 from 9am until 2pm. Organizers are hoping for at least 15 donors to participate to meet their goal.

The Riverdale Cheerleaders are inviting the community to support their program at a Bingo Fundraiser on Sat Aug 22, beginning at 5pm in the school gym. Admission is $25 at the door for one book of 10 bingo cards, or attendees can purchase a presale special of three books for $60. Kids’ bingo, concessions, and additional bingo cards will also be available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Riverdale cheer program.

Louisiana residents will have an opportunity to see a potential new voting system in action later this month. The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office will host a public demonstration of the Smartmatic VSR 1 2.1 voting system on Wed July 29 from 9am to noon at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. The demonstration is part of the state’s certification process as Louisiana works toward selecting a new voting system by the end of the year. The event is open to the public.

KC & The Sunshine Band is headed to Bossier City this fall. The iconic disco and funk group will bring its Get Lifted World Tour 2026 to the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome on Fri Nov 27, with the show beginning at 8pm. Tickets go on sale today at 10am. Fans can expect to hear classic hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Shake Your Booty,” and “Boogie Shoes.”

Demolition is underway at the former Libbey Glass plant in Shreveport, marking the beginning of a major redevelopment project for the long-vacant industrial site. The 54-acre property, which closed in 2020 after nearly a century of glass manufacturing, is being cleared and remediated to prepare it for future industrial development. North Louisiana Economic Partnership officials say the project is expected to take about a year and is intended to attract new manufacturing, logistics and other economic opportunities to the region.

Coffee lovers may have some good news. New research highlighted by the American Heart Association suggests that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day may be safe for most healthy adults. However, experts note there is an important caveat: the recommendation generally applies to black coffee or coffee with minimal added sugar and high-fat creamers. As with any source of caffeine, individual tolerance and existing health conditions should be considered, and anyone with heart concerns should consult their healthcare provider about the amount of coffee that’s right for them.

According to reports, search teams have located the wreckage of Pan American World Airways Flight 526A, the Clipper Endeavor, more than 74 years after it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after departing San Juan, Puerto Rico. The April 1952 accident claimed 52 lives and became a turning point in aviation safety, prompting changes that led to the preflight passenger safety briefings now required on commercial flights. The aircraft was discovered about 2,000 feet below the ocean’s surface during a search led by the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation and Deep Sea Vision using advanced sonar technology.

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The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for much of the ArkLaTex on Wednesday as dangerously high temperatures and humidity combine to create life-threatening conditions.

Afternoon heat index values are expected to range from 110 to 120 degrees, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for anyone spending time outdoors. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Officials also remind the public to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those without adequate cooling. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, where temperatures can rise to deadly levels within minutes.

The dangerous heat is expected to peak Wednesday afternoon before gradually easing later in the week.

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David and Kaitlyn Beard want to invite everyone to come by the store on Friday, July 24, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to enjoy refreshments and the chance to win a $50 gift card. Come to the store, enter to win, shake hands with the new owners, and enjoy a much-needed refreshment break.

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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced earlier this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration (USDA FNA) has approved a temporary waiver allowing all Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot or prepared foods with their SNAP benefits through August 13, 2026, following Tropical Storm Arthur.

“After a major weather event like Tropical Storm Arthur, even simple tasks like preparing a meal can become difficult,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “We’re grateful to the USDA for approving this temporary waiver, which gives SNAP recipients greater flexibility to purchase hot, prepared foods as communities recover. We’ll continue working with our federal partners to ensure Louisianans have access to the resources they need throughout the recovery process.”

Under normal SNAP rules, benefits cannot be used to purchase hot foods or foods prepared for immediate consumption. This waiver temporarily lifts that restriction, allowing SNAP participants to purchase eligible hot and prepared foods at authorized Louisiana SNAP retailers.

The hot food waiver is effective immediately through August 13, 2026. SNAP benefits still cannot be used to purchase meals from restaurants.

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On July 11, 2026, the world lost a bright, beautiful light. Our sweet Mom and MeMom passed away, leaving behind a legacy of pure joy, selflessness, love and minds full of beautiful memories.

Born in Shreveport on December 22, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of Jo Jack and Eloise Tomlin (Norman) of Coushatta, Louisiana. She spent her first ten years as an only child, traveling coast-to-coast across the U.S. with her parents, developing a deep love for life and the world around her early on.

Mom truly loved life. She was the ultimate people person, always greeting everyone she met with a warm, genuine smile. Her joy and happiness were contagious. She went on to attend Northwestern State University and graduated from LSU Shreveport, launching into a lifetime of diverse careers. She did it all—from working for the Shreveport and Bossier City governments, Odyssey House Drug Rehab, and Dunhill Associates, to bringing energy to TGI Fridays, Chuck E. Cheese, and Panda Express. Before retiring, she successfully ran her own business doing Site Analysis Reports for the food industry.

She was also a huge football fan and fiercely loyal to her Louisiana teams. She absolutely loved the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints, and she never missed a single game.

Above all, she was a great mother to 2, grandmother to 5, great-grandmother to 3, as well as a wonderful daughter, sister, friend and MeMom to everyone. In her later years, nothing made her happier than sitting outside watching the world go by or watching her teams play with a good glass of wine or a margarita in hand.

True to her selfless nature, she chose to donate her body to science to help others. We will all miss her terribly every single day, but we take immense comfort knowing she is sitting at the right hand of the Father, wearing her purple and gold, and cheering all of us on in this life. (Probably yelling at the TV for the Saints!)

Following her wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. We plan to host a Celebration of Life at a later time to truly honor her joyful spirit, and we will extend those details to everyone once they are finalized.

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Wednesday:
Plenty of sunshine will keep temperatures near the 100-degree mark, with hot and humid conditions making it feel even warmer. Northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph may provide a slight breeze, but it will still be another day to take precautions against the heat. Wednesday night will be clear with a low around 75°.

Thursday:
Sunshine continues, but temperatures ease back just a bit with a high near 93°. It will still be hot and humid, though the northeast breeze at 5 to 10 mph should make it a little more comfortable than earlier in the week. Thursday night remains mainly clear with a low around 75° and light east winds.

Late Week Outlook:
After several days of near-triple-digit heat, Thursday brings a modest break with highs settling back into the lower 90s. Even so, it will remain plenty warm, so keep the water handy, take breaks if you’re working outside, and check on neighbors, pets, and anyone sensitive to the heat.

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Pastor Emeritus: Trinity Methodist Church’s Newest “Mystery Position” Finally Explained By The Trinity Times Humor Desk, reporting from the second floor—where the coffee is stronger and the stairs are steeper.

RUSTON, LA — In a move that has baffled theologians, delighted church members, and mildly confused the office copier, Trinity Methodist Church has announced that beginning January 1, 2027, Rev. Doug—longtime pastor and Sabbatical survivor—will officially become Pastor Emeritus.

If you’re wondering what a Pastor Emeritus does, don’t worry. So is he.

But fear not: The Trinity Times has conducted a thorough investigation (we asked him) and can now reveal the highly classified, deeply theological, and occasionally humorous job description of a Methodist Pastor Emeritus.

What Is a Pastor Emeritus?

In Methodist tradition, “Pastor Emeritus” is a title of honor—like being knighted, but with fewer swords and more casseroles. It’s bestowed on a pastor who has served faithfully and continues to bless the church with wisdom, presence, and the ability to find the thermostat.

It means:

• You’re not retiring from ministry.
• You’re not disappearing into the woods.
• You’re not being stored in the church attic next to the old hymnals.

It means your role shifts from leading everything to blessing everyone.

What Will Pastor Emeritus Doug Actually Do?

After relocating his office to the second floor (a move widely interpreted as “closer to heaven”), he will continue serving on staff in ways that are both meaningful and mischievous:

• Offer pastoral care with the wisdom of someone who has seen every church situation imaginable and lived to tell the tale.
• Teach, preach, and encourage—especially those navigating life’s transitions.
• Mentor staff and leaders without having to attend every meeting that could’ve been an email.
• Be present at worship, events, and ministries as a steady, joyful, pastoral presence.
• Serve as Trinity’s official Ambassador of Hope for anyone who feels stuck, uncertain, or in-between.
• Continue writing, dreaming, praying, and occasionally rearranging furniture when inspiration strikes.
• Provide theological insight from the second floor, where the air is thinner and the Holy Spirit has fewer obstacles.

In short: He’ll still be Doug—just with a cooler title and fewer deadlines.

For Anyone in Transition: You’re Not Alone

This article isn’t just about one pastor’s new chapter. It’s about every person who finds themselves in a season of change—whether you’re shifting jobs, relationships, health, identity, or purpose.

Transitions can feel like standing in a hallway with too many doors and not enough labels. You’re not where you were, and you’re not yet where you’re going. It’s awkward. It’s holy. It’s liminal space.

And here’s the good news:

Jesus does His best work in liminal spaces.

He meets people:

• On roads
• At wells
• In boats
• Between towns
• In upper rooms
• In gardens before dawn
• On the way to somewhere else

Jesus is the Lord of the In‑Between. The Savior of the Not‑Yet. The Companion of the Uncertain. When you don’t know what’s next, He’s already there. When you can’t see the path, He walks it with you. When you feel suspended between chapters, He whispers, “I’m writing something new.”

Pastor Emeritus Doug’s new role is a living reminder that God’s call doesn’t end—it simply shifts. Ministry doesn’t stop—it evolves. Purpose doesn’t vanish—it deepens.

A Blessing for the Journey

May every person in transition discover that the God who guided yesterday is already preparing tomorrow. May you find courage in the unknown, peace in the unfolding, and humor in the parts that make no sense at all. And may you remember: Emeritus is not an ending. It’s a new beginning with a fancy Latin name.

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Several colleges and universities within driving distance of Red River Parish received high marks in Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, with institutions recognized for academics, campus life, nursing programs, student housing and overall student experience. The rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of student and alumni reviews.

Leading the way was Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, which was ranked No. 1 in Louisiana for Best Colleges for Nursing and No. 1 for Best College Dorms. NSU also earned top-five rankings statewide for Best College Campuses, Best Student Life, and Best College Locations, reflecting strong student satisfaction both inside and outside the classroom.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech University continued to receive high marks as one of Louisiana’s top public universities, earning strong rankings for academics, engineering, business, student life and overall value. Tech is consistently one of the state’s highest-rated public institutions in Niche’s annual rankings.

LSU Shreveport also ranked well, particularly for its affordability, online degree programs and value, while Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport received recognition for its liberal arts education, small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships.

For students considering a two-year degree, Bossier Parish Community College continues to be recognized as one of the region’s leading community colleges, offering affordable pathways to four-year universities and workforce training.

The rankings provide prospective students and families another resource when comparing colleges, evaluating campus life and exploring academic programs. With several highly rated institutions located across northwest Louisiana, local students have a variety of options close to home for continuing their education.

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The Red River Parish Library is hosting Games & Crafts Thur July 23 as part of their Summer Reading Program.

Riverdale’s annual ice cream social is scheduled for Thur Aug 6.

Rivertown Market is now accepting Healthy Benefits cards.

The 3rd Annual Bigfoot Festival returns Sept 4–5 at the Natchitoches Events Center, bringing a weekend full of mystery, fun, and family-friendly entertainment. From unique vendors and guest speakers to themed activities and plenty of Bigfoot sightings, this one-of-a-kind event is perfect for all ages.

To kick off the Riley Jinks Memorial Rodeo week, the first event will take place Mon Sept 7 with a goat tying and cowboy triathlon beginning at 6pm in Ringgold. For more info contact Jesse Williamson at 318.423.0375.

The 22nd Annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival presented by Live! Casino and Hotel is Sept 19. This FREE annual event features local and national jazz and blues artists, great food, and local artwork in the historic Columbia Park in Shreveport.

JD Vance and his wife Usha welcomed a baby born earlier this week. The first child born to a sitting VP in more than 150 years.

The FDA has quietly apologized to Taylor Farms after reporting its lettuce was responsible for the Cyclospora outbreak. It has been revealed it was a ‘false positive’.

Congressman Cleo Fields announced he will not seek re-election to Congress but instead will run for state senate.

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7/20/2026

According to a public records request, Curtis Streetman was initially stopped by a RRPSO deputy for a traffic infraction, Louisiana State Police arrived and continued the investigation. The subject was subsequently arrested by LSP for improper lane usage and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, 1st offense.

7/19/2026

A Shreveport police officer has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested in Red River Parish on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (first offense).

Officer Curtis Streetman, who has been employed by the Shreveport Police Department since 2024, was arrested in Red River Parish. According to a statement released by SPD, following the arrest, Streetman was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case and the department’s internal review.

In the statement, SPD Chief Wayne Smith said, “This is disappointing; however, we will remain transparent and ensure this matter is handled appropriately.”

The Red River Parish Journal has reached out to the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for additional information regarding the arrest. This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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A Shreveport police officer has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested in Red River Parish on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (first offense).

Officer Curtis Streetman, who has been employed by the Shreveport Police Department since 2024, was arrested in Red River Parish. According to a statement released by SPD, following the arrest, Streetman was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case and the department’s internal review.

In the statement, SPD Chief Wayne Smith said, “This is disappointing; however, we will remain transparent and ensure this matter is handled appropriately.”

The Red River Parish Journal has reached out to the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for additional information regarding the arrest. This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Pictured is Eric Breedlove of Coushatta with the 12.2 lb largemouth bass he caught on Grand Bayou Reservoir in Coushatta on July 17, 2026. Eric is a frequent fisherman on Grand Bayou and plans to have replica made of his fish.

Grand Bayou Resort and Grand Bayou Reservoir District will pay for replicas of any bass caught at the lake that is over 10 pounds. If the fisherman wants a replica, the fish must first be officially weighed by resort personnel, then returned to the lake alive and in good condition.

Photo credit Grand Bayou Resort staff.

Shared by Faerie Sledge

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