Good morning, Shreveport.

Bally’s Corporation completed a $30 million purchase of Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in Shreveport and the property reopened at noon Aug.

1 after a brief closure. The 29,000 sqft venue — hosting a hotel, restaurants, and live entertainment — will soon be rebranded under the Bally’s name.

Retired Centenary professor Dr. Dana Kress – the leader of Les Éditions Tintamarre – was awarded the James William Rivers Prize on Aug.

6 at Centenary College; he was honored for his work preserving Louisiana French culture.

Amazon plans to invest in Caddo-Bossier Parish Schools to upgrade local facilities, and officials expect to share more details soon.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulated the July Law Enforcement Safety Academy graduates from across the parish who received hands-on training in emergency response, drone technology, and firearm safety.

Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation also supported the wrap-up party with inflatable fun stations to boost community ties.

Students in Bossier & DeSoto began school Thursday while Caddo students start Monday.

Community groups offer free backpack & supply giveaways Saturday with events at Galilee Baptist Church in Shreveport and at SpoTran and Salvation Army sites, all running in the morning.

Local hockey standout Kason Muscutt hosted a sold-out four-day youth camp at George’s Pond (Hirsch Coliseum) that concluded Thursday, giving more than three dozen aspiring players a taste of high-level hockey as he prepares to join the University of Michigan’s season later this month.

Bossier Phillies begin defending their American Legion World Series berth today in a six-team regional in Shelby — the team will play without two starters due to school and dental surgery, and coach Dane Peavy expressed confidence as Bud Burns starts game 1.