Good morning, Shreveport.

Verni Howard, Shreveport’s Director of Community Development, shared her journey from banking and personal challenges to a role in public service—she took a nearly $100,000 pay cut to work for the city and help vulnerable residents.

Her story shows that deep faith and purpose can guide a career change that benefits others.

Spirit Halloween has opened three seasonal locations — two in former Big Lots stores — in Shreveport and Bossier City, offering a wide selection of costumes for adults, children, and pets.

The stores are now open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., ensuring families can prepare for Halloween.

Shreveport Regional Airport had its busiest summer in 44 years when 307,597 passengers traveled from May to August—a 19 percent rise over last summer and the fourth busiest season in its 73-year history.

Airport officials said new nonstop routes, including a popular flight to Nashville, spurred the growth, and nonstop flights to Nashville, Destin, and Orlando will return next summer with tickets expected on sale by year end.

Advocates led by Dafnee Chatman met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill today to urge support for Head Start programs across the ArkLaTex—warning that funding cuts would curtail early childhood education.

Chatman and 29 volunteer leaders will meet Representative Mike Johnson while pushing lawmakers to honor their campaign promises to care for children.

Shreveport-Bossier high school seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists based on last year’s PSAT scores and now will complete final application steps for a chance at over 6,900 college scholarships worth about $26 million—these students represent less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors.

Eight Caddo schools were designated as Purple Star Schools by the Caddo Parish School Board Tuesday—an award given to schools that offer programs and resources to support military-connected students and their families.

The designation recognizes efforts to help these students manage the challenges of military life.

The judges of Louisiana’s First Judicial District recused themselves from the open meeting law lawsuit against the Caddo Parish Commission to avoid any appearance of bias—Louisiana Supreme Court will appoint an ad hoc judge to hear the case set for Oct.

27.

The Caddo Parish Commission is set to vote on the $10 million pickleball park proposal this Thursday — residents have raised concerns about the high cost despite officials explaining it funds a multi-course complex through a 30-year revenue bond.

Commissioners say the project is needed to help attract middle-class families and retirees amid Shreveport’s ongoing population decline.

The City of Shreveport’s Department of Water and Sewerage issued a voluntary boil advisory yesterday for residents and businesses south of LA-3132 between I-49 and Dean Road due to a broken 6-inch water main on Kingston Road—water samples will be tested tomorrow and the advisory may be lifted then.

The City of Shreveport’s Parks and Recreation Department announced parking lot improvements with the Cross Lake Boat Launch parking lot closed from September 22nd to September 29th for resurfacing — alternative launch sites include Melvin’s Landing, Barron’s Landing and Marina, Ark-La-Tex Landing, Johnson’s Fishing Camp, Shreveport Yacht Club and Municipal Pier and Boat Launch. Work will begin the week of September 15th at the Southern Hills Recreation Center lower parking lot with final resurfacing starting the first week of October to boost access and safety.

On Monday, Evangel’s junior quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston committed verbally to join LSU’s 2027 recruiting class during his 17th birthday celebration at ECA — his parents showed LSU gear as he chose the Tigers over offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and USC citing strong quarterback development and Christian values.

Briggs Savage, a 4.0 honor student and senior linebacker at Captain Shreve, has shown strong play with 16.5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a touchdown reception on the football team—he also plays third base on the baseball team and was named to the National Football Foundation McNaughton Chapter Preseason Scholar-Athlete Watch List. He said his older brother helped guide him and he looks forward to key games against rival Byrd and Evangel.

LSUS athletic trainer Meghan Neffendorf was named NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year, marking her as the first three-time winner in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Her work in injury prevention and care improvements has helped protect student-athletes—boosting LSUS's success across six sports and three clubs.

Fall in Love at the Movies

7-9 p.m. — Earl G Williamson Park — Free entry — Enjoy a romantic movie under the stars with The Princess Bride featuring love, adventure, and comedy.

16th Annual Bunco Bash & Silent Auction

6-10 p.m. — Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel — Ticket sales ended — Enjoy an evening of fun and fundraising for the Renzi Education & Art Center.

Chicken & Blues Festival

10 AM – 10 PM — Louisiana State University in Shreveport — Cost TBD — Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of blues music and culinary delights with local flavors and community spirit.

Lyle Lovett Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Strand Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-blending sounds of Lyle Lovett from country to jazz in an intimate theatre setting.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8-9:30 p.m. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Tickets on sale now — A classical spin on legendary Rock & Metal in a uniquely dark atmosphere.

Autumn Breeze Road Race

7:30-9:30 a.m. — Uptown Center — Entry fee varies from $27 to $40 — Get ready to run in this scenic road race through fall's colorful landscapes.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Update Meeting

9:15-11:45 a.m. — Sam's Town Hotel & Casino — Free parking, breakfast, and lunch provided — A vital gathering for hospitality professionals to discuss regional tourism initiatives.

Shreveport Bowfishing Tournament

All night fishing — Red River South Marina & Resort — $300 per team — Compete to eliminate invasive species and win cash prizes in this exciting carp tournament.