Here’s my latest Q & A

Here’s my latest Q & A

Here’s my latest Q & A

The Latest Question & Answer

Dr. Valerie Salter was sworn in at the January board meeting as the newest member of the Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission. Dr. Salter serves as Department Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Hospitality Management & Tourism at Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches. She has been a resident of Sabine Parish for more than twenty years.

Dr. Salter earned her Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from Iowa State University and has extensive experience in hospitality education, food safety, and tourism development, having led international study tours and maintained strong industry partnerships throughout her career. She is passionate about promoting Louisiana’s unique tourism assets and supporting economic development through sustainable tourism initiatives in Sabine Parish and the surrounding region. The Commission is comprised of 7 members and located at 1601 Texas Highway in Many.

The Latest Question & Answer

Digital news network’s no-paywall model drives advertising reach in underserved markets

By Frank Johnson
Special Report

The Parish Journals of Louisiana generated 17.6 million articles read in 2025 across 17 parishes in northwest and central Louisiana, according to site analytics data, establishing the digital network as a significant advertising platform in markets traditional media increasingly abandons.  While many social media platforms get their “counts” by you simply scrolling across their article or post, the 17.6 million Parish Journals analytics are specifically from articles opened and read – a huge difference for those who understand the value of that! 

The network, operated by Journal Services LLC, maintains individual publications serving Avoyelles, Bienville, Claiborne, DeSoto, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster and Winn parishes, plus the Shreveport-Bossier Journal covering Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Unlike legacy newspapers implementing paywalls while reducing rural coverage, Parish Journals publications remain entirely FREE to readers — a model creating distinct advantages for advertisers seeking reach beyond metropolitan markets.

Geographic footprint addresses news deserts

The network spans Louisiana’s northern border through central parishes, delivering hyperlocal coverage to both population centers and agricultural communities where traditional news operations have contracted or closed entirely.

Each publication focuses on municipal government proceedings, school board operations, high school athletics and regional business developments — content that generates sustained reader engagement and repeat traffic.

Site analytics show consistent readership across rural parishes that major media outlets typically serve only through regional editions or wire service content, if at all.

Paywall-free access multiplies advertising reach

The network’s most significant competitive advantage centers on unrestricted content access and its impact on advertising distribution.

When readers share Parish Journals articles through social media, email or messaging platforms, recipients access full content immediately without subscription barriers. Advertisements within shared articles reach expanded audiences at no additional cost to advertisers.

Paywalled competitors face structural limitations: subscribers may share content, but non-subscribers cannot access articles or view advertisements without subscriptions. This restricts organic distribution and caps advertising reach at existing subscriber counts regardless of content popularity.

Parish Journals articles continue generating traffic and advertising impressions weeks or months after publication as readers discover and share content without access restrictions. High school sports coverage particularly demonstrates this sustained engagement as families share game stories and season recaps long after initial publication.

Learn more about advertising opportunities with the Parish Journals network.

Digital infrastructure enables targeting flexibility

The network’s digital-first operations provide capabilities traditional print cannot match: real-time campaign deployment, performance analytics, geographic targeting across multiple parish markets, and mobile accessibility.

Advertisers can execute both broad regional campaigns and parish-specific initiatives through a single media partner while maintaining unlimited organic reach through social sharing.

Contact Journal Services LLC to discuss your advertising strategy.

Market positioning amid industry consolidation

As consolidation reshapes Louisiana media markets and legacy publications reduce rural coverage while implementing subscription barriers, Parish Journals has systematically expanded into underserved communities.

The result: comprehensive regional reach combined with genuine local focus across individual parish markets, without subscription barriers limiting advertising effectiveness.

The network’s 2025 performance — 17.6 million articles read across 17 parishes — demonstrates sustained audience engagement in markets where traditional news operations struggle to maintain profitability.

For businesses seeking connections with audiences across northwest and central Louisiana’s diverse communities, the platform provides documented reach and engagement with the structural advantage of unrestricted content access multiplying advertising distribution.

Contact Journal Services LLC regarding advertising rates and partnership opportunities.

Northwestern State’s football team will play six games at Turpin Stadium in 2026, including a season-opening Thursday night, Aug. 27 contest renewing a long dormant series with nearby Louisiana Christian (formerly Louisiana College), and third-year coach Blaine McCorkle’s Demons will visit NSU’s oldest rival, Louisiana Tech in Week 2.

The 12-game schedule was announced on Tuesday as part of a Southland Conference-wide schedule release for the 2026 season.

“Thursday night openers are always fun because the students are here and you get a good crowd. We opened up against Alcorn on Thursday night last year and it was a great atmosphere so we are excited to do that again,” said McCorkle.

The game with the Wildcats is the first between the two programs since 1968 in a series dating back to 1908.. LC dropped football in 1969, and resumed it two decades ago. Located in Pineville, Louisiana Christian plays at the NAIA Division I level and has visited Southland members McNeese and Houston Christian in season-openers in the past two years.

“I can see LC bringing a lot of people up and they’re a good football team,” said McCorkle. “I give Coach (Ben) McLaughlin a lot of credit. They’ve won their conference two of the last three years, and they do a lot of good things. There’s no doubt their players will be excited to come in here and play.”

Northwestern renews another regional rivalry the following week when it travels to Louisiana Tech on Sept. 5. The first meeting with the Bulldogs since 2023 begins a stretch of three straight September road games for the second straight season.

Sandwiched between the trip to Ruston and a program-first trip to Utah to close a home-and-home agreement with Weber State (Sept. 19), the Demons travel to East Texas A&M (Sept. 12) for the first of nine SLC games on the schedule.

After four straight seasons with multiple FBS opponents on their non-conference schedule, the Demons face just one in 2026.

“Excited about the regional rivalry with Tech. We have a history of playing a lot over the years,” McCorkle said. “I know our kids will be really excited to go up there and play against people that they know. There’s a lot of crossover on our rosters with high school teammates or guys you played against when you’re that close in proximity.

“Then after a week of conference play against East Texas A&M, back on the road to Weber State, who came in here two years ago and handled us pretty good. They have been a perennial FCS power. So, three non-conference games this year and we definitely have our work cut out for us. They should set us up pretty good going into conference play to know where we are.”

With two Louisiana-based teams in the non-conference, the Demons face five total in-state opponents on the year, including the first home conference game against Southeastern on Sept. 26. It signals a stretch of three of four and five of seven games inside Turpin Stadium.

McNeese (Oct. 17) and Nicholls (Oct. 24) also visit Natchitoches in 2026, marking the first time since 1978 the Demons host the Colonels, Cowboys and Lions in the same season and the first time with all being Southland Conference opponents.

The last time NSU played five games against in-state teams in the same season was 2017.

After consecutive home games in mid-October, the Demons close their home slate with consecutive home games in early November, hosting UTRGV (Nov. 7) in the first football meeting between the two schools in history, and HCU (Nov. 14).

“Six home games is a big deal,” McCorkle said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had six home games. And then Louisiana Tech is right up the road. So really, you have within proximity, seven right here in our backyard where all our fans all be able to see us play.

It is the first time since 2013 the Demons have six home games during a season.

NSU closes the season with a Thursday night rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin, this time in Nacogdoches.

Kickoff times and the homecoming date will be set later, officials said.

*indicates Southland Conference games

Got a question that’s been nagging at you? Life’s big (or small) dilemmas—work woes, family feuds, resolutions that fizzled, or just figuring out how to adult without losing your mind?

Past Examples from readers:

• When Silence Speaks: A Note to the Hurting
• New Year’s fireworks (the fun kind).
• Digital grief with AI voices.
• Wedding drama over social media posts.
• Resolutions that crash by Day 2.
• Welcome to Ask Ida

Your story could be next. Submit now—what’s weighing on you?

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About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

Paid Content

As Christmas approaches, the Sabine Parish Journal would like to extend our warmest wishes to each of our readers. This season reminds us of the joy of community, the comfort of tradition, and the importance of taking time to appreciate the people who make life meaningful. We are truly grateful for your support and for the privilege of sharing Sabine Parish’s stories throughout the year.

To allow our staff time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends, SPJ will take Thursday and Friday off. We’ll return Wednesday, refreshed and ready to bring you more of the news and updates that matter to our parish.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and may your holiday be filled with peace, warmth, and all the things that make this season bright.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) – BPCC, Natchitoches Campus

Program Overview

This course prepares students for employment as professional commercial drivers and follows all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training rules, regulations, and guidelines. Classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training will cover topics such as DOT rules and regulations, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, backing and maneuvering, day and night driving on rural, urban, and interstate highways, trip planning, logging hours, coupling and uncoupling, handling cargo, and defensive driving.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to test for one of the following licenses:

• CDL Class A-tractor-trailer
• CDL Class B-straight truck

A contracted state-approved examiner administers the final skills test.

To be eligible for this course, students must meet all the criteria listed below before they can begin their CDL training:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a valid LA Driver’s License with no flags or blocks;
• pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen; and
• obtain a CDL Class A Permit through the LA Office of Motor Vehicles.

Classes will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM for 6 weeks.

Cohort 3         Monday, January 12, 2026 – Friday, February 20, 2026

Cohort 4         Monday, March 2, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026

What’s required, overview and estimated costs: Click Here > bpcc.edu/CDL

Enroll Today: https://www.bpcc.edu/academics/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics/commercial-drivers-license

Sherie Moore
CDL Program Coordinator
smoore@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

Vernon Sykes
CDL Instructor
vsykes@bpcc.edu
318-951-4506

Journal Services Staff

Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.

In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.

For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.

Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.

This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.

Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.

May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.

We present a rare opportunity to own a stunning, high-quality 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath Satterwhite Log Home on 3.2 manicured acres near Vernon Lake. Satterwhite is famous for quality, but this house is for sale for one simple reason: Clint.

Clint and his family moved here from Las Vegas, believing that since they survived the dry desert, they could handle the humid Bayou State. They were wrong. Clint discovered that while the home is an absolute masterpiece of rustic charm, Louisiana is hotter than his wuss self can handle. He has packed his bags. He is done. He is going back to Vegas, where at least he can blame the heat on the sun, not the air itself.

This home is magnificent! The interior is a perfect combination of natural wood: tongue-and-groove walls, vaulted ceilings, and rich wood flooring. The spacious living room has a beautiful stone fireplace, perfect for those two days a year it’s actually cold. The house is impeccably maintained, probably because Clint was too busy whining to cause any wear and tear. The kitchen and dining areas are charming and ready for you to enjoy. Clint didn’t make it to Gumbo season.

The exterior is gorgeous, offering inlet access to Vernon Lake for swimming, boating, and for Clint, probably just submerging his entire body in desperation. You’ve got your standard 2-car carport, plus an enormous covered structure—a gargantuan area that can shelter 5+ extra vehicles, a fleet of boats, or serve as a massive, shaded “Time Out” corner for anyone who dares utter the word “sauna.”

Don’t miss your chance to snag this genuinely spectacular home. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship and proof that a beautiful log cabin is perfect to call home in Louisiana! Come buy this house and prove you can handle the climate that defeated Clint, the brave soul who survived Las Vegas. Book your showing today!

General Description

List Price: $349,000
MLS Number: 2523594
Property Type: Residential
Dwelling Type: Single Family – Detached
Parish: Vernon
City: Anacoco
Status: Active
Zip: 71403
LP/SqFt: $164.78
DOM: 19
Bounding Streets: THAXTON LANDING RD.
Lot Size: 139392 sq ft
Lot Description: 1-5 Acres
Acres: 3.20
City Limit YN: No
School Elementary: Anacoco
School Middle: Anacoco
School High: Anacoco

Keller Williams Realty CENLA Partners

Rick Beck, REALTOR®
2965-B Hwy 165
Pineville, LA 71360
Cell: 318.792.6852
Office: 318.619.7796
rick.beck1607@gmail.com

Each office is independently owned & operated.
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission

Lake view retreat in the heart of Converse, where tranquil waters meet comfortable living. This charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers 2,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed space that seamlessly blends relaxation with functionality. The moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the open floor plan that creates an inviting atmosphere for both daily living and entertaining guests. Each of the three bedrooms provides comfortable accommodations, while the three full bathrooms ensure convenience for family and visitors alike.

The dedicated office space offers the perfect solution for remote work or pursuing hobbies, providing a quiet sanctuary away from the main living areas. Adding to the home’s appeal is a whole-home generator, ensuring your family stays comfortable and connected regardless of weather conditions. This practical addition provides peace of mind and uninterrupted power when you need it most.

The Converse neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with convenient access to local amenities, including nearby Converse Bay Park for additional recreational opportunities. This home represents an exceptional opportunity to embrace Beautiful Views of Lake living while maintaining all the comforts of modern convenience.

Don’t miss the chance to see what this home and its location have to offer.

Motivated Sellers!!

Price: $228,900.00 (Reduced)
Location/Address: 120 Rogers Rd Converse, Louisiana, DeSoto Parish

Size: 2,300 Sq/Ft
Rooms:  3 Beds and 3 Baths
Type: Single Family Residential

Owner/Contact:
Contact: Tiffany Cheatwood-Syse Realtor
Phone: 318-609-1104
eMail: tsyse@therichmondgrp.com

RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals
926 Washington St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Licensed in Louisiana

Website: http://www.tiffanysyserealtor.com

In today’s saturated real estate market, your property listing can easily disappear into the digital noise. Between Zillow, Realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and countless other platforms, potential buyers are drowning in options—and your listing risks becoming just another scroll-by on someone’s smartphone.

That’s exactly why savvy landowners, homeowners, and real estate agents across Louisiana are turning to The Parish Journals of Louisiana to cut through the clutter and connect with serious, local buyers.

Local Reach That Actually Matters

Here’s what the big national platforms won’t tell you: the most qualified buyers for your Louisiana property are not browsing listings in New York or California. They are your neighbors. They are families already living in your parish who want to stay close to work, schools, and community. They are out-of-parish Louisianans looking to relocate within the state. They are local investors who understand the market and can close quickly.

The Parish Journals of Louisiana reaches these buyers where they already are—engaged with their local news, community updates, and regional happenings. When readers open their Parish Journal, they are not mindlessly scrolling; they are actively seeking information about their community. Your property listing becomes part of that trusted local conversation.

Precision Targeting That Saves You Money

Why pay to market a Natchitoches property to someone in Seattle who has no interest in Louisiana? With The Parish Journals of Louisiana, you control exactly where your marketing dollars go.

But here’s something most people don’t realize when someone in Seattle is seriously considering a move to Natchitoches Parish, they don’t start by booking a flight. They start by reading the local news outlets. Long before they ever make a market visit, they are online learning about the community—reading about local government, schools, business developments, and yes, scanning property listings. They are trying to understand what life would be like in their potential new home.

That’s when your listing needs to be visible. The Parish Journals of Louisiana captures these serious prospective buyers during their research phase, when they are most engaged and receptive. By the time they schedule that market visit, they have already seen your property and marked it as a must-see.

Need hyper-local focus? Target a single Parish Journal to reach buyers specifically interested in that community. Perfect for residential properties, agricultural land, or commercial spaces with strong local appeal.

Want regional coverage? Create a zone campaign across multiple Parish Journals to capture buyers considering several adjacent markets. Ideal for larger acreage, hunting land, or properties that might appeal to buyers from neighboring parishes.

Ready for statewide exposure? Leverage our entire footprint across 17 parishes in Northwest and Central Louisiana. This approach works beautifully for unique properties, investment opportunities, or high-value listings that deserve maximum visibility across our coverage area.

No other Louisiana media platform gives you this level of geographic precision combined with proven local readership—and the ability to reach both current residents and serious relocators who are actively researching your community.

The Trust Factor You Can’t Buy

The Parish Journals of Louisiana have spent years building credibility as the authoritative source for local news, government affairs, and business developments across our coverage area. When your property appears in our pages, whether in print or digitality carries that same credibility.

Readers trust The Parish Journals of Louisiana to deliver accurate, relevant local information. That trust transfers to your listing, giving you an immediate advantage over anonymous internet postings.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Real estate is about connecting the right property with the right buyer at the right time. The Parish Journals of Louisiana accelerates that connection by putting your listing in front of engaged local audiences who have the means, motivation, and genuine interest in acting.

While others are chasing viral social media posts and hoping the algorithm works in their favor, The Parish Journals of Louisiana provides consistent, reliable exposure to the audiences that matter most for Louisiana properties.

Make Your Property Stand Out

In a market where everyone is shouting for attention, the winners are those who know exactly who they are talking to and how to reach them effectively. The Parish Journals of Louisiana give you that strategic advantage.

Whether you are selling a family home, marketing recreational land, or listing commercial property, The Parish Journals of Louisiana offers the local reach, custom targeting, and trusted platform that turns “For Sale” into “Sold.”

BY THE NUMBERS: 2024

In 2024, The Parish Journals of Louisiana saw over fourteen million articles read by over three million unique readers!

That’s the kind of engaged audience your property listing deserves.

The Parish Journals of Louisiana serves 17 parishes across Northwest and Central Louisiana with comprehensive coverage of local news, government, business, and community affairs. Our readers are your neighbors—and your next buyers.

Contact The Parish Journals of Louisiana today to learn how we can customize a marketing strategy for your property. Because in today’s crowded market, you do not need to shout louder, you need to speak directly to the people who are ready to listen.

Call/Text: 318-500-3366
eMail: Property Marketing

Our Contact Form (Fast Response): Journal Contact Form

PRIOR REAL ESTATE ADS

LAND FOR SALE: Haughton, Louisiana

Lake view retreat in the heart of Converse, where tranquil waters meet comfortable living. This charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers 2,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed space that seamlessly blends relaxation with functionality. The moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the open floor plan that creates an inviting atmosphere for both daily living and entertaining guests. Each of the three bedrooms provides comfortable accommodations, while the three full bathrooms ensure convenience for family and visitors alike.

The dedicated office space offers the perfect solution for remote work or pursuing hobbies, providing a quiet sanctuary away from the main living areas. Adding to the home’s appeal is a whole-home generator, ensuring your family stays comfortable and connected regardless of weather conditions. This practical addition provides peace of mind and uninterrupted power when you need it most.

The Converse neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with convenient access to local amenities, including nearby Converse Bay Park for additional recreational opportunities. This home represents an exceptional opportunity to embrace Beautiful Views of Lake living while maintaining all the comforts of modern convenience.

Don’t miss the chance to see what this home and its location have to offer.

Motivated Sellers!!

Price: $235,000.00
Location/Address: 120 Rogers Rd Converse, Louisiana, DeSoto Parish

Size: 2,300 Sq/Ft
Rooms:  3 Beds and 3 Baths
Type: Single Family Residential

Owner/Contact:
Contact: Tiffany Cheatwood-Syse Realtor
Phone: 318-609-1104
eMail: tsyse@therichmondgrp.com

RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals
926 Washington St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Licensed in Louisiana

Website: http://www.tiffanysyserealtor.com

Behind-the-scenes stories recounting the filming of the 1989 box office hit movie “Steel Magnolias,” shot on location in Natchitoches, will be shared Thursday evening at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Louisiana’s oldest city.

“Steel Magnolias Memories with Tom Whitehead and Friends” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Natchitoches museum includes a reception and panel discussion with audience participation, recounting memories of the beloved classic film with a star-studded cast.

Whitehead, a now-retired journalism professor at Northwestern State University, was the second local person hired by the production company, assisting in logistics and hosting the stars in the cast throughout their stays in Natchitoches.

He will be joined on the panel by other locals who were involved in the production – Bill Brent, Sandra Dickens, Ed Ward – and Shreveport entertainment writer Maggie Martin.

Tickets at the door are $20 for the public, $10 for NSU students, and free for FLASH members. Enjoy complimentary refreshments during the event.

The event is a fundraiser for FLASH, Friends of Louisiana Sports and History, the local support group for the museum, which is part of the Louisiana State Museum system.

Written by Natchitoches native Robert Harling Jr. and immediately a smash hit on Broadway, “Steel Magnolias”  was adapted for the screen just two years later and featured the breakout performance by future Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts, alongside Oscar winners Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis, superstar entertainer and actress Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah, with acclaimed actors Tom Skerritt and Dylan McDermott in key supporting roles.

The comedy/drama continues to resonate four decades later, inspiring thousands of stage adaptations around the world and a 2012 Lifetime Network movie remake, and is treasured for its themes of friendship and reliance and its portrayal of Southern small-town charm.

Harling wrote about the life and 1985 passing of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a young mother who died from complications with diabetes.

After he persuaded TriStar Pictures executives to shoot the movie in Natchitoches, the production was a seminal event for the community, with many locals working behind the scenes and appearing as extras or even with small speaking parts in the film. Its release and reception sparked a stream of visitors to Natchitoches to see the film’s location and soak in the ambiance of the city, a phenomenon that continues today.

For more information or to join FLASH, call the museum at 318-357-2492. It is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with modest admission prices topping out at $6.

Situation Overview

1. The carriage agreement between YouTube TV (owned by Google) and The Walt Disney Company expired at the end of October 2025.

2. As a result, Disney-owned channels including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, and National Geographic went dark for all YouTube TV subscribers across the U.S.

3. Both sides are blaming each other publicly:

• YouTube TV claims Disney is demanding higher fees that would drive up subscriber costs.
• Disney argues that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair market value for its programming, denying viewers access to key sports and entertainment content.

1. YouTube TV has notified customers that if the blackout continues, it will issue a one-time credit (reported at approximately $20) to affected subscribers.

2. The dispute has disrupted access to major sporting events and local programming normally available through ABC and ESPN.

Why It Matters

• The blackout impacts millions of subscribers who depend on YouTube TV for live sports, local news, and network programming.

• It underscores growing tensions between streaming distributors and content owners over carriage fees and the economics of bundled streaming services.

Subscriber Options

Switch or Add a Different Live-TV Streaming Service

• Competing services such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, or DIRECTV Stream currently carry Disney-owned channels.

• Subscribers should compare channel lineups, regional ABC affiliate availability, pricing, and promotional offers before switching.

• Be aware that switching services may involve contract commitments, new billing cycles, or equipment changes.

• ESPN content may still be available through standalone ESPN streaming apps or through cable providers unaffected by the dispute.

• Local ABC stations can often be accessed using a digital over-the-air (OTA) antenna, depending on signal range.

• Subscribers can also check if network apps allow live access without YouTube TV authentication.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is announcing the distribution schedule for state-funded emergency assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households that include the elderly, disabled, or children. The Department is also announcing SNAP staff furloughs.

Households consisting only of able-bodied adults will not receive state-funded emergency assistance. Any unused SNAP benefits from previous months will remain on all recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and can be utilized as usual.

Every SNAP-eligible household has a set day of the month when benefits are issued. Starting November 1, 25% of the SNAP household benefit allotment will be provided as state-funded emergency assistance on the assigned date that SNAP benefits are normally issued.

An additional 25% of the benefit amount will be provided to each household every seven days for the month of November, as long as the federal government shutdown continues. Following is an example of the issuance schedule:

EXAMPLE: Household Benefit Amount = $200

Normal benefit issuance day: November 1 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 8 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 15 – 25% of benefit = $50
Seven days later: November 22 – 25% of benefit = $50

Eligible SNAP recipients do not need to take action to receive state-funded emergency assistance. However, SNAP recipients must continue to meet all program requirements on time to continue their federal SNAP eligibility.

Report household changes: Continue to report any changes to your household circumstances.
Complete paperwork: Ensure you complete simplified reporting or recertification paperwork, if applicable.
Submit verification: Submit any requested verification documents:
By mail to the LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826; or
By fax to 225-663-3164.

Food banks

SNAP recipients who won’t receive state-funded emergency assistance should contact their local food bank for help. The Department also encourages Louisiana residents able to donate to support their local food banks and fellow Louisianans.

LDH employee furloughs

The Department has furloughed 786 SNAP employees due to the federal government shutdown, effective Monday, November 3. A total of 298 employees are essential staff and will not be furloughed. The furlough will continue until the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., ends.

The Louisiana Department of Health is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown and will provide updates to retailers and beneficiaries directly as they become available.

The annual Bash on the Bayou is set to return on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the 4-H Mini Farm, offering fans a full day of tailgating fun, food, and football. Doors will open at 10 a.m., with activities continuing throughout the day.

General admission is $5 per person. Tailgate shirts and football game tickets must be purchased separately. Tailgate ticket sales will close on November 7. Football game tickets start at $35, while tailgate T-shirts are priced at $23 (with an additional $2 for 2XL and $3 for 3XL). Shirts are available online only and must be ordered by October 1.

No reserved parking will be available for cars and trucks. A limited number of passes will be issued for school buses.

The first 250 attendees will enjoy free food and drinks. Doors to the Mini Farm open at 10 a.m., and food service begins at 11 a.m.

Fans can watch live football games on big screens inside the Mini Farm, while outdoor activities will take place under the pavilion, making it a family-friendly celebration of football and community spirit.

For ticket and shirt purchases, visit the event’s official links.

Despite the federal government’s refusal to use emergency funds to send out federal food aid, Louisiana residents remain hopeful that they will receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, in the first few days of November.

The optimism comes from Governor Jeff Landry asking the state legislature to authorize $150 million of state money to subsidize Louisiana SNAP benefits for November, after declaring a state of emergency to fund the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

However, Landry specifically asked that distribution be from November 1 through November 4, and limited the funds to go to children, the elderly, and disabled people, which make up a majority — but not all — of Louisiana SNAP recipients.

The state legislature, which is in an unrelated special session, unanimously passed the measure (97-0) on Friday, October 24th, and now the issue is with the Senate, which is expected to take up the matter on Wednesday, October 29th. Confident that the resolution will pass, Governor Landry has scheduled a new conference for Wednesday at 2:00 pm to address the situation. 

The decision carries great weight among Louisiana residents as it is estimated that nearly 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits. Of those roughly 565,000 are either children, the elderly, or disabled. 

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Imaging Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provide the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

“Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality imaging services to our patients,” said Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “This accreditation from the American College of Radiology reflects the expertise of our imaging team, their dedication to patient safety, and our ongoing investment in advanced technology to better serve our community.”

For more information about MRI services or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.nrmchospital.org or call (318) 214-4518.

Longtime career prosecutor, Ronald Brandon, announced today he will officially be ending his duties at the Sabine District Attorney’s office on Wednesday, October 8th.

Brandon will be a candidate for Sabine District Attorney in the election to be held in the fall of 2026.

“I have decided the right thing to do is to leave my job so I will not be on the public’s payroll while running for a public office,” Brandon said. “I want to be your district attorney, but I strongly believe the public’s hard earned tax dollars should not support me while I pursue a political campaign,” Brandon continued.

Ronald Brandon is the son of the late Earl and Joan Brandon. He was raised in Hurricane Valley, a small community outside of Zwolle. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Zwolle High School where he graduated in 1980.

He attended Northwestern State University earning two degrees, an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He graduated from Southern Law School graduating Cum Laude in 1990. In the fall of 1990 he was sworn in as a Sabine Parish Assistant District Attorney and began the private practice of law as well.

While pursuing higher education, Ronald worked for the University Police at Northwestern State and later for the Natchitoches Police Department where he received the Purple Heart for being shot in the line of duty. He has also taught Criminal Justice at Northwestern State University.

He has been married to his wife, Pollie for forty-four (44) years. They have three sons: Heath Brandon who works as attorney in his father’s law firm, Jarred Brandon, currently employed by Right Care Health Services as a Nursing Facility Administrator, and Samuel Brandon, currently employed by the Sabine Parish School Board where he teaches and coaches at Ebarb High School.

In 1998, Ronald and Pollie bought Century 21 Sabine Property Shoppe where they employ 11 agents.

Ronald Brandon is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he has served on the Pastoral Council, Ushers and is a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He has been a board member of the Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival from its inception and has served as President, Vice President, and currently serves as Treasurer. Brandon was instrumental in helping acquire the Zwolle Festival Grounds and has served on the Zwolle Festival Grounds Board since its inception.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RONALD “RONNIE” BRANDON ON HIS CELL PHONE AT (318)471-5075.