SHREVEPORT, La. --  A Ruston-area family is asking for prayers and support as their 7-year-old daughter faces a serious health battle involving a rare brain infection.

SHREVEPORT, La. — A local church is inviting the community to come together for prayer, fellowship and teaching during the 2026 Prayer Warriors Prayer Summit this week.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Galilee Baptist Church is helping local families prepare for the new school year with a back-to-school giveaway and community resource fair designed to support students both inside and outside the classroom.The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature the distribution of more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies. Organizers will also provide hygiene kits, positive affirmation items, free haircuts, and free braiding services to help students start the school year with confidence.“We want to help our young people and the parents with just some of the basic needs,” said Anuary Rhodes Mahoney. “Costs are getting more expensive, and if we can help a little with that, then that's what we're here for.”In addition to the giveaways, several community organizations will be on hand to provide information about counseling services, healthcare resources, school safety, and other family support programs.The church is also expanding its efforts this year with a communitywide back-to-school worship service and pep rally on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 10:15 a.m. The event will honor educators, support staff, and school personnel while encouraging students as they begin the academic year.Organizers say the goal is to equip students physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for a successful school year.

SHREVEPORT, La. — A longtime community tradition is set to return as First Baptist Church prepares for its annual “Red, White and Boom” fireworks celebration.The event, now in its 20th year, is designed to bring families together while honoring the nation’s freedoms.“It’s a free fireworks show that celebrates the freedoms we have in America,” said Pastor Dennis Sims, noting the event’s roots in both community connection and patriotism.The celebration will take place Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. at the church located near Allenby Road and Leonard Road. Guests can enjoy food trucks, live music, and activities for kids before a 30-minute fireworks show begins around 9 p.m.Sims says the event has grown over the years, now drawing hundreds of people from across the community and continuing to serve as a kickoff to Fourth of July celebrations across the area.

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Shreveport community continued its Juneteenth commemorations Friday evening with a vibrant celebration hosted at the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Community leaders gathered at Galilee Baptist Church Tuesday morning to announce a month of events commemorating the legacy of the Rev. E. Edward Jones Sr., 10 years after his death.