Red River Radio News
Texas voters return to the polls this week to decide several high-profile runoff races, including contests for U.S. Senate, state attorney general and lieutenant governor.
Cultural, Community, Information
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Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. More than 100 diseases and conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, which remains the leading cause of disability in America, impacting millions of lives every day. Many people think of arthritis as a condition affecting older adults, but nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. are living with juvenile arthritis. On this episode of Health Matters, we will learn about risk factors and symptoms of arthritis, what we can do to limit its effects, and the latest treatments and research. -
Guy and Drena Dodson are the co-directors of 5 Loaves & 2 Fish, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to serving both the practical and spiritual needs of the community. Guided by faith, compassion, and stewardship, they work together to multiply resources and bless others through service. Guy also serves as a bus driver for Bossier Parish, while Drena brings entrepreneurial leadership as a small business owner. -
Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Randall Brewer is joined by Dr. Ammar Husan and Dr. Jose Zapatero, Assistant Professors of Family Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport. Together, they explore what the latest research reveals about GLP-1 medications—and how to weigh their benefits against potential risks. -
Conserving Earth visits with biologists from the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Nichols State University about field work they’re doing to protect native ecosystems. Of particular focus is the diamond-backed terrapin that lives where fresh water meets the sea. This beautiful turtle was severely hunted in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s for making turtle soup. Tune in to learn why this terrapin is so important both for the environment and for people. And what odd political twist caused the popularity of turtle soup to decline and saved this terrapin from extinction. -
Mark Poole is a retired Air Force veteran and small farm owner who found a renewed creative passion in clay—hand building, wheel throwing, and sculpting—and now enjoys teaching pottery to help others discover the art form. He joined the Desoto Arts Council in 2016 to promote his pottery and soon stepped into leadership as council president during a major transition.
Spotlights
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Red River Radio's Kermit Poling speaks with music director Michael Butterman and saxophonist Timothy McAllister about this weekend's concerts by the SSO. -
Never-before performed at Shreveport Opera, The Seven Deadly Sins and Mahagonny-Songspiel provide an intriguing ending to our 2025-26 season and feature our SOX artists. The Seven Deadly Sins tells the story of two sisters who leave Louisiana in search of fame, while Mahagonny-Songspiel tells of the rise and fall of a Sodom and Gamora-esque town. -
Red River Radio's Kermit Poling speaks with SSO music director Michael Butterman and guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu about the symphony's weekend concerts, featuring music of MacDowell, Franck and more.
Local Events
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Spectral Sisters Productions presents Grace & Wrath, an evening of provocatively original ten-minute plays, Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. SSP's annual 10-Minute Play Festival features contest-winning works by local and regional writers and casts of local players. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (June 4–6) and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026. General Admission tickets are available for $10. Spectral Sponsor tickets include general admission plus a $15 tax-deductible donation to support the cultural work of Spectral Sisters. All tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. (Parental discretion is advised. Some performances may contain adult-themed subject matter or language.) -
R&R with History: Read and React, 1 book; 4 nights
on Tuesdays @6:00 p.m. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 in the Bossier Central Library large meeting room.
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, join the History Center's discussion series on "Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution" by Nathaniel Philbrick. This account of the middle of the American Revolution is a dramatic portrait of the war that gave birth to a nation. Discussions will be led by historian and Benton High School teacher, Rusty Beckham. Mr. Beckham has an M.A. in History from Villanova University in PA. An engaging speaker and discussion leader, Mr. Beckham's programs receive rave reviews!
Visit the Central Library Circulation Desk to register and sign out a copy of the book. Call (318) 746-7717 or (318) 746-1693 for more information. -
"The Tin Woman"
June 18-28
Hearn Stage, 1102 Third St, Alexandria
What happens when one life ends… and another begins because of it? Based on a true story - Instead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. At a friend's urging, Joy tracks down Jack's family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank, and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack's death? “The Tin Woman” uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life.
Presented by City Park Players and directed by Alana Pate.
In partnership with LOPA, the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.
Advance tickets at cpptheatre.com -
Come enjoy a trip back in time with swing dancing and a live swing band at Swing in the Streets — right in downtown Nacogdoches! Nac Swing Dance will kick things off with a brief beginner-friendly lesson, followed by live music and dancing into the night.
This year’s event falls on SFA graduation weekend, making it a perfect stop for graduates, families, and friends celebrating the big day — but everyone is welcome! Come to dance, enjoy the music, or simply soak in a summer evening downtown.
Note: We’re in a new location this year — join us at the Baxter Center, just off the downtown square.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
News Feed
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Bringing the Ebola outbreak under control in 2014 was largely due to the extensive involvement from the U.S., through USAID, the White House, the CDC, and the military.
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A week out from the Texas Republican Senate runoff, President Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, as early voting is underway.
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The work of voice actor Tom Kane attracted fans across generations and genres, from Cartoon Network's The Powerpuff Girls to the Star Wars universe. Kane died this week at age 64.
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After years of court battles, Israel will allow women to take the exams men take to become rabbis. It is a step toward expanding women's leadership roles in Orthodox Judaism.
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A rock climber is using his skills to help those who are visually impaired to enjoy the sport as well.
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A Kentucky primary will test whether Rep. Thomas Massie, who has clashed with President Trump, has enough support among GOP voters in his district. Trump is backing GOP primary candidate Ed Gallrein.
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A group of top Democrats from across the country met Tuesday to discuss the future of their agenda, beyond opposition to President Trump.
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A new World Cup bike lane in Mexico City is sparking outrage among sex workers, who say it's pushing them off the streets and threatening their livelihoods.
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NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Jorge Piñon, an energy researcher at the University of Texas at Austin and a former oil executive, about the energy crisis taking place in Cuba.
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One year after President Trump's executive order to build housing for thousands of homeless veterans in Los Angeles, advocates say little has been done.
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