The Real News Louisiana

12/16/2025

The Krewe of Excellence spread holiday cheer this week by surprising their youth program participants, known as the Cubs, with Christmas gifts and a beautifully decorated tree. Earlier in the week, the Krewe also distributed warm jackets to help ensure the children stay comfortable throughout the winter season.

With more than 20 years of service in Natchitoches, the Krewe of Excellence continues its tradition of giving back through toy drives, youth support, and community-focused initiatives. Their efforts reflect the true spirit of the season as the 99th Natchitoches Christmas Festival continues through January 6.

The Krewe also invites the community to join them for their Mardi Gras parade on January 10, 2026.

Read the full story and more community news at therealnewslouisiana.com.

Photo Credit:

12/15/2025

The 5th Annual Thrive Gala was a night of elegance, connection, and community pride in the heart of Natchitoches.

Hosted by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, this evening brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community champions to celebrate the partnerships that help our city thrive. From festive décor and holiday cheer to meaningful conversations and shared purpose, the night reflected the strength of collaboration across our parish.

Proceeds from the Thrive Gala support the Natchitoches Area Chamber Foundation, helping fund programs like Leadership Natchitoches and Natchitoches Young Professionals that invest in future leaders and long-term community growth.

For more community news and stories, visitwww.therealnewslouisiana.com

Photographer: Erick Wilson - RTSS Photography

12/15/2025

The Friday, December 12 publication is now live.

This week’s issue features highlights from the Thrive Gala, local education achievements, community initiatives, and the people and organizations making an impact across Natchitoches and Louisiana.

Read the full publication at therealnewslouisiana.com.

12/12/2025

The Real News Louisiana December 12, 2025

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12/10/2025

Congratulations to Shae’Aunna Johnson of Many on being selected as the new state president of the Louisiana Association of Future Educators and Educators Rising Louisiana.

Shae’Aunna is a freshman at Northwestern State University majoring in early childhood education and already making her mark as a leader. Her passion for teaching began at four years old and continues to grow through her work in early childhood classrooms and her dedication to helping future educators across Louisiana.

NSU faculty and state coordinators praised her compassion, resilience, and commitment to uplifting the next generation of teachers. As she begins her term, she hopes to inspire students to lead with care, create safe spaces, and embrace the impact they can have in the classroom and beyond.

You can learn more about the organizations supporting Louisiana’s future educators at lae.org and nsula.edu.

12/05/2025

A frightening moment for one Natchitoches family turned into a powerful reminder of how compassion can change a story. When little Holden experienced a near drowning, his mother rushed him to NRMC in fear and uncertainty. The moment they arrived, the ER team was already waiting at the door, ready to help and ready to comfort.

In the middle of the chaos, ER nurse Abbey Lucky noticed what Holden needed most. She made him a small sock friend to hold onto, then brought toys from her own car to help calm his nerves. That simple act stayed with him for the rest of the day. It also stayed with his mother.

Once Holden was safe at home, she returned to NRMC with forty teddy bears to help comfort other children facing frightening emergencies. Her gratitude and Abbey’s kindness sparked something bigger: the new Lucky Bear Program, created to make sure every child in crisis receives comfort when they need it most.

At NRMC, emergency care is not just medical. It is human. It is compassionate. And for this family, it made all the difference.

To support the Lucky Bear Program, donate to the NRMC Foundation at
https://nrmcfoundation.org/donate/.

12/05/2025

Community safety starts with all of us. Every voice, every tip, and every act of awareness helps protect the people we love. If you see something, say something. Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches Parish allows you to report suspicious activity anonymously so you can speak up without fear. Working together keeps our community strong.

Read the full story at therealnewslouisiana.com.

12/04/2025

The City of Natchitoches has released the official road closure schedule for the 99th Annual Christmas Festival happening this Saturday, December 6. Please review the closures and plan accordingly if you will be traveling through the downtown area or attending the festival.

The schedule includes early morning barricades, bridge closures, parade route restrictions, and evening adjustments to prepare for fireworks. These measures help keep festival goers safe and ensure a smooth flow of events throughout the day.

For full festival details, visit natchitocheschristmas.com.
For more community updates and local news, visit therealnewslouisiana.com.

12/04/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

99th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL ROAD CLOSURES
Saturday, December 6th NATCHITOCHES – The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that on Saturday,
December 6, 2025, the following areas will be barricaded with various street closures:

• 5:00 AM – Barricades will be placed throughout the downtown area, including the Church Street Bridge.

• 6:00 AM – Jefferson Street from Amulet Street to Touline Street will CLOSE to vehicle traffic.

• 6:00 AM – Washington Street from Texas Street to Lafayette Street will CLOSE to vehicle traffic.

• 6:30 AM – All remaining gates will open for downtown access, and armbands will be on sale.
• 11:00 AM – Second Street from University Parkway to Lafayette Street will CLOSE to vehicular traffic.

• 11:00 AM – University Parkway from Jefferson Street to Second Street will CLOSE for parade lineup.

• 11:00 AM – The Pine Street/Keyser Avenue Bridge will close to vehicular traffic. Parade route barricades from University Parkway north to Lafayette Street will be in place for the parade, which begins at 1:00 PM.

• 11:00 AM – Eastbound traffic on University Parkway will stop at Boyd Street, and westbound traffic on Mill Street will stop at Airport Road.

• 5:30 PM – The Church Street Bridge will CLOSE to foot traffic for firework preparations.

• 5:30 PM – Barricades will be placed on Williams Avenue from Henry Avenue to St. Maurice Lane, as well as at the intersections of East Second Street with Stephens Avenue, St. Clair Avenue, Whitfield Drive, Sirod Street, and Adelaide Street. No public
parking is permitted on these streets beginning at 10:00 AM on Festival Day.

For more information on the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, visit
www.natchitocheschristmas.com.

12/04/2025

Barbershops have always been more than a place for a fresh cut. They are safe spaces where people open up, connect, and find comfort in real conversations. For many, the barber’s chair is a place to unwind, talk through life, and feel understood. These everyday interactions remind us that healing often starts with community, honesty, and someone willing to listen.

You can read the full story at therealnewslouisiana.com.

12/03/2025

Why Local Advertising Still Matters

Local news remains a trusted source for information in our community. When readers come to The Real News Louisiana, they are looking for stories that matter and updates they can depend on. Your business can sit directly within that space, giving your message real visibility and a place of credibility.

Advertising inside the publication connects you with readers who are already engaged and paying attention.

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected].

12/03/2025

🚨Tune In Tomorrow to 95.9 FM: Special Guest on Talk Back Natchitoches🚨

Tomorrow morning at 7am on December 3, 2025, join host Pastor Steven R. Harris Sr. on Talk Back Natchitoches as he welcomes a distinguished guest: former State Senator and Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court Louie Bernard.🎙

Louie Bernard, a Natchitoches native and Northwestern State University alum, has dedicated over four decades to public service. Highlights include:16 years on the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury (now Parish Council).
24 years as Clerk of Court, where he managed parish records, elections, and budgets with a focus on fiscal responsibility – leaving a surplus for his successor.

4 years as Louisiana State Senator for District 31 (2019–2023), representing Natchitoches, Grant, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, and Winn Parishes.
🗣Expect engaging dialogue on local politics, parish history, and current challenges facing northwest Louisiana. Whether you're tuning in via radio or streaming online, don't miss this powerhouse duo sharing wisdom from years of leadership. If you're in the area, grab your coffee and join the conversation – Talk Back Natchitoches is where Natchitoches voices amplify! What's one question you'd ask Louie Bernard? Drop it in the comments below.