ALEXANDRIA, La. — The Louisiana Supreme Court is bringing judges, educators and community partners together this week for a statewide conference focused on improving how Louisiana responds to children and families experiencing trauma and instability.

The “Building a Trauma-Sensitive State” conference begins Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Alexandria and continues through Oct. 2. The event is organized through the court’s Families in Need of Services Assistance Program, or FINS-AP. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

The conference will focus on recognizing the issues that may be behind a child’s behavior rather than addressing behavior alone. Organizers say trauma and instability can affect school attendance, family relationships and a child’s ability to succeed at home and in the classroom. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

Participants will learn strategies aimed at helping families receive support earlier, potentially preventing problems from escalating to the point that formal court intervention is necessary.

Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer said the state’s previous work addressing issues such as truancy has shown the value of working directly with at-risk families before they become more deeply involved in the judicial system. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

Conference sessions will address trauma-informed communication, de-escalation, case management, youth involvement and support for children with disabilities or developmental differences. Participants will also work on practical solutions to challenges including transportation barriers, family instability, learning needs and lack of support. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

A major focus of the conference will be collaboration among courts, schools, community organizations and other services that work with children and families. Participants will develop 90-day action steps designed to address challenges in their own communities. Press Release Trauma-Sensitive …

The conference is part of the Louisiana Supreme Court’s broader effort to strengthen the informal FINS process, which uses early intervention to connect families with services before issues require more formal court involvement.

BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 150,000 Louisiana residents who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will receive their November payment before the month begins.

According to the Social Security Administration payment calendar, SSI recipients will receive their regular October payment on Oct. 1 and their November payment on Oct. 30.

The early payment is being issued because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday. Recipients will still receive the same monthly benefit amount.

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Louisiana voters are reminded that several important deadlines are approaching ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Residents may register to vote in person, by mail or through the Office of Motor Vehicles. The deadline for in-person and mail registration is Oct. 5.

The deadline to register online through the GeauxVote system is Oct. 13.

Early voting will take place Oct. 20-27, excluding Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at local Registrar of Voters offices.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. Requests may be submitted online through the voter portal or through the Registrar of Voters Office.

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Numerous streets in downtown Natchitoches will be closed during the 20th Natchitoches Car Show.

The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, with closures beginning at 6 a.m. Friday.

Motorists are encouraged to visit the City of Natchitoches website for a complete list of street closures and closure times.

NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Natchitoches Parish Office of Community Services has received additional funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help eligible households pay utility bills.

Residents may apply if they have not received LIHEAP utility assistance within the past six months and meet all program eligibility requirements. Assistance is subject to eligibility guidelines and available funding.

Applications will be accepted by phone beginning Friday, Oct. 2, at 8 a.m. Applicants should call the Office of Community Services at 318-357-2220.

NATCHITOCHES, La. (Sept. 29, 2026) — While the holiday season is still months away, the United States Postal Service has already released recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for 2026.

For shipments within the continental United States, USPS recommends:

• USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 17
• First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, USPS recommends:

• USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

Postal officials encourage customers to mail packages early to avoid potential delays during the busy holiday season.