Columns & Opinions

Did you know this? Don’t feel bad; the Caddo and Bossier school boards are surprised, too. Really! Blue Cross/Blue Shield, our non-profit health insurance company, is under consideration to be acquired by the for-profit company called Elevance Health. Talk about well-kept secrets.

In the realm of politics, experience and dedication to serving the community are attributes that cannot be underestimated. For decades, I have had the privilege of serving the people of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, witnessing firsthand the positive impact that public service can have on neighborhoods, individuals and society as a whole. It's a privilege that leaves me questioning why individuals who have never engaged in meaningful community service suddenly believe they're qualified to run for office. My prior community service prepared me for political office. Running for office is a big deal and requires people who really understand the needs of the people he or she represents. Everybody who runs for office is not necessarily ready to lead. It can’t just be a notion. My journey as a dedicated community servant has spanned various roles, including city councilman, police juror/parish commissioner and state senator for northwest Louisiana. I've been fortunate to break down barriers and contribute to the betterment of our community over the course of my adult life. I firmly believe that these experiences have shaped me into a more effective leader, one who understands the needs and concerns of the people I represent.

“In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Holy Trinity Catholic Church is celebrating its 150th anniversary along with the special commemoration of the devastating Yellow Fever Epidemic in Shreveport. The church has also been designated a Minor Shrine of the Five Priests.

JIM’S WIFE: Have you looked at old pictures of yourself?

Jonathan Ponder, the Shreveport Marshal public information officer, answered questions on Councilman James Green.

Dear SCU Influencers and Followers, Over the past eight months, we have learned a great deal about the challenge of crime and violence that we’re experiencing in our Shreveport and Caddo Parish communities. We have visited with numerous nonprofits, civic leaders, law enforcement and those who work directly in the community addressing many of the root causes of this challenge. We have also identified opportunities to bring significant change to the trajectory of our city. There are no instant solutions; however, we believe wholeheartedly that we have identified pathways to see change over the next five to 10 years. Many of these solutions are already being addressed by nonprofits in our community. Some nonprofits have infrastructure that allows for growth at scale, while others have found very effective solutions at a neighborhood level. These have great potential for modular scalability. We also see great opportunities through collaboration between nonprofits, law enforcement, civic leadership, education systems and citizens. We believe greater collaboration will unlock our greatest potential as a community. Without collaboration, there will be difficulty in seeing change at scale. We must work together in the collective wisdom of all stakeholders.

Get a pool, they said. Staycations at home with a pool, they said. Enjoy the outdoors, they said.