Columns & Opinions

We are all aware that our water system fails during extreme cold weather -- twice in the last four years. It is wise to plan for the types of emergencies that are likely to occur. It is unwise not to prepare for the emergencies that repeatedly occur in our city.

This Sunday is Father’s Day, the special day that celebrates the unique role fathers play in their children’s lives. It is a day to acknowledge and appreciate the formal title of 'father,' but it also serves as a reminder of the true essence of fatherhood, and that is the real work of being a dad.

A decision that lingered was all now in the mayor’s hand: to veto or not to veto.

Mayor Arceneaux missed a golden opportunity to show the workers in the Shreveport casinos that he would stand up for those who don’t have a voice, like those aforementioned casino workers. The effort to change the casino smoking ban, which will allow certain areas in Shreveport casinos to become smoking areas, was sudden and curious to a lot of citizens. It just seems like it became a priority in a short period of time.

Shreveport Councilman Green Claims Immunity on Defamatory Remarks

Last week I had the honor and privilege to represent former Shreveport police officer Trevion Brooks in a federal criminal jury trial. Through the defense efforts, Trevion and two other officers were found not guilty of criminal charges that they used excessive force and violated suspects’ constitutional rights. While I am happy for Trevion and his colleagues, their victory is not only for them, but is for the men and women who wear the badge and protect us day and night from the criminal element.

As we attend the myriad of graduations, there is one class that may be an indication of the survival of the great city of Shreveport. Those kindergartners entering the first grade will be graduating from high school in the year 2035, the same year as the city’s celebration of its 200-year anniversary. We assume that there will be annual pomp and circumstance from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, but what will be offered as a future for the class of 2035? And what role will the Caddo Parish School Board, educators and parents play in providing the greatest of opportunities for all of the graduates?

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark, Finance Director Sherricka Fields-Jones and SPAR Director Shelly Ragel evaluated the four responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) to evaluate the proposal submitted by REV Entertainment for the Shreveport entertainment venue to be located at the State Fairgrounds.