Columns & Opinions

Shreveport sends a stalker and law enforcement impersonator to Baton Rouge

Do Burrell, Lester and Smith have baggage as candidates for the Democratic State Central Committee?

The Shreveport-Bossier gambling market may never be 'the next Vegas' as was once thought possible 30 years ago, but Louisiana's top gaming regulator believes the revival of the shuttered former Diamond Jacks Casino property can provide a spark to reverse a nearly two-decade decline.

After eight years and two terms elected to serve on the Caddo Parish Commission, I am humbled thinking back over the many years of all the many friendships I have made. Serving the people of Caddo Parish has been an amazing honor. People have asked, as I am coming to a close of my term, “What are some of the biggest accomplishments or memories you will take with you?”

Jerry Edwards will be a great federal judge. Judge-Designate Edwards has roots in Shreveport, but comes from a military family. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, where he served as student body president.

Every book has a beginning and an end. On Jan. 4, 2024, I say goodbye and begin my journey into retirement.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders wrecked California’s dreams of winning the Indy Bowl. Cal Berkeley, the first team from California to ever make the trip to Shreveport for the Bowl, fell short to Texas Tech 34-14 Saturday night. For Texas Tech, the victory is their first win in their third appearance. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton led the Red Raiders with three touchdowns on 256 yards passing. Pair that with four turnovers forced by the defense, and Cal was in trouble. If you tuned it to the kickoff, you saw a quick turnover on the first play of the game and subsequent touchdown on the next play by Cal as their QB, Fernando Mendoza, hit receiver Monroe Young for a 25-yard touchdown to put Cal on the board 7-0. The touchdown was the earliest touchdown in bowl history at 14:45 seconds into the game. It’s funny now, when they scored, I leaned over to the reporter next to me and asked if he thought that was the fastest TD ever. Indeed it was. I’ve been to a few different bowls in my life. I believe the Indy bowl would rival most bowls as far as atmosphere, while realizing the budget for providing said atmosphere. The people are always top notch. Director of Communications Erik Evenson deserves a ton of praise as he (masterfully) provides support for numerous media outlets as they converge upon the area.

After years of sitting mostly quiet, lights, camera and action will soon be returning to the former Millennium Studios at 300 Douglas Street in downtown Shreveport. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Shreveport City Council unanimously passed an ordinance approving a lease for Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit (his TV and film business). Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, G-Unit can begin moving in and making plans for film, sound, light, movie, television, broadcasting and arts - all the uses outlined in the city lease.