THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN: A QUICK READ

JOHN E. SETTLE JR.On March 11 President Joe Bidn signed into law the American Rescue Plan of 2021.The $1.9 trillion package is inteded to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and ecomomic impacts.The U.S.

SETTLE TALK: ARE YOU READY FOR A DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL IN SHREVEPORT?

JOHN E. SETTLE JR. EDITORGoodness, it’s been sooooo long, as in too long.The last event at Shreveport’s Festival Plaza was a Mardi Gras event in early 2020.So get ready and mark it down. Party on the Red will be at FestivalParty on the Red will be at Festival Plaza April 15-17.

SHREVEPORT/CADDO PARISH SHOULD CONSIDER HOMEBOUND AND RIDE-SHARE FOR COVID VACCINATIONS

Its rare that New Orleans can be cited as a good example of many government programs, but the Crescent City is just that when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.In recent weeks New Orleans has launched two programs that should be considered by Shreveport and Caddo Parish.

SPRING CLEANING: DECLUTTERING INSIDE AND OUT

DAVID MCMILLIAN, PH.D.Spring is in the air, and many of us will naturally begin to think about spring cleaning around our homes and yards. As we clean closets and gutters from all that has accumulated over the winter, let’s remember to “spring clean” our internal closets and gutters as well.

30-SECOND READ: THE BATTLE OF FAHRENHEIT GAP

JEFF GAUGERToday, a dispatch from a poorly held position on bad terrain at the edge of battle. I seek reinforcements else I suffer an embarrassing rout.The battle erupted as spring stirred recently to life from our fake Louisiana winter. The battlefield is our household thermostat.

PLANNED TRAFFIC LIGHTS WILL BE EYESORE FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT

FYI:Friends and Neighbors:On behalf of our historic city I am urgently requesting your immediate assistance with a matter that is both precedent-setting and harmful to the cityscape of Shreveport and one which will have negative effects long into the future.

HOW WILL SHREVEPORT SPEND NEW FEDERAL MONEY?

KEN KREFFTShreveport is in line to receive a large amount of largesse from Uncle Sam as its portion of the new $1.9 trillion in the so-called Covid-19 relief funding. More specifically, a part of $350 billion for states, counties and cities. Shreveport might receive about $45 million.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

REX MONCRIEF“Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink” is a famous quote from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by the 19th Century English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It could just as easily have been applied to Bossier City and Benton during the recent ice storm.

COVID DISPROPORTIONATELY KILLING BLACKS IN CADDO PARISH AND AROUND COUNTRY; VACCINES SAVE LIVES

PRENTISS SMITHCaddo Parish Coroner Dr. Todd Toma recently reported that since the first death from Covid on March 24, deaths peaked at 111 in April. January of thi year was also a particularly deadly month with 83 deaths.

TOURIST BUREAU SEEKS APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL PPP FUNDING

The Shreveport-Bossier Tourist & Convention (SBTC) received a $360,000 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan in January of this year.This loan may be forgiven, in whole or part, depending on compliance with the terms of the loan.

WHEN WILL SHREVEPORT STOP CONSTRUCTION ON BRONZE TOWER OF BABEL?

If you haven't seen it, you need to go view Shreveport's latest tourist attraction.It stands out like a misplaced lighthouse in a wooded area on I-20 west between the Common Street on-ramp and the Fairfield Avenue off-ramp.

ILGENFRITZ WINS "DON'T BE A SNOT: GET THE SHOT" CONTEST

Glenda Ilgenfritz now has an extra $100 and a year's subscription to FOCUS SB/The Inquisitor! She was the first winner of the "Don't be Snot: Get the Shot Contest."Each Monday through Memorial Day a drawing will be held to decide future winners.

EXPERIENCE THE ERA OF PROHIBITION AT THE LOGAN MANSION

Exclusive Prohibition Club comes with not only special perks but a special passcode, just like you would have had during the real Prohibition.In the 100 years since Prohibition, we’ve come a long way, baby.

SHERIFF PRATOR: ‘WE NEED JUSTICE REFORM’

‘Without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence’ is ‘misstatement’Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is a frustrated law enforcement official who feels that it is far too easy for lawbreakers to get out of jail before their sentences are up.

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE CADDO COMMISSION SIT AT HOME?

The Caddo Commission has earned the" stay at home" teddy bear for the state of Louisiana.By all accounts the Commission is the ONLY elected body in the state that has NOT returned to live meetings.