POSITIVE, FACTUAL, LOCAL NEWS--FOR A CHANGE

If that is what you want,  the weekly edition of FOCUS SB is for you.Most weeks it's 20 pages.  The COVID pandemic reduced several weeks to 16 pages.Local journalists contribute editorials on local issues.On  the “flip” side of FOCUS SB is The Inquisitor.

WRONG TIME FOR SMOKING BAN IN SHREVEPORT BARS

I am not a smoker.I do not like to be around smoking.I do not go to bars/establishments that allow smoking.But I do respect the rights of smokers.And I am concerned about the economic recovery of all Shreveport businesses from the pandemic, including bars.

PROTESTERS AND NEW RACIAL/DIVERSITY COMMISSION

Last Thursday Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced a 26 member Commission on Racial and Cultural DiversityOn Sunday a Black Lives Matter (BLM)  rally started at SPORTRAN facility on Murphy and ended at the Caddo courthouse steps.

POLITICAL SEASON FOR JUDGES RACES IS CRANKING UP

With the major COVID-19 distraction, many citizens in Shreveport and Bossier have little knowledge, if any, of several judicial races that will be on the November 3 ballot in both cities.The posting of political yard signs, which are either loved or hated, is the first real sign of a political race.

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Monica Wright, executive director of Caddo Council on Aging, is asking for volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly and needed.The Meals On Wheels program is an excellent way to help not only deliver a wholesome meal but also to interact with those in need.Email Monica at mwright@caddocoa.

DEAR GABBY — WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ALL THE BARBERSHOPS?

Dear Gabby,Everywhere I look these days I see more and more of these fancy hair fixin’ salons and fewer to none of the good old barber shops that I’ve always gone to for a haircut.

STATUS OF LA. 3132 INNER LOOP EXTENSION

Like practically everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed both progress on the proposed LA 3132 extension.This project is administered by the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG).

WHAT’S THE STATUS OF THE I-49 INNER CITY CONNECTOR?

The Northwest Louisiana Council Of Governments (NLCOG) is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the selection of the route for the long-awaited I-49 Inner City Connector.

SHREVEPORT HAS LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY FURLOUGH APPLICANTS

SHREVEPORT HAS LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY FURLOUGH APPLICANTSHere is list of volunteers for Shreveport’s volunteer furlough initiative. Department/division heads along with Shreveport CAO Whitehorn select those who can participate in this program.1.        How many applied?  1852.

MEMBERS OF MAYOR PERKINS COMMISSION ON RACIAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY

1. Willie Bradford 2. Michael Billings 3. Sam Carr 4. Chris Ciochhetti 5. Harvey Clay 6. Janine “JJ” Conway 7. Shadi Darzeidan 8. Jada Durden 9. Katrina Farris 10. John Henson 11. Michael Hicks 12. Omari Ho-Sang 13.

SHREVEPORT TO BEGIN INVOLUNTARY FURLOUGHS

It was not unexpected. The only question was the timing.Commencing June 15, the city of Shreveport will start involuntary furloughs.The city had requested voluntary furloughs from employees with a May 27 deadline. The voluntary furlough program begins on June 1.

WHAT YOU ARE MISSING

Political Season ArrivesShreveport Involuntary FurloughOschner at St. Marys PlaceBossier Zoom GraduationDear GabbyJim’s WifeJohn PerkinsColvin Robersonand much, much more

NOTES FROM DOWNTOWN: HERE'S WHAT'S REOPENING

By: Liz SwaineAs Phase One of Governor John Bel Edwards’ re-opening orders rolls on, more downtown businesses are welcoming customers back.

CADDO ALLIANCE CLEARS ANOTHER HURDLE WITH HB 697

Yesterday the Senate Agriculture Committee rendered a favorable recommendation on the legislation to take Caddo Parish out of the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission.But the chair of the Local and Municipal Committee insisted on a hearing before that committee.

HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S SHREVEPORT CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Councilman James Green postponed the vote on his proposed fireworks ordinance.Green wants to ban the discharge of fireworks in residential areas of Shreveport.Green said that he wanted to seek more input on the ordinance  and possibly expand his ordinance.