SPD FIRE POWER WILL MOST LIKELY BE ON FULL DISPLAY IN DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT THIS WEEKEND

Late is better than never. But then, it is NOT Halloween weekend when violence can not only be expected but is usually the norm. Hopefully the hoodlums will stay home, repent and become model citizens. Don’t hold your breath. Last weekend’s violence on Texas Street resulted in community outrage.

COMPARING TODAY’S HEADLINES: NEW ORLEANS, BATON ROUGE, AND SHREVEPORT

Most of us live in a bubble…a Shreveport/Bossier bubble. We don’t really concern ourselves too much with what’s going on in the Big Easy or the state’s capital city other than sports.

WILL TOTAL WINE GROW THE ALCOHOL MARKET OR GUT LOCAL LIQUOR STORES

Yesterday’s mail included a 20 page plus full color brochure touting the new Total Wine store that has opened on Youree Drive in Shreveport. To say the least, it’s a slick, well put together marketing promotion like none Shreveport has witnessed in its history.

CAN CADDO PARISH AND CADDO SHERIFF PURCHASE REAL ESTATE TOGETHER

This is the threshold question that the Caddo Parish Commission should be briefed upon by Caddo Parish Attorney Donna Frazier. The input of Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Attorney Joshua Williams should also be received by the Commission.

THE CHICKEN DID NOT CROSS THE ROAD INTO BOSSIER CITY

The proposal ruffled a lot of feathers.Some said It was a fowl idea.It did not solve the question of which can first—the chicken or the egg.But it did rule out foxes in Bossier City chicken houses, at least the legal chicken houses.

QUESTIONS ON WHITEHORN’S PURPOSED BUILDING PURCHASE WITH SHERIFF/PARISH FUNDS

The presentation by Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn to the Caddo Commission’s Long Range Planning Committee raised many questions. (See article below for background information) Here is a list that most likely is incomplete:1.

SHOULD CADDO PARISH SPEND $2.75 MILLION TO BUY FORMER CAR DEALERSHIP WITH CADDO SHERIFF

It’s a long story that will be explained in a future column.The skinny is that Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn wants Caddo Parish to purchase with his office a former car dealership in the Shreveport auto mall. The appraised price is $5.8 million, and it can be purchased for $5.5 million.

DOES SPD UNDERSTAND THE RED RIVER DISTRICT OPEN CONTAINER ORDINANCE

There was misinformation on the Mike and McCarty KEEL radio show last Friday on the open container ordinance for the Red River District (RRD).This misunderstanding was reinforced this morning (Monday) in an interview with SPD Capt. Janice Dailey.

CHELETTE HOLDEN’S DOWNTOWN BARS CENTER OF VIOLENCE

It’s no secret that Chelette Holden, a DDA board member, owns/operates  three downtown bars/lounges. Two are on Texas Street—literally across from each other. Holden also operates/owns GSpot in the Red River District.Violence is constantly happening at the two Holden Texas Street bars.

Caddo Parish Predicts More Property, Sales Tax Revenue In 2026

By Emilee Calametti Caddo Parish anticipates collecting more revenue from property and sales taxes next year because of higher home values and inflation.

SPD CHIEF SMITH BRIEFS CITY COUNCIL ON SHREVEPORT CRIME

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith presented a report to the Shreveport City Council at its Monday work session.Here are the statistics year-to-date through Oct. 26, 2025:1.      Criminal homicides 34Comparables are 75 in 2024, 69 in 2023, and 45 in 20222.

Shreveport Sales Taxes Totaled $13M in September

By Emilee Calametti | The Center Square  Shreveport collected over $13 million in sales and use taxes during September, bringing the city’s total to $125 million so far this year.

WHEN YOU THINK OF SHREVEPORT’S SAFETY WHAT FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER

Do you consider natural disaster risk?How about economic stability?WalletHub just released its study evaluating the safety of 182 cities. New Orleans was last with a rating of 182. Baton Rouge ranked 180 and Shreveport placed 152.

NO CITY ORDINANCES REGULATE TRICK- OR- TREATERS

Do you welcome the little ones in costumes or turn your light off and hide?And what about the teenagers bussed in from other areas with pillowcases demanding candy?Halloween always brings its challenges to homeowners and parents alike.

PROGRESS VERSUS PROPERTY RIGHTS—THE RED RIVER EXPRESS CONUNDRUM

The proposed Red River Expressway will be a privately funded toll road from the terminus of LA 3132 at Flournoy Lucas Road that will traverse the Red River and connect to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway and La. Hwy 71.