Good morning, Shreveport.

Today, the American Red Cross North Louisiana Chapter and Barksdale Air Force Base volunteers installed free smoke detectors in at-risk neighborhoods in Shreveport to lower home fire risks.

The teams checked old alarms and put in new ones while sharing tips (smoke alarms last 10 years) for safer homes.

Damion Daron Sherfield, a 23-year-old Shreveport man, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for fatally shooting convenience store clerk Roderick Walker on Feb.

15, 2022 — a verdict reached after a March 26 trial, as stated by the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Police arrested Jessica Ogula after a three-year-old and five-year-old were found locked unattended on a balcony at Villa de Lago Apartments on the 3500 block of Milan Street in Queensborough — a neighbor alerted the apartment manager which led to police discovering that Ogula’s claim of using a babysitter was false — while the investigation continues.

Police determined Latrell Anderson was the suspect in a domestic shooting on the 2100 block of Freddie Street and are seeking his arrest on a charge of battery against a dating partner while warning that he is armed and dangerous (tips can be reported to Shreveport PD at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373).

Shreveport Police arrested Taylor Rust on April 2 when officers found a stolen 2006 silver Dodge Ram 3500 parked on Youree Drive and later recovered stolen items — including a firearm with about 600 rounds — that linked him to a burglary in Haughton.

On Friday, the Louisiana Supreme Court recalled execution warrants for two death row inmates in Caddo Parish convicted of murder—halting their scheduled executions until a judge rules on their pending appeals.

LSU Shreveport’s James Smith Noel Collection doubled its pre-1850 European history holdings with over 1,000 new books and periodicals on military, political and economic history donated by the family of California professor Steven Smith, who passed away last year.

Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze said he and Smith had communicated online for 30 years—adding a lasting resource for students and researchers in Shreveport.

The Shreveport Police Department will host a free Neighborhood Watch Expo on April 15th at Rierview Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees will learn how to start and keep a neighborhood watch program—voting registration help will also be available from the Power Coalition; call 318-673-6950 for more details.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s Summer Internship Program is accepting applications until April 25 for a six-week paid experience in municipal government; the program runs from June 2 to July 11 for eligible Shreveport college sophomores and graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Applicants must submit a complete package including a resume, letter of interest, official transcripts, and two recommendation letters + commit to working 30 hours a week from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

On April 9, SUSLA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Mobile Health Unit in partnership with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport; the vehicle will offer pro bono and low-cost screenings, dental services and health education.

The state-funded unit is supported by Louisiana Senator Sam Jenkins and will deploy across northwest Louisiana to provide preventive care and hands-on training for Allied Health and Nursing students—efforts aimed at bridging gaps in healthcare access—serving underserved neighborhoods.

Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue

7-8:30 p.m. — The Strand Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an outrageous new comedy featuring the beloved Golden Girls as they navigate a wild new chapter in their lives.

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

6-7 p.m. — Scottish Rite Temple — Tickets selling fast — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Young Life's Fun-In-The-Sun Run 5k

8:00-10:15 a.m. — Young Life — Entry fee unknown — Participate in a vibrant community run to benefit camp experiences for local kids.

PMP Certification Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Hotel Shreveport Louisiana — $1599 — Transform your project management skills with 32 hours of hands-on training and certification preparation.

Shreveport Blues Festival

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Brookshire Grocery Arena — Enjoy soulful blues performances at the 17th Annual Shreveport Blues Festival.

Taco Wars Festival

Taco Wars — Daytime — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Entry TBA — Experience the Ark-La-Tex's biggest taco festival featuring local taquerias competing for the best taco and salsa!

No Guarantee Group Meeting

7-8 p.m. — St. Luke's United Methodist — Free entry — Participate in a welcoming discussion focused on recovery and support for newcomers.

Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting

6-7:30 p.m. — The Bell — Must be 21+ — Enjoy premium tequila paired with chocolate and authentic tacos in a festive celebration.

Derby Day 5 Miler & 5K

7:30-9:30 a.m. — D1 Training Shreveport — $25-$40 — Participate in a fun-running event featuring both 5-mile and 5k races.

Tequila Fest 2025

9 AM - 7 PM — Festival Plaza — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate with a lineup featuring UP PLIES, WEBBIE and more at this vibrant festival.