Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
Good morning, Shreveport.
Yesterday, a SporTran bus caught fire in Shreveport after a compressed natural gas cylinder ruptured on board — all passengers were safely evacuated and no one was injured — while investigators said the cause remains unclear and broken glass affected surrounding businesses.
Shreveport police are searching for Jermaine Curtis, who is charged with attempted second degree murder after a shooting on March 1 in the 6300 block of Hearne Avenue left a man with life-threatening injuries—Curtis is armed and dangerous and the department asks the community to call if they see him.
A federal jury in Shreveport convicted two Webster Parish men of drug conspiracy charges linked to a high-level meth trafficking operation—both men now await sentencing set for July 15, where they could face 5 to 40 years in prison and fines up to $5,000,000.
Caddo Judge Donald Hathaway is set to decide whether death row inmate Marcus Reed may pursue post-conviction relief after a Tuesday hearing where his attorney argued state delays harmed his case and the state said his missed appeal deadline makes the delay his burden—Reed's team has asked for a supplemental filing deadline of Jan. 26.
A Shreveport insurance agency owner said she nearly fell for a SWEPCO scam when a caller claimed unpaid bills would lead to a power disconnect and demanded a $1,500 deposit, so she questioned the call and later verified with SWEPCO that the demand was fraudulent.
The LSU-Shreveport debate team won a national title at the International Public Debate Association’s 2025 Scholastic National Championships at Lee College—team members CJ Longino and Cameron Thoele led the team to defeat Bossier Parish Community College and are now sharpening their arguments.
On April 11, the Bossier Parish School Board surprised top students from Haughton, Benton, Airline, and Bossier High Schools by awarding them scholarships of $2,000, $1,000, or $500 to help them go on in school.
The board and local donors funded the awards to support their future careers in teaching and health care—building a stronger community.
A local winner was announced Monday, April 14 when someone in Shreveport claimed $100,000 by scratching a $5 Blaze it Up ticket bought at Alex Deli Market (4920 Jewella Ave.).
Louisiana Lottery officials said only two of the seven similar tickets have been claimed since the offer began on March 31.
Thirty-one local tennis players qualified for the LHSAA Division III state tournament after a strong showing in the Region I championships.
Loyola’s Kathryn Elberson teamed with Mae Graf to win the girls doubles title while other players advanced in boys singles and doubles.
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.
Beartooth Concert
6:30 p.m. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Tickets available — Beartooth brings their Spring 2025 tour with special guests Until I Wake and Acres.
Bonnie Raitt Live Concert
7-9 p.m. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Cost info not specified — Experience the magic of 13-time Grammy Winner Bonnie Raitt performing live at a historic venue.
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