Latest news with #TabathaTaylor
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Impending Shreveport Job Corps closure, the City Council respond
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Members of the Shreveport City Council are expressing concern following the recent announcement of the impending closure of the Shreveport Job Corps Center. The Shreveport Job Corps Center has long served as a vital resource for career training and educational development for young people in the region. In a news release, the City Council states, 'while the closure marks a significant transition, Council members are committed to ensuring that students and staff are supported throughout this process and that vital workforce development opportunities remain accessible across the city.' 'We must do everything in our power to support the young people impacted by this closure,' said Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor. 'This center has touched many lives, including those of my own family, who worked in education and job placement. We will work closely with our local partners to ensure students are connected to alternative training, apprenticeships, and stable housing where needed. And we will not forget the dedicated staff who have served this mission. They, too, deserve our full support and access to new employment pathways.' La. proposed bill to criminalize 'intentional exposure' to STDs, advances The Council say they are actively exploring partnerships with community organizations, workforce development agencies, and educational institutions to continue offering access to trade programs, certifications, and support services. 'As an educator, I believe we have an obligation to build and expand opportunities for youth in Shreveport, not diminish them. This moment calls on us to strengthen pathways to good paying jobs and trade based careers that empower our next generation, said Councilman Alan Jackson. Vice. Chairwomen Ursula Bowman added, 'This closure also calls for advocating for the talented educators, counselors, and support staff whose work has made Job Corps a vital part of our community. like my family who formerly taught cement classes.' Job Corps' departure leaves vacant a large facility that could have an impact on the neighborhood state Shreveport's City Council. DOGE slashes Shreveport Green and AmeriCorps funding 'We don't want this site to sit empty and become another blighted property,' Councilman Gary Brooks said. 'It's important that we explore how this space can continue to benefit the community and avoid long-term decline.' Councilman Jim Taliaferro said, 'Trades and apprenticeships are essential to a well-rounded local economy. Not every student will go the traditional route, and programs offered through institutions like a Job Corps and business apprenticeship programs give them real-life tools and options. We need to ensure that those alternatives stay within reach for both current and future generations.' Councilman James Green added, 'We are losing more than a program. We are losing a bridge to opportunity. We must stand with the young men and women impacted by this and reaffirm our city's commitment to education, training, and second chances.' The Shreveport City Council concluded its statement by emphasizing that all community agencies, employers, and training providers should actively share opportunities with affected students and staff. Council members remain committed to working together to uphold the values of inclusion, economic mobility, and opportunity for all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shreveport lighting Bakowski Bridge blue in recognition of World Autism Day
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The City of Shreveport will light the Bakowski Bridge of Lights blue in recognition of World Autism Day. Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office honoring crime victims with walk through Shreveport 'World Autism Day is about fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the unique contributions of individuals with autism,' said City Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor. 'This event is an opportunity for us to stand together as a community, demonstrating that Shreveport is a place where everyone belongs.' According to a press release, this initiative, led by Chairwoman Taylor, aims to promote autism acceptance, foster inclusion, and celebrate the neurodiverse community. 'Lighting the Bakowski Bridge blue is a symbol of our city's commitment to autism acceptance and inclusion,' said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. 'We recognize the challenges and triumphs of individuals with autism and their families, and we stand together in support of greater understanding. Shreveport is a community that values every voice, and this initiative reflects our dedication to fostering a city where everyone can thrive.' The free event is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 7:15 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater in downtown Shreveport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Louisiana bridge to illuminate for World Autism Day
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Residents and visitors in Shreveport will have a chance to enjoy a beautiful view while raising awareness for a good cause. Remarkable Woman 2024 expands mission to help those with special needs In Louisiana, approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To raise awareness and celebrate individuals with autism, the city is hosting the 'Light It Up Blue' event in recognition of World Autism Day. In support of this cause, the Bakowski Bridge in Shreveport will light up and turn blue. Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor will be hosting the event. Attendees are asked to wear blue in support. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at the Riverfront Amphitheater, starting at 7:15 p.m. All families are welcome to attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Speeding kills but are cameras the solution, city council debates
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—In a four-to-three vote, the Shreveport City Council passed a resolution to install Blue Line Solution speeding cameras on targeted streets outside school zones. An assessment was conducted due to the number of speeding calls in interior streets. Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who is representing District A, says her constituents want change. 'For me it's to curtail speeding in those interior areas where there are not sidewalks, people- we have a lot of drag racing which is a real issue in this city, and then actually me listening to one of my constituents who is a student who talked about the level of speeding when she is walking to school, her and her peers, and how we need to curtail that,' said Taylor. Speed camera enforcement coming to non-school zones after city council vote She says automobile accidents are a real problem. Councilmembers agree that safety is the utmost priority, but some are unsure that cameras are the right solution. Councilman Jim Taliaferro of District C says, 'my district is very opposed, what I choose to do is if we have some speed issues, as any district does, what I do is file a speed complaint with the Shreveport Police Department and they have to work a speed complaint.' He says that the face-to-face interaction with an officer is essential. 'I've always believed that if you get stopped you need to be able to talk or engage with that officer. Unfortunately, because this is a civil issue, and that Blue Line uses those cameras to actually cite the violator. You don't have to appear so that's always been one of my issues,' said Taliaferro. The study defines ' speeding ' as going at least 11 MPH over the speed limit. The city says there is no set date for when cameras will be installed. 'Sure, it's going to catch people, and then eventually it won't catch people because just like any school zone, we become creatures of habit. And therefore, hopefully our behavior changes. And then what happens? Are we going to try to expand it to me,' said Taliaferro. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shreveport's MLK neighborhood in need of grocery store, says Council Member
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Martin Luther King neighborhood is recognized as one of the largest African-American communities in the United States. Data from Northwestern State University projects it houses about 15,000 residents. Despite its large population, the area is missing something vital. 'The greatest need is resources. One of those resources is a grocery store. It is one of the things I've been working toward diligently on the council and we're not stopping,' said Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor, city council District A. Taylor hosted a town hall for her constituents Monday night, joining with city departments to provide updates on road projects and answer residents' questions. 'Fight the good fight' Bonnie Moore retires as Shreveport Community Dev. Director 'I love this community. I went to school, college, and also my kids. My husband went to Newton Smith, Green Oaks, Linear, Southern University. I'm proud of the MLK community which is known as the Cooper Road,' said Cora Savannah, District A resident. Taylor responded to comments that were recently made at the last city council meeting about the worthiness of the MLK Association receiving city funds as a non-profit. Community market sells $1 per pound for veggies, fruit 'They serve our elderly and our youth. It is open to everybody. They serve meals, they teach digital literacy, they have a number of components that are so essential,' Taylor said. The turnout was low compared to previous meetings so the group is trying to entice younger residents to get involved. 'Numbers matter. To let people know that we care about our community, our kids, we want the best for our kids and grandkids. So if we all come together it would make a big difference,' Savannah said. The MLK Neighborhood Association recommends calling them if you need assistance with food or utilities. They partner with many parish organizations that can help. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
