HEALTH
Louisiana has faced countless adversities—from hurricanes to health crises—but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented test of resilience. In response, we should be learning from our mistakes and strengthening our public health systems.
NATIONAL
Quincy Jones died Sunday at his home in Bel-Air, where his remarkable journey began in the chaos of 1930s Chicago. Born on March 14, 1933, he emerged from a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and family struggles. His mother, grappling with mental health issues, was institutionalized when he was just
NATIONAL
Louisiana’s GOP-led legislature approved a 2022 map with five majority-white, Republican-leaning districts and one majority-Black, Democratic-leaning district. Civil rights groups argue this setup marginalizes Black voters, who make up about a third of the state’s population.
LOCAL
The District 2 seat, currently held by outgoing Commissioner Dr. Craig Greene, will be contested by three candidates: Republicans Jean-Paul Coussan and Julie Quinn, along with Democrat Nick Laborde.
LOCAL
GONZALES, La. — The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced a $2.5 million expansion at its Gonzales facility, aiming to significantly increase capacity and improve patient care for the Ascension Parish community. The expansion will add 6,000 square feet to the existing building on LA 30, including a
LOCAL
BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish officials have set the official trick-or-treating date and times for Halloween festivities. Residents are invited to celebrate on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For those who prefer to organize their own events at different times, they are
STATE
Despite low vaccination rates in Louisiana, many bills to limit vaccine requirements have failed. Dozens of proposals from ultra-conservative lawmakers have died in the Legislature since the pandemic began, but many are preparing for another push, indicating the debate is far from over.
LOCAL
BATON ROUGE, La. – Fentanyl-related deaths in Baton Rouge have declined, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. However, the city continues to face a serious issue with counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced drugs. Chief Deputy Chris McClure, who served in the narcotics division for 15 years, noted the evolving nature of
LOCAL
Emergency volunteer shifts have been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with additional opportunities available on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The food bank will continue to accept volunteers throughout the week as long as weather conditions remain safe.
Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly, died Tuesday morning. "He lived his life with pure soul, and for us, no one did it better," his family wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. "He lived for his music, family, and friends."
STATE
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Hurricane Francine, set to make landfall soon. This declaration allows officials to swiftly mobilize resources to protect residents and minimize damage. During a press conference, Gov. Landry stressed the importance of staying prepared. "
LOCAL
BATON ROUGE – As the City of St. George prepares to break away, taking a significant portion of East Baton Rouge Parish’s tax revenue with it, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is focusing on maintaining stability while steering the city through a period of financial uncertainty. With foresight and a commitment
STATE
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has unanimously approved new policies aimed at enhancing classroom instruction by curbing student disruptions and reducing redundant teacher training. These initiatives stem from recommendations made by the "Let Teachers Teach" workgroup, a statewide effort focused on creating a more
EDUCATION
WEST BATON ROUGE, LA — The West Baton Rouge School System is set to boost salaries for its employees by 4% at the start of the new school year. This adjustment translates into an annual raise of $2,000 to $2,500 for teachers and $1,000 to $1,500 for
LOCAL
Racca and Dunn were initially challenged in their re-election bids, but recent court rulings affirmed their unopposed statuses. Judges found that their opponents were ineligible to run due to unpaid state income taxes, a Louisiana candidacy requirement.
NATIONAL
The deputy, Sean Grayson, 30, who is white, was indicted last week by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.