STATE
BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law Wednesday a measure establishing education savings accounts (ESAs) in Louisiana, a move hailed by supporters as expanding parental choice in education but raising concerns among public school officials about financial impacts. The bill, SB 313 sponsored by Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-East
SAN FRANCISCO - "It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93," the Giants said in a statement. Dubbed the “Say Hey Kid” for his infectious enthusiasm, Mays
BATON ROUGE, La. — The East Baton Rouge School System has released the names of the semi-finalists in its search for a new superintendent. On Wednesday morning, June 12, the district posted the names of the 17 applicants online. Among them are the current interim superintendent, a former superintendent, and the
NATIONAL
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a historic $16 billion investment in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), significantly increasing federal support for these institutions from fiscal year 2021 through current data available for FY 2024. This unprecedented financial commitment marks a substantial rise from the previously reported $7 billion.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A new study has brought to light a harsh reality for many African American communities along the Mississippi River corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that ethylene oxide, a chemical linked to increased cancer risk, is significantly more prevalent
BATON ROUGE, La. — Seventeen candidates, including Interim Superintendent Adam Smith, have submitted applications to become the next permanent leader of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system, the second largest in Louisiana. The list of applicants was made public online late Tuesday afternoon. Notable names familiar to the local community
WILMINGTON, Del. — Hunter Biden was convicted Tuesday on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 when prosecutors said he lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden showed little
POLITICS
In a surprising move, the Supreme Court's conservative majority has mandated Louisiana to adopt a Voting Rights Act (VRA)-compliant congressional map, establishing two majority-Black districts while the liberal justices dissented. This landmark decision marks a significant victory for Black voters in Louisiana. The Supreme Court's
LOCAL
Local High School Students Gain Hands-On Health Care Experience ZACHARY, La. — Lane Regional Medical Center, in collaboration with the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC), is launching a summer health careers volunteer program for local high school students. The “A-HEC of a Summer” initiative is designed for ninth, 10th,
STATE
BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill Wednesday requiring transgender individuals in Louisiana to use bathrooms and other public facilities that correspond with their sex assigned at birth, regardless of their gender identity. The legislation, known as HB608, will take effect on August 1. Authored by Rep. Roger
LOCAL
BATON ROUGE, La. - The Baton Rouge Zoo is set to welcome visitors once again with a grand reopening scheduled for later this month, following an extensive series of renovations that promise to elevate the zoo experience to new heights. Major Renovations and New Attractions The comprehensive renovations include the
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A new Louisiana law that criminalizes approaching within 25 feet of a police officer under certain circumstances is drawing fierce criticism from civil rights attorneys. They argue it undermines efforts for racial justice and violates First Amendment rights, particularly affecting African American communities. Signed this week
LOCAL
BATON ROUGE, La. – A transformative project dubbed the BR Choice Initiative is poised to breathe new life into a neglected area of East Baton Rouge Parish. The initiative, backed by a significant $30 million investment, targets North Ardenwood Drive (Smiley Heights, Melrose East) to revitalize the community and empower residents.
BUSINESS
BATON ROUGE, La. — The YMCA of the Capital Area is set to enhance its offerings with a new express location on Airline Highway. Scheduled to open soon, this 6,000-square-foot facility, located at 14241 Airline Highway, will feature an array of modern fitness amenities. Members will have access to state-of-the-art
HEALTH
BY: SARAH JANE TRIBBLE, KFF HEALTH NEWS Facing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide. In Anamosa, Iowa — a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more
SPORTS
BATON ROUGE, LA — Tyeler Hawkins, the standout right fielder from Southern University Baseball hailing from Lexington, KY, has garnered well-deserved recognition. He has been named to the esteemed Black College Nines HBCU Large School Post Season Elite Team. Throughout the 2024 season, Hawkins proved himself as one of the Southwestern
