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Lawmakers need more info before choosing Capitol police chief
A panel of Louisiana lawmakers interviewed three finalists Tuesday for the new Capitol police chief, but they are not ready to make a choice yet. The Capitol Security Council, which consists of House and Senate members, met almost exclusively in executive session to conduct the interviews. Senate President Page Cortez said afterward lawmakers need more […]
Trump’s nonsense wins yet another news cycle
Former President Donald Trump has a true knack for keeping himself very relevant in the political news realm, despite mounting data and dialogue that indicate his chance of getting back to the White House is shrinking. Trump’s latest instance of headline-grabbing folderol involves his weekend statement on Truth Social calling for “the termination of all […]
DCFS survey shows workers with high caseloads, lack of supervisor support
A large portion of Louisiana’s child welfare workers say they remain passionate about the work they do, but nearly half aren’t satisfied with their jobs. The revelations come from a survey of more than 800 state employees in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), an agency under scrutiny following the deaths of three […]
Schroeder says if Sen. John Kennedy runs for Louisiana governor, he won’t
The field for Louisiana governor in next year’s election gained a little clarity Thursday when one of the potential candidates laid out the scenario for his decision. State Treasurer John Schroder said he will enter the race if U.S. Sen. John Kennedy doesn’t. In a message posted on social media, Schroder called Kennedy “a longtime […]
Legislators begin review of Louisiana Constitution with eye toward partial overhaul
It comes as no surprise to voters who’ve been asked to decipher proposed amendments that the Louisiana Constitution is one of the most confusing documents around. Since it went into effect on Jan. 1, 1975, the size of the document could double depending on upcoming election results – exceeding 72,000 words. Three more amendments are […]
Several obstacles challenge human trafficking crackdown in Louisiana
A 2019 police sweep that targeted illegal prostitution at massage parlors in Calcasieu Parish shut down about a dozen of the businesses, according to Benjamin White, who worked undercover for the sheriff’s office. It resulted in about 35 arrests, including some of the key people involved in trafficking the women forced to work there. A […]
3 more constitutional amendments for Louisiana to consider Dec. 10
After considering eight amendments to the Louisiana Constitution on the Nov. 8 ballot — and rejecting five of them – voters will decide the fate of three more changes to the state charter Dec. 10. The early voting period for the election is currently underway. This proposal would add language to the Louisiana Constitution that […]
4 reasons we’re thankful in Louisiana
As we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, it’s worth pointing out a few extra reasons to be grateful in Louisiana. Sure, fresh oysters for the dressing can’t be overlooked, but we’re taking this occasion to highlight a few other people who deserve special mention. A tow truck driver in Webster Parish came to […]
Office of Juvenile Justice director resigns with Louisiana youth prisons in turmoil
The person in charge of Louisiana’s juvenile jails has resigned, according to a statement Friday afternoon from Gov. John Bel Edwards. Bill Sommers’ departure comes while the state’s youth prisons have reached capacity. Incarcerated youth have been moved to a building on the Angola penitentiary campus for adults after frequent violent incidents at Office of […]
Cassidy’s decision on governor’s race further shrinks Louisiana middle ground
There’s no mistaking U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy for anything besides a conservative. His recent opposition to a bill that would codify same-sex and mixed-race marriages in federal law should make that abundantly clear. Yet his decision to bypass the Louisiana governor’s race next year removes the person who might pass for a middle-of-the-road candidate. With […]
Louisiana’s rural healthcare anemic for minorities, poor, elderly
Karen Wyble kept a promise that she made to the mother of a young sickle cell patient when she testified Thursday before a legislative committee. The woman’s daughter had refused to go to a hospital emergency department to address her severe pain because of the treatment she had received previously. “‘Mom, please just let me […]
Capitol Security Council interviews police chief finalists
State lawmakers who sit on the Capitol Security Council spent Thursday afternoon interviewing finalists for their first-ever police chief. It will be at least until early December before a candidate is chosen, and that pick will then be submitted to the full Louisiana Legislature for approval. Before the council went into executive session to conduct […]