Govt + Politics
Student debt relief scams on the rise. Here’s what borrowers need to know.
Complaints about student debt relief scams are increasing as the date approaches for borrowers to restart payment on their student loans after more than a three-year pause. Consumer protection advocates say that the Biden administration’s student debt relief efforts, the subsequent halting of those policies by the courts, and the restart of student loan payments […]
Candidates fight for second place in final Louisiana gubernatorial debate
In the final televised debate before Louisiana’s Oct. 14 primary for governor, five candidates clashed in a battle for second place — while the frontrunner was again notably absent. With Attorney General Jeff Landry’s place in the runoff all but certain, Republicans Stephen Waguespack, John Schroder and Sharon Hewitt and independent Hunter Lundy all fought […]
GOP witnesses at Biden impeachment hearing see insufficient evidence of wrongdoing so far
WASHINGTON — With two days before a partial government shutdown, House Republicans held their first impeachment inquiry hearing Thursday over unproven allegations that President Joe Biden benefited from his son’s business dealings overseas. Witnesses tapped by Republicans for the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing acknowledged that there was no evidence showing that the president […]
With two days until shutdown, border security package eyed by U.S. Senate GOP
WASHINGTON — Republican U.S. senators huddled behind closed doors Thursday, attempting to draft an amendment to the short-term government funding bill that would increase spending on border security and make policy changes. The provision could help nudge U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to put the broadly bipartisan measure up for a vote in that chamber, […]
5th Circuit cancels redrawing of Louisiana’s congressional district map
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has canceled the redrawing of Louisiana’s congressional districts that was scheduled to begin Oct. 3, adding another delay to the efforts of Black voters to gain equitable representation. NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans confirmed the news Thursday afternoon, saying the Republican defendants are claiming a lower […]
Government shutdown won’t affect health care or most benefits for veterans, VA says
WASHINGTON — Veterans who rely on government health care and other assistance can continue to see their doctors and receive education and pension benefits despite a possible, and likely imminent, partial shutdown that will temporarily cease many federal operations. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday released guidance on what functions will continue and not […]
Final debate of the Louisiana governor’s primary takes place today
The final debate before Louisiana voters head to the polls in the governor’s election takes place Thursday night. The nonprofit Council for A Better Louisiana and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are sponsoring the event that can be viewed on public television stations across the state from 7 to 8 p.m. It will also be available live […]
Work begins early for Louisiana’s new ombudsperson on child abuse response
Retired Baton Rouge juvenile Judge Kathleen Richey begins her new job Monday as Louisiana’s first state child ombudsperson, leading an office that will review policy to promote the best interests of children and handle complaints when public and private agencies fall short. Even before she starts officially, Richey has already made appointments to meet with […]
Task force looks into Louisiana’s inability to enforce its own seafood labeling laws
Louisiana’s failure to enforce its own seafood labeling laws has prompted one state lawmaker to revive a long-dormant panel. It met Wednesday for the first time in years to address a struggling domestic fishery and the increasing health threats from imported foreign catch. The Louisiana Legislature created the Seafood Safety Task Force in 2009. The […]
Louisiana’s universities are an ‘academic freedom oasis’ — for now
Louisiana’s higher education faculty count themselves lucky that attacks on academic freedom on campus have not taken root here. But the looming possibility of such policy changes is one key factor that critics say keeps universities from recruiting top faculty from states where it has. A state that is decidedly Republican except for a Democrat […]
President Biden approves emergency declaration for southeast Louisiana saltwater intrusion
President Joe Biden has approved Gov. John Bel Edwards’ request for an emergency declaration in response to saltwater intrusion on the lower Mississippi River, the governor’s office announced Wednesday. A far reaching drought throughout the upper Mississippi River Valley has slowed its flow to the point where saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico, which is […]
What Louisiana governor candidates want to do about soaring property insurance rate
One of the most pressing issues Louisiana faces is skyrocketing property insurance rates, including those for homeowners, businesses and vehicle owners. Insurance providers have pulled out of the state and those that remain are raising premiums after seeing numerous hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast since 2020. Florida and California are also struggling to keep companies […]