News
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 […]
St. Tammany library board chips away at mountain of challenged books
MANDEVILLE – A book shelved in the adult section of the St. Tammany Parish public library system was challenged on the grounds that it is inappropriate for children. Ten months and $400 later, the parish library board voted to keep it there. At a Thursday meeting, the St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control voted […]
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 […]
Louisiana modifies statewide burn ban as fires near total containment
Louisiana will modify its statewide burn ban, in effect since late August, to allow each parish to set its own guidelines. Recent rain and the work of firefighters has lowered the risk of additional blazes in the state’s most prone areas. Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, each parish can choose to opt out of the […]
Trump to UAW: Endorse me or you won’t have a union
DETROIT — Former President Donald Trump told United Auto Workers (UAW) leaders Wednesday that they would not have a union if they fail to endorse him in the 2024 presidential election. “They have to endorse Trump, because if they don’t, all they’re doing is committing suicide,” Trump said. UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Trump’s Wednesday […]
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 pulls incarcerated girls out of controversial youth prison
Louisiana officials plan to move incarcerated girls held in state custody out of a north Louisiana detention center before Saturday, bringing an abrupt end to an arrangement with the facility that has been in place for 15 years. The Office of Juvenile Justice won’t renew its contract with the controversial Ware Youth Center in Coushatta […]