Feature
La. residents believe police treat Black people worse, LSU survey finds
Policing was the only issue where a majority of Louisiana residents — including a majority of White residents — said Black people face discrimination. […]
State
Education
Meet Tia Mills advocating for educators during the coronavirus pandemic
As president of the state’s association of educators, Tia Mills Ph.D. is a leading advocate for teachers who is intentional about building collective support for educators especially during the nation’s most erratic academic year caused by the coronavirus pandemic. […]
In the Issue
Meet Louisianans for the community, for justice, for health, for education, for culture. Meet the People for 2021
Internationally, 2020 was a year of medical, social, political, racial, and economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More than 7,000 Louisianans died while 173,000 were unemployed and all 710,000 K-12 students and teachers were […]
Drum Roll
Museum renamed for Chief Justice Johnson
The Louisiana Supreme Court Museum in New Orleans is being named after Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. After serving as a Louisiana judge and then justice for over three decades, Johnson retired […]
Baton Rouge
Four appointed to State Board of Regents
Gov. John Bel Edwards has appointed four citizens to several Louisiana boards and commissions. Judy A. Brown of Homer has been appointed to the Board of Regents. Brown is the senior vice president and banking […]
News
Renters looking for homes can find help with Housing Heroes initiative
In light of the dire need for quality, safe, affordable, and accessible housing, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said the city has joined the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Louisiana […]
Business
Lottery drawings produce $6.1 Million in winnings
Scratch-Off Winners Claim $13.3 Million The Louisiana Lottery Corporation reported more than $6.1 million in winning tickets for its draw-style games during November, highlighted by one Easy 5 jackpot-winning ticket worth $302,914. Also during November, […]
Finance
How to replace lost or damaged documents in Louisiana
Recent hurricanes may have resulted in the loss of important documents, but there are ways to replace them. Birth and Death Certificates: Visit https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/649, call 504-593-5100 or email dhh-vitelweb@la.gov. Louisiana Driver Licenses: Visit https://www.expresslane.org/Pages/default.aspx. Marriage […]
In the Issue
KaMauri Harrison, 9, takes fight to stay in school to the state legislature
Sitting on Governor John Bel Edwards desk is a historic act that creates school policies for virtual learning in Louisiana and allows students who have been punished by their schools to appeal their school’s decision. […]
Life
Did you receive HUD rental assistance before Hurricane Laura? You may be eligible for FEMA help
If you were directly impacted by Hurricane Laura and live in one of the 21 parishes designated for FEMA Individual Assistance and were receiving rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development […]
In the Issue
Don’t make another mistake, Snoop Dogg, read the ballot
Intense get-out-the-vote momentum is growing for November third, the day we Americans will cast our votes and “claim” who we want to serve as our 46th president. For first time voters like rapper Snoop Dogg […]
State
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins calls on Louisianans to come together, denounce white supremacy
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins released the following statement calling for unity in condemning white supremacy and hate groups: “White supremacy has a heinous chapter in our history that no Louisianan wants to resurrect. When David […]
Baton Rouge
Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools accepting displaced students
Displaced families will receive a reduced cost to attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Instead of a registration fee, a small application processing fee may be required. No other usual fees will be charged to displaced families. Likewise, the cost of annual tuition will not be charged, and the monthly tuition cost will be set by each school. […]
Business
Lake Charles native’s gentrification initiative looks to help longtime residents in Houston
WeBuyBlack reported that Christopher Senegal recently acquired two blocks in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, which is known for its African-American roots and dubbed Houston’s “Black Wall Street.” Senegal, a Southern University graduate, started a new […]
Politics
Louisiana to send 61 democrats to national convention
The Louisiana Democratic Party announced Louisiana’s full delegation to the Democratic National Convention. Based on the results of the July 11 Presidential Primary, all Louisiana delegates are awarded to Vice President Biden. The list of […]
Baton Rouge
April Dunn Act signed furthering her legacy, work with disability affairs
The Louisiana Legislature has renamed the Act 833 of 2014 as the April Dunn Act following the unexpected death the 33-year-old advocate for people with disabilities. Dunn was a dedicated staff member of the Governor’s […]
Crime
Bill by Rep. Frederick Jones to make probation less costly
The Louisiana Senate passed several bills to improve Louisiana’s criminal justice system, including a bill to make probation less costly for both the state and offenders. Other bills would adjust the juvenile probation procedure and […]
Education
Senate education committee to discuss La’s return to K-12 schools
The Louisiana Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Senator Cleo Fields, is holding a hearing on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 6pm in the John J. Hainkel, Jr. room of the Louisiana State Capitol to discuss plans […]
Politics
COVID restrictions may require you to vote by mail or early. Here’s how.
>NOTE: The April 4, 2020 and May 9, 2020 elections have been rescheduled for July 11, 2020 and August 15, 2020. If you received an absentee by mail ballot for the April 4, 2020 election, you […]
News
State accepting public comments on 2016 floods action plan
The Louisiana Office of Community Development is accepting public comments on Action Plan Amendment 14, which modifies program budgets to help stabilize housing stock and provide critical assistance in areas impacted by the Great Floods […]
Drum Roll
Katrina then COVID-19: First-gen graduate, Jason Williams, leaves SUNO Honore Center ready for urban classroom
New Orleans native Jamon Williams said his life’s calling is to teach and help others prosper by learning. In 2015, Williams answered that call by enrolling in Southern University New Orleans and joining the Honoré […]
Community-La
Louisiana to provide EBT cards to feed students whose schools closed due to COVID; Applications taken through June 7
Families of children who normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school may apply starting Monday, May 18 through June 7. Once the child’s information is verified, DCFS will mail a P-EBT debit card loaded with $285 per child, and instructions for using the card. The cards may be used at any store that accepts SNAP to buy SNAP-eligible food items. […]
Business
Business, industry association expresses ‘disappointment’ in May 15 stay-at-home extension
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack issued the following statement on Gov. John Bel Edwards’ extension of the current “Stay at Home” order: “We are obviously disappointed in today’s decision. Essential service […]
Baton Rouge
Eight Southern University leaders assigned to Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force
Southern University System will have seven representatives on Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The task force will focus on research and actions to improve health outcomes and equity for the […]
Community-La
NFL, Players Coalition commit $3 Million+ to support COVID-19 relief; six La. organizations included in aid
Recipients of the funds include health systems, individual hospitals, and non-profit organizations in Atlanta, Ga., Baltimore, Md., Chicago, Ill., Detroit, Mich., Florida, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. These emergency donations come from the NFL’s dedicated social justice investment. […]
Baton Rouge
Projections show Louisiana could be grappling with COVID-19 until the end of the year
Regional planning projections released by the Louisiana Department of Health show that while aggressive mitigation measures appear to be effectively flattening the COVID-19 curve, Louisiana could be grappling with the virus at least until the […]
Community-La
Faith leaders urge Gov. Edwards to use emergency powers to release detainees
More than 50 faith leaders from a wide range of locations and denominations signed on to a letter this week urging Governor John Bel Edwards to immediately release elderly and vulnerable detainees in Department of […]
Community-La
Chief Justice Johnson issues guidance to reduce prison population, increase public safety during COVID-19
Louisiana has taken very few steps to reduce the population in corrections facilities as a response to COVID-19 threat in prisons. Chief Justice Johnson issues a guidance to district judges. […]
Buy the Book
Novel about 1977 Monroe, La. murder published
In 1977, Vonda Lanell Harris was raped and murdered. In a bumbled investigation, Monroe Police pinned the crime on a Wossman High School student who spent 40 years of his life in prison before being […]
Baton Rouge
Governor Edwards issues statement on guilty plea in case of church fires
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement today on the guilty plea of Holden Matthews on six state charges and six federal charges, including six total hate crime charges, for setting three historic African-American churches […]
Baton Rouge
Legislative Youth Advisory Council now accepting applications from high schoolers
Applicants must be between the ages of fourteen and nineteen and enrolled in a public or private high school, charter school, home school, or GED skills program during the 2020-2021 school year.
[…]
Education
LAE responds to Superintendent of Education John White’s resignation
Louisiana Association of Educators president Tia Mills,Ph.D. issued the following response to Superintendent of Education John White’s resignation from the Louisiana Department of Education: While LAE members wish Mr. White the best in his future […]
Education
Tangipahoa Parish Schools continue to seek unitary status despite continued segregation
HAMMOND—When Tangipahoa Parish School Board released a statement on September 26, 2019, it sent shock waves throughout the African-American community. The board released the following statement: “On Thursday afternoon, September 26, 2019, the Tangipahoa Parish […]
Drum Roll
Dr. Leonard Weather appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners announced that Dr. Leonard Weather was appointed to one of two positions on its board of directors as a representative for the Louisiana Medical Association. Weather is an […]
Art
LEH is calling all aspiring young artists, illustrators for scholarship opportunity
Applications are due November 1 for the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship, offered by the LEH and the School of Visual Arts in New York City and open to all aspiring artists from Louisiana interested in […]
Drum Roll
Ernest E. Garrett III to Guide Louisiana’s Special School District
Following a national search, State Superintendent of Education John White announced Ernest E. Garrett III will serve as the new Superintendent of the Louisiana Special School District (SSD), guiding the implementation of the SSD’s new three-year […]
Politics
Insurance executive, local agent Tim Temple announces campaign for Commissioner of Insurance
DeRidder native and long-time local agent and insurance industry executive Tim Temple announced his candidacy for La. Commissioner of Insurance, saying “For too long we’ve prioritized political experience, and the results have been painful for […]
Baton Rouge
John Warner Smith named Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate
Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has selected John Warner Smith as Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate. A native of Morgan City, Smith began writing poetry while simultaneously building a successful career as a […]
Baton Rouge
Residents urged to prepare for 2019 hurricane season
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, 2019 lasting through November 30, 2019. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a “near-normal” 2019 Atlantic Hurricane […]
Politics
Education
Grambling State approved to offer cybersecurity degree
NNPA Newswire–Grambling State University has been approved to offer the state’s first Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity. The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors provided their approval and support for the university’s program, […]
Health
Health department schedules statewide flu vaccine clinics
Clinics to be held in all regions of the state throughout October and November […]
Baton Rouge
Paris McClain wins Louisiana National American Miss Jr. Preteen
Nine-year-old Paris McClain has won the title of 2018 Louisiana National American Miss Jr Preteen. She also won 1stRunner Up Actress and 3rdRunner Up Talent, Overall Best Resume, and Overall Best Thank You Letter in her […]
Baton Rouge
Searching for the Louisiana Young Heroes of 2019
Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge are looking for the 2019 Louisiana Young Heroes. A Young Hero is an exceptional young person who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves […]
Life
Should jury convictions be unanimous? and other questions head to Louisiana voters Nov. 6
Louisiana’s non-unanimous jury law is going to a vote in November, along with five other constitutional amendments that impact felons. […]
column
School’s in, drivers need to be vigilant
School zone times vary around the state but generally are in effect anytime from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fines for speeding through a school zone can be steep, especially if the driver also is talking, listening or texting on a cell phone. […]
Drum Roll
Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions. St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District The Board of Commissioners of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District Board has […]
State
Restore La. task force meets July 13 in Baton Rouge
Task force to consider resolution to expand homeowner reimbursement award The Restore Louisiana Task Force will meet Friday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m. in House Committee Room 5 at the State Capitol. Members will consider […]
Life
Developmental Disabilities Council seeks public comment by June 11
Public Comment Sought on Council’s FFY 2019 Action Plan During its April meeting, the DD Council approved its Action Plan for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019). Highlights of the Council’s Action […]
Baton Rouge
Payday lenders fail to win Louisiana’s representatives approval for expansion
The House Commerce Committee on Wednesday, May 9, rejected a push by the national payday lending industry to expand its Louisiana operations and make the debt trap deeper and longer for vulnerable borrowers. Witnesses testified […]
Baton Rouge
COMMENTARY: Push for new constitution is suspicious
A small group of apparently well-funded interest groups are pushing for a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution for the state of Louisiana. Lobbyists have been hired to promote the idea and rumors are […]
Baton Rouge
14 groups and BR NAACP petition legislators to stop bill that expands predatory lending
Legislation backed by the national payday lending industry that would expand their operations in the state narrowly passed the Louisiana Senate by a vote of 20-17 on Tuesday, May 1. Predatory payday already lending drains […]
Commentary
Senator Chabert writes ‘It’s time to end attacks’
Dear Editor: Since 2014, several parishes have filed lawsuits in an attempt to make energy manufacturers pay for rebuilding Louisiana’s coast. These lawsuits are mostly being driven by plaintiff’s law firms that have built reputations […]
Health
Public asked to comment on future of Medicaid-management care March 14 – 16
The Louisiana Department of Health is seeking public input as the State moves towards improving its Medicaid managed care program. Those who are interested in learning more about the department’s plans are invited to attend […]
In the Issue
ANALYSIS: La’s non-unanimous jury law: an instrument of legal, political, social oppression
There’s evidence that non-unanimous juries contribute to wrongful convictions, mass incarceration, and the marginalization of women and minorities. The impact is tantamount to a form of gerrymandering in that it dilutes a voting block within the jury. The Sixth Amendment assures an impartial jury and the Framers envisioned that to be a unanimous vote of twelve. It is our collective duty, “with a force that is irresistible, to crumble into ruin this unjust system.” Booker T. Washington did what he could. Will you? […]
Politics
State asks public for comments on reallocating disaster recovery funds from The Great Food of 2016
The formal public comment period for Action Plan Amendment 7 begins continues until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 […]
State
Gov. Edwards Proclaims February 2018 Black History Month in Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards proclaimed February 2018 Black History Month in the state of Louisiana. “Every year during the month of February, we pause to pay special appreciation for the role African Americans have played […]
Business
Louisiana Travel Association announces new officers, honors graduates of tourism leadership class
The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association–-which voted Jan. 23 to change its name to the Louisiana Travel Association-– installed a group of tourism industry leaders as new officers for its executive committee and board of directors […]
Business
Technical assistance services available for small businesses impacted by floods
The Louisiana Office of Community Development has announced an application deadline of Wednesday, Feb. 28, for the Restore Louisiana Small Business Program, which offers interest-free, partially forgivable loans to businesses impacted by the 2016 floods. The $43 million program […]
Events
Baton Rouge
Gov. Edwards declares State of Emergency, Crisis Action Team activated Wednesday due to freezing weather
Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an Emergency Declaration Wednesday, Jan. 17, due to the freezing precipitation and low temperatures throughout Louisiana. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Dept. of Transportation and Development […]
Crime
Edwards launches criminal justice reform video series ahead of Nov. 1 implementation
As part of his campaign to educate the public on the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Initiative legislation going into effect on Nov. 1 of this year, Gov. John Bel Edwards has released three videos featuring community […]
Politics
Three amendments on Oct. ballot; five candidates vie for city court seat
The Oct. 14 election is shaping up to be full of candidates for state treasurer and city court judge as well as constitutional amendemnts for voters to decide statewide. Five candidates have qualified for the […]
Events
Politics
Edwards makes more appointments to boards, commissions
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions Louisiana Military Advisory Council The Louisiana Military Advisory Council serves to provide a forum for issues concerning the installations and units of […]
State
Trump Approves Louisiana Emergency Declaration
President Donald J. Trump declared that an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm […]
Business
Licensing law changes for Louisiana contractors
According to the Louisiana Home Builders Association, HB 675, now Act 231 of the 2017 Regular Legislative Session makes several changes to the Contractors’ Licensing Law. Act 231 will go into effect Tuesday, August 1st […]
Crime
Louisiana has one of the highest rates of child gun deaths
In March, 10-year-old Justin Simms and six-year-old Jumyrin Smith were discovered dead alongside their mother Monique Smith in New Orleans after a quadruple shooting rocked their Gentilly neighborhood. A third child, 12-year-old daughter A’Miya, was […]
Drum Roll
EBRP Schools’ Michelle Clayton moves to online K-12 charter
Michelle Clayton, Ph.D., will serve as Associate Superintendent of Innovation and Interim K-8 Principal. […]
Baton Rouge
Legislators send multiple bills to Gov. Edwards to signs, vetoes
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he signed several bills into law and vetoed a number of bills either entirely or partially using his line-item veto authority.The following bills were signed into law: ACT 365 […]
Commentary
LETTER: Ask legislators for more health centers in schools
Dear Citizens: Did you know that there are 63 School-Based Health Centers in 27 parishes in Louisiana? They are medical offices in a school, staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed behavioral health […]
Life
Louisiana genealogist finds Black boys at Florida reform school were modern day slaves
Antoinette Harrell is a genealogist, activist, and peonage detective in Harvey, Louisiana, who spent decades tracking down slavery in the deep south. The peonage research of Harrell led her to investigate peonage at the Arthur […]
Crime
Urban League supports investigation by Louisiana Attorney General, state police in Alton Sterling case
The world is watching. Our hearts are broken, but our resolve is strong. And we will not stop our fight until the status quo is transformed into justice for all. […]
Politics
Civil Rights group calls for investigation of La. Legis. Auditor, state offices for discrimination
After a succession of African-American officials and directors have been investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) a local think tank, Justice & Beyond, is asking the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and Governor John Bel […]
Business
Globalstar Career Fair scheduled for April 7
Globalstar, a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, will conduct a career fair on Friday, April 7, 8am at the new Northshore Technical Community College campus in Lacombe, Louisiana. The company is […]