NATIONAL
Trump’s Education Agenda: Calls to Reshape or Dismantle Federal Department
Trump criticized the department as being overrun by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists” and vowed to overhaul its functions to align with his conservative vision.
Deasia Grant
LOCAL
Baton Rouge Zoo to Welcome New Malayan Tiger in Conservation Effort
BATON ROUGE, La. — BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is set to welcome a new resident, a 15-year-old Malayan tiger named Tanvir, who will arrive from the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma as part of a conservation program for this critically endangered species. The Tulsa Zoo confirmed the tiger’s upcoming transfer
HEALTH
Louisiana Deserves Better from Our Leaders Than Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric
Louisiana has faced countless adversities—from hurricanes to health crises—but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented test of resilience. In response, we should be learning from our mistakes and strengthening our public health systems.
NATIONAL
Quincy Jones: A Life of Harmony, Innovation, and Unmatched Legacy
Quincy Jones died Sunday at his home in Bel-Air, where his remarkable journey began in the chaos of 1930s Chicago. Born on March 14, 1933, he emerged from a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and family struggles. His mother, grappling with mental health issues, was institutionalized when he was just
NATIONAL
Supreme Court to Review Louisiana Redistricting Case Over Congressional Map with New Majority-Black District
Louisiana’s GOP-led legislature approved a 2022 map with five majority-white, Republican-leaning districts and one majority-Black, Democratic-leaning district. Civil rights groups argue this setup marginalizes Black voters, who make up about a third of the state’s population.
LOCAL
Louisiana Public Service Commission Race Heats Up as Election Day Nears
The District 2 seat, currently held by outgoing Commissioner Dr. Craig Greene, will be contested by three candidates: Republicans Jean-Paul Coussan and Julie Quinn, along with Democrat Nick Laborde.
LOCAL
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Unveils $2.5 Million Expansion in Gonzales to Meet Growing Cancer Care Needs
GONZALES, La. — The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced a $2.5 million expansion at its Gonzales facility, aiming to significantly increase capacity and improve patient care for the Ascension Parish community. The expansion will add 6,000 square feet to the existing building on LA 30, including a
LOCAL
Trick-or-Treat Times Announced for East Baton Rouge Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish officials have set the official trick-or-treating date and times for Halloween festivities. Residents are invited to celebrate on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For those who prefer to organize their own events at different times, they are
STATE
Louisiana's Low Vaccination Rates Amid Misinformation Debate
Despite low vaccination rates in Louisiana, many bills to limit vaccine requirements have failed. Dozens of proposals from ultra-conservative lawmakers have died in the Legislature since the pandemic began, but many are preparing for another push, indicating the debate is far from over.
LOCAL
Forum Addresses Fentanyl Crisis and Its Widespread Impact
BATON ROUGE, La. – Fentanyl-related deaths in Baton Rouge have declined, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. However, the city continues to face a serious issue with counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced drugs. Chief Deputy Chris McClure, who served in the narcotics division for 15 years, noted the evolving nature of
LOCAL
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Calls for Emergency Volunteers Ahead of Storm
Emergency volunteer shifts have been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with additional opportunities available on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The food bank will continue to accept volunteers throughout the week as long as weather conditions remain safe.
Frankie Beverly, Iconic Soul Singer and Maze Founder, Dies at 77
Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly, died Tuesday morning. "He lived his life with pure soul, and for us, no one did it better," his family wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. "He lived for his music, family, and friends."
STATE
Louisiana Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Francine Approaches
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Hurricane Francine, set to make landfall soon. This declaration allows officials to swiftly mobilize resources to protect residents and minimize damage. During a press conference, Gov. Landry stressed the importance of staying prepared. "
LOCAL
Mayor Broome Focuses on Stability Amid Uncertainty with St. George Incorporation
BATON ROUGE – As the City of St. George prepares to break away, taking a significant portion of East Baton Rouge Parish’s tax revenue with it, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is focusing on maintaining stability while steering the city through a period of financial uncertainty. With foresight and a commitment
STATE
BESE Approves New Policies to Reduce Classroom Disruptions and Streamline Teacher Training
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has unanimously approved new policies aimed at enhancing classroom instruction by curbing student disruptions and reducing redundant teacher training. These initiatives stem from recommendations made by the "Let Teachers Teach" workgroup, a statewide effort focused on creating a more
EDUCATION
West Baton Rouge School Employees to Receive Pay Increase for New School Year
WEST BATON ROUGE, LA — The West Baton Rouge School System is set to boost salaries for its employees by 4% at the start of the new school year. This adjustment translates into an annual raise of $2,000 to $2,500 for teachers and $1,000 to $1,500 for