HEALTH
Louisiana Health Department Alters Vaccine Promotion Strategy Amid Rising Concerns
State's shift in vaccine messaging comes as national political climate fuels vaccine skepticism
Matt Washington
NATIONAL
Biden Signs Stopgap Bill, Avoiding Shutdown but Leaving Key Issues Unresolved
Trump’s influence loomed over the negotiations, signaling both his power and its limitations. His insistence on addressing the debt ceiling ahead of his presidency added complexity to an already fraught process.
NATIONAL
Poet Nikki Giovanni, Trailblazing Voice of Black Arts Movement, Dies at 81
Giovanni rose to prominence during the Black Arts Movement, highlighting Black resilience and tragedies like Emmett Till’s lynching, MLK's assassination, and the 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
NATIONAL
U.S. TikTok Ban Looms, Sparking Uncertainty for Users and Tech Giants
Lawmakers cite national security concerns as the driving force behind the legislation, pointing to fears that the Chinese government could access U.S. user data. TikTok, however, contends that the ban violates free speech protections and continues to challenge the law in court
STATE
Troy Carter Elected First Vice-Chair of Congressional Black Caucus, Vows to Advocate for Marginalized Communities
NEW ORLEANS — Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana has been elected First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), marking a significant step in his leadership within the influential organization. With the CBC entering its 119th Congress on January 3, Carter’s election comes as the caucus reaches a historic high
STATE
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry Signs Major Tax Cuts Into Law, Reduces Income and Corporate Taxes
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a major tax overhaul into law on Thursday, cutting income and corporate taxes while increasing the state sales tax. This new tax law is expected to benefit Louisiana residents, businesses, and the state economy. During a ceremony with lawmakers at the Louisiana
POLITICS
Economists Warn Trump’s Tariff Plans May Drive Up Costs Amid Mexican Retaliation Threats
Economists say Trump’s tariffs could function as a consumption tax, raising prices on imported and domestically produced goods. A Yale University study estimates the tariffs could cost American households an additional $2,421 annually.
POLITICS
Louisiana Laws Echo Key Tenets of Project 2025 Post-Trump Re-election
With a conservative federal administration, the policies outlined in Project 2025 may gain traction nationwide, making Louisiana a potential model for states seeking to implement similar reforms.
NATIONAL
Trump Names Former NFL Player Scott Turner as HUD Secretary Nominee
Turner will oversee an agency tasked with enforcing fair housing laws, providing mortgage insurance for prospective homeowners, and offering rental subsidies to low-income families.
NATIONAL
Trump's Transition Team Turns to Project 2025: Implications for African Americans
The initiative’s policy blueprint and the individuals linked to its development have a track record of promoting positions that could disproportionately affect Black communities nationwide.
LOCAL
Ted James Endorses Sharon Weston Broome in Baton Rouge Runoff: “The Clear Choice for Mayor-President”
BATON ROUGE, La. — Former mayoral candidate and State Representative Ted James has thrown his support behind Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, declaring her the best candidate to lead Baton Rouge into the future ahead of the Dec. 7 runoff election. In a statement released Thursday, Nov. 21, James emphasized Broome’s
NATIONAL
Black Americans Reflect on Trump's Re-Election: "A Step Back, But Not the End"
Progress toward equality has been a hard-fought journey for decades, and Trump’s policies have often been seen as a challenge.
STATE
Sen. Regina Barrow Pushes Back Against Proposal to Expand Adult Sentencing for Minors
During a Senate Judiciary C Committee hearing, Barrow cast the sole dissenting vote against Senate Bill 2, allowing lawmakers to broaden the crimes for which youth aged 14 to 16 could face adult prison sentences.
STATE
Louisiana’s Tax Reform Plan Stalls Amid Fierce Opposition
BATON ROUGE, La. — A contentious proposal to impose sales taxes on 41 services has hit a wall in the Louisiana House of Representatives, delaying its progress until next week. The measure, a cornerstone of the state’s ambitious tax reform package, faces mounting criticism from lobbyists and lawmakers, raising questions
STATE
Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Governor Landry’s Tax Plan, Citing Impact on Working Families
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana’s working families could face higher costs on essential services under Governor Jeff Landry's new tax plan, lawmakers warned Wednesday. The proposal, which aims to broaden sales taxes on services like home repairs and car maintenance, met strong opposition from House Democrats, who argued
STATE
Louisiana House Committee Advances New 4.5% Tax on Streaming Services Amid Concerns Over Digital Access
NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana is moving closer to adding a 4.5% tax on digital streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, following a vote Monday by a House committee to advance the proposal to the full House. The measure, part of Governor Jeff Landry’s extensive tax reform plan, seeks to