Louisiana Health Department Alters Vaccine Promotion Strategy Amid Rising Concerns
State's shift in vaccine messaging comes as national political climate fuels vaccine skepticism
Latest
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.
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.
New EMS Station to Boost Response Times in Central Baton Rouge
The new station, equipped with three ambulance bays, will also help redistribute EMS resources.
Incoming Mayor-President Sid Edwards Announces Transition Team to Lead East Baton Rouge Forward
BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President-elect Sid Edwards unveiled the members of his Win EBR Transition Team, a diverse group of local leaders tasked with preparing policy and staffing recommendations as he prepares to take office on January 2, 2025. Edwards, who will become the 20th Mayor-President of
Judge to Decide Fate of Louisiana’s Police Buffer Zone Law
Act 259, passed this year and signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, criminalizes approaching within 25 feet of an officer after being told to step back. Critics argue it could suppress journalists and the public.
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
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
BRCC, EBR Schools Celebrate Dual Enrollment Success at Special Reception
BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) hosted a special evening reception at its Mid City campus to celebrate the flourishing partnership with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, a collaboration that is helping shape brighter futures for local students. Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith welcomed East Baton Rouge Parish School
Coach Sid Edwards Makes History as New EBR Mayor-President, Promises Unity and Change
BATON ROUGE, La. — Coach Sid Edwards defied the odds to win the race for East Baton Rouge Mayor-President, delivering a message of unity and change to voters across the parish. Emphasizing his deep connection to the community and faith-driven approach, Edwards described the campaign as “a movement, not just a
Sharon Weston Broome Reflects on Legacy of Leadership as Mayoral Tenure Ends
BATON ROUGE, La. — Sharon Weston Broome, Baton Rouge’s first female mayor-president, graciously conceded the mayoral race Saturday night, closing a transformative chapter in the city’s history. Broome’s leadership since 2017 brought resilience during challenging times and set a foundation for continued growth and progress. public transportation expansion,
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
Charter School in Baker Granted Restraining Order in Renewal Dispute
BAKER, La. — A judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday in favor of Impact Charter School, preventing the Louisiana Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) from delaying the school’s charter renewal process. The school’s attorney, Ron Haley, argued that Impact met all
University Lakes Restoration: A Healthier Future for Baton Rouge’s Iconic Waterways
BATON ROUGE — The University Lakes restoration project is reshaping some of Baton Rouge's most treasured landmarks, with work on City Park Lake and Lake Erie already showing visible improvements. An open house held by the project team provided residents with updates on the initiative’s progress and plans
EBR Schools Eye Private Firm to Alleviate Bus Driver Shortage
BATON ROUGE, La. — Facing ongoing transportation challenges, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is considering a temporary partnership with First Student, a private bus company, to address critical driver shortages and strained bus routes across the district. The school board discussed the proposal Thursday night, signaling hope for a
Historic Renovation to Boost Affordable Housing in Baton Rouge
The renovation of the Historic Prince Hall Masonic Temple will create 46 mixed-income units. As part of a broader initiative to expand affordable housing, the project underscores Baton Rouge’s commitment to revitalizing historic landmarks and fostering community stability.
LOCAL
District 2 Candidates Pitch Fresh Visions for East Baton Rouge’s Future
BATON ROUGE, La. — The East Baton Rouge Metro Council is on the brink of change, with voters in District 2 set to elect a new representative on Dec. 7. This race isn’t just about leadership—it’s a contest of ideas and priorities, and what the future holds for
STATE
Volunteers, Congressman Sleep Outside to Raise Awareness for Homelessness in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — Braving cold temperatures and hard ground, Congressman Troy Carter and dozens of volunteers recently spent a night outdoors at the Covenant House New Orleans to raise awareness and funds for the city’s homeless population. The event, part of Covenant House's annual "Sleep Out"
LOCAL
Union Warns of System Shutdown as CATS Contract Deadline Nears
BATON ROUGE, La. – As the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) faces the December 31 expiration of its contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1546, union president George DeCuir has issued a stark warning: if their demands are not met, operations could grind to a halt. “We don’t want
LOCAL
Coach Sid Edwards Calls for Change After Juvenile Shooting in North Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, La. — Following a drive-by shooting that injured three children in North Baton Rouge on Wednesday, local coach and community leader Sid Edwards voiced frustration and urgency, calling for an end to the violence plaguing the city. 0:00 /0:34 1× “This is a regular occurrence,” Edwards said,
LOCAL
Eric Smith, Sr., Seeks to Bring Change as District 1 Metro Council Candidate
Smith’s platform centers on fairness, accountability, and tangible progress. He is determined to secure essential resources, create opportunities, and fight for equitable representation for District 1.
SPORTS
Southern Jaguars Outlast Grambling Tigers in Thrilling 51st Bayou Classic Victory
Southern University defeated Grambling State 24-14 in the 51st Bayou Classic. CJ Russell's early touchdown and a 45-yard run by Kendric Rhymes sealed the win, sending the Jaguars to the SWAC Championship after a thrilling contest in the Caesars Superdome.
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.
EDUCATION
Tony Clayton Appointed Chair of Southern University Board of Supervisors
BATON ROUGE, La. — Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Tony Clayton, District Attorney for Louisiana’s 18th Judicial District, as the next Chair of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors. Clayton’s term will begin on January 1, 2025. The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 27. Governor Landry emphasized
SPORTS
Bayou Classic Celebrates 51 Years of Tradition and Rivalry in New Orleans
At 1 p.m., the Caesars Superdome will roar to life as the Southern Jaguars and Grambling Tigers take the field for the 51st Bayou Classic. Fans eagerly anticipate not only the game but also the iconic halftime show, featuring dazzling performances from the marching bands of both universities.
NATIONAL
Civil Rights Leader Warns Project 2025 Could Devastate Black Communities
Project 2025, spearheaded by conservative think tanks, has been described by its backers as a roadmap to reshape federal policies. However, Nelson and other civil rights leaders contend that its provisions would disproportionately impact communities of color.
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.
STATE
Louisiana Lawmakers Postpone Debate on Juvenile Crime Bill
Senate Bill 2, a proposed constitutional amendment, would replace the current list of 14 violent crimes—such as murder and rape—eligible for adult prosecution with broader language allowing the legislature to designate any crime as eligible.
LOCAL
District 5 Councilmember Hosts Thanksgiving Community Dinner
BATON ROUGE, La. — District 5 Councilmember Daryl Hurst is inviting the Baton Rouge community to a Thanksgiving dinner this Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Charles R. Kelly Community Center. The event, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., aims to ensure that no one misses out on a
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.