Representative Denise Marcelle Leads Opposition Against Proposed Legislation, Advocates for Inclusive Library Spaces BATON ROUGE, La. — In a pivotal decision, the Louisiana House Committee, in a session marked by impassioned debate, voted to reject two bills that threatened intellectual freedom and library access. Advocates rallied against the proposed legislation, led by Representative Denise Marcelle, highlighting the importance of libraries as inclusive spaces for learning and exploration. "Libraries are essential community resources that should provide access to diverse perspectives and ..read more

Scotlandville, La – Years of limited access to fresh food have fueled frustration in Scotlandville, a Baton Rouge community of 15,710 residents including Southern University students. The lack of a major grocery store forces residents to travel outside the community, draining billions annually. The Scotlandville Food Access Commission (SFAC) recently held a meeting to address this "food desert." "Residents deserve healthy options where they live," said Eugene Collins, SFAC organizer. "They shouldn't have to travel for basic groceries." The meeting underscored the challenges faced by the ..read more

BATON ROUGE, LA — On May 2nd and 3rd, the Jewel J. Newman Community Center will host the inaugural Missing Middle Housing Summit, a transformative event aimed at addressing housing disparities in East Baton Rouge Parish. Led by a dedicated team and coordinated by Councilwoman Chauna Banks, this summit promises to be a catalyst for change. The summit's agenda, carefully curated by Councilwoman Banks, features a lineup of expert speakers and interactive sessions designed to tackle key issues in housing development and community revitalization. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in ..read more

Louisiana legislators are currently in deliberations over the absence of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program for the upcoming summer season. The sudden cessation of the program has raised concerns about providing crucial assistance to families in need during the impending warmer months. Discussions slated for next week aim to address the void left by the program's absence, potentially through the creation of new legislation. At a recent session at the state capitol, David Matlock, the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), revealed a p ..read more

BATON ROUGE, La. — The long-standing legal battle over the incorporation of the City of St. George has reached a pivotal turning point as the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the initiative, clearing the way for the formation of the city. Following nearly five years of legal disputes, the state's highest court voted 4-3 to overturn previous rulings that had stymied St. George's incorporation efforts. This decision, according to proponents, sets the incorporation's effective date as November 23, 2019, aligning with the Supreme Court's reversal of the Appeals Court decision. St ..read more

BATON ROUGE, La. - In a pivotal decision, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of St. George's bid for independence, allowing it to become its own city. After careful consideration of various factors, the court deemed incorporation reasonable, stating that despite challenges, St. George can adequately provide public services within a reasonable timeframe. This ruling overturns a previous denial of incorporation by a lower court, marking a significant victory for proponents of St. George's autonomy. With this decision, attorneys representing St. George affirm that the city can n ..read more

BAKER, La. — With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rebecca 'Becky' Bond, the dedicated Communications Officer of the Mayor's Office in the City of Baker, Louisiana. Becky's sudden departure has left us all reeling with shock and sorrow. As the heart of communication for our city, Becky's role was instrumental in fostering transparency, engagement, and unity within our community. Her commitment to excellence, paired with her dedication to serving the citizens of Baker, was unparalleled. No challenge was too great for Becky, and her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on o ..read more

BATON ROUGE - Approximately 94,000 children across Louisiana bear the weight of parental incarceration, shedding light on the pressing need for advocacy and support. Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI), an organization dedicated to championing the cause of children with imprisoned parents, stands at the forefront of this crucial mission. Founded in 2018 by Dominique Johnson, DBI is deeply rooted in personal experience and a drive for change. Johnson's father, serving his 42nd year of a life sentence at Angola State Penitentiary, catalyzed her tireless efforts. "My father is in his 42nd yea ..read more

Baton Rouge, La. — In a significant development for the Baton Rouge educational landscape, IDEA University Prep, situated on Plank Road, has announced its closure at the end of the current academic year. The decision, driven by persistent under-enrollment challenges, marks a pivotal moment for students, faculty, and the broader community. Following the closure announcement, school officials have laid out a comprehensive plan to facilitate a smooth transition for all affected parties. Students currently enrolled at IDEA University Prep will be provided with the opportunity to transfer to alt ..read more

NEW ORLEANS — In a move aimed at safeguarding minors from the influence of targeted social media advertisements, Louisiana lawmaker Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, has introduced House Bill 577. Presented to the House Commerce Committee on Monday (4/22), the bill has since been advanced for consideration by the full House. Carver emphasized the bill's intention to restrict social media companies from utilizing personal data to tailor advertisements toward minors within Louisiana. "This bill is simply a bill that says in Louisiana for users that are minors in Louisiana, we are not going to col ..read more