LUY-Development

Category: Regional News

  • Lawmakers frustrated over last minute state budget cuts

    Lawmakers frustrated over last minute state budget cuts

    Baton Rouge –  At the close of the regular legislative session, lawmakers say they had only 20 minutes to review and vote on the state budget. The final budget had a $100 million cut to the Department of Health and only one year appropriated for teacher pay raises. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau said the budget was drastically different when it returned from the House.

    “So, our only option is to vote for it and pass it or you shut the state down until you have a special session and try to get things taken care of and that’s not a good option either,” said Luneau.

    Luneau said the most frustrating cut was to LDH, without any testimony in committee if the money actually legitimately needed to be cut.

    “And this is at a time when have the biggest surplus we’ve perhaps ever had in Louisiana and certainly more in savings than we’ve ever had in the State of Louisiana,” said Luneau.

    The final budget dedicated funding for $2,000 teacher pay raises but only for the next fiscal year. Luneau said if the state can’t bring teacher pay up to the southern regional average at a time when the state is flush with cash…

    “Then shame on us, the message that we send to teachers is that we’ve got all this money but you’re not worthy of us paying you, giving you a raise to get you up to the southern average,” said Luneau.

    Overall Luneau said the session went well and they were able to address several issues but it’s unfortunate how it ended with the budget.

  • Black man shot in the mouth by Mississippi deputy to file federal civil rights lawsuit

    Black man shot in the mouth by Mississippi deputy to file federal civil rights lawsuit

    JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Two men — one of whom was shot in the mouth by a law enforcement officer — announced on Tuesday that they will file a federal civil rights lawsuit against a Mississippi sheriff’s department alleging a pattern of excessive force against Black people.

    In a news release announcing the lawsuit, attorneys for Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker also publicly identified for the first time the deputy who they say put a gun inside Michael Corey Jenkins’ mouth before firing it. Parker confirmed the deputy’s identity in a follow-up interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.

    The upcoming lawsuit comes amid an ongoing Justice Department civil rights investigation into the encounter between Jenkins, Parker and Rankin County Department Sheriff’s deputies in January.

    In a news release, Attorney Malik Shabazz said that he would file 22 claims of federal civil rights violations in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi before Monday. The men will seek $400 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

    “If there ever were a case where punitive damages needed to be levied against police officers, this is the case,” attorney Shabazz wrote in the release. “This incredible, nasty, violent ordeal exposes that Rankin County deputies and the Department have had a long pattern and practice of deadly excessive force and hate crimes against its African American citizens.”

    A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department and an attorney representing the deputies did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment Tuesday.

    The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that a deputy shot Jenkins, but the agency has not identified the deputy or released any other details about the case. Jenkins was hospitalized for weeks, and his medical records show he suffered a lacerated tongue and a broken jaw. Deputies have not said whether a weapon was found at the scene.

    Jenkins has said he didn’t know the name of the deputy who shot him. Parker, Shabazz and attorney Trent Walker claim it was Deputy Hunter Elward, based partly on a separate court document in which Elward swore that Jenkins had pointed a gun at him. In addition, Parker said he recognized Elward from online photos of the deputy.

    Jenkins and Parker said on the night of Jan. 24, six white Rankin County deputies suddenly came into the home where Parker was living and proceeded to handcuff and beat them. They said the deputies shocked them repeatedly with stun guns over roughly 90 minutes and, at one point, forced them to lie on their backs as the deputies poured milk over their faces.

    The men also said deputies attempted to assault them with a sex toy they found while searching the home. Jenkins said the encounter culminated with a deputy placing a gun in his mouth and firing.

    Deputies said the raid was prompted by a report of drug activity at the home. Jenkins was charged with possessing between 2 and 10 grams of methamphetamine and aggravated assault on a police officer. Parker was charged with two misdemeanors: possession of paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. Deputies have not said whether they obtained a warrant to search the home. The lawsuit will allege deputies illegally entered.

    There is no body camera footage of the incident. Automated Taser records obtained by The AP show that Tasers were turned on, turned off or used dozens of times during a roughly 65-minute period before Jenkins was shot.

    An AP investigation in March revealed that several Rankin County Sheriff’s Department deputies have been involved in at least four violent encounters with Black men, including the one with Jenkins and Parker, since 2019 that also left two dead. A second man besides Jenkins also alleges that deputies shoved guns into his mouth.

    The allegations against the deputies have sparked a Justice Department probe into the encounter. In a community meeting in Mississippi on June 1, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division said the investigation is still ongoing.

  • MJ Foster Promise Program grant assistance offered to adults to earn credentials or associate degree in high paying jobs

    MJ Foster Promise Program grant assistance offered to adults to earn credentials or associate degree in high paying jobs

    Baton Rouge –  The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to adults who would like to earn credentials to get a job in a high-demand area is once again accepting applications. Special Program Specialist Brittany Theriot says the program provides multiple training options.

    “Certain programs that fall under IT, healthcare, construction, transportation and warehousing, and manufacturing. All of those sectors that I just mentioned align with Louisiana workforce priority.”

    Applicants must be adults 21 and older and possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Theriot points out that applicants will attend two-year schools.

    “Like schools with the LCTCS, LSU Eunice, and Southern Shreveport. And we also have about thirty-four approved proprietary schools that students can attend as well.”

    A full-time student will be awarded $3,200 per award year and can receive the maximum of $6,400 in one year for certain high-cost programs. During its initial year, more than 6,000 people applied. Theriot says anyone who is interested should apply now.

    “We’re really excited and we hope that interested applicants go ahead and take that next step and apply for the program.”

    Interested applicants should apply at mjfosterpromise.com.

  • Mississippi harms free speech by requiring state permits before protests, lawsuit says

    Mississippi harms free speech by requiring state permits before protests, lawsuit says

    JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A new Mississippi law will restrict free speech by requiring people to obtain permission from state law enforcement officials for any protest near the statehouse, Governor’s Mansion or other state government buildings in the capital city of Jackson, according to a lawsuit that seeks to block the mandate from taking effect July 1.

    “Those who peacefully protest without state government authorization and who are charged with crimes for doing so may be prosecuted and sentenced to prison. This chills protected speech,” said the lawsuit filed on behalf of the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign and several other organizations.

    The federal lawsuit was filed Thursday against the two people authorized to issue permits for protests or other events in parts of the majority-Black city: Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell and the chief of the state-run Capitol Police department, Bo Luckey.

    “These two officials, both white men, will now have veto authority over protests that have included, and will continue to include, criticisms of their own expanded authority and actions as well as that of other state officials,” said the lawsuit filed by attorneys for the Mississippi Center for Justice and the MacArthur Justice Center at the University of Mississippi School of Law.

    The Associated Press sought comment Monday from the Department of Public Safety, and a spokesperson did not immediately respond for the agency or for Capitol Police, which is a division of it.

    The new lawsuit is the third one to challenge new Mississippi laws that expand the state’s role in courts and policing in Jackson.

    Critics say the majority-white and Republican-controlled Legislature passed the laws to take away local autonomy in Jackson and surrounding Hinds County, which are both majority-Black and governed by Democrats. Supporters of the laws say they are trying to control violent crime.

    Several protests have been held near state government buildings in downtown Jackson during the past year, including some in January, February and March against the legislation dealing with courts and policing. The Poor People’s Campaign held events on a street outside the Governor’s Mansion last fall to protest what organizers said was the state’s inadequate investment in Jackson’s struggling water system.

    People planning protests or other events in downtown Jackson are already required to obtain a city-issued permit — the same local procedure used in many other parts of the state. The lawsuit said people will need permission from both the city and the state for protests or events in parts of Jackson, but state permission is not required for protests or events near state government buildings elsewhere in Mississippi.

    One of the plaintiffs, JXN Undivided Coalition, said in a statement Monday that its members “have for years engaged in the deeply American tradition of peacefully gathering on public property to convey to elected officials what matters most to us,” including voting rights and self-determination for Jackson residents.

    “We have spoken, and the state has responded with a sweeping prohibition of speech next to properties in Jackson occupied by state officials absent prior authorization,” the coalition said.

  • Bill giving cops power to command you “Stay Back” wins Final Passage. Will go the Governor’s desk

    Bill giving cops power to command you “Stay Back” wins Final Passage. Will go the Governor’s desk

    Baton Rouge –  A House bill giving police the ability to tell you “stay back” while they do their job wins final legislative passage in the state Senate. Pineville Rep. Mike Johnson’s bill was represented on the Senate floor by Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard, who says the bill just seeks to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties…:

    “All we’re seeking in this bill is a zone of safety. If you’re arresting somebody or whatever, you need to have people stand back.”

    HB 85 would establish that, if a cop tells you to stay back, you must comply and maintain at least 25-feet distance or face fines. Among those opposed was Democrat Senator Royce Duplessis, of New Orleans, who says the bill is potentially unconstitutional, because of the question of distance. He says it is also already addressed in state law…:

    “We currently have a law on the books; Revised Statute title 14:329. Interfering with a law enforcement investigation.”

    Bernard says the statute Duplessis cites applies to Obstruction of Justice, and doesn’t apply in everyday police work. Bernard asks Senators for their vote for the bill, as a way to avoid misunderstandings between citizens and LEOs that can sometimes get out of hand…:

    “This hopes to stop something like that from happening by saying ‘hey…I’m a law enforcement officer. Please give me room to do my job. Please back up.”

    The measure passed by a 29-10 vote. It goes now to Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature…or veto.

  • GOHSEP encourage residents to get hurricane prepared as the 2023 season begins today

    GOHSEP encourage residents to get hurricane prepared as the 2023 season begins today

    Baton Rouge –  Yesterday marked the first day of the 2023 hurricane season and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) encourages residents to get their emergency game plan in place. GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says now is the time to prepare even if you don’t have to use it.

    “Overall 2022 was pretty mild compared to some of our recent years. And so we’re all hoping for that again but there’s no guarantee we can see that happen again.”

    NOAA is forecasting a near-normal season with 12 to 17 named storms with five to nine of those being hurricanes. One to four storms are projected to be major. Steele suggests the best way to prepare is to create a checklist, restock, and stay connected.

    “Review all of your insurance policies. We ask people to check their supplies.  You can go to getagameplan.org. Make sure you have those basic things.”

    Since Hurricane Ida, FEMA continues to house more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers, and other ready-to-occupy housing. Steele says it is important for those residents to stay updated on the weather at all times.

    “The units that are involved in Ida Sheltering Program, even though they’re RV units they’re not safe enough to ride out a tropical event. It’s really important that the people understand what their local leaders are saying. Pay attention to where shelters may be opened.

    Residents can visit getagameplan.org to prepare.

  • Shortage of cancer drugs being felt in Louisiana

    Shortage of cancer drugs being felt in Louisiana

    A nationwide shortage of cancer drugs is forcing some physicians to either ration the chemotherapy drugs or try other medications. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans Gynecologic Oncology said they’ve noticed the shortage and they are substituting other meds when possible.

    “Or do things like decrease the dose that they’re using or increase the interval in between chemotherapy treatments. But I think we’re all a little concerned that we might be providing inferior care by rationing,” said Jernigan.

    Among the medications are carboplatin and cisplatin which are used as a first-line chemo treatment for a variety of cancers. Jernigan said they are tried-and-true drugs that are generic and cost less than newer medications and that’s part of the problem.

    “And what happens is there’s just not a big enough incentive for drug companies and manufacturing companies to come up back-up plans because the profit margin is just so narrow,” said Jernigan.

    Physicians and their staff are forced to file for Prior Authorizations with insurance carriers when they have to choose a non-generic alternative. Jernigan said it’s a lot of paperwork and the process can be lengthy. She has a suggestion if you or a family member are impacted by the shortages.

    “Write their lawmakers and urge them to work with the FDA to ensure this type of thing doesn’t happen again in the future,” said Jernigan.

    Jernigan said some treatment centers are having to choose between patients who can be cured with chemotherapy versus those who are on chemo for palliative care.

  • LSU to host first NCAA regional since 2019

    LSU to host first NCAA regional since 2019

    Baton Rouge – The LSU baseball team was named the fifth overall national seed for the NCAA tournament and will host a regional this weekend. The preseason favorites spent most of the season as the top team in the country before a late season fall, but they’ll still hope to make their way to Omaha for the first time since 2017. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan said he doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s regional loss.

    “I remember the feelings in the dugout. I remember the tears, and I don’t want to do that again. That’s something that’s driving us, driving me. I don’t want to cry in my own dugout this year. I want to cry at Omaha because it’s over and we won.”

    The Tigers lost in the Hattiesburg regional last year in coach Jay Johnson’s first season. After an offseason with the number one transfer and recruiting classes, he and his team received great expectations. Johnson said he’s proud of his squad even if the work isn’t done yet.

    “We want to win a national championship. You can’t win a national championship unless you’re in the field. That’s always the first step is to be in the field. I think it’s a noteworthy accomplishment of this group to be the first to host a regional since 2019 and the first to be a national seed since 2017.”

    As the fifth overall seed, LSU will host a regional and is one of eight teams who have the chance to have home field all the way to the College World Series. Fifth-year Tiger Gavin Dugas just missed LSU’s 2017 run and said he’s excited to experience postseason baseball in Baton Rouge.

    “The environment here is crazy whenever it gets going. I guess the closest we got to this year for me was the Tennessee series, seeing all those fans out there and how excited and how nuts it was going. I think that’s the closest we have been but it’s not going to match what’s going to happen this weekend.”

    The Tigers will open the regional against Tulane Friday

  • House approves bill to allow people 18 and older to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training

    House approves bill to allow people 18 and older to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training

    Baton Rouge –  The House approves legislation that would allow non-felons 18 years of age and older to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training in a 70 to 29 vote. Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick says the Second Amendment gives law-abiding citizens the right to do so.

    “We must restore these rights to law abiding citizens in Louisiana. It’s our duty to protect the constitutional rights of our citizens.”

    Referred to as the “Constitutional Carry” bill, many believe under the 2nd Amendment it gives law-abiding citizens the right to bear arms and should not require a concealed carry permit. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain voted against the bill. He believes under this legislation it makes it easier for people to act and to endanger our communities.

    “We’re not going to make our communities safe if we put more guns in our communities. In my city of Alexandria, every week there’s a shooting or killing. I’m sick of it. In New Orleans theres shootings. Companies are not going to come to our state if everybody killing each other.”

    Oakdale Representative Dewith Carrier favored the bill. He said the issue is not people carrying guns.

    “I’m tired of us getting blamed for people. It’s not a gun problem, it’s a evil problem. Okay this is my gun. I put my gun right here. What happens? Nothing. But if a bad person gets it, bad things are going to happen.”

    Twenty-seven other states already have similar laws in effect.

     

    louisianaradionetwork.com/2023/05/23/31234/

  • American Cruise Lines Introduces an Epic New U.S. River Cruise

    American Cruise Lines Introduces an Epic New U.S. River Cruise

    Guilford, CT—May 22, 2023—American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce a new cruise that visits nearly every major battlefield of the Civil War. The all-new Civil War Battlefields Cruise departs May 4th, 2024, from New Orleans, LA, and concludes on June 6th in Gettysburg, PA. Along the way, this 35-Day itinerary spans 13 states and all three major theaters of the war. Each day will highlight battlefields and events from Fort Sumter and Shiloh to Vicksburg and Antietam.

    The onboard experience will be curated to bring context to each day’s exploration and provide a larger understanding of the War as a whole. Dedicated onboard Civil War experts will join guests for the entirety of the experience to discuss the motives, strategies, and personalities that drove each side of the War.

    The Civil War Battlefields Cruise will be led by Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great great grandson of Jefferson Davis, an American politician who represented Mississippi in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and served as the president of the Confederate States from 1861-1865. Bertram Hayes-Davis is a unique scholar of Civil War history, able to offer both his extensive knowledge and rare personal perspective on the events and battles that divided our country, but ultimately helped forge a more perfect Union.

    “This cruise is one of the most wholistic views of the Civil War ever offered. Guests will experience the people, places, and events of the war, as they visit the battlefields and stand where history was made,” said Bertram Hayes-Davis.  “This is a unique opportunity to see the entire scope of the battles of the Civil War and put them in context to each other and the entire conflict.”

    The cruise takes place on three ships and sails the Mississippi River, the Tennessee River, the Potomac River, the East Coast Intracoastal Waterway, and the Chesapeake Bay. Please see the Day-by-Day itinerary overview below.

    This epic journey includes: Complimentary Pre-Cruise Stay in New Orleans, daily excursions & entertainment, all meals and beverages including beer & wine with lunch and dinner, and a daily cocktail hour. Complimentary WIFI, hotels and transportation between cruise segments, as well as Tips, Gratuities & Port Charges are all included in the cruise fare.

    The price per person begins at $24,700 (depending on stateroom selection). Deposit of $5,000 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations for this unparalleled exploration of the U.S.A. are open to book now.

    For more details and information about this itinerary, and other new longer U.S. cruises from American Cruise Lines, please visit: American Cruise Lines Extended Cruises.

    About American Cruise Lines:

    American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship cruising in the U.S.A. American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships for Cruising Close to Home®. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. In 2023, American will operate 17 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays in cities across the country.