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Omar Says Bigotry of Senator Kennedy ‘Just the Tip of the Iceberg’ The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing earlier this week on the rise in hate crimes since last October was historic for its inclusion of testimony on crimes against Palestinians, Muslims, and Arab Americans, said Rep. Ilhan Omar on Friday—but the event also served to illustrate how Islamophobia is still widely accepted—and practiced—among top government officials, including elected lawmakers. The Minnesota Democrat responded to comments made by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to witness Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, in which the lawmaker accused Berry of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and told her to “hide [her] head in a bag.” “It was telling that Kennedy along with his Republican colleagues could not avoid actively engaging in anti-Muslim hate speech during a hearing about the rise in hate crimes,” said Omar in an op-ed published by The Guardian. “As unfair remarks were hurled at [Berry], the American people witnessed the very purpose of the hearing in plain view for all: The normalization of hate speech is alive and well.” . (Alaska Native News 9/22/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
Louisiana: - Shreveport Times - WBRZ -
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Candidates for City Constable lay out plans for election in appearance before EBR Chamber
Constable Terrica Williams and state Rep. C. Denise Marcelle are each touting experience as they run for the seat Williams now holds. Williams became constable in 2019, and before then worked in the constable's office from 2009 to 2013. "I've proven myself and I stand on proving leadership," Williams said at a forum hosted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Chamber of Commerce. "I have the experience, I have the knowledge, I have the training and I have the compassion to do the job as the constable." (WBRZ 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Constable Terrica Williams and state Rep. C. Denise Marcelle are each touting experience as they run for the seat Williams now holds. Williams became constable in 2019, and before then worked in the constable's office from 2009 to 2013. "I've proven myself and I stand on proving leadership," Williams said at a forum hosted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Chamber of Commerce. "I have the experience, I have the knowledge, I have the training and I have the compassion to do the job as the constable." (WBRZ 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Higgins announces $156M in GOMESA revenue for state
U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-La., announced today that the U.S. Department of the Interior will award Louisiana $156,329,442.65 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act revenue-sharing funds. The funding, which is derived from offshore energy production, will be used to finance coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana. The state will administer $125,063,554.13, and the remainder of the funding is dedicated across 19 parishes. Six parishes in Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive $9,510,451.97.
(American Press 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-La., announced today that the U.S. Department of the Interior will award Louisiana $156,329,442.65 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act revenue-sharing funds. The funding, which is derived from offshore energy production, will be used to finance coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana. The state will administer $125,063,554.13, and the remainder of the funding is dedicated across 19 parishes. Six parishes in Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive $9,510,451.97.
(American Press 4/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
GOP states — including La. — file lawsuit over Biden student loan plan
A group of Republican-led states is suing the Biden administration to block a new student loan repayment plan that provides a faster path to cancellation and lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers. In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, 11 states led by Kansas argue that Biden overstepped his authority in creating the SAVE Plan, which was made available to borrowers last year and has already canceled loans for more than 150,000. It argues that the new plan is no different from Biden’s first attempt at student loan cancellation, which the Supreme Court rejected last year. “Last time Defendants tried this the Supreme Court said that this action was illegal. Nothing since then has changed,” according to the lawsuit.
(American Press 3/31/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A group of Republican-led states is suing the Biden administration to block a new student loan repayment plan that provides a faster path to cancellation and lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers. In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, 11 states led by Kansas argue that Biden overstepped his authority in creating the SAVE Plan, which was made available to borrowers last year and has already canceled loans for more than 150,000. It argues that the new plan is no different from Biden’s first attempt at student loan cancellation, which the Supreme Court rejected last year. “Last time Defendants tried this the Supreme Court said that this action was illegal. Nothing since then has changed,” according to the lawsuit.
(American Press 3/31/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Zorek Richards
April 7, 2023:
Crime is the top concern for most Louisianans this election cycle and many are unhappy with the way the criminal justice system has addressed the problem, a new poll of statewide voters shows.
A bill filed by Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, would make forfeiture of good time and credits — incentives that allow early release for good behavior — a mandatory penalty for incarcerated people who commit certain transgressions behind bars. Those penalties currently occur at the discretion of prison staff.
Crowley Republican Rep. John Stefanski, a candidate for Attorney General, has filed a bill proposing life imprisonment for people who distribute 28 grams or more of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has pushed overdose deaths to record levels in Louisiana and the country.
Rep. Larry Frieman, R-Abita Springs, has filed a bill that would allow judges to revoke parole for people who district attorneys argue are "dangerous offenders." Anyone convicted of a violent crime, sex offense, drug production or terrorism could be deemed a "dangerous offender" under the bill.
Crime is the top concern for most Louisianans this election cycle and many are unhappy with the way the criminal justice system has addressed the problem, a new poll of statewide voters shows.
A bill filed by Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, would make forfeiture of good time and credits — incentives that allow early release for good behavior — a mandatory penalty for incarcerated people who commit certain transgressions behind bars. Those penalties currently occur at the discretion of prison staff.
Crowley Republican Rep. John Stefanski, a candidate for Attorney General, has filed a bill proposing life imprisonment for people who distribute 28 grams or more of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has pushed overdose deaths to record levels in Louisiana and the country.
Rep. Larry Frieman, R-Abita Springs, has filed a bill that would allow judges to revoke parole for people who district attorneys argue are "dangerous offenders." Anyone convicted of a violent crime, sex offense, drug production or terrorism could be deemed a "dangerous offender" under the bill.
March 9, 2023: The Advocate: State public defender officials criticize Baton Rouge's embattled chief in tense meeting
Tensions over Baton Rouge's embattled chief public defender boiled over Thursday at a state board meeting, with state officials presenting a report blasting her handling of her office's finances and a lawsuit accusing her of withholding pay for ex-employees' accrued vacation time.
Tensions over Baton Rouge's embattled chief public defender boiled over Thursday at a state board meeting, with state officials presenting a report blasting her handling of her office's finances and a lawsuit accusing her of withholding pay for ex-employees' accrued vacation time.
March 9, 2023: The Advocate: LaToya Cantrell recall organizers handed over 32,000 signatures to Times-Picayune, analysis shows
An exhaustive review of thousands of petitions provided to The Times-Picayune by the organizers of the LaToya Cantrell recall campaign shows they contained 32,228 signatures, far short of the threshold needed to put the question on the ballot.
An exhaustive review of thousands of petitions provided to The Times-Picayune by the organizers of the LaToya Cantrell recall campaign shows they contained 32,228 signatures, far short of the threshold needed to put the question on the ballot.
Jan 17. 2022: Roys Report: Court Dismisses Louisiana Pastor’s COVID Restrictions Suit
A Louisiana pastor’s lawsuit over Gov. John Bel Edwards’ past COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings was rejected for a second time Wednesday by a federal judge.
U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson in Baton Rouge said the lawsuit by Tony Spell seeking an order blocking the restrictions is moot because the restrictions expired long ago.
A Louisiana pastor’s lawsuit over Gov. John Bel Edwards’ past COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings was rejected for a second time Wednesday by a federal judge.
U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson in Baton Rouge said the lawsuit by Tony Spell seeking an order blocking the restrictions is moot because the restrictions expired long ago.
Dec 29, 2021: Shreveport Times: LDH: Omicron cases continue to climb. Unvaccinated make up largest portion
The Louisiana Department of Health estimates the proportion of omicron cases in the state is 88.5% for the week ending Dec. 25.
LDH’s estimate for the omicron proportion is preliminary and subject to change as more sequencing data are reported, according to a news release.
The CDC estimates the proportion of Omicron in HHS Region 6 (which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) is 86.7%, with 95% of parishes at the two highest levels of community transmission.
The Louisiana Department of Health estimates the proportion of omicron cases in the state is 88.5% for the week ending Dec. 25.
LDH’s estimate for the omicron proportion is preliminary and subject to change as more sequencing data are reported, according to a news release.
The CDC estimates the proportion of Omicron in HHS Region 6 (which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) is 86.7%, with 95% of parishes at the two highest levels of community transmission.
Dec 29, 2021: WWNO: As much of the Gulf South remains unvaccinated, New Orleans issues a mandate for kids
As cases and hospitalizations spike again, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama remain among the bottom states for overall vaccination rates. Only about 10% of young children in these states have gotten at least one shot, compared to 23% nationally. In a region where rejecting broad vaccine requirements is a source of pride for many state leaders, New Orleans wasn’t afraid to issue a mandate.
As cases and hospitalizations spike again, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama remain among the bottom states for overall vaccination rates. Only about 10% of young children in these states have gotten at least one shot, compared to 23% nationally. In a region where rejecting broad vaccine requirements is a source of pride for many state leaders, New Orleans wasn’t afraid to issue a mandate.
Dec 13, 2021: Baptist Messenger: Pastors celebrate defeat of Slidell casino
Louisiana Baptist pastors in St. Tammany Parish rejoiced about the resounding vote, Dec. 11, against a proposal that would have brought casino gambling into Slidell.
By a margin of 63 percent against (37,664 “nays”) and 37 percent for (22,031 “yeas”), voters rejected
Louisiana Baptist pastors in St. Tammany Parish rejoiced about the resounding vote, Dec. 11, against a proposal that would have brought casino gambling into Slidell.
By a margin of 63 percent against (37,664 “nays”) and 37 percent for (22,031 “yeas”), voters rejected
Dec 10, 2021: Houma News: Filming for a Will Smith movie to block traffic next week on part of La. 311 in Schriever
The agency did not name the film, but The Courier and Daily Comet confirmed the work is being done for "Emancipation," a movie starring Smith directed by Antoine Fuqua.
The agency did not name the film, but The Courier and Daily Comet confirmed the work is being done for "Emancipation," a movie starring Smith directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Nov 16, 2021: Christian Post: New Orleans archdiocese to pay over $1M in Hurricane Katrina fraud settlement
The settlement came in response to allegations that the archdiocese had violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair facilities damaged by Katrina, a 2005 Category 5 storm that caused billions of dollars in damage.
The settlement came in response to allegations that the archdiocese had violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair facilities damaged by Katrina, a 2005 Category 5 storm that caused billions of dollars in damage.
Nov 12, 2021: Mississippi Today: Data Dive: Mississippi is among at least 27 states suing over Biden business vaccine mandate
Mostly composed of Republican-leaning states with vaccination rates on the lower end of the spectrum, this coalition includes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Mostly composed of Republican-leaning states with vaccination rates on the lower end of the spectrum, this coalition includes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Sept 9, 2021: Christian Post: After criticism, Jesse Duplantis says ministry donated $100K in generators to Ida victims
Louisiana televangelist Jesse Duplantis hit back at critics who charged that he and his ministry weren’t doing enough to help his storm-ravaged community of St. Charles Parish, where Hurricane Ida left most residents without power.
Louisiana televangelist Jesse Duplantis hit back at critics who charged that he and his ministry weren’t doing enough to help his storm-ravaged community of St. Charles Parish, where Hurricane Ida left most residents without power.
August 12, 2021: The city of New Orleans began requiring fans to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours in order to attend Saints home games at Caesars Superdome.
Aug 16, 2021: Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has called for prayer and fasting last week to combat the cases of COVID-19 in his state. In the statement, the government asked Louisianans to join him and the First Lady, Donna Edwards, in "praying and fasting during their lunch time for three days for Louisiana health care workers and all of those who are sick with or affected by COVID-19."
"Yesterday, I asked hundreds of ministers and pastors throughout Louisiana to join me during the lunch hour next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in praying and fasting for our state, and I am extending this invitation to anyone and everyone who is so inclined, no matter their religious beliefs," Edwards said in the statement.
"I believe very strongly in the power of prayer, and there are thousands of people right now in Louisiana who need to be lifted up in prayer. So I hope you will join your prayers to mine for healing and protection," he disclosed.
Aug 17, 2021: A Shreveport nurse's tearful plea for COVID vaccines goes viral as Delta variant spreads. The Shreveport nurse garnered national attention for her tearful plea for others to get vaccinated. Following a social media post, Felicia Croft has become one of the many public voices encouraging people to be vaccinated.
Aug 16, 2021: Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has called for prayer and fasting last week to combat the cases of COVID-19 in his state. In the statement, the government asked Louisianans to join him and the First Lady, Donna Edwards, in "praying and fasting during their lunch time for three days for Louisiana health care workers and all of those who are sick with or affected by COVID-19."
"Yesterday, I asked hundreds of ministers and pastors throughout Louisiana to join me during the lunch hour next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in praying and fasting for our state, and I am extending this invitation to anyone and everyone who is so inclined, no matter their religious beliefs," Edwards said in the statement.
"I believe very strongly in the power of prayer, and there are thousands of people right now in Louisiana who need to be lifted up in prayer. So I hope you will join your prayers to mine for healing and protection," he disclosed.
Aug 17, 2021: A Shreveport nurse's tearful plea for COVID vaccines goes viral as Delta variant spreads. The Shreveport nurse garnered national attention for her tearful plea for others to get vaccinated. Following a social media post, Felicia Croft has become one of the many public voices encouraging people to be vaccinated.