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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Louisiana Legislature's redrawn congressional map giving the state a second mostly Black district is being challenged by 12 self-described “non-African American” voters in a new lawsuit. At least one person, state Sen. Cleo Fields, a Black Democrat from Baton Rouge, has already said he will be a candidate in the new district. It is not clear how the lawsuit will affect that district or the 2022 litigation, which is still ongoing. Louisiana's Legislature drew a new map in 2022 that was challenged by voting rights advocates because only one of six U.S. House maps was majority Black, even though the state population is roughly one-third Black. As the case was appealed, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an unexpected ruling in June that favored Black voters in a congressional redistricting case in Alabama.

Persons: Sen, Cleo Fields, John Bel Edwards, Shelly Dick, Jeff Landry, Edwards, Garrett Graves, Landry's, Nancy Landry, David Joseph, Donald Trump Organizations: ORLEANS, American, Republican, Democrat, Louisiana's, ., U.S, Supreme, Black, Circuit, Appeals, Gov, GOP, Republicans Locations: Louisiana, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alabama, Shreveport, Black, Western

☆ 15 states mostly led by Republicans refuse federal funds to feed hungry children during the summer months
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Biden Administration has launched a permanent Summer EBT program to feed hungry children. AdvertisementFifteen states, all currently led by Republican governors, were notably absent from the Summer EBT announcement. AdvertisementIn Mississippi and Oklahoma, spokespersons from their respective health departments told BI their states have existing summer food assistance programs. A spokesperson from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said there is a budget request in its state legislature to approve funding for the Summer EBT program in 2025. Some who declined to participate in the Summer EBT program, however, were more direct.

Persons: —, Tom Vilsack, John Bel Edwards, Jeff Landry, South Carolina –, Jim Pillen Organizations: Biden Administration, Republicans, Service, Administration, Republican, US Department of Agriculture, USDA, Former Louisiana Gov, Democrat, Republican Gov, Iowa Department of Health, Human Services, Idaho Department of Health, Welfare, Vermont Public Radio, Lincoln Journal Star Locations: Alabama, Alaska , Florida, Georgia , Idaho , Iowa, Louisiana , Mississippi , Nebraska , Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota , Texas , Vermont, Wyoming, Texas , Oklahoma , Louisiana , Mississippi, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Vermont, Nebraska

Baton Rouge-based U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick issued a two-week extension Thursday afternoon, giving lawmakers extra time to construct a congressional map, the American Civil Liberties Union confirmed to The Associated Press. Louisiana is among the list of states still wrangling over congressional districts after the U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act. Republicans say the map is fair and argue that Black populations in the state are too dispersed to be united into a second majority Black district. Another mostly Black district could deliver a second congressional seat to Democrats. In June 2022, Dick struck down Louisiana’s map for violating the Voting Rights Act.

Persons: Shelly Dick, John Bel Edwards, Eric Holl, Jeff Landry, Edwards, Dick, ” Dick, Obama, Landry, Landry won’t, “ Organizations: GOP, Capitol, American Civil Liberties Union, Associated Press, ACLU, Democratic Gov, Republican, U.S, Supreme, Black, Republicans, U.S ., Appeals, Fifth District Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Alabama, Black, New Orleans

Political Cartoons View All 1250 ImagesHere’s a look at what to expect on election night:ELECTION DAYThe Louisiana general election will be held Saturday. All registered voters may participate in the general election on Saturday. Turnout for the 2019 gubernatorial general election was 1.5 million voters, or 51% of registered voters. That year, turnout went from 33% of total registered voters in the primary to 23% in the general election. In the 2019 gubernatorial general election, 33% of voters cast ballots before Election Day.

Persons: Republican Kyle Ardoin, Nancy Landry, Gwen Collins, Landry, Collins, Jeff Landry, Mike Lindell, Greenup, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Biden, it’s, Republican Bobby Jindal Organizations: WASHINGTON, Democratic, Republican, Ardoin, Republican Gov, Associated Press, WHO, Democrats, AP Locations: Louisiana, Baton Rouge

☆ Louisiana Must Finalize New Voting Map by January, Federal Appeals Court Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Katie Benner | More About Katie Benner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It was not clear whether the outgoing governor, John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, would call for a special session before the end of his term. “I remain confident that we will have a fair map with two majority Black districts before the congressional elections next year,” he said in a statement. After the 2020 census, all states were obligated to redraw their congressional districts to account for changes in their populations. Roughly a third of the state’s population is Black. But Louisiana’s Republican-led Legislature passed a map that included only one majority Black congressional district out of six in the state.

Persons: ” Jeff Landry, Landry, John Bel Edwards, ” Organizations: Fifth Circuit, Republican, Democrat Locations: Louisiana

(AP) — The Louisiana Legislature has until Jan. 15 to enact a new congressional map after a lower court last year ruled that the current political boundaries dilute the power of the state’s Black voters, a federal New Orleans appeals court said Friday. Louisiana is among states still wrangling over congressional districts after the U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act. They argue that Black populations in the state are too dispersed to be united into a second majority Black district. Lawmakers now have until mid-January to draw and pass a new map, which would have to be done through a special session. However, in the appeals court’s order it does say that the district court will have discretion to grant “limited additional time” if requested.

Persons: John Bel Edwards, Jeff Landry, “, Edwards, Shelly Dick, ” Dick, ” Edwards, Troy Carter, ”, Carter, Landry, Landry won’t Organizations: The Louisiana Legislature, Democratic Gov, Republican Gov, U.S ., Appeals, Fifth District, Louisiana’s GOP, U.S, Supreme, Republicans, Black, Lawmakers, Senate, U.S . Rep, Democratic Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, The Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana’s, Louisiana, Alabama, Black, “

☆ How Democrats can win big in red states
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | Walt Hickey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Democrats are finding ways to advance their candidates and causes in traditionally red states. Tuesday's elections show that while the party may never reach its former heights in increasing red states, it can still notch victories that continue to claw back power. Some states have long elected Democrats at the local level while rejecting Republicans at the national level and vice-versa. AdvertisementAdvertisementHere are some of the ways Democrats are still winning:Keep it local. Issue 1's proponents, like other previous red state movements, couched some of their appeals in broader language that would welcome Republicans.

Persons: Roe, Wade, —, Andy Beshear, Laura Kelly, Raphael Warnock, Tip, Daniel Cameron, Katie Hobbs, Donald Trump's, Hobbs, Sen, Mark Kelly, John Bel Edwards, Kelly, Gabby Giffords, Gretchen Whitmer's, Beshear, it's, Steve Beshear, juiced, Nan Whaley, Sabato Crystal Ball, Perry Bacon Jr, Cameron, Reagan, Glenn Youngkin, Floridians Organizations: Service, GOP, Trump, Democratic Gov, Democratic, Gov, Democrats, Republicans, Louisiana Democrats, Michigan Gov, Ohio, Force, Midwesterners Locations: Ohio , Kentucky, Kansas, New York, Kentucky, In Kansas, Arizona, Louisiana, In Arizona, America, Ohio, Cleveland, Virginia

☆ Louisiana 'super fog' kills 7 in massive car pile-up
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

At least one vehicle went over the edge and lay sideways in the water, pictures posted by the Louisiana State Police showed. The search for victims from the chain-reaction accident continued for hours after the crash, the state police said on Facebook. The accident closed Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. The massive crash was one of several accidents in the area due to heavy fog, police said. He also urged drivers to take care from the "dangerous combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog."

Persons: John, Baptist, John Bel Edwards, Daniel Trotta, Sonali Paul Organizations: Reuters . Louisiana State Police, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Louisiana State Police, Facebook, National Weather Service, Thomson Locations: St, Baptist Parish , Louisiana, U.S, Louisiana, New Orleans, Maurepas, Baptist Parish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. The state’s 25-year-old Gift Ban Act prohibits public employees such as Pritzker from accepting presents, with broad exceptions. Therefore, the high-priced hooch delivered compliments of the Japanese embassy and three bottles of tequila valued at $450 have remained untapped. Together, they comprise 4 1/2 years of gratuities totaling 561 gifts valued at $16,890.14, according to a log provided to The Associated Press in response to a public records request. Jim Edgar, the Gift Ban Act was the first major ethics reform in Illinois since post-Watergate campaign-finance disclosure laws.

Persons: J.B . Pritzker, Pritzker, hooch, ” Pritzker, “, Jordan Abudayyeh, John Bel Edwards, Sen, Paul Simon, Barack Obama, Jim Edgar, “ It’s, ”, David Melton, Tiffany Kuhl, Shimon Peres, Sidney Blumenthal, Bill Clinton, Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Nader, Mark Green, Donald Trump’s, Jody Coss, ” Coss, Mike’s, Jennifer Farrar Organizations: Ill, —, Democratic, Associated Press, Louisiana Gov, Hotel, Forbes, Republican Gov, Illinois, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame, Museum, Loyola University, Stephenson County Democratic Party, Associated Locations: SPRINGFIELD, — Illinois, Springfield, Chicago, Louisiana, Mardi Gras, U.S, Illinois, Swiss, Milwaukee, Victoria ”, Freeport, Stephenson County, Rockford, New York

☆ Jeff Landry wins Louisiana governorship, flipping the state for Republicans
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Alexandra Marquez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry testifies during the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government hearing on March 30, 2023. Democrats' two-term hold on the governorship of Louisiana will come to an end next year after Republican state Attorney General Jeff Landry won the seat Saturday by capturing a majority in an all-party primary. ET, running far ahead on a ballot that featured 16 candidates, including Democrats, independents and Republicans. The victory precedes two more red state governor's elections this fall, including one in which Republicans hope to flip a seat. He was also endorsed by Edwards, the state Democratic Party and Democratic Rep.

Persons: Jeff Landry, Landry, Andy Beshear, Tate Reeves, Shawn Wilson, Donald Trump, Wilson, Stephen Waguespack, John Bel Edwards, Trump, Sen, Bill Cassidy, Steve Scalise, Clay Higgins, Mike Johnson, Edwards, Troy Carter, Joe Biden Organizations: Federal Government, Republican, Associated Press, Democratic, Republican Gov, Democratic Gov, GOP, Democratic Party, Democratic Rep, Republican Governors Association Locations: Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi

Six major candidates — four Republicans, one Democrat and one independent — are vying for the seat that is being vacated by Gov. With Edwards unable to run due to consecutive term limits, the election opens a huge opportunity for Republicans to win Louisiana’s top position. Louisiana is one of three states with a gubernatorial election this fall, along with Mississippi and Kentucky. State Rep. Richard Nelson withdrew from the race in September and endorsed Landry but will remain on the ballot per state election laws. With four significant GOP candidates vying for the position, Democrats are hopeful that Wilson, their sole major candidate, will succeed.

Persons: Donald Trump, John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Jeff Landry, Trump, Steve Scalise, Landry, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder, Stephen Waguespack, Bobby Jindal, Shawn Wilson, Richard Nelson, Wilson, Tim Temple, Republican Kyle Ardoin, Ardoin, Clay Schexnayder, Nancy Landry, Mike Francis, Gwen Collins, Brandon Trosclair Organizations: Republicans, Gov, Democratic, Republican, U.S, GOP, Democrat, Transportation, Development Department, State, Democratic Party Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Lake Charles

☆ Louisiana Primary Election Results
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-14 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

GovernorWith Gov. John Bel Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, limited to two terms, Republicans are eyeing the opportunity to take back the governor’s mansion. In Louisiana’s open primary system, a candidate can win the election if they receive a majority of the primary vote. Otherwise, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on Nov. 18.

Persons: John Bel Edwards, Read Organizations: Gov, Democratic

A Republican candidate, state Rep. Richard Nelson, withdrew from the race in September and endorsed Landry but will remain on the ballot per state election laws. Here’s a look at what to expect on election night:ELECTION DAYThe Louisiana state primary will be held Saturday. Neither Clinton nor Biden performed particularly well in Louisiana in the presidential elections: In 2016, Clinton won 38% of the statewide vote; in 2020, Biden won 40% of the statewide vote. In the 2019 Louisiana primary, 33 of the 164 races tabulated by the AP advanced to a runoff. These included the races for governor, secretary of state, five state Senate races and 24 state House races.

Persons: John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Jeff Landry, John Schroder, Stephen Waguespack, Richard Nelson, Landry, Shawn Wilson, Lake, Hunter Lundy, Donald Trump, Schroder, Trump, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Clinton, Biden, outperforming, it’s Organizations: WASHINGTON, Gov, Republican, Democratic, GOP, Press, WHO, AP, Senate Locations: Louisiana, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Caddo, East Carroll, Madison, Tensas, Baton Rouge and New Orleans

☆ The Mississippi River's flow is the weakest it's been in 35 years. Seawater overtaking the river could make New Orleans' drinking water too salty for months.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | Katie Hawkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Saltwater will soon rush into the Mississippi River, which hit its lowest flow rate since 1988. AdvertisementAdvertisementFor the second year in a row, the Mississippi River water level is at an extreme low. AdvertisementAdvertisementThat's because a low flow rate could allow saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to push into the river and pollute the source of drinking water for thousands. AdvertisementAdvertisementUSACE officials beyond Louisiana are also working to mitigate the effects of low water levels and low flow rates. Ultimately, rain — and a lot of it — is what the Mississippi River will need to reach its average water level and flow rate again, Roe and Dell'Orco both agreed.

Persons: John Bel Edwards, —, We're, Matt Roe, Roe, Joe Biden, Edwards, Lou Dell'Orco, Louis District, Dell'Orco Organizations: Gov, Service, New, US Army Corps of Engineers, USACE, Louis Locations: Mississippi, Louisiana, New Orleans, Gulf, Mexico, Algiers, Plaquemines Parish, Missouri

☆ US Army engineers are dredging the dwindling Mississippi River 24/7 and battling seawater creeping upstream toward New Orleans' drinking water
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Maiya Focht | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This threatens both the country's international supply chain and national drinking water access. AdvertisementAdvertisementA long stretch of drought in the Midwest has caused the Mississippi River to drop to abnormally low levels. Kevin Dietsch/Staff/Getty ImagesProblem two: Louisiana's drinking water is at stakeAn estimated 18 million people get their drinking water from the Mississippi. For example, it's contaminated the drinking water of roughly 23,515 residents in Plaquemines Parish where residents are advised to only drink bottled water. These aren't permanent solutions, but they buy local communities precious time to prepare to find alternate drinking water sources, Roe added.

Persons: Mother Nature, —, Colin Wellenkamp, Lou Dell'Orco, Louis District, Dell'Orco, they're, John Bel Edwards, Joe Biden, Kevin Dietsch, Biden, Edwards, Matthew Roe, it's, Sills, Roe, she's Organizations: Service, America, Getty, Towns Initiative, Associated Press, Shipping, AP, St . Louis District US Army Corps of Engineers, USACE, US Army Corps of Engineers, Louis, Louisiana's, Louisiana Gov, New Locations: Mississippi, Midwest, Louisiana, Cities, St.Louis, St, Louis, Gulf of Mexico, Plaquemines Parish, New Orleans

The latest hurdle comes from a slow-moving threat — a mass influx of salt water from the Gulf of Mexico that is creeping up the drought-stricken Mississippi River. The issue is forcing farmers to brainstorm other ways to irrigate their crops with fresh water — including storing the little rain water they’ve gotten this summer, hauling in fresh water and establishing makeshift salination treatment facilities. Typically, the mighty flow of the Mississippi is enough to keep mass amounts of salt water from reaching too far inland. While officials believe adult citrus trees will be okay, seedlings are much more sensitive to salt water. Over the years some citrus farmers have focused on seedlings — shipping them to garden centers across the country and as far north as Canada.

Persons: They’re, ”, Joey Breaux, John Bel Edwards, Joe Biden, ” Biden, Belle Chasse, satsumas, Anna Timmerman, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Timmerman, “, ” Timmerman, Kim Dillon, Ben, Ben Becnel Organizations: Army Corps of Engineers, Orange Festival, Louisiana State University, Inc Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, Louisiana, Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi, Belle, Plaquemines Parish, Florida, California, Belle Chasse, Canada

☆ New Orleans residents brace for salt water intrusion as Biden declares national emergency
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

An aerial view of New Orleans can be seen from a drone above the Mississippi River on April 1, 2023 in New Orleans, La. Ricky Carioti | The Washington Post | Getty ImagesPresident Joe Biden on Wednesday declared a federal emergency for a saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River, which is threatening New Orleans' water infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects that two New Orleans water treatment plants will be affected by the end of October: the Algiers Water Treatment Plant on Oct. 22 and the Carrollton Water Treatment Plant on Oct. 28. Solutions under considerationAt a New Orleans City Council meeting on Wednesday, councilmembers, officials from the SWBNO and from the Department of Homeland Security discussed possible response strategies. Some New Orleanians are wondering why the city is always playing defense, despite the warning signs of saltwater intrusion in years past.

Persons: Ricky Carioti, Joe Biden, John Bel Edwards, Biden, Jesse Keenan, Mia Miller, Miller, Joseph Giarrusso, SWBNO, Councilmember Lesli Harris, Councilmember, there's, We're, Bywater, Stephen Murphy, bode, Murphy Organizations: Washington Post, Getty, Wednesday, Louisiana Gov, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Biden's, U.S . Army Corps of Engineers, Board, New, New Orleans City Council, U.S . Army Corps of Engineers New, Water Board, Tulane University, New Orleans City, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, Tulane University's Disaster Management Locations: New Orleans, Mississippi, La, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, U.S . Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans, Algiers, Carrollton, Bywater, councilmembers

☆ New Orleans braces for drinking water emergency from drought-stricken Mississippi River
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Denise Chow | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an emergency declaration Friday in response to concerns that salt water encroaching upriver could affect the availability of safe drinking water in the coming weeks. Treasure hunters comb the shoreline of the Mississippi River after it was exposed by low water levels on October 18, 2022 near Portageville, Missouri. Around 2,000 residents in Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, were already relying on bottled water this summer after salt water infiltrated the area's water systems. The mouth of the Mississippi River sits substantially below sea level, which means some salt water from the Gulf of Mexico naturally creeps inland. Salt water is denser than fresh water, so it flows like a wedge along the riverbed underneath the fresh water of the Mississippi.

Persons: Stephen Murphy, LaToya Cantrell, Murphy, we've, John Bel Edwards, Nature, Col, Cullen Jones, We've Organizations: Tulane University's School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine, Louisiana Gov, Army Corps of Engineers, Army Corps, Corps, New, New Orleans District Locations: Mississippi, Tiptonville, Tenn, New Orleans, Louisiana, Gulf, Mexico, Portageville , Missouri, Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Lower Mississippi

☆ Saltwater in the Mississippi Threatens Water Supply in New Orleans
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Colbi Edmonds | More About Colbi Edmonds | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Drought-like conditions in the Midwest over the summer have created a growing water problem in the New Orleans area this fall. Water levels of the Mississippi River have dropped low enough to make the river less resistant to a mass of saltwater flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico. This circumstance, known as saltwater intrusion, is endangering the drinking water systems in and around the city, as well as smaller municipalities to the south. Many water treatment facilities cannot handle water with high salinity levels, which corrode pipes and cause metals in the pipes to leach into the water. He said he was requesting a federal emergency declaration, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans signed an emergency declaration for the city on Friday.

Persons: Gov, John Bel Edwards, LaToya Cantrell, Edwards Organizations: Officials, U.S . Army Corps, Engineers Locations: Midwest, New Orleans, Mississippi, Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana

All three states lean heavily Republican in federal elections, yet Democrats currently control the governorship in two out of the three. As usual, we are rating these races on the following scale: Safe Republican, Likely Republican, Lean Republican, Toss-Up, Lean Democratic, Likely Democratic and Safe Democratic. The race moving in the Republican direction is Louisiana, which we’re shifting from Likely Republican to Safe Republican. But for now, we’ll keep it at Likely Republican. That may be in tune with Kentucky voters, who, despite the state’s Republican lean, rejected a 2022 ballot measure that would have enhanced the state’s ability to outlaw abortion.

Persons: There’s, Andy Beshear, Democrat John Bel Edwards, Republican Tate Reeves, Edwards, Jeff Landry, Shawn Wilson, Edwards –, Landry, Donald Trump, Stephen Waguespack, John Schroder, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Hunter Lundy, Lundy, he’s, polluters, Wilson, Mason, Dixon, that’s, Republican Reeves isn’t, Brandon Presley, Phil Bryant, Brett Favre, Favre, Reeves hasn’t, drumbeat, Reeves, Democrat hasn’t, Jim Hood, Presley, Elvis Presley, Beshear, Steve Beshear, Daniel Cameron, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, Kentuckians, Cameron, He’s, Trump Organizations: Republicans, Democrat, Republican, Lean Republican, Lean Democratic, Democratic, Safe Democratic, Safe Republican, Louisiana Safe Republican, Republican Party, Republican Governors Association, Mississippi, NFL, University of Southern, Public Service Commission, Kentucky Lean Democratic, Gov, Beshear, Kentucky, Democratic Governors Association Locations: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, In Mississippi, Landry, Lundy, Brandon, Federal, University of Southern Mississippi, Cincinnati

The debate, which was hosted by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., aired on multiple Louisiana news stations including KLFY. While Wilson supports exceptions and a ballot initiative to allow citizens to vote on the abortion laws, he has previously stated he is pro-life. All candidates addressed the death of Greene, who was killed after being arrested by Louisiana State Police. Schroder and Landry have backgrounds in law enforcement and said they are willing to meet with the Greene family. While most of the night was spent on issues, some candidates took the opportunity to verbally spar with Landry, who skipped the first debate.

Persons: Jeff Landry, Black, Ronald Greene, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Landry, Donald Trump, Hunter Lundy, Richard Nelson, John Schroder, Stephen Waguespack, Bobby Jindal, Shawn Wilson, Wilson, Nelson, “ It’s, ” Wilson, Greene, John Bel Edwards, Schroder, Alton Sterling, Lundy, Schroeder, ” Landry, Edwards Organizations: GOP, Republican, Transportation, Development Department, Democratic, Nexstar Media Group, Inc, Republicans, Democrat, Louisiana State Police, Authorities, Associated Press, ” Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, Louisiana, Lake Charles, Landry

☆ Jake Kleinmahon: One of Louisiana's only pediatric cardiologists has left the state over anti-LGBTQ legislation
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Nicquel Terry Ellis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

courtesy Jake KleinmahonBut this past spring the Republican-led state legislature passed a series of controversial bills that targeted the LGBTQ community. Many of the laws enacted have been met with legal challenges from advocacy groups and LGBTQ families. In Louisiana, Kleinmahon said he lobbied against the laws, calling state lawmakers and writing letters to the state’s senate education committee. “It really showed that they just don’t care,” Kleinmahon told CNN. courtesy Katherine SasserThe challenge of movingBut relocating across the country hasn’t been an easy decision, LGBTQ families told CNN.

Persons: Jake Kleinmahon, Tom, ”, Kleinmahon, “, ” Kleinmahon, John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Terry Schilling, Schilling, ” Schilling, Tony Rothert, Rothert, ” Rothert, Cathryn Oakley, hasn’t, Oakley, ” Oakley, ” Katherine Sasser, Sasser, ” Sasser, Katherine Sasser Organizations: CNN, Tulane University, “, Mardi Gras, Republican, Human Rights, ” Louisiana Democratic Gov, HB, American Civil Liberties Union of, Columbia, University of Missouri Locations: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, Missouri, Denver, Long, , New York

☆ In Louisiana, a Democratic Governor Leans on Vetoes to Stall Conservative Agenda
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( Rick Rojas | More About Rick Rojas | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Republican supermajority in the Louisiana State Legislature pushed through a bill this year banning gender-transition care for minors, along with other legislation banning Covid vaccine requirements in schools and any classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation. It was the kind of aggressive social policy agenda that has gained traction in conservative states across the country. The reason: John Bel Edwards, the lone Democratic governor in the Deep South. He has used vetoes with some success as a bulwark against conservative legislation in a state where Republicans have had a lock on the legislature for more than a decade. In Louisiana, governors have a history of successfully wielding vetoes; most years, lawmakers have not even bothered trying to override them.

Persons: John Bel Edwards Organizations: Louisiana State, Capitol, Democratic, Republicans Locations: Louisiana

☆ Louisiana lawmakers reassert ban on gender-affirming care, overriding veto
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Rachel Nostrant | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

July 19 (Reuters) - A ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender children is due to take effect in Louisiana on Jan. 1, after the state legislature overrode Governor John Bel Edwards' veto of the bill, according to state officials. The legislature, which acted late on Tuesday, becomes the latest Republican-led state to ban trans-focused healthcare. Louisiana's House Bill 648 - called the "Stop Harming Our Kids Act" - bans hormone treatments and puberty-blocking drugs, gender-affirming surgeries and other related care for anyone under the age of 18. The House voted 75 to 23 in favor of overriding the Democratic governor's veto, while the Senate voted 28 to 11 to override. Judges have said laws banning such care violate a parent's right to make healthcare decisions on behalf of their children.

Persons: John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Gabe Firment, Rachel Nostrant, Howard Goller Organizations: Republican, Democratic, U.S . Constitution, Louisiana House, Thomson Locations: Louisiana, Alabama , Arkansas, Florida , Indiana , Kentucky, Tennessee, U.S ., Montana, Georgia, Oklahoma

☆ These are America’s 10 worst states to live and work in for 2023, and there's a big surprise at the very bottom
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Scott Cohn | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

By the numbers, these are America's worst states to live and work in for 2023. 2023 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 129 out of 350 points (Top States Grade: D) Strengths: Air Quality, Childcare, Worker Protections Weaknesses: Inclusiveness, Reproductive Rights9. 2023 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 113 out of 350 points (Top States Grade: D-) Strength: Crime Rate Weaknesses: Childcare, Inclusiveness6. 2023 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 98 out of 350 points (Top States Grade: F) Strength: Air Quality Weaknesses: Voting Rights, Reproductive Rights, Crime4. 2023 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 75 out of 350 points (Top States Grade: F) Strength: Air Quality Weaknesses: Reproductive Rights, Health, Voting Rights1.

Persons: Roe, Wade, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Ron DeSantis, Daniel A, Varela, DeSantis, Benjamin Krain, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Douglas Mason, Indiana Matt Carr, Cangelosi, Nichole, Emily Curiel, Jim Watson, Willie B, Thomas, Digitalvision, Scott Zdon, John Bel Edwards, Oklahoma Dr, Franz Theard, Paul Ratje, Brandon Bell Organizations: Business, North Carolina Governor, CNBC, Florida, Florida Florida Gov, HB, Mater Academy Charter, School, Miami Herald, Getty, White, Northern Illinois University, Sunshine, Arkansas Little Rock Police Department, FBI, United Health Foundation, Health, Tennessee, Bonnaroo Music, Arts Festival, Getty Images Tennessee, Indiana, Stone, Hoosier, Missouri, Country Club, Kansas City Star, Tribune, Service, Emily Curiel | Kansas, Star, Reproductive, Alabama Voters, Beulah Baptist, AFP, Alabama, Center, Election Innovation, Research, South Carolina Senior, Gov, Reproductive Clinic, Washington, Washington Post, Texas, Texas State Capitol Locations: States, Florida, Texas, Florida Florida, Hialeah Gardens , Florida, Little Rock , Arkansas, Arkansas, Manchester , Tennessee, Louisiana, Mill Creek, Emily Curiel |, Montgomery , Alabama, Carolina, Oklahoma, Santa Teresa , New Mexico, Austin , Texas

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