Mocktail Mondays: The Italian Barrel

New Louisiana congressional map approved, litigation likely

Louisiana legislators Friday approved a congressional redistricting bill that could increase the state’s Republican representation in Congress, but litigation is likely imminent. It keeps only a single majority-Black district among Louisiana’s six U.S. House seats.

Legacy of trailblazing Black minister lives on in Dryades YMCA

When Robert Elijah Jones visited the School of Missions in Lakeside, Ohio, in 1922, the Methodist bishop saw more than a retreat center. He saw a place where Black Americans could gather for worship, education, recreation and the arts. The next year, Jones founded Gulfside Assembly in Waveland, Miss., “a meeting place where Black and […]

Louisiana lawmakers approve incentives for controversial wood pellet industry

A bill aimed at making Louisiana more enticing to the wood pellet industry has sailed through the state Legislature.  House Bill 670 won unanimous approval in the Louisiana House and Senate and was granted final passage on Wednesday (May 27). It would ease regulations for pellet manufacturers while directing state support toward workforce development, financial […]

Jefferson Parish, which has seen the most overdose deaths in the state, is getting tens of millions in opioid settlement money. But it has yet to spend much of it.

Jefferson Parish is poised to receive $65 million from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. Three years after the money started flowing, the parish has only made one major announcement as to how it will be used — for a new drug court.

State wins suit over Angola “farm line” working conditions

A federal judge said his hands are tied following a recent decision by an appeals court in a different Angola civil rights case.