Latest news with #LouisianaFirst
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Independent Party won't be recognized in Louisiana starting Aug. 1: What to know
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Voters who are registered as Independent will get a notice about their party affiliation changing to 'No Party,' as it will no longer be recognized as a political party in Louisiana starting Aug. 1. Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the Independent Party will stop existing after lawmakers approved the change during the 2025 regular legislative session. She explained the change in Act 84 prepares the state to transition to a Closed Party Primary system, which was created in a 2024 special legislative session. Starting in 2026, only voters who are registered as Democrat, Republican or 'No Party' can vote in Closed Party Primaries. The change impacts elections for: U.S. Senate U.S. House Louisiana Supreme Court Public Service Commission Board of Elementary and Secondary Education 'Many Louisiana voters who are registered as Independents mistakenly believe they are unaffiliated with any political party, when in fact they are members of the Independent Party,' Landry said. 'This proactive change will allow voters formerly registered as Independents to participate in Closed Party Primaries next year, preventing voter confusion while maximizing participation.' Louisiana Secretary of State appointed as protocol officer How voters can check their registration Voters who are impacted can expect to get notices in the mail about their political affiliation automatically changing to 'No Party,' along with a new voter information card. While no action is required by voters, Landry encourages residents to check their voter registration in the GeauxVote portal or app. Click here to log in to GeauxVote. Latest News Bubba Wallace becomes first Black driver to win a major race on Indianapolis' oval 3 hurt, 1 in critical condition after head-on crash in Baton Rouge, officials say Family mourns 4 relatives who died in NC crash, thanks good Samaritan who helped rescue 5th: 'A blessing' Louisiana bans handheld phone use while driving starting Aug. 1 Riverboat cruises have brunch, cocktails and scenic views of downtown Baton Rouge Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump nominates Louisiana BESE member for director of US Mint
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — President Donald Trump nominated Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) member Paul Hollis to serve as U.S. Mint director. According to the White House, he would serve a term of five years as Director of the U.S. Mint. Gov. Jeff Landry congratulated Hollis in a social media post Thursday. Hollis previously served 12 years in the Louisiana House of Representatives. 'To say I'm honored by this nomination would be a gross understatement,' said Hollis. 'As a lifelong student of American coinage and longtime business-owner in a related field, I have significant knowledge and experience in the production and distribution of coins, in addition to a strong appreciation for the historical value our coinage holds.' 'I'm so thankful to President Trump, Senators Kennedy and Cassidy, Speaker Johnson, and Majority Leader Scalise for advancing this nomination,' Hollis added. 'If confirmed by the Senate, I will serve with pride.' See a penny, pick it up? In the future, probably not as often — and, some say, that matters Latest News Shooting on Cathedral Drive in Baton Rouge leaves 1 man dead Missing teen's body found in St. Martin Parish sparks homicide investigation DOJ: Habba successor 'removed' after NJ court ousting from top prosecutor role Senate Democrats agree to advance military construction, VA spending bill Classroom Ready: Assumption Schools prepping for new changes, policies Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill Cassidy tops GOP fundraising in U.S. Senate race
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – While he is undoubtedly a frequent target of MAGA Republicans for his yes vote in the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Sen. Bill Cassidy is handily outpacing his GOP challengers for campaign funds raised in next year's U.S. Senate race. In the last few months, Cassidy has raised more than $ 2 million. Trump nominates Louisiana BESE member for director of US Mint According to the Federal Election Commission, he has about $9 million in cash on hand. Treasurer John Fleming appears to be his closest challenger in the fundraising category. This year, Fleming has raised approximately $380,000 and has more than $2 million on hand. Louisiana Bond Commission OKs 3 East Baton Rouge tax plan ballot measures State Sen. Blake Miguez has $1.7 million in cash on hand. Miguez is a state senator and has been in attack mode since he announced his candidacy. He calls Cassidy a RINO, Republican in name only, and in his campaign ad says, 'I'm Blake Miguez and I'm running for the U.S. Senate because Bill Cassidy sucks.' But Fleming says he'll be the one to primary Cassidy. Fleming's campaign website states the former congressman is the closest challenger in terms of likely votes. Fleming commissioned a poll by JMC Analytics and Polling, which indicates Fleming is the most likely runoff opponent for incumbent Cassidy in the October Primary. The General Election will be held in November. Latest News Project 70805, Baton Rouge councilman to give out school supplies to kids PHOTOS: Remembering Hulk Hogan, iconic wrestler dead at 71 2025 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade canceled due to rising costs, funding shortfall Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84 Cause of death for celebrity chef Anne Burrell released Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Voters to decide on Zachary school district tax proposal in Nov. 15 election
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Voters in Zachary will decide on a proposed school district tax initiative in November that would go toward raises for teachers and staff, building maintenance, and updating technology. The Zachary Community School District explains online that while this is a new proposed tax, it would not increase tax rates. Voters would see the proposition, which would rededicate funds from existing bond tax millages, on the ballot in the Nov. 15 election. 'The proposal is to continue collecting a property millage that is already in place (from bonds that are being paid off) and use that money for other district needs. In short, you will pay the same property tax rate you pay now – it's just that after the bond is paid each year, any millages not needed will go into teacher pay, school maintenance, and technology instead of rolling off,' the school system explained. School district officials said school board members could roll millages back if more funding becomes available. Voters who want to ask questions or learn more about the tax initiative can attend a community meeting set for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the school district's main office on Church Street. What would the funding go to? If approved, the money would go to three specific areas. Pay raises: The school district said it aims to be more competitive with salaries and benefits for teachers and staff like nearby districts. Building upgrades: Officials said repairs and upgrades are needed for older school buildings between 10-20 years old. Projects would include roof replacements, HVAC systems, and safety improvements. Technology upgrades: Funding would be used to upgrade technology for staff and students. Louisiana Bond Commission OKs 3 East Baton Rouge tax plan ballot measures What voters need to know for Nov. 15 election Deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at OMV office: Oct. 15. Deadline to register to vote online: Oct. 25. Deadline to request absentee ballot: By 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Early voting dates: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1-8, excluding Nov. 2. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Latest News Project 70805, Baton Rouge councilman to give out school supplies to kids PHOTOS: Remembering Hulk Hogan, iconic wrestler dead at 71 2025 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade canceled due to rising costs, funding shortfall Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84 Cause of death for celebrity chef Anne Burrell released Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana Ten Commandments law ruled unconstitutional by federal appeals court
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled Friday that Louisiana's law to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms is unconstitutional. Louisiana became the first state in the nation to pass the bill requiring public schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in the 2024 regular legislative session. The law stated that it would be displayed with a large, readable font on an 11-by-14-inch poster or framed document. 'We strongly disagree with the Fifth Circuit's affirmance of an injunction preventing five Louisiana parishes from implementing HB71. We will immediately seek relief from the full Fifth Circuit and, if necessary, the U.S. Supreme Court,' Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement. 'The Ten Commandments are the foundation of our laws—serving both an educational and historical purpose in our classrooms. I fully support Attorney General Murrill's decision to seek an en banc panel to review the decision,' said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Timeline of Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law: June 19, 2024: A bill requiring public schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms was passed during the 2024 Regular Legislative Session. June 24, 2024: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit claiming the law violated students' First Amendment rights. Some religious leaders and activists also voiced opposition to the law. Aug. 5, 2024: Murrill called for the lawsuit to be dismissed, arguing it was premature and that the plaintiffs could not demonstrate actual harm. July 19, 2024: Louisiana agreed to pause implementation of the law until a hearing could be held, initially scheduled for Nov. 15. Oct. 21, 2024: A hearing debated whether the law should go into effect while its constitutionality is litigated. The preliminary injunction allowed arguments on both sides regarding the posting of the Commandments. Nov. 12, 2024: A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional, prohibiting the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. Dec. 11, 2024: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed an opening brief to defend Louisiana's Ten Commandments law in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Jan. 23, 2025: Oral arguments held in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to address the state's appeal of the preliminary injunction. Can public money flow to Catholic charter school? The Supreme Court will decide US Senator Bill Cassidy take steps to ensure public's trust in vaccines Supreme Court approves swift deportation Under Trump Policy Baton Rouge Police Chief shares vision for safer community as crime rate drops Our Lady of the Lake showcases newest surgical technology Suspect arrested, accused of shooting man after an argument in Baton Rouge Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
