Latest news with #LouisianaNationalGuard
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Landry to talk about hurricane preparedness
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry and other state leaders are set to talk about what residents need to know to prepare for this year's hurricane season Tuesday afternoon. A news conference with Landry, the Louisiana National Guard, and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. in Baton Rouge. FEMA chief was joking with hurricane season awareness remarks: DHS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025. A range of 13 to 19 named storms is forecasted, with three to five that could become major hurricanes. 'In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we've never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,' NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said. 'This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens.' The Louisiana National Guard started its preparation long before June 1, the date that officially marks the start of hurricane season. Leaders from different commands gathered to refine emergency response plans on May 21 in Baton Rouge. 'This is the capstone event in our year-long planning cycle for hurricane season,' said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana. 'This isn't a war game. It's about refining real plans, identifying gaps, and ensuring we're ready to act when the time comes.' Gulf policymakers detail efforts to brace for 2025 hurricanes 'Disgusting abomination': Elon Musk tears into Trump megabill Judge extends pause of order invalidating Trump's tariffs Man tried to get witness against him deported by writing letters threatening Trump: Prosecutors Trump DOJ reviewing Biden pardons Gov. Landry to talk about hurricane preparedness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
La. Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade honored before deployment
PINEVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Around 700 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat team were honored during a deployment ceremony in Lafayette, April 13. The ceremony, held at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette, was attended by several luminaries. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Major General Thomas Friloux, Command Sergeant Major Clifford Ockman, and others graced the stage. Governor Landry, a former member of the 256th, thanked the soldiers, saying, 'I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of the Soldiers who are seated here today.' Major General Friloux added, 'I have all the confidence in the world that you will do an outstanding job on this deployment.' The 'Tiger Brigade' is deploying in support of Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and Operation Enduring Freedom—Horn of Africa to provide security and support to U.S. and partner organizations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Landry moves emergency preparedness office under Louisiana National Guard
Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Prepareness, addresses the media ahead of Hurricane Francine in September 2024. (Julie O'Donoghue/LAI) Gov. Jeff Landry announced Thursday he is restructuring the state's disaster response office and folding it into the Louisiana National Guard. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will now be placed under the authority of National Guard Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz, who will serve as GOHSEP's interim director, according to a news release from Landry's office. Short on details, the governor's announcement described the restructuring as a 'cost savings' measure to cut wasteful government spending. He said the move would save the state millions but did not offer details as to how this would happen. 'We will definitely put some of that info out at a later date,' Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in a text message. Landry said the change aligns with his belief in relying more on the National Guard for emergency response. His announcement did not explicitly say whether GOHSEP's current director, Jacques Thibodeaux, will have any future role with the agency or in Landry's administration. Kelly said Thibodeaux would stay with the agency at least until the transition is complete. Thibodeaux, who retired from the National Guard as a colonel in 2015, was appointed as GOHSEP director shortly after Landry took office. He recently gave an interview to the Illuminator to discuss the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and President Donald Trump's suggestion of 'maybe getting rid of FEMA.' In his statement, Landry thanked Thibodeaux for his service. 'GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service,' Landry said. Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the highest ranking member of the Louisiana National Guard, has been instructed to provide oversight and guidance to GOHSEP during the transition, the governor said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Landry merges homeland security agency with Louisiana National Guard
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry has announced a major restructuring of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), placing it under the command of the Louisiana National Guard in an effort to cut costs and streamline government operations. Under the reorganization, Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz will serve as interim director of GOHSEP, overseeing day-to-day operations. Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux will provide oversight and guidance during the transition, according to a statement from the governor's office. 'GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service,' Landry said. Landry's office framed the move as part of his Fiscal Responsibility Program, a state-level initiative inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal watchdog created under the Trump administration to cut government waste and improve efficiency. Landry launched his Fiscal Responsibility Program in December 2024 to audit state expenditures and identify areas for financial optimization. In February, the governor's office announced a partnership with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to implement efficiency measures and gather input from residents about potential cost savings. Federal watchdog DOGE terminates Louisiana agency leases as part of nationwide cost-cutting effort The Louisiana National Guard is frequently called upon to assist parish governments during disasters, especially in response to hurricanes. They have also provided security support for large-scale events, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year. Landry said the decision to place GOHSEP under the National Guard will save millions of dollars and strengthen the state's emergency response capabilities. 'As governor, I was elected with a commitment to cutting waste and streamlining government,' Landry said. 'As part of our fiscal responsibility initiative, we've identified an opportunity to save millions by bringing GOHSEP under the National Guard. This move not only delivers significant cost savings but also aligns with my belief in the importance of relying more on our National Guard to strengthen our state's resilience.' The governor's office has not yet released specific estimates on cost savings, but the restructuring is part of Landry's broader effort to consolidate state functions under the Fiscal Responsibility Program. Louisiana Social Security office expected to close this year Guns N' Roses parts ways with drummer Frank Ferrer after 19 years Delta plane that flipped upside down in Toronto showed high rate of descent: report Video shows Connecticut man removed from home where he was allegedly held captive for 20 years Louisiana man killed after car hits tree in St. Helena Parish Florida woman accused of drowning dog in airport toilet after it couldn't board plane Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are flags flying at half-staff in Louisiana Wednesday?
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — United States and Louisiana flags will be at half-staff Wednesday in honor of former First Lady Alice Foster. Foster, the wife of former Gov. Mike Foster Jr., died on Thursday, March 6, at the age of 84. Her funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Franklin. 'Louisiana owes a debt of gratitude to First Lady Alice Foster for her many outstanding contributions to our state. She led a life of public service, with strong values of loyalty and family. Today, we honor her legacy,' Landry said. Gov. Jeff Landry's executive order states that flags be at half-staff over all state buildings and the Louisiana State Capitol until sunset on March 12. State senator honors 4 Louisiana National Guard members killed in helicopter crash Bell rolls into Las Vegas on impressive hot streak LA woman reunited with cat presumed lost in devastating Palisades Fire Why are flags flying at half-staff in Louisiana Wednesday? Louisiana governor signs order to stop automatic extension of state leased buildings Are there benefits to Trump's tariffs? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
