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Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Trump's "Liberation Day" Is Anything But Dajah Taylor Apr 4, 2025 President Donald Trump has announced that all imported goods purchased by Americans should have an across the board tax. President Donald Trump has announced that all imported goods purchased by Americans should have an across the board tax. President Trump has done this on what he calls “Liberation Day” his effort is to undo decades of globalization and re industrialize the U.S. economy. The goal is to make American wealthy once again and have foreign countries pay our tariffs. President Trump said that Americans will pay the minimum which is 10% “to help rebuild the economy and to prevent cheating.” Americans will be facing the effect of the Trump Administration very soon. Chinese importance will be 54% in taxes, 20% in European Union countries, 32% in Vietnam, and 24% for Japan. President Trump also added that foreign countries will have to pay for the privilege of having access to America's market. President Trump has painted a depressing picture of America which is why he believed signing an executive order that taxes Americans would help ensure America can be great again. The goal is to ensure that we can get Americans out of the trillion dollars of debt it is in. Imposing tariffs is bad for Americans because it increases the price for American consumers on imported goods. Trump wants Americans to reduce the gap between the goods the U.S. buys from and sells to countries. I do not agree with this decision because this will spiral into a domino effect. If other countries believe that the tax is too high this could make them not want to export to the U.S. which will lead to the products that do come into America becoming overpriced. We will see this change happen immediately starting on April 5, 2025. Only time will tell how this change affects not only foreign trade but American’s livelihood. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Hey! We're Boiling Down Here! Taylor Harris Oct 16, 2025 I know everyone is feeling how hot it has been lately. I know everyone is feeling how hot it has been lately. Not just in Louisiana either, it has been hot everywhere. Even in the states that get hot rarely are burning up. Usually around this time of the month, it would be cold or at the very least cool. Lately it has been cool in the morning but it will heat up later in the day and get to around 95°. It is not expected to get cold in Baton Rouge until around December. But why is the world heating up you may be asking? According to Fox10 “Right now, a strong ridge or “bubble” of warm, sinking air high up in the atmosphere is parked over the eastern U.S. Ridges create subsidence (sinking air), which warms and dries out as it sinks. That’s why we’re seeing mostly sunny skies, very warm afternoons, and just a few spotty storms.”. I asked fellow Liberty Magnet High School Student and Liberty Track Team Member Ivory Brown some questions about this weather. It has been so much hotter than usual. It definitely has something to do with climate change and how much greenhouse gases are going up in the air. It usually is freezing on halloween and this year it’ll most likely be hot which is crazy to imagine. Hopefully it will get cold this month but I highly doubt it” Ivory Said. Greenhouse gases are a big cause for the world heating up. According to Citizens Climate Lobby, it says “Human activities, like the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have put a lot of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Way too much. Think of the regular greenhouse effect as one, nice cozy blanket. Now think of the enhanced greenhouse effect as that blanket plus a duvet, sheet set, wool pajamas, space heater, and 17 other blankets thrown on for good measure.” The weather has changed drastically this year and I think that we all have noticed. In the meantime, the weather has been cooling up in the mornings which is a step up from the weather in the mornings before. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link OPINION: On The Death Penalty Dajah Taylor Mar 7, 2025 A man was executed in South Carolina via firing squad. A man was executed in South Carolina via firing squad. This method had not been used in almost 15 years and it has never been used in the state. The only other two state approved methods besides firing squad is the lethal injection and the electric chair. Brad Sigmon, 67, was convicted of the double murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2021. He also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and held her at gunpoint; however, she managed to escape to safety. Sigmon’s attorney said that the choice to choose between the different punishments were “impossible” and “barbaric”. If Sigmon didn’t choose between the lethal injection or firing squad then by default he would be turned to a crisp in the electric chair. Gerald “Bo” King stated that Brad has no illusions about what being shot will do to his body. He does not wish to inflict that pain on his family, the witnesses, or the execution team.” Compared to the other choices, firing squad does seem like the viable option because it will end the pain the fastest. Today we live in a day where many believe that if someone murders a person then they should get life in prison. Many believe that the death penalty is the easy way out or even inhumane. However, I do not believe this. A man ended the lives of two parents. He took away the two people that would always love their daughter unconditionally and there is nothing that could justify that. Some relationships do end badly but that doesn’t mean you should retaliate and resort to killing and leaving someone with trauma. This punishment is completely justified because it will help the family get justice and heal from this wound that could have been avoided. Approximately 2,250 are on death row and the rate of execution declines each year. Morals do become a big deciding factor on how people choose to handle this situation. Hopefully in the future the prison system will get better with time. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Trump Folds on Tariffs Darmicia Williams Apr 10, 2025 President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on tariffs on all but the most countries, cutting them to 10%, as he raises tariffs on Chinese Imports to 125%. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on tariffs on all but the most countries, cutting them to 10%, as he raises tariffs on Chinese Imports to 125%. The announcement came in reaction to extreme Market turmoil, including a sudden spike in government borrowing prices and concerns that the United States may enter into recession. The bond market was also in turmoil, with 30-year government bonds yielding more than 5% evoking fears of the 2008 financial crisis. The treasury Secretary of God blessing and other economic officials play the key role in convincing the president to take the pause, starting the administration's unpreparedness to deal with the economic effect and risk of Financial and stability. Market reactions were positive. There remains uncertainty over the long-term direction for the US trade policy, especially as tensions with China continue to escalate. Trump's actions of suspending tariffs on most countries and raising them significantly on China can have a dual impact on ordinary americans. On the one hand, the suspension is good news in the sense that it gives short-term relief for inflation. If the terrorist attacks came into effect across the board, some important goods like Electronics clothing and even food products would have become much more expensive. that would have devastated a lot of people especially considering that inflation already was making American families tighten on their money. by retreating for short-term purposes, on those broader tariffs, that Administration could have avoided interrupt Spike and consumer prices. comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest grimgm Apr 17 no Like Reply

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Transportation Turmoil : Ebr's Returning Transportation Nightmare Vivienne Leachman Aug 18, 2025 As students return to East Baton Rouge Parish, one thing that has consistently persisted to shroud the first days of school in darkness is the district's often insufficient transportation system. As students return to East Baton Rouge Parish, one thing that has consistently persisted to shroud the first days of school in darkness is the district's often insufficient transportation system. Some of the many challenges that officials have to grapple with around the district are route delays, mechanical failures, safety incidents, and systematic inconsistency that negatively affect students' classroom experience. Once schools reopened in the fall of 2023, EBRPSS acknowledged how many bus routes were delayed and pick up points had been changed -- which created confusion. Then Superintendent Sito Narcisse urged parents to just be patient. However, later that year, Kevin Ridgely the head of transportation and EBRPSS resigned after just 7 months on the job, highlighting frustrations with unresolved systematic transportation issues. In late 2024, the district was still experiencing troubles, and transportation started using external assistants to mitigate the shortage of drivers. These drivers, referred to as Trail relief drivers, were temporarily covering regular routes. However, many relief drivers drove the same routes for months. In May 2025, the district hired Prismatic Services, a national firm to help eliminate inefficient transfer locations and help aid in later School times. In July, EBRPSS introduced the transportation opt out program which allowed families who had other means of transportation to opt out of bus service, which reduced congestion on the roads and shortened route times. Ahead of the 2025 - 2026 school year EBRPSS implemented two key changes -- Aid in transportation by reaffirming the enforcement of state law that students living within a mile of the school must self transport, and replacing door-to-door service with Community pickup points to improve efficiency. Yet for students like Rainee Buster and Tamari Stephens who are 11th graders at Liberty Magnet High School, expressed how challenges haven't disappeared. Rainee said the transformation of her route to a transfer route added nearly 90 minutes to her trip home. “ If they had a more organized system and paid their bus drivers better --there wouldn't be so many kids without a bus and had actually got home at a decent hour safely”, Rainee said. Tamari also expressed how she believed the reoccurring transportation issues would affect her education. Stating how ” Missing class time slows down my learning and makes it harder for me to catch up over time this could lead to serious problems.” Tamari said. These are just some of the negative testimonies from students who are tired of the systematic transportation issues in their District. Whilst EBRPSS Transportation overhaul marks one of his largest systematic reforms to the transportation department in years, the challenges in the district are far from over. The success of new routes, upgraded buses and increased safety measures will truly be measured, not in arrival times but whether students like tomorrow and rainy days can depend on safe consistent rides every day. Reliable transportation isn't a luxury, it's a difference between falling behind and having a fair shot at success. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Homecoming Campaigns Dajah Taylor Sep 24, 2024 This past week Liberty Magnet High Students got the chance to participate in competing for Homecoming titles. This past week Liberty Magnet High Students got the chance to participate in competing for Homecoming titles. This adds school spirit to the student's high school experience. Titles range from Mr./Ms. Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. Giving each grade level a chance to shine. Additionally, seniors also get to run for a Mr./Ms. Senior title and a Senior Maid/Duke title. September 18, 2024, was an exciting day for the Patriots. With homecoming campaign events happening along with early dismissal. Shorter class times meant there was more time to prepare for the festivity. All the students, teachers, parents, and staff all were excited to support the candidates as they sought out votes from peers. The tables held a variety of food, drinks, popsicles, candy, and accessories. The crowd was lively with music and dancing happening. The day not only was an example of LMHS school spirit but was also a fun event to have the school community come together. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link New Chicken Spot on the Block Kaelyn Bowman Aug 18, 2025 It’s not Popeyes, it’s not Church’s, and it’s not Blue Store chicken. Baton Rouge has a new fried chicken spot, Southern Classic Chicken. It’s not Popeyes, it’s not Church’s, and it’s not Blue Store chicken. Baton Rouge has a new fried chicken spot, Southern Classic Chicken. It all started in Lafayette, and now the first Southern Classic chicken has opened in Baton Rouge. Ever since the grand opening, the lines have been wrapped around the building. Some people say they’ve waited over two hours just to get their food.The grand opening caused a lot of buzz on social media. Videos and posts showed long lines of cars and people. The hype was so big that police had to help with traffic. Everyone wanted to see what the fuss was about. Southern Classic has been around for years, starting in Shreveport and slowly expanding. In Lafayette, it became a local favorite. When people in Baton Rouge heard it was coming, expectations were high. But is it worth the hype? I talked to my classmate Anna, who tried it herself. She said she waited about 30 minutes in line. Her rating? A six out of ten. She admitted she only went because “everybody was talking about it.” She also said she’s had better chicken and wouldn’t wait that long again.Some people say it’s the best chicken they’ve had, while others call it overrated. Whether it’s worth the wait might depend on how much you love fried chicken.So here’s the question,would you sit in line for over two hours for chicken? Is Southern Classic the new king of Louisiana fried chicken, or just another spot in the lineup? comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Reflecting on School Spirit Dajah Taylor Sep 3, 2024 Everything can always be improved upon. This includes school spirit. Everything can always be improved upon. This includes school spirit. School spirit is important because it strengthens the student body’s academic and social performance. For the past couple of years, our school spirit has been lacking. Many around the school also agree that the school spirit needs to be improved because it feels boring & mundane. Emily, a senior at Liberty Magnet High School stated, “Since it is our senior year, I feel the seniors can have a bit more fun like other seniors at other high schools”. She later says “I do like these Friday fun days a lot, but we need student-oriented pep rallies, not just for sports, but also before we go out on school breaks.” With as much work as everyone at this school puts in, it would be nice if there were more time to incorporate fun activities and events. School should be a place where you want to learn, hang out with your friends, and a safe environment to come to. School shouldn’t be a daunting or depressing place to go to for multiple hours out of your day. School shouldn’t be filled with just work and restrictions, what’s the fun in that? Another student at Liberty Magnet says, “Create a less strict environment, it’s hard to relax and enjoy school" (Carmen, 12th). A second senior, Anna, also says that we should have, “more energetic teachers that are happy to come here”. With Olivia(12th) adding on that we need to get more, “experienced teachers”. Most of the kids at our school believe that we don’t do many fun activities and the teachers here don’t bring life into the classrooms. However, it’s important to note that both positive and negative feelings are brought on by the people we surround ourselves. Enthusiasm comes from both sides. You don’t always have to do big things to create a positive environment. Everyone has to do the little things for a positive atmosphere to be created. In the best interests of everyone, we all have to meet each other in the middle. Something as simple as saying, “Hello” or “Good Morning” are great ways to brighten someone’s day. Opening the door for others is a good way to encourage helpfulness and positivity. Walking on one side of the sidewalk is another way to show you’re considerate. To improve our school, everyone has to put in the effort to make it happen. That means kids have to not get in trouble, so that way we can celebrate everyone’s accomplishments with fun activities. That also means that teachers, staff, and students all have to be respectful and appreciative of everyone around them because without the staff, teachers, and student body this school is nothing. The only way our school spirit is ever going to improve is if everyone is willing to be open and lend a helping hand. There is always a way to get involved in something and be a part of something bigger than yourself. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Fun in the City! Rachel Albert Sep 9, 2024 This fall, Baton Rouge will be bustling with new activities and so much fun for you and your family to indulge in. Baton Rouge is a beautiful city that has so much to offer. This fall, Baton Rouge will be bustling with new activities and so much fun for you and your family to indulge in. Make sure to take advantage of your free time and come on out! There’s something for everyone, so if you’re looking for some fun things to do this September, you got it! From SEC football to crafts with the fam, you’re guaranteed to be kept busy. FOOTBALL SEASON IS BACK! Football is back in the city! Come out to support the Tigers, Jaguars, or their competition this football season! If you know anything about LSU, you know that the Tiger stadium aka Death Valley is where it’s at! Tailgating can start as much as a couple days before the game, and LSU fans pack the campus, sometimes celebrating for almost 24 hours straight, before and after the games. Be prepared for the traffic, hot weather, and long wait times, but most importantly, have fun! GO TIGERS. All LSU football tickets can be purchased online. LSU FOOTBALL Sept. 7 - LSU vs. Nicholls Sept. 21 - LSU vs. UCLA Sept. 28 - LSU vs. Southern Alabama Southern University, Home of the Jaguars, is the place where culture, music, and football mix perfectly. Their world renowned band, The Human jukebox, brings passion, talent and most importantly true entertainment to the field. Along with this, Southern's rich HBCU culture and diversity allows for all people to find comfort and have a good time. The jaguars are ready for this season! Come out and support. All Southern University Tickets can be purchased online. Southern Football Sept. 7 - Southern vs. Savannah State CANDLELIGHT NIGHT Bring together family and friends this fall for an unforgettable experience featuring the harmonic melodies of an amazing symphony, and the gentle glow of candlelight. The Broadmoor United Methodist Church, located on Mollylea Dr, Baton Rouge will be hosting two performances this September! If you are interested, but can’t make these shows, don't worry! There are lots of available experiences throughout the year. Click here for ticket purchase and additional information. September Performances Sept. 13 - A Tribute To Beyonce - Enjoy timeless hit’s such as “Crazy in Love” Sept. 13 - Mozart, Bach And TimeLess Composers BATON ROUGE WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL Enjoy a peaceful and uplifting experience at the Baton Rouge Water Lantern Festival on September 21, 2024. The event will start at 4:30 with food trucks, music, and fun. Around 7pm, Lantern designing will begin and launch will take place around the lake for 7:30. Illuminate your evening, and witness the enchanting grace and beauty of the Water Lantern Festival at BREC’s Zachary Community Park. Buy your tickets now! ART AND PRODUCE MARKETS On the first Saturday of every month, local artists and creatives come out to showcase and sell their work at the Baton Rouge Produce Market, located downtown. The Baton Rouge Produce Market is hosted weekly, starting at 8am and ending at noon and features ton’s of local farmers, small businesses, and a great ambience to start your weekend off right. The farmers market is great for the family and is free of charge! COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT The society of St.Vincent De Paul, Greater Baton Rouge works diligently to support and provide for our community daily. Since 1865, St. Vincent De Paul has put their best foot forward in order to provide “ Mass feeding, mass sheltering, and other channels” (Society of St, Vincent De paul Greater Baton Rouge) Through donations from individuals, grocery stores, and large corporations, St.Vincent de Paul has been able to protect, provide, and actively Participate in the betterment of Baton Rouge. If you’re interested in Volunteering for or donating to your community, get involved with St. Vincent de Paul! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Two More Arrested in SU Student’s Hazing Death Claniya Olinde Mar 25, 2025 Two more people have been arrested in the hazing death of Caleb Wilson, a student at Southern University. Police say Kyle Thurman and Isiah Smith were charged with felony criminal hazing. Earlier, Caleb McCray was arrested and charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Wilson died after going to an off-campus fraternity event. At first, fraternity members lied about where it happened, making it harder for police to figure out the truth. This case shows how dangerous hazing can be. Many people think there should be stricter rules to stop this from happening again. I think all sororities and fraternities should be banned. Clearly hazing being banned/illegal isn’t enough, this may decrease the chances of hazing happening. Other sororities are most likely part taking in the same activities and just havent been caught. A student lost his life because of people who think they are bigger and better than others. These are grown men who aren’t even in college, graduated. It’s good they are being charged, why come back to humiliate and harm students. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Forgotten Figures: Baton Rouge’s Unsung Heroes Vivienne Leachman Oct 16, 2025 Baton Rouge history is filled with powerful names and moments but some of the City's most inspiring figures never get the spotlight they deserve and it's because of the color of their skin. Baton Rouge history is filled with powerful names and moments but some of the City's most inspiring figures never get the spotlight they deserve and it's because of the color of their skin. Behind every milestone, their individuals who have broken barriers and shattering the glass ceiling. They shaped the city through courage hard work and perseverance Two of those Trail Blazers happened to be a part of my own family. Thomas Woods my great uncle on my mother's side the first black fire chief in Baton Rouge and are Erlinda Leachman my grandmother on my dad's side who became the first black woman to be a telephone operator at Bell South in Baton Rouge. Chief Thomas Woods began his career at a time when racial barriers still existed within the Baton Rouge Police Department. However through years of dedication and Leadership he rose through the ranks starting off at Scotlandville F.D. and eventually made history as the city's first African-American Fire Chief. He opened the doors for future generations of black firefighters and recognition of his impact Fire Station Number 9 was later dedicated in his honor as a symbol of progress and pride for the city. My grandmother or Linda Leachman who helped change what opportunity looks like in the city of bedrooms when she joined the South and telephone company as the first black telephone operators even though she was a light skin woman she stepped into the position that had never been held by someone who looked like her and through her professionalism and words she helped the way for what the work place Their stories remind us that black history in Baton Rouge isn't just about public figures, it's about families, neighbors and everyday heroes who have made change possible across the city . comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link NOLA Jail Escapee Has Been Caught Kaelyn Bowman Oct 16, 2025 After a long exhausting five month chase, the last escaped inmate, Derrick Groves, has finally been captured in Atlanta Georgia. After a long exhausting five month chase, the last escaped inmate, Derrick Groves, has finally been captured in Atlanta Georgia. Derrick Groves arrest marks the end of a major manhunt that began after several inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish jail earlier this year. But the question still remains earlier this year. But the question still remains - how exactly did he get caught, and why did he run in the first place? According to Fox 8 Live, new details have surfaced about the arrest of Derrick Groves. Authorities confirmed that groves had een on the run since the mass escape that left the city on edge. Over the months, police caught the other escapees one by one, but Groves managed to avoid capture until last week. His story spread widely across Louisiana, especially after reports suggested that he might have fled the state. A report from NOLA.com revealed that Groves’ capture rough relief to both local law enforcement and citizens who been following the story closely. He was reportedly the last ten inmates who managed to escape, making him the focus of the longest inmate searches in recent city history. Investigators believe Groves traveled to Atlanta to hide out, but he couldn't stay under the radar forever. To get community opinions on the case, I spoke with several people close to me, including my mother, a friend, cousin, and aunt, about how they felt after hearing about his capture. When asked how they felt, most said they were relieved to know that no one else from the escape was still on the run. Some admitted they had doubts that Groves would ever be caught, while others believed it was only a matter of time. A few even questioned whether his reasons for escaping, rumored to be connected to avenging his grandmother, were enough to justify his actions. Questions also remain about how he managed to evade police for so long and whether he could attempt another escape in the future. My interviewees agreed that while Groves’ capture ended the immediate danger, it also raised concerns about jail security and how such a large-scale escape could happen in the first place. In conclusion, Derrick Groves’ arrest brought closure to a tense situation that had stretched across months and multiple states. His charges have not yet been publicly released, but one thing is certain, he will not be seeing freedom anytime soon. This case serves as a reminder of how far authorities will go to ensure public safety and that even after months on the run, justice can still catch up. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.