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Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Rise of AI K'Lynn Williams Feb 20, 2025 Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed from a futuristic concept to an important part of our daily lives. Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed from a futuristic concept to an important part of our daily lives. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, to the AI algorithms that recommend our next favorite shows, it seems that every aspect of life is being subtly shaped by machines. As AI technology continues to evolve, there’s an ongoing debate about whether we’re losing something irreplaceable in the process like many college students feel we’re losing touch with humans and genuine knowledge. While machines can process data at lightning speed and offer personalized recommendations based on patterns (like Netflix recommendations after you begin to give certain shows thumbs up), they lack the emotional intelligence and intuition that humans bring to their work. A doctor can simply rely on an AI to diagnose a patient. It’s the communication and the ability to listen beyond the symptoms that helps in treating a person as a whole. Many people may face job displacement due to the rise of AI. Many fear that as machines take over routine tasks, human workers will be left behind, leading to a workforce that's increasingly out of touch with the tasks that give each “worker” a purpose. The issue of trust increases as much as people are relying on AI. Think about how much we truly understand about the algorithms that govern everything. How do we know that machine learning models shaping the decision about our health, finances and even personal relations are accurate or unbiased? We grasp onto AI daily without knowing its potential risks and inaccuracy. AI can impact our daily lives but it's essential we don't lose sight of the importance of human connection, empathy and critical thinking. It’s important to be mindful of the ways which technology can enhance rather than replace the qualities that make us human. 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 Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Blocker Dajah Taylor Dec 2, 2024 Mr.Blocker was selected as the teacher of the week for his “clear communication with parents and students” as expressed by Liberty Magnet Principal, Mr.Watson. Mr.Blocker was selected as the teacher of the week for his “clear communication with parents and students”[sic] as expressed by Liberty Magnet Principal, Mr.Watson. Mr.Blocker predominantly teaches English 3 literature and English lll/IV Dual enrollment to juniors. Interview: Dajah: What inspired you to become a teacher? Mr. Blocker: Just an interest in it. Always thought it had potentially to be a good fit for me. I enjoy the content too, like literature. It was a combination of playing into the strengths I had and curiosity about how it would work out. Dajah: What's the most rewarding moment you experienced as a teacher? Mr.Blocker: It's hard to pick a singular moment but generally those lesson plans that resonate and hit how they are supposed to hit. Where you have the students genuinely interested in what you’re teaching and at the end of it understanding what you taught. That is a very rewarding experience. A class that goes well and the students did actually grow and learn by the end of it. Dajah: What do you hope students take away from your class? Mr.Blocker: The power of language and power of their language specifically. The impact word choices can have. And a better appreciation of both the utility and culture that is around the English language. Dajah: Did you always know you wanted to teach English and the eleventh grade? Mr.Blocker: Specifically juniors no but english yes. English was always my strongest subject. Typically my favorite subject in school and I always liked the aspect of breaking down stories, speech, and language and seeing how it works. Dajah: How do you collaborate with other teachers to enhance your lesson plans Mr. Blocker: I frequently ask for input assistance from other teachers. Especially borrowing from them if there is material they have used or if there is a lesson or activity that they have done that worked out from them it's always great when you have access to it. Whether it's borrowing material, lesson plans, or them showing me new applications I can use for my lessons. Dajah: How do you feel about being selected as the teacher of the week? Blocker: I am flattered to be chosen as the Shining Star of the week. It was unexpected, and to be honest I don't quite know what to do with the attention. But it is nice to know that my work is appreciated. Once again congratulations to Mr.Blocker for being LMHS teacher spotlight of the week December 2-6. 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 US Justice Department To Seek Death Penalty for Mangione Claniya Olinde Apr 8, 2025 Last Tuesday, the Justice department announced it will seek the death penalty for accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione. Luigi Mangione is the man who has been identified as the alleged suspect in the killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of the United Health Care. Last Tuesday, the Justice department announced it will seek the death penalty for accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione. He has pleaded not guilty to the state charges, he was charged in a criminal federal complaint but has not been indicted on those charges. Trump indicated he wants to see the Justice Department to pursue the death penalty for Mangione. I feel like the system is very biased when it comes to things like this. Yes, Mangione was wrong if he really did kill the CEO. I don’t think he deserves the death penalty, especially if he was proven innocent for the state charges. It seems that he has been fully proven as guilty for this crime. Meanwhile, its people like Patrick Crusius, who drove all the way to EL Paso and killed 23 hispanics/latinos. This was a hate crime, before killing those people he posted a racist things online. Patrick was able to get a plea deal, when he was proven guilty of killing those innocent people. Not saying murder is right, I feel like the Justice system should stop being unfair when it comes to situations like this. Crusis committed a hate crime, if anything he deserves a death penalty instead of a plea deal. This just shows how unfair the system is when it comes to certain racial status. 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 Best Museums in Baton Rouge Courtney Prentiss Oct 28, 2024 If you are ever bored and need something to do, you could scroll through TikTok, or you could visit a museum. If you are ever bored and need something to do you could scroll through TikTok or you could visit a museum. There are over 20 museums in Baton Rouge that vary from Historical museums, art & science museums, Children's museums, African American heritage museums and many other museums. Most if not all of these museums are all free. Baton Rouge has a captivating history. We have a different culture as a city and a diverse landscape. This rich heritage is beautifully preserved in over 20 museums in Baton Rouge, offering both locals and visitors a chance to explore the past and present. I will give you 3 of my suggestions and tell you what type of museum. Louisiana Art & Science Museum- The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. The art galleries showcase changing fine art exhibitions and selections from the permanent collection. In the interactive art and science galleries designed just for children, creative and enlightening fun comes in many forms. The Ancient Egypt Gallery houses ancient artifacts and a Ptolemaic-era mummy that rests in a re-created rock-cut tomb. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium features sky shows, large-format films, visual music shows, and galleries devoted to space science. In the Museum Store at the Art & Science Museum, visitors enjoy shopping for unique handcrafted merchandise, books, toys, and a large selection of objects related to the Museum's exhibits. This museum is one of the best of many in Louisiana. I've been about 5 times. Knock Knock Children's Museum- is a must-visit. Designed to inspire and engage children through play, this museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits covering topics from science and math to art and literature, making it a fun and educational experience for the little ones. Knock Knock Children’s Museum’s Learning Zones are anchored in research and evidence-based practices addressing all areas of development, designed to create teachable moments that will connect children’s everyday experiences to learning. Knock Knock’s focus is on the development of the whole child to increase early literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) while expanding knowledge and raising interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) subjects and careers. LSU rural life museum - This is a museum run by LSU. The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th century rural Louisianans. Through the forethought and generosity of the Burden Family, the LSU Rural Life Museum remains intact for future generations. These are just a few of the museums that are in Baton Rouge. If you want to learn more about these museums or there is more that you would like to learn about then you can visit this site. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/things-to-do/museums-history/?bounds=false&view=list&sort=qualityScore Source: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/things-to-do/museums-history/ 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 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 French Week Dajah Taylor Nov 11, 2024 This week-long event was to showcase and celebrate Louisiana French culture as well as French culture as a whole. A few weeks ago, the Liberty Magnet High School French Club hosted french week. This week-long event was to showcase and celebrate Louisiana French culture as well as French culture as a whole. Each day offered a different activity during the lunch shifts encouraging all students to join in on the fun regardless of how much they knew about French Culture. The week kicked off on Monday with a school-wide scavenger hunt. Blue sheets of paper posted around the school with questions asking about French culture. The prizes included a goodie bag with candies and French school accessories like pencils and pins for your bag. Tuesday students were able to enjoy arts and crafts. Wednesday students got together on a rainy day in the library and played Just Dance. Thursday the French club field trip to Port Allen to see the French museum. Lastly, to wrap up the festivities Friday was the facepaint and photobooth day capturing all the memories all the students made while participating in French week. The great thing about this week was how inclusive and interactive the activities were. You were not required to be a part of the french club to participate nor did you need to know much about french culture to partake in the activities. The school cannot wait to see what other fun cultural appreciation activities the foreign language department comes up with next year. 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 Exploring the Environment of Baton Rouge Courtney Prentiss Mar 21, 2025 Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is a vibrant location characterized by its rich culture, history, and unique environmental setting. Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is a vibrant location characterized by its rich culture, history, and unique environmental setting. Nestled along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and urban development. This article delves into the environmental aspects of Baton Rouge, exploring its geography, climate, and efforts towards sustainability. Geography and Natural Features Baton Rouge is strategically situated in the southeastern part of Louisiana, approximately 80 miles northwest of New Orleans. The city's proximity to the Mississippi River plays a crucial role in shaping its landscape and ecological system. The river not only provides water resources but also supports a diversity of wildlife and plant species. The surrounding wetlands and bayous are essential components of Baton Rouge's natural environment, offering habitats for various aquatic and terrestrial species. The city is also part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, which contributes to its gently rolling hills and fertile soils. These geographical features make Baton Rouge an attractive area for agriculture and outdoor activities, such as hiking and bird-watching. Climate Baton Rouge experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average summer temperatures often soar into the high 90s (Fahrenheit), while winter temperatures are typically mild, with averages around the mid-50s. This climate supports a lush, green environment, but it also poses challenges such as high humidity and the potential for severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. The region receives ample rainfall, averaging over 60 inches annually. This abundant precipitation sustains the city's greenery and supports its diverse ecosystems, but it can also lead to flooding, a common concern for residents. Environmental Challenges Like many urban areas, Baton Rouge faces environmental challenges that require careful management and planning. Pollution, particularly from industrial and vehicular emissions, is a significant concern. The city is home to several large petrochemical plants, which, while vital to the local economy, contribute to air and water pollution. Efforts to monitor and reduce emissions are ongoing, with both governmental and non-governmental organizations working towards sustainable solutions. Flooding is another critical issue, exacerbated by the city's low-lying geography and frequent heavy rainfall. The local government has implemented various flood mitigation strategies, including improved drainage systems and floodplain management, to protect communities and infrastructure. Sustainability Initiatives Despite these challenges, Baton Rouge is making strides towards sustainability and environmental conservation. The city has initiated several programs aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting green practices. These initiatives include: Urban Forestry Programs : Efforts to increase tree canopy coverage throughout the city help improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance the overall aesthetic of urban spaces. Recycling and Waste Management : The city provides comprehensive recycling services to reduce landfill waste and encourages residents to participate in waste reduction efforts. Green Infrastructure Projects : These projects focus on integrating natural systems into urban planning to manage stormwater, improve water quality, and create resilient landscapes. Community Involvement Community involvement plays a pivotal role in Baton Rouge's environmental efforts. Local organizations and volunteers actively participate in clean-up events, tree planting, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues. These community-driven initiatives foster a sense of stewardship and encourage residents to take an active role in preserving their natural surroundings. In conclusion, Baton Rouge's environment is a tapestry of natural beauty and urban development, marked by both challenges and opportunities. Through concerted efforts and community engagement, the city is working towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, ensuring that its unique landscapes and ecosystems are preserved for generations to come. 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 Most Effective Study Habits for Liberty Students Courtney Prentiss Sep 25, 2024 Most Effective Study Habits for Liberty Students I surveyed multiple students around Liberty Magnet what their preferred study methods were. A total of 54% of the students I asked were hands-on learners. 33% of the students I asked were visual learners and the other 12% were audio learners. I also asked some students what their preferred study method was and here were their responses. Ayrion Dukes (11th grade) said “Repetition was her preferred study style because when she writes it down it’s easier to remember and she’ll notice what she doesn’t know that well and study it more.” Sydni Brown (12th grade) said “Color coding notes visually looks better and helps retain information. Sara Walker (11th grade) said” That she really doesn’t study and when she does she does it with a friend.” Kelsey Garrido-Ortega (12th grade) said ” She likes to take practice quizzes because they help her see what she knows. Julia Meyers (10th grade) said “ Color coding notes because if she writes it down she tends to remember it. Based on the interviews majority of the students were hands-on learners. Whether you learn faster by watching videos or repetition, every student learns differently. 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'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 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 Hurricane Katrina: The Storm that Shook the City Anna Bell Aug 18, 2025 When Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, it didn’t just flood a city, it exposed the deep cracks in America’s infrastructure and the weakness of its disaster response systems. When Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, it didn’t just flood a city, it exposed the deep cracks in America’s infrastructure and the weakness of its disaster response systems. The Category 5 storm brought 140-mph winds, massive storm surges, and relentless rain that broke the levees and left much of New Orleans underwater. In the days that followed, entire neighborhoods were flooded, homes were reduced to splinters, and basic necessities like food, clean water, and medical care became nonexistent. The storm ultimately claimed more than 1,800 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, scattering families across the country. The tragedy also revealed the stark inequalities that shaped who suffered most. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, many of them already struggling with limited resources, were hit hardest, both by the floodwaters and by the slow, uneven recovery process that followed. “We were stuck for days on end with no way of communication to anyone outside the city.” Katrina Witness, Candace said. Emergency shelters overflowed, communication systems broke down, and government aid was too slow for those with severe medical issues, leaving residents to fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. As the 20th anniversary approaches, the new documentary Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time offers a powerful window into those harrowing days. Through survivor testimonies, archival footage, and expert analysis, it reminds us of the courage, resilience, and heartbreak experienced by those who lived through the storm, and honors the memory of those who did not. Katrina’s devastation was more than a weather event; it was a test of America’s ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens, a test that revealed deep flaws in preparedness, infrastructure, and equity. 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 Education in a Digital World Dajah Taylor Dec 9, 2024 The American education crisis is on the rise due the internet and will only get worse as time progresses. As the world becomes more digital it has become a challenge for students to obtain information presented in class. Between 2019 till mid 2022 the world encountered a deadly pandemic, which caused everyone to isolate themselves from people. That meant the only way to connect with others was through the internet. Things like schooling, graduations, making new friends, and keeping up with family and friends all had to be done via the internet. By the time students were integrated back into schools a lot of students lost their social skills. This has made it hard for students to develop skills like empathy, an emotion that is needed to build connections with others. As the newer generations of students come into school it has become apparent that many cannot read, write or even do simple math sufficiently. In Spectrum news 1 article, “Is Generation Alpha already doomed?” There is a quote that says, “"They're feral. They can't read. They're crazy. They're addicted to their iPads,"” Ever since gen alphas came out the womb they have had a screen shoved into their face since. One popular app that has gained a lot of traction is tiktok. Many people love this app especially children because of its short form content. You can stay scrolling on the app for hours making it more addicting. However, this app shortens your attention span making it harder to focus in class. Students are unable to soak in the necessary knowledge they need to know because their brains are wired to only consume information in small amounts and move on to the next thing. Even though access to the internet is easier than ever, that doesn’t mean it is always good or even safe. Another concern many have is the rise of AI. Although AI is relatively new and does serve good purposes, it also can be an enabling resource for many students. One reason a lot of schools/teachers dislike AI is because of plagiarism. Students can ask Chatgpt to write an essay or even solve a math equation and the possibilities are endless. In this day in age, it can be very hard to distinguish between whether or not a student understands information in class or if they’re just using the resources that's easily accessible. As the world goes on, this problem will get worse, if not corrected. When trying to correct this problem at school the first step can be restricting certain websites or resources on school electronic devices. Second step can be enabling plagiarism checks on all authorized electronic devices given by the school. Third step can be allowing all assignments to have a lockdown browser for assignments via electronic devices. Remember, the internet doesn’t have to be a scary place, everyone will just have to learn to use the internet resources correctly. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.