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Chamber offers award-winning small business training

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) Consultant Dean Day teaches area residents important aspects of running a small business. LSBDC is a tax-funded operation through McNeese State University’s SEED Center and serves a five-parish area in Southwest Louisiana. LSBDC was recently named Louisiana Center of the Year by the Louisiana Economic Development Commission and part of a national network of 1,000 centers that provide resources, training and technical assistance to help small businesses start and grow.

Santiago accepts plea for narcotics charges

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

An area woman was sentenced Monday for possession of various illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

Louisiana 'ahead of the game' on Medicaid overhaul, but funding challenges loom

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

— Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, who sits on the House Health and Welfare Committee, says the state is well prepared to manage upcoming changes with Medicaid — although concerns remain about the burden of new work requirements and a looming loss of federal dollars.

State police superintendent details drone mitigation efforts to Congress

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

— Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges told members of Congress on Wednesday that drone threats are emerging as one of the most urgent homeland security challenges and that Louisiana is leading the way in tackling them.

Shrimpers applaud Trump trade deal

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

(The Center Square) — Shrimpers are praising the Trump administration’s newly announced tariffs on imports from Indonesia and Vietnam as a long-overdue correction to what it calls “counter-productive trade policies.”

Jennings man charged with offenses against juveniles

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

A Jennings man was arrested last week and is now facing charges for sex offenses involving minors. On Friday, July 25, a report for indecent behavior with juveniles was filed with the Jennings Police Department concerning 38-year-old Louis Johnson, according to Police Chief Danny Semmes. “We had a complaint come into the police department pertaining to Johnson,” he explained. The initial investigation revealed Johnson had asked two juveniles under the age of 16 to perform a sexual act while another juvenile filmed the interaction. Upon further investigation, police discovered a separate incident occurred at Johnson’s residence, where he propositioned a juvenile to perform a sexual act on them while another juvenile filmed the interaction. Johnson was located and interviewed by Jennings Police Detectives. During the interview, Johnson admitted to the allegations and said he wanted to film the sexual activity for monetary gains, according to Semmes.

Area organizations support students with free backpacks

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 00:00

Local community organizations are teaming up for a second time this year to help local children get ready for a new school year. Local organizations Punishers Iron Eagle and Friends Supporting Friends have combined efforts to ensure kids feel supported by coming together to provide area students with new backpacks.