News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Funding in peril for Louisiana’s children’s advocacy centers, which offer healing and hope

Published

3 months ago

February 17, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Krystle Mitchell – 2025-02-17 15:00:00

Funding in peril for Louisiana’s children’s advocacy centers, which offer healing and hope

by Krystle Mitchell, Louisiana Illuminator
February 17, 2025

Louisiana is consistently named among the most dangerous states in America, and advocacy centers across the state face the aftermath of the violence, offering a space to weather the storm and heal.

Countless victims from all walks of life rely on lifesaving resources from domestic violence shelters and victim advocacy centers. Devastating federal funding cuts now threaten to strip away their last hope, making Louisiana an even more dangerous place for child victims of crime.

As executive director of the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC), I work to empower the staff at each of the 14 CACs across the state. In 2023, they assisted 7,573 child crime victims and their families. It’s absolutely vital to ensure our centers continue to provide compassion and support to every single victim and their families, and cater to their specific needs.

For decades, we have looked to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to assist our goal of reaching victims in the wake of violent crime, sexual assault and domestic abuse. Across Louisiana, the dedicated teams at our CACs stand ready to provide comprehensive care, offering hope and healing.

Last year, VOCA grants saw a funding reduction of $600 million, putting nearly 1,000 CACs nationwide at risk of collapse. Now, these centers face reduced critical services, fewer staff members or – in the worst cases – an end to their services entirely.

For Louisiana, the cuts echo just as deeply.

Our CACs are staffed by 484 dedicated professionals – social workers, law enforcement, medical experts, counselors and legal staff – who work together to help children heal and prevent further harm.

In 2023, the staff at Louisiana’s CACs conducted 5,591 forensic interviews, connected 3,953 children to counseling and therapy, and provided 9,687 people with advocacy services. Each received the specialized care needed to address the emotional, psychological and legal effects of the crime.

Beyond the restorative care we provide, we are just as committed to active prevention efforts. In 2023, our CACs guided 14,427 children and 43,788 adults through education programs that teach them how to recognize and report abuse. These programs stop abuse before it starts, building safer communities for everyone. Now, with dwindling support from VOCA and the federal government, these services are threatened.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Missouri, introduced the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024 (CVFS) early last year, followed closely by a companion bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, and Lisa Murkowski. R-Alaska. They offer a much needed solution. Before the CVFS Act ran out of time during the 118th Congress, it garnered overwhelming bipartisan support – more than 200 co-sponsors in the House and six sponsors in the Senate signed on.

Now, Wagner has once again championed this cause with the re-introduction of the bill to redirect funds from the False Claims Act into the Crime Victims Fund, temporarily stabilizing the fund and preserving services for victims. It would serve as a critical lifeline, ensuring our programs continue to support the children who rely on them while we work on a permanent solution.

To discontinue these programs would be to abandon these vulnerable children in their darkest hour.

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

The post Funding in peril for Louisiana’s children’s advocacy centers, which offer healing and hope appeared first on lailluminator.com

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

More rain and thunderstorms expected Saturday

Published

17 hours ago

May 3, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WDSU News – 2025-05-03 09:43:36

SUMMARY: More rain and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, with a small chance of strong storms producing gusty winds or hail. A stationary front will bring rain in the afternoon, clearing by evening, leaving cooler, less humid conditions for Sunday. Temperatures will be in the 50s on the North Shore and near 60 in the metro area, with a breezy, comfortable day ahead. The upcoming week will bring a better chance for rain, especially on Wednesday and Thursday, as a cold front approaches. The Kentucky Derby may experience scattered rain but no severe weather expected.

More rain and thunderstorms expected Saturday

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo

Published

22 hours ago

May 3, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Louisiana Illuminator – 2025-05-03 05:00:00

by Louisiana Illuminator, Louisiana Illuminator
May 3, 2025

This week’s episode of “The Light Switch” focuses entirely on the Angola Prison Rodeo, now in its 60th year at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

While the rest of the state is deep into its unofficial festival season, about 75 incarcerated men take part in a rodeo that’s not your traditional apple pie, bucking broncos and fancy horses event.

Its critics describe it more like a sordid gladiator exhibition from peak Roman Empire times. They say this exploitation of inmates reflects outdated views on incarceration in Louisiana, a state where more than 1,000 of every 100,000 residents are behind bars according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.

But the rodeo also has its supporters – and some of the most ardent are the inmates who are part of the show. Reporter Piper Hutchinson attended the event last month and heard why they see the rodeo as a key part of positive prison culture. Read more about her visit to “The Wildest Show in the South.”

There are two ways to listen to “The Light Switch” …

Spotify (listen below on the embedded player or use this link)

Apple (listen with the embedded player or use this link)

The post ‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo appeared first on lailluminator.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The content of this article presents both sides of the issue surrounding the Angola Prison Rodeo, offering perspectives from both critics and supporters, including the inmates who participate. The tone of the article is neutral, providing factual details about the rodeo’s history and the contrasting views on its ethical implications. The language used does not overtly favor one side over the other, and the content mainly seeks to inform the audience about the ongoing debate without pushing a clear ideological stance. The article succeeds in portraying multiple viewpoints, making it a balanced and factual report on a complex issue.

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Be prepared for severe storms later today

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-05-02 10:06:20

SUMMARY: Be prepared for severe storms later today, especially in San Antonio. Rain chances are low until after lunch but will rise by early afternoon with storms forming in the Hill Country. By late afternoon and evening, there’s about a 70% chance of rain, continuing through midnight. The storms are driven by fronts from the north, ample moisture, and upper-level energy, leading to potential strong to severe storms with gusty winds, hail, and localized flooding. Tornado risk is low but present. Tomorrow will be cooler with lingering clouds, dry conditions, and temperatures around 79°F. More storms are possible next week.