SUMMARY: Starting January 15, 2026, Louisiana SNAP recipients will be prohibited from using benefits to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy for two years, following a USDA-approved waiver. Governor Jeff Landry, advocating healthier choices, signed the order in May. The restrictions apply statewide with no opt-out option. While recipients can still buy these items, they cannot use SNAP benefits for them. Soft drinks include carbonated drinks with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners; energy drinks contain stimulants like caffeine or taurine; candy includes sweetened confections but excludes protein bars and baking ingredients. Neighboring states Arkansas, Florida, and Texas have similar waivers.

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SUMMARY: Blue Monday, a monthly concert series at The Grouse Room in Downtown Lafayette, unites generations of musicians for music, mentorship, and community support. Founded nearly a decade ago by John Williams to aid retired musicians facing hardships, it brings seasoned artists like Grammy winner Lee Allen Zeno together with young talents such as 16-year-old guitarist LJ Broussard and ninth-grader keyboardist Jaidynn Tyler. The series fosters collaboration, sharing industry wisdom beyond music skills—including professionalism and business know-how. Rising musicians credit Blue Monday with enriching their careers and lives. The collective also prioritizes practical artist survival skills, emphasizing health and financial planning for longevity in music.

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The post A multi-generational musical mission – The Current appeared first on thecurrentla.com

SUMMARY: A judge ruled against releasing secret grand jury transcripts from the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend. The judge emphasized the importance of grand jury secrecy to maintain witness confidence. Prosecutors had sought to unseal the documents to address public suspicions about Epstein, who died awaiting trial. The transcripts reportedly contain only law enforcement testimony, with much information already public from Maxwell’s 2021 trial and civil suits. Maxwell opposes release, citing unchallengeable statements. The Justice Department continues to withhold other sealed materials to protect victims. The case remains a national focus amid ongoing congressional subpoenas and political controversy.

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