NEW ORLEANS (AP) – An animal rights group has filed a federal criticism in opposition to the nationwide sanctuary for chimpanzees as soon as used for federal experiments.
The group says the sanctuary’s care is poor. It cites a federal warning and Chimp Haven’s personal reviews about an escape and about deaths attributable to fights amongst chimpanzees.
The sanctuary in north Louisiana mentioned it acted instantly to vary introduction procedures after a feminine was killed. It says that it has cared for greater than 500 chimps because it opened in 2005, and 5 deaths had been because of aggression. Consultants say such deaths occur extra steadily within the wild.
Most of Louisiana is classified as a mental health professional shortage area, leaving countless families — especially children —without access to critical mental health services. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, over half of children in Louisiana who experience mental health challenges do not receive the care they need. This is a staggering number given that this study estimates that 30.3% of children ages 3-17 have at least one emotional, developmental or behavioral health disorder. This unmet need has far-reaching consequences, affecting school performance, family stability and community safety.
Addressing this gap starts with investing in higher education programs that train the mental health professionals our state desperately needs. Universities such as the University of Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of New Orleans, University of Holy Cross, Tulane University, Nicholls State University, LSU and others play a vital role in preparing skilled counselors, psychologists and social workers.
However, the current capacity of mental health training programs is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. We are facing another potential budget shortfall in Louisiana that could impact higher education. Without adequate funding and resources, these programs may struggle to equip students with the expertise and experience required to enter the workforce.
Investing in these programs is not just about addressing today’s challenges — it is about safeguarding the future of Louisiana. By increasing the number of trained mental health professionals, we can improve outcomes for children and families, reduce the strain on emergency services and foster healthier, more resilient communities.
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It is time to prioritize the mental health of our state by supporting higher education programs that make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future.
MATTHEW THORNTON
chief executive officer, Center for Children and Families, Inc.
(KTAL/KMSS) – A dispute that resulted in an inmate’s death is under investigation at a Louisiana state prison, according to the Department of Corrections.
DOC Director of Communications Ken Pastorick said the incident happened at Southern Correctional Center in Tallulah, Louisiana, and caused the death of Teldric Boyd, 31.
A new release said that around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, Boyd was allegedly stabbed in the neck with a shank by fellow inmate Austin Dean, 33. Correctional center staff is said to have immediately responded and rendered first aid, and then Boyd was brought to a local hospital, where he died at 5 a.m.
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Madison Parish Sheriff’s detectives booked Dean, who they say admitted to stabbing Boyd after an argument the two men had Sunday night.
Boyd was serving a 14-year sentence for various convictions, including racketeering, aggravated battery, two counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, and drug offenses in Rapides Parish.
Dean was serving a 25-year sentence for manslaughter in Rapides Parish and a five-year sentence for aggravated assault on a peace officer; those sentences are to run consecutively.
The investigation is ongoing.
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50 Cent is at odds with one Louisiana lawmaker who’s taking issue with his growing real estate in Shreveport.
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Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s growing real estate portfolio in Shreveport, Louisiana, is facing resistance from a state lawmaker urging city leaders to exercise greater caution when selling or leasing city-owned property.
The hip-hop mogul responded to a recent news article that revealed Louisiana state Sen. Sam Jenkins Jr.’s concerns about him buying more property in Downtown Shreveport after he bought three new properties last week.
“Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram post. “Who would not do a deal to wait for a imaginary deal to come 😳? Or maybe he lacks faith in me. What do you think?”
Jenkins is expressing serious concerns about an excessive concentration of city assets being controlled by a single entity, particularly 50 Cent and his expanding G-Unit Studio empire. Since May, the rapper has invested over $3.7 million in cash to acquire 10 privately owned buildings and vacant lots in Shreveport, located on Texas Street, Spring Street, and Commerce Street.
Last week, 50 Cent added three new properties, including leases on Millennium Studios, the former Expo Hall/Stageworks, and interest in the Red River entertainment District under the Texas Street Bridge. While the Millennium Studios deal “has been made and should be honored,” Jenkins, a Democrat, told The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, he is urging the city to “pump the brakes a little bit. Let’s try to see what else is out there.”
“I’m just simply saying, let’s just be careful how far we go and begin to look at some performances based upon what we’ve already pledged or promised to do,” Jenkins said.
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In October, Jenkins wrote to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux outlining his concerns. He also expressed a willingness to meet with 50 Cent to discuss strategies for improving Shreveport’s economic future.
However, 50 Cent took to Instagram again to let Jenkins know he doesn’t like his “tone” and is not interested in meeting with him to discuss his continued investment in Shreveport.
“I don’t understand why this man thinks I would come talk to him after he set this tone,” the rapper wrote. “Don’t hold your breath buddy. 😆”
The “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” rapper followed up with another Instagram post aimed at Jenkins where he declared his plans to stay in Shreveport.
“Tell Sam I said, whether he like it or not, I’m coming to Shreveport LOL 👀ALL ROADS LEAD TO SHREVEPORT 🎥,” he wrote.
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