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Caddo Parish 2025 Salary Budget Jumps to $22M

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Caddo Parish is budgeting over $22 million for salaries in 2025, according to the latest August financial report. This marks a significant increase from the approximately $16 million paid out in 2023, reflecting broader spending across multiple departments and funding sources.

The allocations span various departments, starting with the General Fund. Under the commission, $265,360 is budgeted for regular employees and $273,710 for commissioners. Notably, the Criminal Justice District Court division shows a $1.29 million salary allocation, while the Administration department is allotted $1.39 million.

Human Resources is budgeted at $414,600 for 2025, slightly higher than last year’s actual spending. The Finance department also saw an increase with $840,123 set aside, up from $784,993 the previous year. Other departments like Communications and Information Systems received $223,000 and $340,440 respectively.

Salaries for the Registrar of Voters stand at $207,112 for regular employees, with an additional $250,000 reserved for part-time staff. The David Raines Communication Center has a separate allocation of $6,500.

Beyond the General Fund, the Public Works fund includes Road Administration with $886,795 for full-time and $46,330 for part-time workers. Fleet Services is budgeted at $461,210, while the South Camp and North Camp divisions are set at $1.2 million and $881,740, respectively.

Under the Courthouse division, $2.25 million is allocated for regular employees, with $52,970 for part-time roles. Juvenile Services has similar funding levels: $2.32 million for probation operations and $1.66 million for juvenile detention, all from the Juvenile Justice Fund.

Animal Services, through the Animal and Mosquito department, received a budget of $1.44 million for regular employee salaries.

TEA Investigates Teachers for Charlie Kirk Social Media Posts

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Texas flag (Pete Alexopoulos/Unsplash)

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is investigating over 180 complaints against public school teachers and staff who allegedly made offensive or violent comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Governor Greg Abbott has said more than 100 educators could have their teacher certifications suspended, and they may be prohibited from teaching in Texas public schools if found to have violated ethical codes.

Commissioner of Education Mike Morath sent a letter to superintendents telling them that comments celebrating or calling for violence are subject to severe consequences. Morath emphasized that while free speech is a fundamental right, it does not cover content that endorses or incites violence or hateful rhetoric toward those with differing beliefs.

Some school districts have already taken action. A teacher from Klein Independent School District was fired after making what officials described as irresponsible remarks. Other staffers in various districts have been placed on leave or are facing disciplinary proceedings. In Midland ISD, one teacher was put on administrative leave for comments made in class about Kirk’s death, which the district says violated its policies.

Teachers’ unions have pushed back against the investigations. Texas AFT President Zeph Capo has called them a “political witch hunt,” arguing that educators are being punished for expressing personal opinions on social media. Critics warn the response may suppress speech and debate, especially when definitions of what’s “vile” or “reprehensible” are vague.

The TEA’s investigations are being handled through its Educator Investigations Division. If findings justify it, cases may be referred to the State Board for Educator Certification, which has the authority to suspend or revoke teaching credentials. Texas districts continue to review and respond to individual incidents as calls for accountability intensify.

Kash Patel Calls Adam Schiff ‘Biggest Fraud’ in Senate Hearing

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(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel sharply escalated tensions when he called Senator Adam Schiff (D‑CA) “the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate.” The exchange came amid questions from Democrats about alleged political interference and staffing decisions under Patel’s leadership.

The confrontation began when Sen. Schiff pressed Patel on accusations that he had removed or reassigned FBI agents from investigations at the behest of the White House. Schiff also raised issues around the Jeffrey Epstein case, including criticism that Patel delayed or withheld the release of the so‑called “black book” associated with Epstein and scrutinized actions involving Ghislaine Maxwell.

Patel denied the allegations, insisting his personnel decisions were based on failures to meet professional standards rather than political loyalty. Growing frustrated, he lobbed the insult at Schiff, escalating an already tense atmosphere. Schiff responded by challenging Patel’s claims and defending his record, including past efforts to expose abuse of surveillance powers.

Supporters of Patel praised the outburst as a rare moment of direct confrontation, while critics saw it as unprofessional and inflammatory. The broader hearing also focused on other controversial issues facing the FBI, including its role in investigating political violence, internal standards, and recent high‑profile criminal cases.

Beirut Blast Break, Igor Grechushkin Arrested in Bulgaria

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Bulgarian authorities arrested Russian national Igor Grechushkin at Sofia’s airport, nearly five years after a massive explosion at Lebanon’s Port of Beirut that killed over 200 people. Grechushkin is the owner of the ship MV Rhosus, which brought tons of ammonium nitrate to Beirut in 2013—a shipment at the center of the tragedy.

Grechushkin’s cargo of ammonium nitrate was impounded at the port after mechanical issues were discovered with the Rhosus. Rather than being shipped out, the explosive material was stored in a warehouse—where it remained until it detonated in 2020, damaging much of Beirut and causing widespread loss and destruction. No Lebanese official has yet been convicted in connection with the blast.

After Grechushkin was arrested, Lebanese prosecutors declared they will seek his extradition. Bulgaria said it will now assess whether there’s enough evidence to begin the extradition process. There may be legal complications, including claims that Grechushkin holds Cypriot citizenship. Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities continue investigations and express hope that Grechushkin will help clarify the involvement of others linked to the Rhosus.

Grechushkin’s arrest is being seen by victims’ groups as a key step toward justice and accountability. President Joseph Aoun has pledged that his administration remains committed to uncovering the full truth behind what some suspect was an effort to conceal the dangers posed by the suspended shipment. Families of the victims have long campaigned for transparency and consequence, and now see potential movement in what has so far been a long, painstaking journey toward answers.

US Strikes Venezuelan Drug Boats, Drawing Outrage

Venezuela Protest (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

The U.S. military has again struck a Venezuelan vessel in international waters, targeting what it says were narcoterrorists transporting illegal drugs. According to President Trump, three people onboard were killed in this latest strike. The operation marks a fresh escalation in the Trump administration’s push to combat drug trafficking from Latin America, particularly by cracking down on cartels believed to be using maritime routes.

The strike comes after a previous operation in early September that reportedly killed 11 people aboard a separate boat allegedly connected to a Venezuelan gang known as the Tren de Aragua. In both cases, Washington claims the boats were carrying cocaine and fentanyl with plans to smuggle them into the U.S. Officials say the strikes are intended to disrupt narcotics networks, calling them a matter of national security and foreign policy due to the threat drugs pose domestically.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has condemned the military actions as extrajudicial killings and “murder,” arguing that targeting people on unarmed boats crossing international waters violates basic human rights. He also criticized United States policy for failing to reduce demand for drugs—claiming that Colombia and other Latin American countries are being scapegoated while consumption in the U.S. and Europe continues unchecked.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has accused the U.S. of aggression and regime change, dismissing reports of drug trafficking links as fabricated and demanding evidence be made public. Both governments also rejected the legitimacy of the U.S. determinations that listed them as failing to meet international counternarcotics obligations, calling such moves politically motivated.

The incidents have stirred legal and diplomatic debates over the reach of U.S. military power, especially regarding striking foreign vessels outside territorial waters without explicit international mandate. As the U.S. signals it will continue similar operations, critics warn that this approach may violate international law and raise tensions in the region.

Tyson eliminará el jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa

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La empresa Tyson anunció que eliminará el jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa para finales de año. Tyson también eliminará progresivamente la sucralosa, los conservantes BHA/BHT y el dióxido de titanio.

“Revisamos y evaluamos continuamente nuestro portafolio de productos para garantizar la más alta calidad que satisfaga las necesidades de los consumidores,” dijo Donnie King, presidente y director ejecutivo de Tyson Foods, en un comunicado. “Nuestra decisión de eliminar el jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa y otros ingredientes refleja nuestro compromiso continuo de alimentar al mundo como una familia, preservando al mismo tiempo el sabor, el valor y la integridad que definen nuestras marcas icónicas.”

A principios de este año, Tyson Foods anunció que eliminaría el uso de colorantes sintéticos a base de petróleo en sus productos. “Como líder reconocido en proteínas, ninguno de los productos que Tyson Foods ofrece a través de nuestros programas de nutrición escolar incluye colorantes sintéticos derivados del petróleo como ingredientes,” afirmó King en ese momento. “Esperamos que nuestro trabajo para eliminar el uso de estos colorantes en la producción esté completado para finales de mayo.”

Un informe publicado en mayo por la Comisión Hacer América Saludable de Nuevo (MAHA, por sus siglas en inglés) reveló que los azúcares ultraprocesados, incluido el jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa, están presentes en el 75% de los alimentos envasados. “Esta ingesta sustancial, particularmente de jarabe de maíz de alta fructosa y otros azúcares añadidos, podría desempeñar un papel significativo en la obesidad infantil, la diabetes tipo 2 y la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD, por sus siglas en inglés). Alarmantemente, el 63% de la población estadounidense de 2 años en adelante obtiene más del 10% de sus calorías diarias de azúcares añadidos,” indicó el informe.

Otros aditivos señalados como preocupantes en el informe incluyen el dióxido de titanio, BHT, y edulcorantes artificiales como el aspartame, la sucralosa y la sacarina.

El Partido Republicano busca evitar el cierre del gobierno

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Los republicanos de la Cámara de Representantes han presentado un plan para evitar el cierre del gobierno. El proyecto de ley provisional financiaría al gobierno hasta el 21 de noviembre y aumentaría la seguridad para los funcionarios públicos.

El presidente de la Cámara, Mike Johnson, declaró que la “resolución continua limpia y a corto plazo” permitirá “mantener al gobierno financiado y funcionando en los niveles actuales mientras seguimos trabajando, haciendo nuestro trabajo y completando los proyectos de ley restantes”.

“Esto no será una resolución continua partidista; será una resolución continua limpia y a corto plazo, fin de la historia”, reiteró. “Y me parece interesante que algunos de los mismos demócratas que criticaron los cierres del gobierno bajo el presidente Biden ahora no parecen tener ningún problema en llevar a nuestra nación al borde del abismo. Espero que no lo hagan. Espero que trabajen con nosotros para que todos podamos cumplir con nuestras responsabilidades. Completamos esta resolución continua a corto plazo, terminamos el proyecto de ley de asignaciones y volvemos al orden regular que todos reconocemos como necesario para ser buenos administradores de los fondos de los contribuyentes.”

El presidente Trump también se pronunció sobre el desarrollo del proyecto. “Los republicanos del Congreso, incluyendo al líder John Thune y al presidente Mike Johnson, están trabajando en una extensión ‘LIMPIA’ del financiamiento del gobierno a corto plazo para impedir que Chuck Schumer haga llorar cerrando el gobierno,” escribió en Truth Social.

“En tiempos como estos, los republicanos deben mantenerse UNIDOS para luchar contra las exigencias de los demócratas de izquierda radical, y votar ‘¡SÍ!’ en ambas votaciones necesarias para aprobar esta resolución continua limpia esta semana en la Cámara de Representantes,” exhortó Trump. “Los demócratas quieren que el gobierno se cierre. Los republicanos quieren que el gobierno permanezca ABIERTO. Los demócratas aman el CRIMEN, los republicanos hacemos que nuestro país sea SEGURO — ODIAMOS el CRIMEN. FRACASAR NO ES UNA OPCIÓN. ¡Gracias por su atención a este asunto! Presidente DJT”

Cargos anunciados contra el presunto asesino de Charlie Kirk

(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Funcionarios anunciaron cargos contra el presunto asesino de Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson. El joven de 22 años enfrenta cargos por asesinato agravado, uso delictivo de un arma de fuego causando lesiones corporales graves, dos cargos por obstrucción a la justicia, dos cargos por manipulación de testigos y un delito violento cometido en presencia de un menor.

“Cargo 1, asesinato agravado, un delito capital por causar intencional o conscientemente la muerte de Charlie Kirk en circunstancias que crearon un gran riesgo de muerte para otros,” declaró el fiscal del condado de Utah, Jeff Gray. “Cargo 2, uso delictivo de un arma de fuego causando lesiones corporales graves, un delito grave de primer grado.”

“Cargo tres, obstrucción de la justicia. Un delito grave de segundo grado por mover y ocultar el rifle utilizado en el tiroteo. Cargo cuatro, obstrucción de la justicia, un delito grave de segundo grado por deshacerse de la ropa que usó durante el tiroteo. Cargo cinco, manipulación de testigos, un delito grave de tercer grado por ordenar a su compañero de cuarto que eliminara mensajes incriminatorios,” dijo. “Cargo seis, manipulación de testigos, un delito grave de tercer grado por decirle a su compañero que guardara silencio si la policía lo interrogaba. Cargo siete, comisión de un delito violento en presencia de un menor, un delito menor clase A, por cometer homicidio sabiendo que había niños presentes que pudieron haber visto o escuchado el asesinato, y que lo hizo motivado por la expresión política de Charlie Kirk.”

“Estoy presentando una notificación de intención de buscar la pena de muerte,” agregó. “No tomo esta decisión a la ligera, y es una decisión que he tomado de forma independiente como fiscal del condado, basada únicamente en la evidencia disponible, las circunstancias y la naturaleza del crimen.”

“El asesinato de Charlie Kirk es una tragedia estadounidense,” afirmó, según NBC News. “Charlie Kirk fue asesinado mientras participaba en uno de nuestros derechos más sagrados y apreciados como estadounidenses, la base de nuestra república democrática: el libre intercambio de ideas y la búsqueda de la verdad, la comprensión y una unión más perfecta.”

El presunto tirador fue captado por cámaras caminando hacia el campus en la madrugada del 10 de septiembre, vistiendo la misma ropa que luego se identificó en el ataque. La policía cree que regresó al área en un Dodge Challenger gris alrededor de las 8:30 a.m., poco antes del evento de Kirk.

Survey Finds Democratic Socialism Rising

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A new survey indicates that democratic socialism is becoming increasingly mainstream within the Democratic Party, with more than half of Democrat voters expressing preference for socialist-aligned leaders over traditional party figures.

The survey, funded by the Democratic Socialists of America Fund, found that 53 percent of likely Democratic voters support politicians like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Zohran Mamdani. In contrast, 33 percent prefer establishment leaders such as Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Hakeem Jeffries, while 14 percent remain undecided.

When voters were read descriptions of both democratic socialism and capitalism, 74 percent said the definition of democratic socialism aligned more closely with their views, compared to just 16 percent who favored capitalism. The survey described democratic socialists as supporting more government involvement in areas like housing, healthcare, and utilities, along with higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. Capitalists were described as favoring lower taxes, less regulation, and private sector control of key industries.

Democratic voters also showed a nearly equal level of support for candidates who identify as democratic socialists as they do for those who identify simply as Democrats. This signals a cultural shift within the party, with voters embracing more progressive economic ideas once considered fringe.

The poll results demonstrate a growing appetite among Democrats for more left-wing representation, particularly in urban centers and younger demographics. However, the poll also shows a stark divide between Democratic voters and their Republican and independent counterparts, many of whom continue to view socialism unfavorably.

This ideological shift suggests that future primary battles within the Democratic Party could be shaped by the rising influence of socialist-aligned voters and candidates, while general elections may hinge on how these positions are perceived in more moderate or conservative areas.

Senate Hearing Targets AI Chatbot Risks to Youth

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Artificial Intelligence (Naeblys/Getty Images)

On Tuesday, September 16, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing aimed at probing the dangers posed by artificial intelligence chatbots—especially how they interact with young people in crisis. Parents of children who died by suicide or were harmed after engaging with AI companion‑programs will share their heartbreaking experiences, highlighting what they allege were unsafe responses from chatbots during moments of emotional distress.

Among them are Matthew Raine, whose 16‑year‑old son reportedly developed a troubling attachment to ChatGPT, and Megan Garcia, whose 14‑year‑old son also suffered after interactions with another AI service. These families have filed lawsuits against the companies involved, claiming the responses they received were not only unhelpful but in some cases encouraging or validating self‑harm. Their testimonies seek to push for stronger oversight and accountability in how AI companies manage vulnerable users.

Researchers from institutions like RAND and Harvard have also sounded alarms. In a recent study, AI chatbots were asked 30 suicide‑related questions multiple times. Analysts found that for some high‑risk queries—especially questions about self‑harm methods—responses were disturbingly explicit a large majority of the time. In contrast, for very extreme cases, some chatbots did less well, either avoiding the topic or providing only vague responses.

The hearing will also feature experts in psychology, mental health, and AI safety. Witnesses are expected to press for changes including age verification, crisis protocols, better content moderation, and clearer guidelines that distinguish between supportive conversation and dangerous encouragement.

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