Teen dating violence is rising, and iCare’s Shavon Hamilton says parents and schools need to treat it as a real safety issue. Abuse among teens often happens online, at school, or through constant digital access—making coercion, intimidation, and control as damaging as physical violence. Statistics show one in three U.S. teens experience dating violence, and warning signs include sudden personality changes, irritability, declining grades, or withdrawal from family.Hamilton says parents should avoid criticizing, keep conversations open, and step in when safety is at risk. Local support includes iCare, the Baton Rouge Crisis Center, and the Sexual Trauma Awareness Center.

The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students will host its seventh annual Education as a Civil Right event on Feb. 24 at the Shaw Center. The program highlights how access to strong education shapes opportunity across race, gender, culture, and geography. This year’s event features a multimedia exhibit and a panel with experts including Dr. Curtis Ballantyne and LSU’s Dr. Sarah Becker, who will discuss global challenges to educating boys and girls.The Alliance says the goal is simple: build an informed community and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. Details are available at BRAlliance.org/eacr.

A California trial is taking on whether social media platforms are addictive by design. A plaintiff known as KGB is suing Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok. YouTube argues it’s more like Netflix than social media, but Tech Gumbo’s Haggai Davis says their Shorts, likes, and shares make that impossible. Davis explained that platforms use casino-style algorithms — giving occasional “wins” to trigger dopamine and keep users scrolling. Teens spending 16 hours doom-scrolling becomes part of the debate over addiction vs. personal responsibility. He also noted a growing fight over AI regulation: Anthropic wants guardrails; OpenAI wants fewer limits. Both launched $20 million super PACs to influence politics. Tech Gumbo will continue covering these issues on Talk 107.3 FM.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow said Congress completed its appropriations work, but the Department of Homeland Security remains without new funding as a partial government shutdown looms. Letlow said House Republicans passed funding bills, but Senate Democrats withheld DHS funding over immigration enforcement tied to President Donald Trump. She said agencies such as FEMA and TSA are operating with essential employees only, stretching resources during a critical time.

State Sen. Rick Edmonds announced his run for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, calling it a lifelong goal to serve in Congress. The district, currently represented by Julia Letlow, was significantly reshaped through redistricting and now stretches from parts of East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes to Monroe and Bastrop.
Edmonds said the new map creates a diverse district that includes fast-growing suburban areas and rural farming communities. He pointed to his leadership in education policy and state budget work as key experience he would bring to Washington. He also emphasized his small business background and pledged to support farmers and local employers across the district.

Sen. Bill Cassidy says he is working with President Donald Trump on new legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. He described the strategy as a series of targeted reforms, including a recently signed law that reins in pharmacy benefit managers and ensures savings reach patients. He also highlighted earlier efforts to eliminate gag clauses that blocked pharmacists from sharing cheaper payment options.
Cassidy is campaigning ahead of Louisiana’s May 16 closed primary, reminding voters that only Republicans and no-party voters can participate. He reported raising about $1.4 million and pointed to billions secured for state infrastructure and broadband projects.

Opera Louisiana will host its annual “Sing and Swing” fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge Grand Ballroom. The event supports the company’s youth outreach programs and its April production of Madama Butterfly.General Director Paul Groves said the evening features local celebrities performing popular songs, including Debra Todd singing an iconic 1980s hit alongside LSU Opera Studio vocalists. Guests can also bid on live and silent auction items, including trips to the Metropolitan Opera and the Houston Grand Opera, plus regional hunting and fishing experiences.Founding board member Deborah Todd said proceeds help fund performances that have introduced more than 40,000 children to opera, music and the arts.VIP tickets include a private reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Individual tickets and tables are available at https://www.operalouisiane.com/. Donations and voting are open now.

The new I-10 interchange at Pecue Lane opens this afternoon following a final safety inspection, according to Rodney Mallett with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.Crews conducted a walkthrough Wednesday morning to confirm striping, alignment and overall safety. If no issues arise, drivers will have access by midday.The project widens Pecue Lane, which carries about 45,000 vehicles per day. The corridor now features two to three lanes in each direction and a new, wider bridge over I-10. The interchange uses a diverging diamond design, the second of its kind in Louisiana, aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.Mallett said the project aligns with Baton Rouge’s broader transportation plan and supports growth near Women’s Hospital and surrounding neighborhoods.Meanwhile, the Washington Street exit is closing as crews complete striping and signage. Drivers heading toward Washington Street or Lorri Burgess Avenue should use the Highland or Nicholson exits.DOTD also continues work on the I-10 widening project, with new lighting and statewide restriping planned as weather conditions improve.

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is sending local leaders to Denver to study a national model for early childhood education. Only 40 percent of Baton Rouge children enter kindergarten ready. Leaders want to unify funding, improve access and make high-quality preschool more affordable by creating a coordinated early learning entity.
The foundation is also shifting focus to long-term plans for the University Lakes near City-Brooks Community Park. After major restoration work, the next phase centers on amenities, governance and protecting the city’s investment.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season focused on repentance, sacrifice and reflection for Christians. While many attend Mass and observe fasting traditions, conversation also turned to a major legal debate unfolding in Washington.U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer introduced legislation known as “Virginia’s Law,” named for Virginia Giuffre, that would eliminate the statute of limitations for certain sexual abuse and human trafficking civil claims.Supporters argue survivors often need years, even decades, to come forward. Critics question how courts can ensure fairness when accusations surface 30 or 40 years later, especially if the accused is deceased.The proposal raises difficult questions about evidence, due process and accountability on both sides.