By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) - Thousands of Louisianans are expected to pack downtown areas across the state the next several weekends for pro-life marches and rallies: -- Baton Rouge, Jan. 20 -- Shreveport/Bossier City, Jan. 27 -- Alexandria/Pineville, Feb. 3. The Louisiana Life Marches are a chance for different denominations, ages and ethnic and racial backgrounds to march together and pray to declare their opposition to the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. The theme for this year’s marches is “Every Life Deserves A Lifetime.” According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, preliminary numbers for 2016 show 8,972 abortions took place, an average of 25 per day. The total represents a decrease from the 9,362 abortions reported in 2015 and 10,211 abortions reported in 2014. “We are excited about spreading the good news of the pro-life message at the 2018 Louisiana Life March events across Louisiana,” said Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper . “We believe that every human life deserves a lifetime, and no matter a person's condition, age, or location, they deserve our protection. If we, as the people of … [Read more...]

The U.S. Treasury Department released the new withholding tables under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, drawing the praise of at least one Louisiana congressman. U.S. Rep Mike Johnson released a statement on Jan. 11, the day the Treasury Department announced the news that likely will increase the amount of money a number of American workers take home each paycheck, starting as early as February. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues and the administration to deliver real relief to the American people by passing our historic tax reform package,” said Johnson, a member of First Baptist Church, Bossier City. “Despite many false claims regarding the effects of our efforts, hardworking Americans are already seeing the immediate benefits of this new, pro-growth tax code. Businesses are rewarding their employees, expanding their operations and making new investments as a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. And now, the Treasury Department has updated its withholding calculations and confirmed that 90 percent of Americans will take home a bigger paycheck starting in February. The new year is off to an exciting start, and I look forward to many more great things to come.” In a news release by the Treasury Department, … [Read more...]