News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Louisiana paper mill to close, lay off 450 workers

Published

1 month ago

February 14, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Greg LaRose – 2025-02-14 17:53:00

Louisiana paper mill to close, lay off 450 workers

by Greg LaRose, Louisiana Illuminator
February 14, 2025

Some 450 employees of a Natchitoches Parish paper mill will lose their jobs by the end of April after their parent company announced the facility’s pending closure Thursday.

International Paper is shutting down its Red River Mill in Campti that makes containerboard, as well as a recycling plant in Phoenix, a box-making plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis.

Across the company, 495 hourly positions and 179 salaried jobs are being eliminated, according to a news release.

Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Workforce Commission announced in a joint statement Friday they will work together to address the Red River Mill closure. Orientation sessions will be scheduled in the near future to help dislocated workers find new employment quickly, a statement from the agencies said.

“We understand that right now people are feeling uncertain about their future. Please be assured that help is on its way.” LWC Secretary Susana Schowen said in the statement.

State Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, told KSLA-TV that International Paper told him most of the employees being let go in Campti will be offered jobs at its facility in Mansfield, which also makes containerboard. The senator said the number of employees being let go could lead to local school closures, as families are forced to relocate to find work.

“I’ve been on the phone with loggers and foresters all day,” Seabaugh said. “This is a big ripple effect.”

International Paper, considered the largest producer of paper products in the world, also operates facilities in Bogalusa, Lafayette, Shreveport and Springhill.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Woman arrested after 8-month-old baby's death

Published

16 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-03-19 17:15:50

SUMMARY: Autumn Harper, a 24-year-old mother, has been arrested and charged with the murder of her eight-month-old son, Sterling Rogers, in Washington Parish. Despite claims from Harper’s mother, Natasha Hano, that her daughter was a caring parent who frequently checked on her child, investigators revealed evidence of severe abuse. The infant was rushed to the hospital after being found in distress, where he later passed away from significant injuries including broken bones and skull fractures. Harper admitted to the abuse during police questioning, and while further arrests may occur, authorities currently believe she acted alone.

Franklinton Police arrested Autumn V. Harper, 24, for murder after an infant’s death from severe injuries.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Guide Dogs of Texas celebrates new membership with Metro SA Chamber

Published

1 hour ago

March 19, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-03-19 16:11:52

SUMMARY: Guide Dogs of Texas recently celebrated its membership with the Metro San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. During the event, CEO Patrick Glin highlighted the nonprofit’s mission of breeding, raising, and training guide dogs for the visually impaired across Texas. Founded in 1989, the organization was created to prevent families from traveling far for guide dogs. The puppies undergo a raising program before formal training begins at 14-16 months. The impact of these guide dogs includes enhanced mobility, social connections, and improved employability for clients. The event showcased not only their work but also the adorable dogs making a difference in the community.

Officials and supporters gathered Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Guide Dogs of Texas and their new membership with the Metro San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Midday Ark-La-Miss News Update: March 19, 2025

Published

2 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-03-19 15:34:38

SUMMARY: In today’s midday Ark-La-Miss update, Louisiana executed a death row inmate using nitrogen hypoxia for the first time in 15 years. The process, lasting 19 minutes, involved a warden, doctor, and spiritual advisor, with the inmate denying final words. The Attorney General emphasized this execution as a step toward justice for victims’ families. In other news, a woman was charged with the murder of a sports reporter who died from a combination of drugs. Weather forecasts indicate potential isolated showers today, with breezy conditions and a risk of severe storms this Sunday.