David Jacobs
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Baton Rouge-based writer and editor. Covering Louisiana government with LaPolitics.com and StateAffairs.com.
Articles by David Jacobs
South Africa needs collective action to secure water future amid El Niño threat
South Africa must unite to tackle the current El Niño crisis and protect its water resources. The country faces a summer season that could bring below-normal rainfall and higher temperatures, which means everyone needs to play their part in managing water responsibly. Government, municipalities, businesses, farmers, communities and individual water users all need to work together.
SA targets growth
15 Minutes Ago - 2026-09-30 00:05:00 South Africa is entering a new phase in its economic recovery, with improvements in energy supply, logistics and infrastructure beginning to address some of the structural constraints that have held back growth. For much of the past decade, economic growth was constrained by persistent problems in energy, transport and infrastructure. These increased the cost of doing business, weakened competitiveness and affected investor confidence.
SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?
Both Simple Network Management Protocol and Common Management Information Protocol were designed to provide a method to manage networks, but their origins differ. SNMP is an application-layer protocol designed by the individuals that worked to develop the internet -- i.e., the TCP/IP family of protocols. CMIP was designed by committees of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) organization during roughly the same period as SNMP in the late 1980s. SNMP vs.
Lesotho Highlands: A four-decade blueprint for regional water security
11 Minutes Ago - 2026-04-24 00:05:00 As South Africa confronts long-term water security challenges, few projects illustrate the power of regional cooperation as clearly as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Rooted in a treaty signed between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1986, the LHWP stands as a flagship example of how shared natural resources can be harnessed for mutual benefit.
Regional cooperation in action: Why the Lesotho Highlands Water Project matters
By David Jacobs As South Africa confronts long-term water security challenges, few projects illustrate the power of regional cooperation as clearly as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Rooted in a treaty signed between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1986, the LHWP stands as a flagship example of how shared natural resources can be harnessed for mutual benefit.
‘LaPolitics’: Cassidy-Letlow battle heats up as qualifying for primary nears
With qualifying for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race set to commence Wednesday, big money and serious surrogates are lining up behind the lead contenders as other candidates who once made up a rather large field continue to drop out. All eyes are focusing on incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy and his main competition, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who has the unmissable support of President Donald Trump.
‘LaPolitics’: Setting the stage for health care in the upcoming session
Last year, Senate Health and Welfare Chair Patrick McMath led the charge to align Louisiana with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement. During this year’s session, he expects to work with Gov. Jeff Landry’s Department of Health to create a new office focused on nutrition and wellness, likely to be named the Office of Nutrition and Health, McMath says. When interviewed, he didn’t have the final version of the bill yet.
‘LaPolitics’: As revenue falls, the Louisiana Lottery explores online sales
Louisiana Lottery revenue has fallen to a three-year low, which could pose problems for state budget writers if the trend continues. But the numbers already are starting to bounce back, and a new proposal to sell tickets online might further boost revenue. Supporters will have to address the concerns of brick-and-mortar retailers, which have helped to tank previous efforts to expand to the internet.
‘LaPolitics’: A sneak peek at 2026’s association agendas
We reached out to more than a dozen prominent associations and advocacy groups working in Louisiana policy and politics to ask about their priorities for next year. What follows is a sneak peek at their agendas. Leaders for a Better Louisiana Leaders launched at the beginning of this year, though it was born out of the union of two Capitoland stalwarts: the Council for a Better Louisiana and the Committee of 100 for Economic Development.
‘LaPolitics’: PSC to weigh contrasting proposals regarding big power users
As Louisiana officials work to promote economic growth, the question of how to provide enough power for the biggest users, while keeping costs down for everyone else, is going to keep coming up. Two Louisiana Public Service Commission members from opposite sides of the political aisle are addressing that question in different ways in proposals that will be up for debate this week. In September, Gov.
ACAMS New York Chapter celebrates its 20th anniversary
Twenty years ago, a group of anti-financial crime (AFC) professionals gathered at the offices of U.S. Trust in New York City, marking the first event of the ACAMS New York Chapter. In November 2025, roughly 250 AFC professionals gathered to commemorate the chapter’s 20th anniversary, a milestone that honors its enduring legacy and highlights the vital role ACAMS chapters play in the global fight against financial crime.
‘LaPolitics’: With data centers coming, lawmakers launch energy task force
A new task force created by Senate President Cameron Henry last met a couple weeks ago with a single item on the agenda: a discussion of energy needs for data center projects. The point is not to single out data centers for extra scrutiny, Henry says. But data centers need massive amounts of energy, and as Louisiana residents deal with unexpected brownouts on random days, it’s time for a frank and open discussion about how to meet everyone’s needs, he says.
‘LaPolitics’: Three special elections are needed to fill House vacancies
The Louisiana House of Representatives began the week with two upcoming vacancies in New Orleans to fill, thanks to the recently wrapped election cycle, and another unexpected opening in Iberville… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Leadership changes underway at several universities, colleges
The recent drama at LSU, featuring Gov. Jeff Landry in the starring role, has overshadowed the fact that the entire leadership landscape of higher education in Louisiana is shifting. Campus lea… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: The 2026 ballot offers a do-over for Landry and GOP lawmakers
Gov. Jeff Landry and the legislative majority who backed a sweeping rewrite of the state’s tax code took one on the chin when voters rejected Amendment 2 back in March, along with three other pr… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: New election schedule introduces unknowns
Voters, candidates and elections officials are adjusting to the new party primary system that will be in place for some of next year’s elections, headlined by the high-profile fight over U.S. Se… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: A closer look at the final elections of 2025
Early voting is currently underway for the Nov. 15 ballot, which is slated to be the last round of elections in Louisiana this calendar year. (You can vote early through Saturday using this list o… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’ Q&A: Economist Loren Scott on the importance of carbon capture
LaPolitics: Gov. Jeff Landry has paused consideration of new applications for carbon capture wells, though six priority projects are moving forward. How big a deal are these projects to Louisiana’s economy? Louisiana economist Loren Scott: There are about $119 billion worth of projects that have been announced to be built in Louisiana, but the companies have not made a final investment decision. A non-trivial amount of that $119 billion in projects has a carbon capture and sequestration component.
‘LaPolitics’: Political tides turn in New Orleans
Hosting the hottest races on last Saturday's ballot, New Orleans produced a robust 40% turnout, which was the highest bar the city has seen for a mayoral election in 23 years. It was most cer… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Higher ed chief is focused on progress and campus safety
Louisiana higher education officials can point to steady progress toward the educational attainment goals they set in 2019. But as they try to continue hitting their marks ahead of the 2030 d… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: A Q&A with LWC Secretary Susie Schowen
LaPolitics: How will the growth of Louisiana’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, as projected by the Revenue Estimating Conference, benefit workers and employers? Louisiana Workforce Commi… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Closed primaries will also decide Supreme Court, PSC seats
Congress, and the fight for Sen. Bill Cassidy’s seat, will headline the April 18 election that features Louisiana’s first use of party primaries since 2010. But those aren’t the only races t… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: A look at the goals of the Right on Crime initiative
LaPolitics: What is the mission of Right On Crime? East Baton Rouge Metro Council member Dwight Hudson, who is the Louisiana state director for Right on Crime: Right On Crime is a national cr… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Lawmakers are eyeing changes to trial laws
Louisiana lawmakers are likely to again consider changing the rules around whether criminal defendants must face a jury or only a judge, which would require changing the Louisiana Constitution. Currently, defendants who are not facing capital punishment can waive their right to a jury trial and choose a bench trial, in which the judge decides guilt or innocence. In most states, the prosecution must also agree to forgo a jury.
‘LaPolitics’: When will Louisiana get new voting machines?
The Secretary of State’s office has begun holding public demonstrations for possible new voting systems, the latest step in the controversial four-year process to replace Louisiana’s antiquate… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’ Q&A: Will the state GOP endorse a candidate in the US Senate race?
LaPolitics: Why do you think the state GOP should not offer endorsements for party primary races? State Rep. Mike Bayham, a member of the Republican State Central Committee: We're spending $4… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: A Q&A with the new DCFS secretary
LaPolitics: What is your first priority as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services? Secretary Rebecca Harris: My top priority is to implement a focused busines… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Horse racing in Louisiana and elsewhere facing pressures
The world of Louisiana horse racing got a major scare in May when Kentucky-based Churchill Downs threatened to surrender its New Orleans Fair Grounds license and pull out of Louisiana. The company backed down after talks with state officials, and the racing season at one of the nation’s oldest tracks is scheduled to resume in November.
‘LaPolitics’: BESE member talks about being nominated to lead the US Mint
LaPolitics: How did you get interested in coins? U.S. Mint director nominee and BESE member Paul Hollis of St. Tammany Parish: I had a desire to study coins ever since my grandma gave me a gold… Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all our content from any device with a subscription now. Get access to more than a decade of story archives. Get access to our searchable data center of TOP LISTS. Get exclusive content only available to INSIDERS.
‘LaPolitics’: Gaming board targets offshore operators
The chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board says state regulators are making progress cracking down on illegal offshore betting operations, while help could also be on the way from the federal government. Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed legislation from this year’s session that sought to ban online “sweepstakes” casinos, which he said are already illegal in Louisiana.
‘LaPolitics’: Late entry adds wrinkles to New Orleans ballot
A few weeks ago, the field for the New Orleans mayoral election seemed to be pretty well set. New Orleans City Councilmember Helena Moreno appeared to be the frontrunner to replace term-limited LaToya Cantrell, with a chance to win the race without a runoff. With Sen. Royce Duplessis’ surprise announcement that he would run for mayor after previously saying he wouldn’t, Moreno may still be the early favorite, though her chances of avoiding a runoff are likely slim to nonexistent.
‘LaPolitics’: Perusing the political landscape at the PSC
Former Public Service Commissioner Craig Greene often cast the swing vote deciding controversial issues that divided the other two Republicans from the two Democrats. Sometimes, Greene sided with the Democrats, and many in the GOP were happy he decided not to run for reelection. Former state Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan, a Republican, was elected in November to replace him, and the commission has already altered its approach to certain issues.
‘LaPolitics’: Anti-lawyer billboard featuring caricatures gets rejected
While you will see the familiar faces of certain attorneys smiling down at you from billboards in Baton Rouge, you won’t see their caricatures on one sponsored by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association. That’s because Lamar Advertising executives “will not approve creative copy that directly targets their clients,” according to an email shared with LaPolitics.
‘LaPolitics’: Lawmakers to look at NIL and other issues involving college athletes
On the same day that news broke about President Donald Trump launching a commission focused on college sports, the Louisiana Legislature took a step toward creating a task force of its own to look at some of the same issues.
‘LaPolitics’: Reading the tea leaves from inside the US Supreme Court
On Monday, Louisiana defended its congressional map in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The first words out of Solicitor General J. Benjamin Aguiñaga’s mouth reflected the long road to get to that point. “Louisiana would rather not be here,” he said. “We would rather not be caught between two diametrically opposed visions of what our congressional map should look like.
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