Kennedy, Graham, Durbin question Zuckerberg about child sexual abuse material on Instagram

“This Committee has united across the political aisle to combat the evil of online child sexual exploitation. Tech companies cannot assist malevolent actors who seek to take advantage of children.”

 MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and others on the committee in writing to Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg regarding recent reporting that Instagram’s algorithm promotes and facilitates sexual interest in and activity with children, including the production and sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

 “We are gravely concerned that Instagram’s failure to prevent this perverse use of its algorithms is not due to a lack of ability, but instead a lack of initiative and motivation. In other contexts, Meta has taken steps to map out user networks facilitated by its algorithm, and has even been able to suppress unlawful user content within those networks,” the senators wrote.

 “Nevertheless, the Stanford experts determined that Instagram has been ‘ineffective’ in preventing the growth of Self-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (SG-CSAM) networks on its platform, largely because of a ‘general lack of resources devoted to detecting SG-CSAM and associated commercial activity.’ It is alarming that online child sexual exploitation and the proliferation of CSAM, including SGCSAM, is not among Meta’s highest priorities—especially when its platform directly facilitates and bolsters the black market for child sexual abuse material,” they continued.

 “This Committee has united across the political aisle to combat the evil of online child sexual exploitation. Tech companies cannot assist malevolent actors who seek to take advantage of children. As the experts at Stanford so succinctly articulated, ‘minors do not have the ability to meaningfully consent to the implications of having widely distributed explicit material and the other harms for which it puts them at risk.’  We refuse to let those who traffic in CSAM subject children to these harms and alter the course of their lives. And we refuse to accept Meta’s facilitation of these crimes. We therefore urge Meta to join us in combatting this threat,” the senators concluded. 

 Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) also signed the letter.

 The letter is available here.

Posted on June 30, 2023 and filed under John Kennedy.

LOUISIANA FREEDOM CAUCUS: Governor Snubs Good Old Boy Allain With Veto

BATON ROUGE—Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the signature, legacy legislation of Sen. Bret Allain, who represents Iberia, Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes. This much-needed corporate franchise tax phase-out plan passed both chambers of the legislature with strong support and would help set Louisiana on a path to prosperity, attracting business and good-paying jobs that are currently moving to our neighboring states all along the Gulf Coast because of our high tax and insurance rates.

Sen. Allain was appointed to serve on the conference committee that stripped money from his own constituents at the behest of Senate President Page Cortez and Speaker Clay Schexnayder who worked hand-in-hand with Governor Edwards to bust the budget spending limit set by the Louisiana Constitution. At their directive, Sen. Allain’s committee punished the constituents of 19 House members who would not vote in lockstep with the Good Old Boy Network to bust the budget spending limit.

The irony here is that Sen. Allain’s kissing the ring of the governor did not save his own project on the very day he had the hubris to condone the punishment of Rep. Beryl Amedée at a luncheon in St. Mary Parish. Rep. Amedée voted against Allain’s conference report that slashed funding for the repair of roads and bridges that have fallen into disrepair, in order to spend millions of your tax dollars on things like dog parks, band uniforms for high schools and colleges, a charity supporting flowers and a cultural museum. It was Sen. Allain who was appointed by Senate President Cortez to serve the Good Old Boys’ interests, which was meant in this instance to punish people like Rep. Amedée because she dared to vote against the wasteful spending.

“Senator Bret Allain’s SB1 was a bit of badly needed tax reform that would have provided a shot in the arm for Louisiana businesses. Once again, John Bel Edwards has proven that he does not care about creating jobs, or assisting the working people of Louisiana. He is, and always has been, a big government liberal. This veto proves it yet again,” said Representative Alan Seabaugh, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “It is also a slap in the face of Senator Allain who has spent the last eight years rolling over for the governor, supporting his liberal policies, and giving Edwards virtually everything he asked for.”

Posted on June 29, 2023 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana.

LMOGA: State, not federal government, should oversee carbon capture permitting

In Louisiana, we’ve always had our own way of doing things. For me, nowhere is that clearer than in the progress and ingenuity of our state’s oil and natural gas industry. Over the last 100 years, we’ve cultivated a thriving energy sector by prioritizing the safety, success and innovation of Louisiana workers and businesses. So, why stop now?

As we look to worldwide market demands and the evolution of energy products, it’s clear that companies and customers are looking for affordable, accessible low-carbon options. Carbon capture and storage is the most trusted solution for Louisiana energy companies to reduce emissions, grow employment and establish themselves as leaders in the world economy. But we cannot, and would not, pursue CCS projects without the required permits and approvals for Class VI injection wells, which are the wells used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations for long-term storage.

However, since the program’s creation in 2010, the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency has granted only two active Class VI injection well permits for a single project in Illinois. Louisiana has nearly two dozen permit applications pending approval by the EPA. Citing issues like staffing challenges, the agency currently takes six years on average to approve each permit.

To help expedite the process, the EPA can grant primary enforcement authority, also known as primacy, to state agencies to administer Class VI permits in accordance with federal standards. Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources has the expertise and resources to implement the same strict regulations as the EPA and to promptly review, approve and monitor Class VI permits through primacy. In fact, the state agency already has primacy over the other five classes of injection wells and has effectively and safely managed the permits. By transitioning authority of the Class VI permits to the state level, primacy will allow us to speed up the pace for investments and bring more opportunities to our communities.

As of June 2023, only two other states, Wyoming and North Dakota, have received primacy, while Texas, West Virginia and Arizona are still in the “pre-application phase.” This means that Louisiana can be years ahead of other states to compete for CCS and related investment projects. The Great Plains Institute estimates that we could create an annual average of up to 4,920 project jobs over a 15-year period, and 2,500 ongoing operations jobs, through CCS deployment. These projects could also result in at least $13.7 billion in private investment for the state — but not if they are stuck on the shelf at the EPA.

Through primacy, Louisiana can remove burdensome red tape that is delaying investments and jeopardizing opportunities for our people and our parishes. Our experts at DNR can streamline the permit process while maintaining the highest standards for health, safety and environmental impacts. Louisianans know our geology, our infrastructure, our workforce and our communities better than anyone in D.C. or elsewhere in the country.

By supporting primacy, we’re putting our energy future back in Louisiana’s hands.

Tommy Faucheux is president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.

Posted on June 21, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

MIGUEZ: Leadership Takes Courage

Rep. Blake Miguez, candidate for Senate in District 22, released this video today, which highlights his commitment to stopping the “good ol’ boys” in Baton Rouge. As someone who has a proven record of fighting for conservative values and the people he represents, Miguez points out a stark contrast between he and his announced opponents this fall. The general election for State Senate in District 22 which encompasses parts of Iberia, St. Martin and Lafayette Parish will be held on Oct 14th.

Posted on June 21, 2023 and filed under Blake Miguez.

LOUISIANA STATE PARKS SEEKING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of State Parks is seeking public-private partnerships to implement projects designed to enhance visitor experiences and generate additional revenue for the Louisiana State Parks system. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is now open and accessible at OpportunitiesInLouisiana.com for opportunities available in all state parks.

 Project examples include both infrastructure and building construction opportunities such as cabins, pavilions, nature centers, road repaving, and RV campground upgrades like adding full sewer hookups. Additional opportunities include amenities such as concessions, boat rentals, bicycle rentals, and agritourism activities.

 “To attract new visitors and keep current visitors coming back, our state parks must offer first-class services, amenities, and activities,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “By working with entrepreneurs through public-private partnerships, we hope to create self-sustaining parks that will continue to increase savings to taxpayers.”

 All projects submitted through the Request for Proposal must support the core tenets of the Louisiana State Parks mission:

  • Preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic value;

  • Establishing and operating parks that provide recreational use of natural resources and facilities for outdoor recreation in natural surroundings;

  • Portraying and interpreting plant and animal life, geology, and all other natural features and processes included in the various state parks;

  • Preserving, protecting, and portraying historic and scientific sites of statewide importance; and,

  • Performing functions of the state relating to outdoor recreation development and trails. 

 Firms or individuals interested in submitting a proposal must include all mandatory information specified in the RFP. The Office of State Procurement must receive submissions electronically through the RFP portal or in hard copy on or before 10 a.m. Central on October 27, 2023. Fax and email submissions will not be accepted.

 To view the Request for Proposal, please visit OpportunitiesInLouisiana.com and click on "Bring your business ideas to the parks."

Contact information:

Laura Pursnell-Lindsay

Office of State Parks

225-342-5473

llindsay@crt.la.gov


Barry Landry

Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

225-342-7009

blandry@crt.la.gov


Veronica Mosgrove

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

225-342-7009

vmosgrove@crt.la.gov

---LaStateParks.com---

Posted on June 20, 2023 and filed under Billy Nungesser.

Senate passes Kennedy, Braun resolution to honor Pledge of Allegiance, celebrate 246th anniversary of U.S. flag

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) in introducing a resolution expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance and congressional approval of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777.  The Senate passed their resolution.

“Only one flag represents the U.S.—the stars and stripes that Congress approved to represent our country 246 years ago. Brave Americans have given their lives to defend its promises, and I’m proud to pledge allegiance to our American flag on this Flag Day and every day,” said Kennedy.

Read more: Senate passes Kennedy, Braun resolution to honor Pledge of Allegiance, celebrate 246th anniversary of U.S. flag

Posted on June 16, 2023 and filed under John Kennedy.

Congress Needs to Weigh Obesity as a National Security Concern

From Eastern Europe to the Taiwan Strait, the global geopolitical situation is increasingly unstable, and our long-term alliances and friendships are coming into focus. Nowhere is that clearer than in Europe, where it’s reassuring to see our allies firmly in alignment and stepping up to meet their NATO commitments. As a retired Army officer who served in West Germany, a longtime US representative to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and an outspoken champion of this critical alliance, I’m thrilled to see the West united in this uncertain time.

But after some in Washington spent years lecturing NATO members about their treaty obligations, I’m concerned that the United States may soon be unable to fully meet our own commitments, particularly as it matters most: the ability to put boots on the ground if needed. That’s because the United States is facing a growing, and mostly unaddressed, crisis of military readiness. We have the best weapons and men and women in the uniform, but too many Americans in the cohort most likely to enlist – those 17 to 24 years of age – are unable to do so.


Read more: Congress Needs to Weigh Obesity as a National Security Concern

Posted on June 15, 2023 and filed under Military.

Rep. Dodie Horton Statement on Budget Boondoggle

Crooked, lying, power-hungry politicians continue to hold Louisiana back, making us last in the South and last across the country in almost every category. It is long past time to change this, and we all know it in our hearts. Our beloved Louisiana is having the life sucked out of it, causing a population drain of our finest young people to other states. And our politicians keep doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. We all know what that means: insanity.

The claim is that the Jimmie Davis Bridge funding was removed from the budget because, along with Raymond Crews and Alan Seabaugh, I voted against a measure to bust the budget spending cap that is in our constitution. Our “leadership,” and I use the term leadership loosely, would not tell us how that money would be spent before that vote took place. They refused to tell us how much over the spending limit they intended to spend. How much of your tax dollars would be one-time projects and how much would be recurring expenditures?

They wouldn’t even tell us if they would give the teachers a pay raise, something Republican members overwhelmingly supported. Conservatives previously offered teacher pay raises in two different alternative budget plans we tried to get our leaders to adopt, but it fell on deaf ears. And, of course, leadership didn’t end up giving that pay raise, just a stipend.

We never got any answers to those and many more questions until they gave us the budget five minutes before we had to vote on it. That’s right we only had five minutes to review hundreds of pages containing more than $50 billion of spending. That’s what our leadership thinks of us and of you. You only deserve five minutes for your representatives to try to read hundreds of pages to decide on the future of your children and our state.

All of this is not just about my vote opposing that un-democratic, budget-busting bill they demanded we vote on to find out what’s in it. They were acting like Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican should ever do. I voted against busting the spending cap, but I voted for the budget, because I wanted to avoid a special session, handing the liberals another bite at the apple to spend even more. We had to trust at the last minute that the bill prioritized important infrastructure projects, but we were sold false promises. Senators Robert Mills and Barrow Peacock, who both voted in favor of busting the spending cap, also voted for the budget. In spite of all of that, they couldn’t keep the project in there either. Reps. Glover, Jenkins, Phelps and Pressly all voted to bust the spending cap and also to pass the budget. They are being “punished,” too.

Louisiana has already signed a contract for the Jimmie Davis Bridge that has a start date. I have full confidence the funding will be restored. The Jimmie Davis Bridge defunding fiasco reveals to our constituents just how far these corrupt politicians will go in an attempt to negatively impact my re-election campaign. I have never ceased to support our infrastructure which is reflected in my voting record.

Right now, these crooked politicians are trying to purge the legislature of conservatives who will fight for a better government, a government that gives true value for the expenditure of your tax dollars. This is their fear because they want the gravy train to continue. They’re addicted to spending your money to buy their own power. It’s time to prioritize our tax dollars on critical infrastructure projects like the Jimmie Davis Bridge that have the largest return on investment for our citizens. We can no longer allow the good ole boys system to just continue to spend your money on helping more of their cronies get elected.

I will stand in their way along with the rest of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. We conservatives will grow our numbers. We are not going away. God willing, we will get a real Republican governor next year, and this state will have a chance to move forward. I need your help! A new day is coming, Louisiana. Vote conservative and join our fight to fix our beloved state.

###

Editors Note: Rep. Dodie Horton represents District 9 (Bossier Parish) in the Louisiana House of Representatives. As a founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, we are sending this to be used as an op-ed or quotes may be pulled and used in appropriate articles.

Posted on June 12, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

Chaotic End to Regular Session in Baton Rouge

With four minutes to spare before the Louisiana Legislature's final deadline to pass bills, lawmakers approved a sweeping spending package Thursday in a series of chaotic votes marked by angry yelling at the House Speaker, confusion in the Senate and accusations of backdoor deal-making. 

The approximately $45 billion bundle approved Thursday includes the state's main spending bill, a budget for major construction projects and a supplemental spending measure dealing with a $2.2 billion glut of extra cash the state hauled in over the past two years. The bills move next to the desk of Gov. John Bel Edwards, who put his stamp on the session by pushing for higher teacher pay and funding for early childhood education.

Read more: Louisiana Legislature approves budget in chaotic vote marked by yelling, confusion

Posted on June 9, 2023 and filed under Blake Miguez, Louisiana.

LANDRY: Why We’re Suing FEMA

Louisiana is no stranger to floods. In fact, our State probably has the most expertise in the Nation on flooding, flood mapping, flood surges, and flood protection. We know how to decrease risk and protect our communities without waiting for guidance from the federal government. That is why we have taken initiative, collected tax dollars, and built sprawling levee systems in our most vulnerable areas with great success. And every Hurricane Season, when we remind our people to be prepared, our State has taken heed of that message. 
 
Unfortunately, when we tried to warn the Federal government that their plans for flood insurance premiums would decimate entire economies – especially along the Gulf Coast – they refused to listen. Now, after years of consistent flood insurance premiums, transparency, and reliable flood maps, homeowners are suddenly seeing a sharp spike in their flood insurance costs.  
 
For example, Russell Hebert and his wife built their home back in 1972; Steve Bourgeois and his family have lived in theirs for 57 years. Both enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program, which is mandatory for government-backed mortgages. They both live in a parish where tax dollars have gone towards mitigating the risk of hurricanes and floods with levees constructed, pumps installed, and other protection mechanisms completed. Yet Russell’s flood insurance, which costs a little over $3,000 two years ago, now requires him to pay $5,600 for the exact same coverage. Steve, whose premium was a little over $600 is now over $6,000 – all thanks to FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, also known as “Equity in Action.” 
 
At the root of this problem is gross speculation. For instance, Steve’s property has never flooded and has never been considered part of a flood zone before; but FEMA has repeatedly refused to explain why their flood map has changed or how their calculations were made. What's more: FEMA is refusing to take into account all of the risks mitigated through local investment and planning like building levees, elevating homes, and more. Before Equity in Action, those mitigation measures would have resulted in discounted premiums; now, premiums are more expensive than ever, based on a secret program with secret math. 
 
FEMA used their legacy rating system for 52 years, basing flood insurance premiums on historical, discernible data in order to achieve what Congress dictated back in 1968: make flood insurance coverage affordable and available so that flood victims would not be overly-reliant on post-flood financial aid or disaster relief. Today, Risk Rating 2.0 is its own disaster both in Louisiana and across our country, where roughly 50% of people live and work near water. 
 
This is why Solicitor General Liz Murrill and I are leading a broad coalition of 10 states, 43 parishes, 12 levee boards, and a couple of municipalities in suing FEMA. Naturally, we are grateful for the assistance Louisiana has received from the federal government after many natural disasters; and there are certainly good people who work at these agencies. But Risk Rating 2.0 violates the transparency mandate that Congress specifically required. Even worse, it puts too many families at risk of bankruptcy or foreclosure. 
 
So my legal petition asks the court for relief – not only for the people of Louisiana, but also for every American who risks losing their home and shutting down their small business after doing everything right.
 
It is unfortunate that it had to come to this; but after years of trying to negotiate, our only choice was to sue FEMA for relief or stand back and watch as our citizens hand over the keys to their homes and small businesses. We have chosen to fight for you. 

Jeff Landry
Louisiana Attorney General

Posted on June 8, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry.

Rep. Blake Miguez Receives Huge Endorsement

Rep. Blake Miguez share the below on his Facebook page this morning;

I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority (LCCM), a conservative group chaired by U.S. Senator John Kennedy that is committed to advancing a business-friendly environment in Louisiana through the support of fiscally and socially conservative leaders. This support represents not just a belief in my candidacy, but in our shared vision for a thriving Louisiana. Let's bring this home, District 22! #MiguezForSenate

Posted on June 8, 2023 .

State Senator Jeremy Stine on HB 648

Louisiana State Senator, Jeremy Stine, on why it is important for the legislature to pass HB 648 and his passionate defense of the most vulnerable, our children.

Posted on June 7, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks Endorses Jeff Landry for Governor

Lafayette, La. —Today, Jeff Landry announced that he has secured the endorsement of Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks. Watch endorsement video here

 "This upcoming governor's election is so important to the future of Louisiana. That is why I am endorsing Jeff Landry. Jeff is someone who isn't afraid to stand up for what's right, he is tough on crime, and he is someone that folks in Livingston Parish can rely on. He's the type of leader we need to move our State forward," said Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks.

Posted on June 5, 2023 .

New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) and American Petroleum Institute (API) today released new analysis on the growing economic contributions of America’s natural gas and oil industry in all 50 states, including investment in Louisiana ranging from taxes and workforce wages paid to indirect and induced jobs in retail, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors throughout the energy supply chain. The study, commissioned by API and prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), showed that the industry supported more than 346,000 jobs and contributed over $54 billion toward the state’s economy in 2021.

“It is clear the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s economy, creating jobs, boosting the economy and raising the quality of life for residents across the state. Our state’s economic future depends on a strong, robust oil and natural gas industry and the safe, responsible delivery of energy resources for all.” – Tommy Faucheux, LMOGA President

Read more: New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

Posted on June 2, 2023 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

2023 Louisiana Survey Shows Crime Tops List of Public’s Concerns

Louisiana residents remain pessimistic about the direction of the state; confidence in state government remains low.

The first in a series of three reports from the 2023 Louisiana Survey, a project of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs.

Summary Key results of the 2023 Louisiana Survey, a project of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at Louisiana State University, include:

State of the State

  • Most Louisiana residents (61%) believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. While this marks a slight decline of five percentage points from last year, it is the second consecutive year in which a majority of state residents said the state is heading in the wrong direction.

  • This year, crime surged to the top of state residents’ concerns, named by about one fifth of respondents (19%). • Confidence in state government remains low. Only 28% of Louisiana residents say they are either “very confident” or “somewhat confident” in state government to address pressing problems.

  • The index of consumer sentiment, which measures changes in the outlook for the economy, for Louisiana is 53.5 in the early spring of 2023, a slight improvement over 50.3 in 2022 but well below the value for the United States as a whole, 63.5.

  • Four out of five Louisiana residents (80%) say that crime has increased over the last few years. One fourth of state residents report they were the victim of a property crime within the past year, and 15% report they were attacked or threatened with violence.

  • Most Louisiana adults (76%) visited a doctor in the past year for a routine checkup. Yet, 22% of adult Louisiana residents have not seen a doctor in more than a year.
    Overall, 13% of adult Louisiana residents have needed to see a doctor for their physical health in the past year but could not because they could not afford the cost. The same share (13%) have needed mental health care within the past year but could not afford it.

Read more: Louisiana Survey 2023 Report

Posted on June 2, 2023 and filed under Louisiana.

Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Former State Senator Troy Hebert Defend Jeff Landry

The following was issued by the LAGOP yesterday in response to an attack ad sent out by a PAC supporting GOP candidate for Governor of Louisiana, Stephen Waguespack:

Majority Leader Steve Scalise issued the following statement earlier today. The LAGOP fully endorses the Majority Leader's sentiments, and believes this pro-Waguespack attack against the endorsed Republican candidate for Governor, Jeff Landry, to be unprovoked and unwarranted. We urge Mr. Waguespack and his supporters to refrain from such attacks in the future.

The Majority Leader's remarks are quoted below:

"Louisiana must elect a bold conservative as our next Governor in order to move our state forward and in a positive direction. The best way for a Republican to regain the Governor's mansion is by laying out their vision for the state's future and building momentum by way of inspiring others to join in their cause.

While the temptation always exists, Republicans attacking other Republicans is the only way we can lose this November's election. Stephen Waguespack is a friend, but those supporting his campaign and outside efforts are hurting his chances—and Louisiana Republicans—by breaking Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment in launching negative attacks against the Republican front-runner, Jeff Landry.

We must learn from the mistakes of the 2015 and 2019 governor's races, where Republican infighting ultimately squandered our opportunities to win the Governor's mansion. As we work towards getting Louisiana back on track in 2023, Republican candidates must focus on their positive vision for our state, not instigating intra-party attacks and provoking defensive retaliation. Ultimately, this unproductive discourse only benefits those who want to keep our state on the wrong track.

Stephen Waguespack should denounce this negative ad and Reboot Louisiana PAC should take down this attack ad immediately."

In addition, former rival in a heated race for Louisiana State Senate several years ago, Troy Hebert, had this to say about Jeff while on a program with Jim Engster on Tuesday morning:

Posted on June 1, 2023 and filed under Jeff Landry, LAGOP, Louisiana.