JBE: La. Medicaid payment skewed under Senate bill
Louisiana would be uniquely penalized in the calculation of federal spending on state Medicaid programs under the Senate GOP’s proposed health law rewrite, says Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Section AP Wire
Pro-choice group sues La. over abortion rules
After court victories against abortion laws in Texas and Louisiana, a reproductive rights group filed a federal challenge on Tuesday of a Louisiana licensing law it blames for more than a thousand burdensome anti-abortion regulations.
JBE vetoes campus ‘free speech’ bill
A proposal aimed at protecting controversial speakers’ appearances at Louisiana colleges and calling on campuses to penalize students who disrupt them has been vetoed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, who described the bill as a “solution in search of a problem.”
Voucher students finally catching up to public-school peers
A new report says Louisiana students who attend private schools with taxpayer dollars have bounced back from initially dismal scores in math and English but aren’t outperforming their public school peers.
Governor signs budget, with a few line-item vetoes
The budget was adopted by lawmakers in a special session after they failed to reach a compromise in the regular legislative session.
Cindy comes ashore in southwest Louisiana
National Weather Service forecasters estimated the storm had dumped anywhere from 2 to 10 inches of rain on various spots along the Gulf Coast — and more rain is on the way.
SoLA braces for tropical storm, heavy rain
The northern rim of the Gulf of Mexico, including all of South Louisiana, under tropical storm warning.
For dysfunctional Legislature, next budget will be wrenching
Louisiana lawmakers made crafting their latest nearly $29 billion state operating budget a teeth-gnashing, stress-inducing struggle that took two legislative sessions to complete. That doesn’t bode well for what comes next.
Budget deal could resolve Gov.-AG dispute
Lawmakers say they have a struck a deal they expect to end a budget feud between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry, and the lawsuit the AG filed over an escrow account containing millions.
In collision course with House, Senate releases $29B budget plan
Lawmakers have until June 8 to work out a final deal before the session ends. If the House and Senate can't reach an agreement before adjournment, the governor has scheduled a special legislative session to begin 30 minutes later.
Bill to toughen standards for TOPS program dropped
Future high school students won't have to meet tougher standards to get their college tuition paid through Louisiana's TOPS program, at least for now.
La. gas tax hike sputters in House, shelved
A Republican lawmaker has given up on raising Louisiana's gasoline tax, acknowledging he couldn't rally enough votes for passage.
La. Supt. White’s job validity challenged in court
Critics of Louisiana's state education superintendent filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging his validity in the position.
La. senators hear grim predictions of budget impact
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration has presented to senators a grim picture of the fallout from the House-proposed version of next year's budget, with the governor threatening a veto if anything resembling the spending plan reaches his desk.
Spending on La. Medicaid expansion boosted $368M
More than 428,000 people have enrolled in the government-financed coverage for the working poor, which began July 1.
Insurance rule extended to help flood victims
The rule limits an insurance company's ability to cancel or terminate policies in the state.
Caddo Parish confronts its Confederate mythology
People in Shreveport are meeting to discuss the future of a Confederate monument in front of the parish's courthouse.
Jeff Davis monument removed in NOLA
It’s the second of four Confederate-era monuments being yanked from public spaces in this majority-black city.
Judge rejects immediate block of monument removal
Supporters of Confederate-era monuments slated for removal in New Orleans launched a new court fight Monday to save one of them.
Officers will not face federal charges in Sterling death
The governor's office said the decision will be announced officially on Wednesday, but did not know the exact time.
Judge strikes down La. abortion law
A federal judge has struck down a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have permission to admit patients to a nearby hospital, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision against a similar Texas law.
St. Landry teachers charged with bullying student
The sheriff says both teachers face charges including intimidation and interference in school operations.
Ban on corporal punishment in La. schools advances
Rep. Nancy Landry, Republican chair of the House Education Committee, made the tie-breaking decision to move the bill out of her committee.
JBE’s business tax shelved amid opposition
Facing certain defeat, Gov. John Bel Edwards gave up Tuesday on his effort to levy a new tax on business sales to help stabilize Louisiana's budget, a move that throws his budget-balancing tax plan into disarray.
La. coastal loss declared state emergency
A proclamation will be sent to President Donald Trump and members of Congress, trying to raise the profile of the state's erosion troubles as it seeks federal assistance to speed up restoration projects.
Caretaker accused of exploiting La. federal judge
Louisiana authorities are investigating allegations that a personal assistant financially exploited U.S. District Court Judge Patricia Minaldi, whose alcoholism is so severe that a colleague asked a court to rule she cannot take care of herself.
Which state sends most taxes to DC? Hint: It’s not a state
Last year, the District of Columbia paid Uncle Sam $37,000 per person in federal income, payroll and estate taxes. The next closest was Delaware, at $16,000 per person. Louisiana sends $8,500.
Museum director resigns, wags finger at Nungesser
The interim director of the Louisiana State Museum resigned this week, issuing a letter accusing the lieutenant governor and his staff of interfering with museum management and attempting to "commandeer" museum-owned apartments for personal use.
Minaldi ordered to rehab for alcoholism
The federal judge, whose unusual behavior preceded her mysterious removal from a string of cases, was ordered to get treatment for alcoholism so severe a colleague believes she cannot take care of herself, according to court records.
La. colleges threatened with more cuts
Hammered by budget cuts over nearly a decade, Louisiana's public colleges are staring down the threat of another round of slashing in a state with one of the least-educated populations in the country.
AG Landry sues JBE over money transfer
Attorney General Jeff Landry's lawsuit against Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration is the latest in a string of feuds between the two men since they both took office last year.
Federal flood aid now available to Louisiana
After months of working through the federal bureaucracy, Louisiana has access to the $1.6 billion in federal aid earmarked by Congress for flood recovery.
Edwards’ main business tax plan tweaked amid criticism
Edwards wants to levy a new tax on a business's gross receipts, which the administration is calling a Commercial Activity Tax.
JBE: La. needs tax reform, not ’soundbites’
The Democratic governor said Louisiana’s leaders need to remedy the cycles of unstable state finances in this two-month regular session without falling into partisan talking points.
GOP lawmakers take aim at La. Medicaid spending growth
Health Secretary Rebekah Gee pushed back against the criticism, saying the budget has grown because Louisiana is offering Medicaid coverage to more people, particularly through the Medicaid expansion.
Acadiana state senator on quest for hidden cash
After an audit that found $6 million from the prison rodeo at Angola was never included in the annual corrections budget
Fiscal accord still out of reach at La. Capitol
Gov. John Bel Edwards unveiled a tax overhaul package that targets big companies and seems certain to put him at odds with the business lobbying organizations he’s battled during prior tax debates.
JBE, superintendent clash over rules rewrite
At issue is a proposal required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which is reviving old feuds between Edwards and the state education superintendent he once hoped to force out of the job.
As Ackal walks, 7 former deputies go to prison
The Iberia Parish sheriff, accused of ordering deputies to beat inmates, was cleared on federal civil rights charges, yet seven of those deputies, some of whom testified against him, are headed to prison.
Where did that come from? That's the question plenty are asking about a centerpiece of Gov. John Bel Edwards' tax law rewrite, a proposal to replace existing corporate income and franchise taxes with a corporate tax on sales.
Lawmaker vows to fix La. marriage law
Republican state Rep. Valarie Hodges of Denham Springs said she had always intended for the law to include a waiver process to allow foreign-born U.S. citizens to get marriage licenses.
La. marriage law requiring birth certificates blocked
U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle said it violates equal protection rights as well as the fundamental right to marry.
Lege auditor sounds budget alarm
The head of a nonpartisan legislative office that digs into the spending of state and local government agencies is warning state lawmakers that he's teetering on the financial edge.
Analysis: Medicaid changes could have sweeping impact in La.
Redesign is estimated to come with deep spending cuts. The implications would be major for Louisiana, where more than one-third of residents get health services through the Medicaid program
La. hit with third credit downgrade in 13 months
A national rating agency downgraded the state because of its continued financial uncertainty, making it more expensive to borrow money for roadwork and construction projects.
C’est what? PSC considering relaxing ethics rules
Louisiana's elected utility regulators are weighing whether to loosen their ethics rules and allow utilities to go back to wining and dining them.
La. state police leader retiring amid criticism
Col. Mike Edmonson, the longest-serving state police commissioner in Louisiana's history, said he's leaving to end the upheaval at the Department of Public Safety.
JBE urges Congress to keep Medicaid expansion
Louisiana's Democratic governor says he has "serious concern" with the GOP health plan because it would end the higher federal financing rate for Medicaid expansion in 2020.
La. State Police travel to get auditor review
After a newspaper reported that state police shelled out thousands of dollars in overtime and expenses for several troopers who drove to a conference in California with a state SUV, diverting to a Las Vegas casino resort and the Grand Canyon on the way
Judge on felon vote: Hands tied by La. Constitution
Judge Tim Kelley says keeping those thousands of people from voting is unfair. But he says Louisiana's constitution and state law required him to continue denying the voting rights.
All 3 La.-based US attorneys announce departures
Stephanie A. Finley, based in Lafayette, joined two other Obama appointees in announcing her departure.
La. GOP in Congress mostly mum on health plan
Louisiana's majority-Republican congressional delegation hasn't exactly embraced the GOP proposal to replace President Barack Obama's health care law, with most members instead offering a cautious, noncommittal response.
Appeals court hands oil companies victory in coastal lawsuit
It was not immediately known whether the flood authority would continue to pursue the federal suit by asking for a 5th Circuit rehearing or going to the Supreme Court.
Besides the get-together with Trump, Edwards will meet with FEMA's acting administrator, Robert Fenton, to discuss flood recovery and recent tornadoes that damaged Orleans and Livingston parishes.
Edwards’ budget would leave TOPS short, trim most agencies
The TOPS program would only pay for about 70 percent of students' tuition, just like this year.
Special session ends with deficit-closing deal
Colleges, K-12 public schools and prisons will be protected. Cuts will fall heaviest on the state health department.
La. budget deal negotiated, but will it pass in House?
Republican House leaders acknowledged they don't necessarily yet have the support to pass it.
JBE backs Senate budget-rebalancing plan
Edwards wanted to use nearly $120 million from the state's "rainy day" fund to help fill the gap, other reserves and $60 million in cuts.
Dividing lines drawn: House, Senate try to negotiate deal
The Louisiana state House and Senate have staked out their positions on closing Louisiana's $304 million deficit. Now, the two sides have three days remaining in the budget-rebalancing special legislative session to reach a deal.
House debates deeper budget cuts than Gov. Edwards wants
The proposal from Rep. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, would cut $128 million more than Gov. John Bel Edwards wants to help eliminate Louisiana's deficit, primarily because it doesn't use any money from the state's "rainy day" fund.
Lafayette company agrees to stop peddling ’cures’
The company didn't seek Food and Drug Administration approval for the products or have them tested for safety and effectiveness.
Bayou Bridge Pipeline underscores distrust of oil/gas industry
"The state, or whoever, needs to stay on top of these people and make sure everything they're supposed to do actually gets done."
JBE raises $3.3M for re-election bid in first year
The governor's campaign says nearly all the contributions came from Louisiana residents.
House panel rejects gov’s deficit-closing plan
With the special session nearing its halfway mark, House Republicans are demonstrating they intend to take a sharply different approach to rebalancing this year's budget than Gov. John Bel Edwards wants.
’Rainy day’ legislation advances in Senate
The Senate Finance Committee moved the proposal Tuesday to the full Senate for debate without action, meaning committee members didn't vote in support or opposition of the idea.
NBA All-Star game spotlights LGBT oasis in the South
New Orleans has long enjoyed a reputation as a welcoming place for the gay and lesbian community.
JBE, lege leaders negotiate on ’rainy day’ fund
With opening day formalities behind them, lawmakers and Gov. John Bel Edwards sat down Tuesday in hopes of negotiating a deal to close Louisiana's $304 million deficit during a 10-day budget-rebalancing special session.
Grim budget reality awaits returning lawmakers
Louisiana's lawmakers trudge back to work Monday for a special deficit-closing session that many of them didn't want to have, called to the Capitol by Gov. John Bel Edwards for distasteful decision-making on spending cuts.
Veterinarian charged with horse doping plot
The federal indictment accuses the veterinarian, Kyle James Hebert, of providing trainers with mislabeled syringes of dermorphin to inject in at least four horses that competed at Louisiana racetracks.
New feud erupts between JBE, AG Landry over budget cuts
The Democratic governor wants to cut $6 million from the Republican attorney general's office.
GOP: Edwards’ plan has too few long-term cuts
Edwards' plan, released a day earlier, recommends cutting about $60 million in state agencies and using more than $240 million in reserves and other financing to close the $304 million deficit for the budget year that ends June 30.
JBE’s budget plan relies on rainy day fund to minimize cuts
The governor's plan, released Monday, would use $119 million from the "rainy day" fund and about $100 million in other financing to help close the $304 million deficit.
LSU to begin search for contractors to grow med marijuana
LSU expects to have a contractor hired by June. The first crop is expected to be ready by the end of 2017.
DOTD seeking private investors for I-10 upgrade
In exchange, they would get long-term payments from the state, either through tolls or some other revenue source.
Analysis: JBE appears to fudge budget cut levels
What constitutes a budget cut? While the answer seemingly should be simple, like nearly anything else in the Louisiana Capitol, it depends on perspective.
Ex-vets secretary sues lege auditor
Former VA Secretary David LaCerte this week filed a lawsuit in which he accused Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera and Inspector General Stephen Street of writing an inaccurate report and unfairly attacking his military record.
JBE: deficit-closing special session begins Feb. 13
Gov. John Bel Edwards laid out his reasoning to lawmakers Friday for a deficit-closing special session, saying he won't seek tax increases to close the $304 million gap and will try to protect education programs from cuts.
JBE: GOP leader’s plan ’vague’
Rep. Lance Harris released a spreadsheet Thursday recommending how to make $304 million in cuts without calling lawmakers into a special session.
La. flood recovery programs leave victims short
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration is struggling with a problem that has become all too common for Louisiana's governors: How do you pick the winners and losers among disaster victims as you divvy up federal aid?
JBE calls special session; eyes mid-Feb.
Gov. John Bel Edwards intends to call the special session to make cuts and consider use of Louisiana's "rainy day" fund to close an estimated $313 million deficit in the state's $27 billion operating budget.
JBE defends Medicaid expansion as GOP works on repeal
More than 370,000 people are getting government-financed health insurance through the program in Louisiana, the first Deep South state to participate.
Cuts to TOPS payments proposed
Freshman would get 80 percent of tuition covered, while sophomores would get 90 percent. Juniors and seniors would get the full 100 percent.
Ruling affects funding for 30+ charter schools
With an estimated $80 million in question, the case is expected to go to Louisiana's Supreme Court.
Rough first year for Edwards: floods, shootings, budget woes
Gov. John Bel Edwards knew he was entering the governor's office in crisis mode, inheriting a massive financial mess when his term began a year ago. If only that was the sole crisis to cross his desk before his first anniversary.
Flooded homeowners should see money by April
Louisiana is submitting its plan Friday to spend $438 million in federal flood aid, and Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration says money should begin flowing for recovery work by April.
Audits unveil new Jindal-era financial problems
Financial troubles left behind by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration continue to surface, with recent audits describing misspent money, shoddy bookkeeping and lost state-owned property.
Tough inaugural year winding down for JBE
Gov. John Bel Edwards has taken a round of political blows recently, watching favored candidates lose their elections, a judge reject his LGBT-rights executive order and House leaders thwart his budget cut plans.
Melancon out as wildlife and fisheries chief
Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries secretary, Charlie Melancon, is leaving his leadership post after a short tenure marked with controversy.
Boustany drops lawsuit over prostitution allegations
The soon-to-be former congressman sued the author and publisher of "Murder in the Bayou" in October, when he was in a tight Senate race competition.
Former Gov. Edwin Edwards hospitalized with pneumonia
Trina Edwards tells WAFB-TV that her husband went to an emergency room last week, and on Monday, they called an ambulance to take him to the hospital again.
JBE’s LGBT rights order thrown out by judge
State District Judge Todd Hernandez ruled that Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' anti-discrimination order is unconstitutional because it seeks to create or expand state law.
Decision on size of state budget gap pushed to January
Any new shortfalls will come on top of a $313 million deficit from last year that hasn't been closed.
Congressman criticizes La.’s flood spending plan
Louisiana received approval last week for another $1.2 billion in block grant assistance from Congress. The governor hasn't yet proposed a plan for that money.
Candidates rally ahead of runoff drawing low interest
John Kennedy drew star power for his closing argument Friday: President-elect Donald Trump headlined a Baton Rouge rally. Foster Campbell went to a barbecue.
Angelle’s waltz becomes a toe-squashing two step
What was expected to be a graceful dance to Washington for Scott Angelle has been upended by Clay Higgins' upstart campaign in an election cycle favoring outsiders.
New budget hearings open, with $600M gap lingering this year
The Appropriations Committee opened hearings Tuesday to look at how agencies are spending the money they were allocated this year and what they've requested for next year.
Early voting for Saturday runoffs lagging
December elections historically have had low turnouts, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler's office expects about 35 percent of voters statewide to show up for the election, compared to 68 percent for the presidential election.
JBE going back to DC seeking flood aid
Louisiana has received $438 million in disaster block grant assistance from Congress, but the Democratic governor is asking for a total of $4 billion.
Campbell sees fundraising boost in Senate runoff
U.S. Senate candidate Foster Campbell's fundraising has spiked ahead of the Dec. 10 runoff, as his campaign is bolstered by Democratic donors from around the nation.
Colleges unlikely to escape cuts in state budget
Louisiana's budget has been in tatters for years, nearly the entire eight years Republican former Gov. Bobby Jindal was in office.
Dispute over JBE’s LGBT-rights order heads to court Tuesday
A judge could decide within days whether Gov. John Bel Edwards violated Louisiana's constitution in giving workplace protections to LGBT people through executive order.
Audit: Poor record-keeping in AG Landry’s office
The audit looked at public funds in the office from July 1, 2014, through June 20, 2016.
Former foes now friends in La. Senate runoff
One-time rivals who hammered each other in bitter exchanges ahead of the primary election are now suggesting they're forgiving and forgetting in the runoff as they endorse intra-party competitors who earlier in the election cycle said awful things about them.
JBE delays budget cuts amid higher-ed worries
Gov. John Bel Edwards agreed Friday to postpone budget cuts for another month, as lawmakers pushed to spare college campuses from the slashing needed to close a $313 million deficit.
Public colleges get $18M cut in Edwards deficit-closing plan
The cut, which equals about 2 percent of colleges' general state financing, is contained in a package of budget adjustments sought by the governor to offset a more than $300 million gap left from the last fiscal year.
State looks into another debt refinancing
Louisiana refinanced debt earlier this year to generate quick cash. At the time, the state's financial adviser recommended against doing the same maneuver again.
Trump becomes focal point in La. Senate race
A super PAC supporting Republican candidate John Kennedy, the state treasurer, says Louisiana's voters should support Kennedy in the Dec. 10 runoff because he will work with Trump in Washington.
New hearing set on Edwards LGBT protection order
Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry says the Democratic governor's anti-discrimination executive order violates the state constitution. Edwards accuses Landry of repeatedly exceeding his authority and is asking Hernandez to define the attorney general's role in office.
The two men had traded attacks ahead of this month's primary, with a super PAC supporting Kennedy heavily hitting Boustany.
Fayard backs Campbell for Senate
The competition between Fayard and Campbell had been particularly bitter ahead of the Senate primary election earlier this month.
FEMA extends sheltering program for flood victims
FEMA officials announced on Monday that the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program has been extended until Dec. 18.
Edwards’ $315M deficit-closing plan to be unveiled Friday
It wasn't clear if the proposal would rely solely on cuts to close the gap or if the Edwards administration has found any pots of money to offset some of the deficit.
Audit prompts ’complete internal review’ of fisheries agency
The review by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera's office details widespread financial issues across the department under the department's former secretary, raising questions about millions of dollars in spending.
Economist: La. job numbers drain state coffers
Louisiana's $315 million deficit from last year was mainly driven by continuing dips in employment that are hammering personal income and business tax collections.
JBE wants to speak with Trump about flood aid
Gov. John Bel Edwards is reaching out to the nation's president-elect for help in Louisiana's recovery from August flooding that heavily damaged southern parishes.
Partisan attacks likely in La. Senate runoff
Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy and Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell were the top two vote-getters in Tuesday's election.
Edwards going back to Washington for flood aid
The Democratic governor is seeking $4 billion in federal aid to respond to the flooding that hit south Louisiana in August and March flooding that damaged north Louisiana.
Duke inclusion derails Louisiana Senate debate
Duke’s presence at historically black Dillard University sparked protests by students and others.
Tax panel gives solons its ideas
Louisiana's lawmakers are being urged to make sweeping changes to the state's sales, personal income and property tax policies, in an effort to end state government's boom-and-bust budgeting cycles.
Early voting in La. shatters records from 4 years ago
More than 515,000 voters cast their ballots early in Louisiana's weeklong early voting period that ended Tuesday — 17 percent of the state's 3 million registered voters.
Prosecutor: Inmates screamed in pain from beatings in jail
A federal prosecutor says handcuffed inmates screamed and groaned in pain and begged for the beatings to stop as sheriff's deputies swung metal batons in an April 2011 contraband sweep at a Louisiana jail.
Analysis: Is Justice blind to campaign contributions?
As of last week the two candidates for the only contested seat on Louisiana Supreme Court had raised a total of $1.5 million in campaign contributions.
The Iberia sheriff is charged with ordering the beatings of prisoners and orchestrating a brazen cover-up.
With an open seat, two dozen candidates, prostitution allegations and a white supremacist contender, the only sure thing in Louisiana's U.S. Senate race seems to be that it won't be decided Nov. 8.
Official: La. coast ’issue of a lifetime’
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Johnny Bradberry told dozens of participants in a discussion Monday at LSU that the current coastal situation will affect every part of the state's economy.
Early voting in La. opens, runs until Nov. 1
Early voting runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Sunday, at local parish registrar of voters' offices and other designated locations.
Changes to tuition rules among 6 amendments on La. ballot
The proposed constitutional change, which would end the requirement of a two-thirds vote of state lawmakers for college tuition and fee hikes, is the highest profile constitutional amendment of six awaiting voters on the Nov. 8 ballot.
No end in sight to feud between Edwards, Landry
In the continuing feud between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry, the two men keep trading wins and losses.
Jobless rate rises, payrolls fall in La. in Sept.
Louisiana's jobless rate was third-worst among states, with Alaska worst.
Edwards seeks cheaper environmental review for flood repairs
The governor's office Friday released a letter sent to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro requesting the waiver in using the aid earmarked by Congress after August floods ravaged south Louisiana.
Medicaid expansion enrollment tops 326,000 in La.
That leaves the state just 50,000 shy of the goal it aims to reach by July.
Construction money steered to roads, building repairs
The Bond Commission approved the plans Thursday, though some lawmakers have expressed concern about specific projects that are being delayed.
Louisiana AG challenges LGBT-rights order
The attorney general is asking for a preliminary injunction, prohibiting the Edwards administration from enforcing the order, and ultimately for the order to be declared unconstitutional and voided.
La. Senate candidates spar over records in TV debate
Major candidates vying for Louisiana's U.S. Senate seat clashed Tuesday night over health care, finances and each other's records in their first televised debate, slamming each other as they sought to break away from the pack.
US citizen born in refugee camp sues to marry in La.
The bill's sponsor says she will push for an amendment that would allow foreign-born people who are legally in the U.S. to get married here if they can't produce a birth certificate.
TV ad battle underway in La. Senate race
Not surprisingly, many candidates are calling foul play on the attack ads against them.
PSC chairman and ex-congressman Holloway dead at 72
A member of the utility regulatory agency's board since 2009, Clyde Holloway died at his home in Forest Hill on Sunday.
Troy Hebert’s debate hopes dashed
The U.S. Senate candidate's lawsuit highlights the difficulties for lesser-known, "poorer" contenders.
Court refuses to reverse judge’s removal from Ackal case
Chief Judge Dee Drell, of the Western District of Louisiana, hasn't explained why he reassigned Ackal's case to U.S. District Judge Donald Walter.
Hebert lawsuit on Senate race debate drags on
Only five of the 24 Senate candidates met the debate criteria, which required participants to have raised at least $1 million and polled at 5 percent support. Troy Hebert is not fundraising for his campaign.
La. takes bids on study toward coastal plan’s key project
Bids will be opened Nov. 16 for the study of the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion — a controlled opening that would be built through the Mississippi River levee in Plaquemines Parish.
Louisiana's transportation department has kicked off an ad campaign touting the safety benefits of the roundabout, those traffic circles that are cropping up more and more in the state.
La.’s GOP Senate candidates won’t disavow Trump
None of the major GOP contenders for the Senate seat said they've changed plans to vote for Trump in the Nov. 8 election.
He said he was heeding his doctors' advice regarding rest but looks forward to returning to work as soon as he's cleared.
Sugar cane grinding season has started in Louisiana and with it the familiar, often acrid aroma of burning fields.
Contentious Medicaid contract gets leges’ nod
Lawmakers have agreed to another one-year, $46 million contract extension for the firm that processes bills and handles health provider enrollment for Louisiana's Medicaid program.
Prosecutors: Ackal not entitled to his pick of judges
But their 20-page court filing Wednesday didn't shed any light on why Federal Judge Patricia Minaldi was removed in March.
Judge blocks enforcement of La. stripper age limit
The women argue it violates their right to free expression, illegally deprives them of income and discriminates against them based on age and gender.
LSU: Tiger mascot will be euthanized
LSU announced in May that the tiger had been diagnosed with a rare and inoperable form of cancer.
Troy Hebert files lawsuit challenging debate criteria
The U.S. Senate candidate objects to criteria set by LPB and CABL for their Louisiana Tech University debate because it required participants to have raised at least $1 million.
JBE sues AG Landry over anti-discrimination clause
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards sued the state attorney general Friday for rejecting contracts with an anti-discrimination clause that would protect LGBT people, language the governor ordered to be included in nearly all state contracts.
La. tries to revive Planned Parenthood funding cut
Earlier this month, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction blocking the cut, which would have kept needy Louisiana women from getting non-abortion services at Planned Parenthood facilities.
Second deadline to be missed by La. tax study group
Task force members have been working since March, spending long hours delving into complex discussions of tax policy that affects individuals, businesses and government.
Senate passes stopgap spending bill, $500M for La. floods
The House is expected to approve the measure as early as Wednesday night and send it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
La. flood aid drowns in D.C. paralysis
The Senate has blocked a spending bill needed to keep the government open beyond Friday's midnight deadline. The bill includes $500 million to help Louisiana after last month's flooding.
’Deepwater Horizon’ film stirs emotion in victims’ families
While their reactions to the movie vary, relatives of the 11 workers who died in the rig explosion hope it will remind people about the disaster's human toll.
Court asks judges to respond to Ackal’s claims
Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal's attorney argues that U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi's mysterious removal from the sheriff's case violated court rules and apparently was done without her consent earlier this year.
ACLU: Lafayette ’flag desecration’ arrest unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal flag protection law in 1990.
Stanley Dural took zydeco music mainstream. He went on to jam with musical greats like Eric Clapton, play at former President Bill Clinton's inauguration and perform at the 1996 Olympics closing ceremony in Atlanta.
Ackal challenges mysterious switch in judges
In March, U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi was removed from the cases against the Iberia sheriff and 11 of his subordinates without explanation.
No illnesses have been reported from the latest recall of ice cream distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Report questions Louisiana fish safety testing
State auditors say the program was so mismanaged it couldn't even declare if the catch was fit to eat.
JBE defends contract for coastal litigation
"I'm not going to allow the oil and gas industry to decide who represents the state of Louisiana in litigation against the oil and gas industry."
Speaker Ryan backs La. flood aid
The flood aid question is one of a handful of unresolved issues involving the stopgap funding bill, which would prevent a shutdown next week and keep the government running through Dec. 9.
USDA: $328M oil spill restoration plan for Gulf
Undersecretary Robert Bonnie says the agency will use that focus through 2018 as it helps coastal producers plan improvements to improve water quality and improve coastal ecosystems under several Farm Bill programs.
Drug makers spend big on La. candidates, lobbying
The number of overdose deaths increased 10 percent from 2006 to 2014.
Medicaid expansion tops 300,000 in La.
More people still are needed to enter the program to reach the savings projected by Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration for this year's budget. The budget assumed 375,000 people will enroll in the Medicaid expansion.
Lawmakers won’t intervene in Landry-Edwards budget dispute
Landry has complained to lawmakers that two of his budget requests have been stalled by the Edwards administration.
Analysis: La. flooding disrupts candidate outreach, polling
Flooding that ravaged south Louisiana and damaged homes across the Baton Rouge and Lafayette regions has put a crimp in fall election planning, making it more difficult for voter outreach and tracking when tens of thousands are displaced.
La. to borrow up to $400M in short-term bank loans
The Bond Commission agreed without objection Thursday to the short-term loans, which will be drawn down as needed and must be repaid by August 2017.
La., Fla. governors take different approach on aid
It's a tough time for a governor to come to Washington, hat in hand, to ask for billions of dollars for a hard-hit state.
AG Landry says governor’s office stalling his budget request
The dispute is the latest in a series of clashes between the Republican attorney general and Democratic governor since the two men took office in January.
Appeal court: La. can’t block Planned Parenthood money
The state of Louisiana has lost another legal round in its attempt to take Medicaid funding away from Planned Parenthood clinics.
$15M in property tax breaks for manufacturers stalled
Cleco Power, which received approval because it had been in the pipeline before Edwards' executive order, will get more than $12 million in tax breaks over 10 years for a project expected to create 12 jobs in St. Mary Parish.
$2B in damage to LA. businesses blamed on flooding
LED estimates nearly 20,000 businesses' operations were interrupted.
La. asking feds to shoulder more of March flood
The state's congressional delegation and Gov. John Bel Edwards have asked the Obama administration to drop Louisiana's share of response costs from 25 percent to 10 percent for the north Louisiana flooding.
Governor asks Congress for $2B for flood recovery
At a House subcommittee hearing reviewing the federal response, Edwards said the money is needed for housing, economic development and public works after August flooding that caused more than $8.7 billion in damage.
Deadline set by Edwards on reworked hospital deals
Gov. John Bel Edwards has given the private operators of the LSU hospitals and clinics until next week to decide if they agree to renegotiated terms of their financing deals with the state.
1st UL lab chimps arrive at Ga. sanctuary
University officials say they've been planning retirement and sanctuary for its chimpanzees for more than two years, and "the vast majority" were never part of any research.
Despite Katrina lessons, flood plan in Louisiana shows gaps
Criticisms are emerging about the pace of housing aid, the size of grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the question marks that surround rebuilding and recovery.
JBE heads to Beltway seeking disaster aid
Gov. John Bel Edwards is traveling to Washington to pitch Louisiana's case for additional federal flood relief aid.
NOAA: Global warming upped odds for deluge
Man-made climate change about doubled the chances for the type of heavy downpours that caused devastating Louisiana floods last month, a new federal study finds.
La. offers scholarships for contractors in flood areas
Contractors in parts of Louisiana affected by recent flooding can qualify for a limited number of scholarships when registering for a new program to help small construction companies grow.
Auditor: State could save millions via prison reform
The reports suggest the use of pre-trial diversion programs, more drug courts, reducing the use of mandatory minimum sentences and providing more rehabilitation services to inmates.
Time extended for unemployment assistance
People who lost jobs or income because of the flooding across south Louisiana have more time to apply for disaster unemployment assistance.
Fewer students enrolled in Louisiana’s public colleges
According to CollegeBoard, average tuition and fees for in-state schools went from $4,733 in 2010-11 to $7,871 in 2015-16. That’s a 66-percent increase in tuition and fees.
Thousands apply for new flood housing program
The governor's office said that more than 6,300 people applied for the program on Monday, the first day applications were accepted.
La. borrows $187M for state-financed construction work
The debt will be paid over 20 years with a 2.7 percent interest rate.
Federal support continues for those affected by La. flooding
FEMA says more than 1,700 families are being housed in hotels or motels through their program to provide short-term lodging.
Feds won’t block removal of New Orleans monument
Two federal agencies say they won't try to block the city of New Orleans' attempt to remove a monument to an 1874 white supremacist revolt against Louisiana's federally backed post-Civil War government.
FEMA recovery center opens in Lafayette
FEMA says the center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.
Tropical depression moving into the Gulf of Mexico
U.S. National Hurricane Center said it could soon become a tropical storm.
Initial jobless claims suggest flood spike
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims rose to 4,984 from the previous week's total of 2,704.
Every third or fourth house still had a pile of flood debris on the lawn, and occupants were still gutting and clearing damage.
Louisiana closely monitoring tropical weather
The governor said Wednesday he is “fervently praying” that a hurricane or tropical weather won’t hit the state. He added: “I would appreciate other people’s prayers as well.”
ACT shows La. weakness in reading, math, science
The state says Louisiana's composite score has edged up three consecutive years, while the national average has dropped.
Removal of Louisiana flood debris begins
It will be months before streets across South Louisiana are cleared of debris.
More than 115,000 seek disaster assistance
State officials say $20 million in FEMA homeowner assistance had been distributed as of Tuesday.
Nearly 3K remain in La. shelters after flooding
The storm and its flooding have damaged an estimated 60,000 homes and forced thousands to seek temporary housing with relatives, friends or shelters.
Casting his campaign chairman aside with just 11 weeks until Election Day, Donald Trump moved ahead with the reboot of his White House bid on Friday with a tour of flood-ravaged Louisiana.
Housing crisis looms in flood-stricken Louisiana
With an estimated 40,000 homes damaged by deadly flooding, Louisiana could be looking at its biggest housing crunch since the miserable, bumbling aftermath of Hurricane Katrina a decade ago.
Obama unlikely to halt vacation to visit flooded Louisiana
The White House said he has been receiving regular updates and briefings on the situation throughout the vacation, including from Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards.
As floodwaters recede, disbelief mixes with determination
The smell of muddy water hung heavy in the air as people began sorting through waterlogged belongings and ripping out carpets Wednesday in flood-wracked southern Louisiana, which now faces a long-term challenge of how to house thousands of displaced people.
Called a sex predator, powerful ex-prosecutor faces prison
FBI agents were watching — and recording — when a powerful Louisiana prosecutor arrived at the apartment of a woman facing a drunken driving charge.
Thousands in shelters across SoLa
The weather had improved from the torrential downpours that began Friday but rivers and creeks in many areas were still way above flood stage, and people downstream eyed the deluge with concern.
Bell Helicopter commits to two more years in Lafayette
In May, Bell announced that it was pulling its 505 Ranger X helicopter operation from Lafayette and moving it to Canada.
AHS teacher facing carnal knowledge charge
Deputies arrested 29-year-old Matthew Reon Tuesday morning at his home in Duson.
La. education superintendent gets ’favorable’ job evaluation
One state lawmaker this week urged the board to fire John White, saying White hasn't shown enough progress in student performance.
Troy Hebert files suit against polling firm
Hebert says the May poll was "flawed" because it incorrectly identified him as a Republican. He is running without party affiliation.
Gloves come off in La. Senate race
For months, contenders vying for Louisiana's open U.S. Senate seat largely played nice, at least publicly.
La. budget chief: Deficit from last year ’inevitable’
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne said Monday there's one more week of tax collection data to receive before the books are formally closed on the year that ended June 30.
Gov. Edwards turns focus to easing gridlock, improving roads
With Louisiana's budget gaps partially stabilized, Gov. John Bel Edwards is looking to make roads, bridges and other transportation needs a key initiative for next year's legislative session.
Senate candidates short on specifics for health care changes
Republican contenders for Louisiana's U.S. Senate seat pushed repeal of the federal health overhaul Wednesday, while their Democratic opponents said they want tweaks instead.
ACLU: Man denied survivor benefits after husband’s death
Gerald Allen Beem and William Floyd Conley had lived together since 1982; they were legally married in California in 2014 — before the Supreme Court decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Aug. 5-6 is Louisiana’s annual Sales Tax Holiday
Shoppers will pay three percent sales tax rather than the full five percent. The discount applies to many purchases, including back-to-school supplies, electronics, furniture and most other retail items.
DAs drop bid to save ’age verification’ law
Website owners faced fines of up to $10,000 for not complying with the law.
Judge to rule on former football coach’s suit against UL
Jerry Baldwin, who was UL Lafayette's first black head football coach, compiled a record of six wins and 27 losses in three seasons.
Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal already is prohibited from possessing firearms following his indictment, but his attorney says recent killings of police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas demonstrate he needs a gun to protect himself.
Amid budget woes, hundreds wait for school vouchers
Nearly one out of three students who thought they would get a voucher for the 2016-17 school year are going on a waiting list instead.
Breaux Bridge priest arrested on child porn charge
The diocese said it was informed by state police on Wednesday of the arrest of the Rev. F. David Broussard, who served the church parish of St. Bernard
Layoffs won’t hit governor’s office after all
Earlier this month, some employees in the office had received layoff notifications.
Average composite ACT score edges up in La.
Public school students have been required to take the ACT since 2013. ACT scores are now used in figuring accountability ratings for schools and school districts.
Buddhist monk gets meditation time — in prison — for ripping off temple
U.S. District Judge Donald Walter also ordered Khang Nguyen Le, 36, of Lafayette, to pay nearly $264,000 in restitution.
Cajundome update includes new seats, interactive murals
While the focus is on the interior of the arena, bids should be in hand in August to resurface the roof of the Cajundome, which is mostly black from dirt and mildew.
Energized white supremacists cheer Trump message
Seizing on that energy, former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke on Friday announced a bid for the Senate. The Louisiana Republican likened his policies on trade and immigration to Trump's in an announcement video.
BR council to consider police residency requirement
The ordinance would require all fresh hires starting in 2017 to live within city limits.
La. may need short-term loan for temporary cash flow
The state usually borrows from its own savings accounts until tax collections and other payments roll in, but former Gov. Bobby Jindal and lawmakers raided many of those accounts to patch together prior budgets.
Boustany et al qualify for congressional runs
Candidates have until Friday to register for the November ballot.
’Sheer brutality’: Police detail Baton Rouge shooting scene
"It is chilling in the sheer brutality. These officers were intentionally targeted and assassinated. It was a calculated act."
Ackal tells federal judge he needs to carry a gun
Court papers filed Monday say Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal needs a gun because police are under attack.
Medicaid expansion reaches 250K in La.
Louisiana is the first state in the Deep South — and the 31st state nationwide — to expand its Medicaid program under the health law championed by President Barack Obama.
Facebook post defines how it was to be black and an officer
Baton Rouge police officer Montrell Jackson, who was killed Sunday, had written a Facebook post expressing how difficult it was for him to be both a black man and a police officer.
Police: Gunman who killed 3 was ’seeking out’ officers
The attack unfolded less than two weeks after Baton Rouge police fatally shot a black man in a confrontation that sparked nightly protests that reverberated nationwide.
GOP leads in La.’s US Senate race fundraising
Republican contenders for Louisiana's U.S. Senate seat are outraising their Democratic opponents and sitting on more cash in their campaign accounts for the November election, as the race's profile rises with the candidate signup period next week.
Speakers call for justice at Sterling funeral
Alton Sterling was shot and killed July 5 in front of a convenience store after an altercation with police
Edwards heads to Iowa for governors’ meeting
According to the meeting agenda, discussions are scheduled on trade, agriculture, renewable energy, opioid addiction, attracting foreign investment and computer science and technology education for children.
Arson destroys Civil War governor’s mansion in Opelousas
Opelousas was Louisiana's capital for about nine months in 1862 and 1863, while Union troops held Baton Rouge.
Groups sue over BR police treatment at protests
The groups allege that authorities used excessive force, carried out mass arrests and verbally and physically abused protesters.
Layoffs planned in Gov. Edwards’ office
The governor's office will reduce its staff to cope with a $1 million budget cut for the financial year that began July 1.
Governor cuts $44M from La. construction budget
The largest item cut from the construction budget was $15 million for a road project in Scott.
Criticism mounts over BR police handling of protesters
"Yesterday evening we were standing here ... and they just started coming and attacking the crowd for no reason. They are telling us not to be violent, but they are being violent against us."
La. transportation task force meets Tuesday
Legislative, industry and business leaders are on the panel, which means any agreement also backed by Gov. John Bel Edwards stands a good chance of becoming reality.
Long divided: BR race relations under new scrutiny
In Baton Rouge, an invisible, informal line segregates the community, dividing the southern white section from the mostly black part in the north.
Protests over police killings aim to occupy interstates
Riot police in full gear stopped a group of protesters in Baton Rouge from walking onto an interstate on Sunday evening, thwarting a protest tactic that social justice activists have increasingly tried in several U.S. cities.
Initial unemployment claims in La. decline
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims fell to 2,871 from the previous week's total of 2,966. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,707.
Louisiana is getting a $60 million federal grant to complete a nearly 15-mile pavement replacement and lane addition project between the Interstate 10/I-49 interchange and the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.
Feds open probe into deadly BR police shooting
The U.S. Justice Department opened a federal civil rights investigation Wednesday into the videotaped police killing of a black man who was shot as officers wrestled with him on the pavement outside a convenience store.
Man describes taking video of BR police shooting
Arthur Reed told The Associated Press that on the day of Alton Sterling's death, two teams of people drove to the scene, outside a convenience store, after hearing about the incident on police radio.
Sans incentives, Hollywood exits La. en masse
Louisiana's once-booming film industry — dubbed "Hollywood South" — was off by as much as 90 percent this past year, a drop attributed to the state's decision to wind down its generous incentives.
Incentive attitudes shifting in Baton Rouge
After years of generosity with tax breaks and subsidies, Louisiana’s leaders are taking a new approach with business, responding to years of budget problems with scaled back support for companies and questions about the value of such investments.
La. first state in Deep South to expand Medicaid
More than 233,000 people — largely the working poor — have been enrolled so far in the government-financed insurance coverage offered under the health law championed by President Barack Obama.
A balanced state budget, but for how long?
Economists have warned the state could close the books for the current fiscal year with a deficit as large as $200 million.
LSU mascot Mike VI will be hard to replace
In past years, LSU has gotten its tigers from zoos or from two animal sanctuaries, both of which have since been shut down by the federal government for failing to provide proper care.
State to focus on young students
Louisiana's latest push to improve student achievement will focus in part on why some of the state's youngest students are failing to master basic skills.
Six constitutional changes on Nov. ballot
All the amendment proposals will be on the Nov. 8 ballot at the same time voters are choosing a new president, the person to fill an open U.S. Senate seat and the state's six U.S. House members.
Administration splits with unions on bill
On the final day of the second special session last week it went largely overlooked that Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law HB 887, despite appeals from the teachers unions to veto it.
Proposed toll road loop around Lafayette being discussed
The loop proposal isn't new, but it's been roughly five years since any significant public discussion of the project, and it likely has faded from memory for many residents.
US rig count falls after three-week gain
The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out last month at 404.
Budget deal front-loads TOPS payments, with cuts in spring
Gov. John Bel Edwards opposed both the front-loading of the TOPS payments but he wouldn't say in an early Friday morning news conference whether he'd strip the plans with his line-item veto.
After 19 weeks, Louisiana lawmakers finish session Thursday
Louisiana lawmakers entered the final day of their special session on taxes Thursday with pending votes on how deeply they will cut health and education programs in the budget year that begins next month.
Senate spending plan prioritizes colleges, cuts K-12 schools
Behind the scenes, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Senate President John Alario were trying to persuade lawmakers, particularly House Republican leaders, to agree to more tax changes, to further boost revenue in the financial year that begins July 1.
Senate president seeking to revive cut to income tax deductions
The House rejected the proposal, but state Sen. John Alario said the measure remains the final option to raise additional revenue beyond the $284 million that has won legislative support so far.
Who will pay? A look at tax bills approved by lawmakers
Louisiana lawmakers are nearing the end of a special session aimed at raising more money for next year's budget through tax changes
Reworking of state indigent defense spending signed into law
The bill requires the Louisiana Public Defender Board to dedicate at least 65 percent of its annual financing to local defenders of the indigent, which have been struggling with financial shortfalls.
House votes for more tax changes
Louisiana House members agreed Monday to raise $70 million more for next year's budget by lessening business tax breaks, then divvied up all the money raised in the tax special session with a spending plan to give most of it to education and health care.
Bill to spend new tax revenue advancing in La. House
The proposal backed in an 18-4 vote by the Appropriations Committee would give TOPS one-third of the new money, $67 million.
Juvenile lifers await chance for parole after SCOTUS ruling
States with the highest caseloads include Pennsylvania, with more than 500; Michigan, Louisiana and California, with more than 300 apiece; and Florida, with more than 200.
House rejects Edwards bill to lessen income tax deductions
With only four days remaining in the special session, the options for drumming up more money for the financial year that begins July 1 are dwindling.
Edwards vetoes 3 bills from regular session
Gov. John Bel Edwards has vetoed bills governing construction financing, state worker pay raises and corrections facilities.
Food stamp numbers jump in La., decrease nationwide
Almost 19 percent of Louisiana's 4.6 million residents participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims fell to 3,445 from the previous week's total of 3,590. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,888.
Economist: State could face up to $200M deficit this year
If the expectation pans out, it would worsen state financial problems in the upcoming budget year that begins July 1.
Senate tax package nearly twice as much as House version
Louisiana's state senators Thursday backed a package of bills estimated to raise at least $400 million for next year's budget, while the House has refused so far to budge beyond about half that amount.
Stalemate between House and Senate over budget bill breaks
Louisiana House and Senate leaders reached a deal Thursday for handling the budget bill that will spend the tax dollars raised during the special legislative session.
Edwards agrees to boost max fines for texting while driving
The change immediately increases those traffic fines to up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for additional violations.
Fast-track concealed carry for domestic abuse victims signed
Domestic violence victims will move to the front of the line for a concealed carry permit, under a bill signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Bill to raise $100M-plus advances in House
To get the bill out of the Ways and Means Committee, lawmakers agreed to make the tax break reduction a short-term loan to the state. Louisiana would be on the hook for paying back as much as $257 million to taxpayers in two years.
Bill would lessen tax breaks for manufacturers
The bill would prohibit businesses from receiving both an exemption from paying local property taxes for their facility and from paying property taxes charged on inventory.
Edwards signs cursive writing mandate
The measure requires public schools, including charter schools, to introduce cursive writing instruction by third grade. Instruction will have to continue through 12th grade.
Critical tax vote planned Wednesday in House
Pressure is being put on members of the House tax committee, who are deciding whether to scale back a tax deduction for upper-income earners.
House mulls compromise on income tax bill
The compromise would involve making the bill temporary and including a mechanism to shrink the money raised from the bill if other taxes bring in more than expected.
Edwards signs REAL ID bill; new law offers option to drivers
Drivers have worried they will run into trouble boarding domestic flights without a REAL ID-compliant license. Conservatives had raised privacy worries about the data collection required for compliance.
Sales tax ’cleanup’ bills to be delayed by La. Senate
Until House lawmakers agree to more taxes for next year's budget than they've supported so far.
Initial unemployment claims in La. climb
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims rose to 3,590 from the previous week's total of 3,138. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 3,368.
Students will be able to use college ID to vote
Louisiana's community and technical colleges are excluded from the measure. The new law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2019.
House backs tax bills, but far short of Edwards’ request
Lawmakers in the Louisiana House agreed Thursday to tax bills that would raise more than $220 million next year, slightly more than one-third of the target set by Gov. John Bel Edwards to balance the budget.
Bills to increase cellphone fees await governor
The Legislature has given final passage to measures from two Republican lawmakers that would raise as much as $20 million a year for local emergency call systems.
Edwards tax plan snuffed by Dem committee chair
Edwards described rejection of his proposal as "putting politics over people."
Health secretary: Medicaid expansion savings maxed out
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration is pushing back against Republican claims that Louisiana isn't maximizing the savings available from the Medicaid expansion that begins next month.
Governor approves Lafayette assessor car allowance
Conrad ComeauxLafayette Parish Assessor Conrad Comeaux can soon receive a car allowance on top of the position's six-figure salary, under a bill signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards.The governor's offi
La. joins more than 20 states in ’banning the box’
Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the "ban the box" legislation into law Monday to block state employers from asking about job applicants' criminal histories before interviews.
Construction budget bill moving again in House
Striking a conciliatory tone, House lawmakers started advancing a new multibillion-dollar construction budget on Tuesday, after tanking the Senate's version in the waning minutes of the regular legislative session.
Edwards to lawmakers: \"We have some unfinished business\"
Weary lawmakers are questioning whether they'll support additional tax changes after the tax hikes passed earlier this year.
$7M in oil spill money taken from AG’s office
More evidence of the power struggle between JBE and Landry?
Bill to parole juvenile lifers halted in final moments
Affected prisoners left in lurch as Senate-House squabble scuttles legislation.
Legislative session ending as another begins
The House and Senate struck a compromise Sunday on the $26 million operating budget for next year — sort of a rough draft; lawmakers will fill in holes with any revenue they raise in second special session.
Lingo undercuts abortion restriction bill
An amendment added to a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting abortions performed because the fetus has a genetic abnormality appears to have nullified the ban entirely.
Bill to create electronic driver’s licenses sent to governor
The electronic licenses could only be used for driving and not for identification at bars or other private establishments.
Bid to cut agency’s hotel spending wins final OK
The Louisiana State Law Institute, which studies complex legal issues for the Legislature, holds meetings of its decision-making council at the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans.
Governor sent bill to stop personal Wi-Fi hotspot blocking
Proponents say the bill saves people from having to buy into a company's daily Wi-Fi access program in order to have wireless internet access to laptops, tablets, smartphones or other devices.
Ag department in line for cut of medical marijuana sales
Estimates are the state is up to two years away from medical marijuana sales.
US rig count rises, up from record low
It's the first gain in months and halts a slide that pushed the count to record-low levels amid collapsed energy prices.
Senate agrees to $26B budget with cuts to TOPS, hospitals
"If you want to give a dollar to somebody, you have to take it from somebody else."
Enrollment for La.’s Medicaid expansion opens Wed.
Louisiana will become the 32nd state to expand the government-financed health insurance program to the working poor when the new coverage begins July 1.
Lawmakers boost penalties for texting while driving
The bill would increase those fines to up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for additional violations. Drivers under 18 could face license suspension for up to 60 days for second and later violations.
If TOPS takes a cut, lawmakers want it evenly distributed
Under current law, if TOPS isn't fully funded, only students with the highest scores on the ACT college entrance exam receive the tuition aid.
Senators unveil version of La. operating budget
Higher education, the LSU medical schools, K-12 public schools and the voucher program that provides taxpayer-financed tuition for private schools all would face cuts.
Edwards, Landry spar over spill recovery money
The oil spill money is among a variety of financial and legal issues over which the Democratic governor and Republican attorney general have been at odds since both men took office in January.
Cursive writing mandate in final stretch
The House voted 88-1 Thursday for the bill to require students to learn cursive reading and writing by the third grade.
$208M in business tax break applications stalled by governor
The tax breaks siphon dollars away from local governments and public schools that use the property tax revenue to pay for their own operations.
Bill would end possible jail time for underage drinkers
The violation would still carry a fine up to $100.
Governor asking senators to strip all House budget changes
“We ask you to consider starting over,” Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, the governor’s chief financial adviser, told the Senate Finance Committee, asking it to strip the House changes “in their entirety.”
PETA asks LSU to stop using captive tigers as mascots
LSU announced Monday that Mike VI was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma and has a tumor on its face.
Senate kills LGBT anti-discrimination bill
Democratic Sen. Troy Carter's proposal would have applied to public and private business, but exempt churches and religious organizations
Senate committee stalls bill to penalize ’sanctuary cities’
Local law enforcement officials objected to the bill, saying immigration enforcement rests with federal officials. They said the proposal was built on an invented and unfair term.
Louisiana Senate rejects religious-objections bill
Opponents of the "Pastor Protection Act" proposal by Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City, said existing law offers the protections sought and the measure was unnecessary.
Cajundome breaks ground on $22M renovation
Improvements will give the 31-year-old arena a new lease on life and position it to aggressively compete for premium events and more customers.
Planned Parenthood defunding wins final passage
Federal health officials have warned such efforts may violate the law, and a federal judge has blocked previous Louisiana efforts to cut off Medicaid funding for clinics.
Governor wants oil industry to pay for coastal restoration
Gov. John Bel Edwards is pushing to get the oil and natural gas industries to pay for restoring Louisiana's fragile coast by encouraging them to settle lawsuits alleging they caused extensive damage to coastal lands.
Pension increase for retired state workers signed into law
Nearly 125,000 retirees over the age of 60 will see increases, ranging from 1.5 percent for retired state workers and teachers to as much as 4 percent for retired state troopers.
Uncertain how many La. students will get vouchers next year
The situation won't be cleared up until the budget is passed and the voucher enrollment process wraps up in June.
House committee halts equal pay bill
Opponents, including the state's largest business lobbying groups, said the measure would encourage frivolous lawsuits.
Hurricane prep sales tax holiday scrapped for this month
The holiday normally takes place on the last Saturday and Sunday in May, exempting hurricane preparedness items, like batteries and lanterns, from state sales taxes.
Attorney general questioned as ’sanctuary city’ bill delayed
Some senators questioned whether the proposal gives the attorney general too much power.
La. Senate to consider reworking indigent defense spending
The proposal would require at least 65 percent of the state public defender board's financing to flow to local indigent defenders. That could steer money away from appeals of death sentences for poor defendants.
Lemonade stand protection bill headed to the governor’s desk
Lawmakers have given final passage to a bill exempting minors engaging in sales of less than $500 a year from having to pay an occupational license tax.
Farm-to-school program bill nears final passage
A proposal to create a farm-to-school program encouraging public schools to use locally grown products in their cafeterias is nearing final legislative passage.
GOP lawmakers question legality of LGBT executive order
Edwards' anti-discrimination order is similar to orders enacted by two former Louisiana Democratic governors — but he added language protecting against discrimination based on "gender identity," a provision that protects transgender people.
House wants to divert fee money to help pay for TOPS
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration and state senators are raising concerns about the legality of the idea.
Senators hear about health care cuts proposed for next year
While the House steered more dollars to Louisiana's safety net hospitals, health care services remain short of the financing needed in next year's budget to keep from shuttering services and threatening medical training.
In budget debate, House picks safety net hospitals over TOPS
With a narrow 49-43 vote, the hospitals were prioritized amid a struggle to close a $600 million shortfall next year.
Inspector general financing restored in next year’s budget
An effort to eliminate the Louisiana inspector general's office failed to win House support Thursday amid concerns about scrapping a government watchdog agency in a state with a history of public corruption problems.
Budget debate begins Thursday in the La. House
The biggest disagreement for the financial year that begins July 1 centers on whether to prioritize the TOPS free college tuition program and give it full funding at the expense of health services for the poor, elderly and disabled.
No improvements for the state income projections
That leaves lawmakers to continue grappling with a $600 million budget shortfall for next year.
Lawmakers cut penalties for drug paraphernalia
Louisiana lawmakers have agreed to cut the penalties for possessing, selling and using drug paraphernalia to conform with lessened marijuana penalties passed last year.
Pension increase for retired state workers, teachers passes
The pension hike is tied to adjustments in how the retirement systems pay for raises and administrative costs, aimed at lessening long-term debts.
Lawmakers toughen criteria for abortion doctors
With a 35-0 vote Tuesday, state senators gave final legislative passage to a measure that will require doctors who perform abortions to be either board certified or certifiable in obstetrics and gynecology, or family medicine.
Anti-discrimination bill narrowly advances to Senate debate
Democratic Sen. J.P. Morrell's bill would rework Louisiana's existing anti-discrimination laws and broaden them to cover LGBT groups and people with disabilities.
Gov. signs TOPS cost containment bill into law
Awards from Louisiana's TOPS program are no longer guaranteed to fully cover tuition if the costs grow.
House budget committee backs cuts for lege agencies
It dovetails with Gov. John Bel Edwards' recommendation for a 10 percent cut to the legislative budget as Louisiana grapples with a $600 million shortfall next year.
Edwards pans some House budget changes
Gov. John Bel Edwards says he'll "reserve final judgment" on the House version of next year's budget until he gets more details. But he already has concerns about the approach.
State: Car insured by Affirmative? Get new coverage. Now.
About 11,000 Louisiana policy holders are affected.
TOPS priority as House works on the budget
About $183 million more would be needed to fully fund the program, which is highly popular, particularly among middle class voters around the state.
Lawsuits: Release defendants jailed months without lawyers
Civil rights attorneys Thursday said nine people held in jails across Louisiana should be released because they have been held for months without a lawyer because of the state's public defender budget crisis.
Edwards rejects calls to revise special session timeline
Calls to delay a special session on taxes would be irresponsible, allowing damaging cuts to take hold across state services, Gov. John Bel Edwards says.
Louisiana lawmakers have killed an attempt to lift the state's ban on sales of unpasteurized — or "raw" — milk for the third year in a row.
House backs striking jail time from underage drinking
Underage Louisianans caught with alcohol can face up to six months in jail under current state law, but that will soon change if lawmakers in the state House have their way.
Senate votes to give some juvenile lifers chance at parole
Louisiana's state senators reluctantly agreed Wednesday to give people convicted of murder as teenagers a shot at parole after serving 35 years of their life sentence.
House aims to punish Louisiana ’sanctuary cities’
The House voted 67-27 Wednesday in support of the proposal that targets so-called sanctuary cities — jurisdictions that don't enforce federal immigration law without a court order. The bill advances to the Senate for consideration.
Governor wants to suspend state worker pay raises
The governor's chief budget adviser Jay Dardenne asked the Civil Service Commission on Wednesday to block annual "performance adjustments" for rank-and-file government workers, called classified employees, in the budget year that begins July 1.
La. lawmakers try to cut state spending on office leases
The bill comes on the heels of revelations that state Treasurer John Kennedy, a U.S. Senate candidate and fiscal hawk, has spent hundreds of thousands on space in privately owned buildings while state-owned space was available.
’Raise the Age’ bill sails through Senate
A bid to raise the adult prosecution age in Louisiana one year to 18 years old has won strong support in the state Senate.
New website created for La. Medicaid enrollment
Louisiana will become the 32nd state to expand the government-financed health insurance program to the working poor when the new coverage begins July 1.
TOPS rate restriction wins final nod from House
The Louisiana House gave final legislative passage Monday to a bill that locks in the TOPS payment rate at next year's tuition level, unless lawmakers vote to raise payments.
La.’s high school graduation rate continues to improve
Despite the improvements, Louisiana still lags the nation.
Governor sets May 15 target for tax ideas
Gov. John Bel Edwards is urging a study group looking at state budget and tax policy to give him preliminary recommendations for ways to raise money to fill financial gaps.
House votes to ban sex offenders from door-to-door sales
Violators would face prison sentences up to 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.
House votes to ban second-trimester abortion procedure
State courts have blocked similar laws in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Edwards defends proposed $6M cut to vouchers
Gov. John Bel Edwards pushed back Thursday against criticism he is ousting children from Louisiana's voucher program, telling pro-voucher pastors that they are being misled.
Movie theater metal detector mandate fails to win support
A bid to require movie theaters across Louisiana to install metal detectors has been rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee.
LGBT anti-discrimination employment bill advances in Senate
It awaits certain death in the House, if not the full Senate.
’Ban the box’ employment bill passes La. House to cheers
State representatives cheered as a bid to block state employers from asking about job applicants' criminal histories before interviews cleared the Louisiana House.
Pro-voucher group hits governor in TV ad
The ad from the Louisiana Federation for Children shows women accusing the Democratic governor of taking away school choice and of lying when he said he didn't want to kick people out of the voucher program.
Bill giving teen killers chance at parole advances in Senate
Under pressure from a Supreme Court ruling, Louisiana senators are advancing a proposal that would give teenagers who have committed homicide a chance at parole after serving 35 years of a life sentence.
Trial delayed for Iberia Sheriff Ackal
Prosecutors asked for the delay, saying they are weighing additional charges in the case.
Lawmakers look to regulate drone use
A number of proposals under consideration in the House and Senate would criminalize drone trespassing, outline surveillance and privacy laws and establish registration and licensing guidelines.
Senate seeks to limit eleventh-hour pay hikes
Former Gov. Bobby Jindal's cabinet secretaries gave out millions in raises only days or weeks before they exited office in January.
Estimate of La.’s budget shortfall drops to $600M
To close the $600 million hole, the Democratic governor is proposing cuts across most agencies, to the TOPS college tuition program and to safety net health services for the poor.
Stop ticketing lemonade stands, La. senators say
Louisiana's state senators voted 37-0 for a bill that would exempt minors engaging in sales of less than $500 a year from having to pay an occupational license tax.
Treasury finds almost $45M for insurance beneficiaries
All of the money goes into the department's Unclaimed Property Program, where it remains until it's claimed.
On second try, Senate backs medical marijuana expansion
Louisiana hasn't yet started its medical marijuana program, which will eventually get medical-grade pot to people suffering from cancer, glaucoma and a severe form of cerebral palsy.
Planned Parenthood defunding bill heads to La. House
Opponents said the ban conflicts with federal regulations governing Medicaid financing and would strip money from needed health care services for the poor.
’Pastor protection’ bill passes House
Louisiana lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a proposal to allow clergy and churches to refuse to perform or host same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Senate supports across-the-board TOPS award cuts, if needed
If the TOPS free college tuition program isn't fully funded, Louisiana's senators want every eligible student to at least get partial payment of tuition.
Bill limiting access to police body cam video stalled
Senators worried the bill's language was too broad, a concern echoed by the Louisiana Press Association. They say it could block law enforcement transparency.
Edwards expects support to build for second special session
Edwards, a Democrat in office since January, reached his 100th day as governor Tuesday still grappling with deep financial troubles
State Senate backs bill allowing raw milk sales
The proposal wouldn't allow retail stores to sell raw milk.
Dems pouring own money into US Senate race
Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell put up $250,000 for his Senate bid. New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard poured $150,000 of her own money into her campaign account and raised another $193,000.
Health dept. estimates $677M via Medicaid expansion
Republicans in the Legislature have blocked expansion efforts in prior years. But on Monday, both GOP and Democratic senators appeared to embrace the idea.
La. jobless rate rises to 6.1 percent
Louisiana's unemployment rate rose in March, as more people entered the labor force than could find jobs.
House seeks decision-making in work mandate for food stamps
Opponents say work requirements could strip needed food aid from struggling people in a state facing an economic downturn.
Tie vote stalls bill to protect Confederate monuments
The House municipal affairs committee stalled it in a 7-7 vote in a partisan vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposing it.
Budget cut debate mired in uncertainty about special session
Looming over all the budget cut talks is the likelihood of a second special session on taxes. Lawmakers can't raise taxes in their ongoing regular session that ends June 6.
Senators reject school funding formula amid budget concerns
Education leaders said public schools will struggle with the cut.
House conservatives refuse REAL ID, support purchase of separate ID cards
The House refused to allow Louisiana to issue driver's licenses that comply with the federal law. But they did agree to let people pay for a special state-issued ID compliant with the federal act.
La. governor issues order banning LGBT discrimination
Edwards' LGBT protection order prohibits state agencies, boards and contractors from harassment or discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability or age.
Senators agree to boost fines on texting while driving
Bill would boost those fines to up to $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for additional violations.
La. Senate votes for equal pay bill supported by governor
But the proposal sought by the Democratic governor is expected to face difficulty winning passage in the more conservative House, amid opposition from business groups who say it would encourage unnecessary litigation.
Proposed budget cuts would hit TOPS, safety net hospitals
Gov. John Bel Edwards proposed closing a $750 million budget shortfall with deep cuts to the TOPS free college tuition program, safety net hospitals for the poor, colleges and public schools.
Saints’ Payton expresses frustration with gun laws
"On this issue, I can't wrap my brain around it."
Longtime Saints radio color analyst dies
Hokie Gajan was an all-state back at Baker High School and later a back at LSU. He went from being a 10th-round draft choice to a prominent runner with the Saints.
Bill raising adult prosecution to 18+ up for committee vote
Louisiana prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults, and it's been a non-discussion in the state Legislature for 108 years.
Bill to raise stripping age to 21 sails through La. Senate
Opponents of raising the stripping age argued during Senate committee debate that the requirement would limit women who use dancing as a means to better themselves financially.
Health department revamps Medicaid expansion hiring plan
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration is reworking its approach to hiring the staff needed to handle his Medicaid expansion effort after getting pushback from lawmakers.
Schedler working to return museums to locals
Amid years of spending cuts, Secretary of State Tom Schedler has been working to shrink the footprint of state-run museums, returning smaller museums to local community management.
Governor seeks role in lawsuits against oil, gas companies
Gov. John Bel Edwards wants to make sure Louisiana is involved so the state will get money resulting from the suits if they are successful.
La. governor: Time to sober up
Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday that the budget cut proposals his administration will unveil next week to cope with a $750 million gap will be "very sobering."
Bill to guarantee public defender funding advances
"The idea that this money is somehow being wasted is simply not true."
Bill to protect Confederate monuments rejected
Republican Sen. Beth Mizell's bill to create a state commission with the power to review any decisions regarding removal of such monuments was defeated by the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee in a 5-4 vote along party lines.
Modest changes proposed for TOPS
A proposal to end TOPS awards for students to attend private colleges was scrapped.
This week in hypocrites: No cut proposed for lege agencies
Though Louisiana continues to struggle through deep budget gaps, House and Senate leaders aren't proposing that they slash their own spending.
Louisiana's budget problems are creating uncertainty for thousands of college students who rely on the state's TOPS free tuition program.
Bill would ban teen dancers from adult clubs
A proposal to block adult entertainment venues from hiring dancers under the age of 21 won support Tuesday from a Louisiana Senate committee.
Budget worst-case scenario: parks, historic sites shuttered
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he could close many of Louisiana's state parks, museums and historic sites if his agency takes the worst-case scenario cut for next year.
Senate agrees to ban sex offenders from door-to-door sales
Already in Louisiana, registered sex offenders can't drive a bus or taxi or work in an industry that requires going into someone's home to provide a service.
Minimum wage, equal pay bills begin advancing in La. Senate
Edwards made a plea for the bills in person, saying the proposals would help strengthen families in a state where one in five people live in poverty.
Ackal pleads not guilty to ordering inmates’ beatings
A March 9 indictment claims the Iberia Parish sheriff directed officers to assault inmates in the parish jail's chapel, where no surveillance cameras would record the April 2011 beatings.
Senate votes to curb last-minute pay raises from governors
The bill is a response to millions in raises given out by former Gov. Bobby Jindal's cabinet secretaries only days or weeks before they exited office in January.
Lawmakers pushing work mandate for food stamps
For 19 years, Louisiana has had a federal waiver of a requirement that childless adults ages 18 to 49 work 20 hours per week or be enrolled in a job training program to receive the food aid.
New La. sales-, sin-tax hikes kick in Friday
Smokers, drinkers, car renters and every shopper around Louisiana will be paying more for their purchases.
DHH: Medicaid expansion could lessen, not stop cuts
The chief financial officer of Louisiana's health department says Medicaid expansion could save the state $124 million next year to help lessen the blow of budget cuts.
La. House votes to curb state spending on public art
The measure, which goes to the Senate for debate, wouldn't help bail out the state operating budget. The dollars at issue come from the state construction budget.
Trump looks to decertify La. delegates
"The problem we're having here is there was a secret meeting in Louisiana of the convention delegation, and apparently all the invitations for our delegates must have gotten lost in the mail."
Trump threatens lawsuit over La. delegates
The Republican front-runner took to Twitter Sunday to complain that he won the most votes in the state's primary, but could emerge with fewer delegates than rival Cruz. "Lawsuit coming," he wrote.
Critics question House vote-change policy
A practice little-known to the public that lets House lawmakers change their votes after bills have passed or failed — as long as the switch doesn't change the outcome.
Veto override effort fizzles in House
Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry, a Republican, said he got more information from the governor that answered questions lawmakers had about the vetoes, ending discussion about an override.
Protesters disrupt oil and gas lease sale
They marched to the Superdome holding signs saying "no drill, no spill" or "Keep it in the Ground."
Veto override decision expected Wednesday in the La. House
Even if the House were to support an override of Edwards' decisions, Republican Senate President John Alario isn't interested in a similar Senate debate.
REAL ID bill advances to the Senate floor
The Democratic governor's position is a reversal from his Republican predecessor, Bobby Jindal, who vetoed a similar bill in 2014 amid privacy concerns from conservative groups.
House budget hearings begin with uncertainty about cuts
The state is short $750 million to continue all programs and services, even after lawmakers passed $1.2 billion in tax hikes.
State senators beginning tax break review
Louisiana has more than 400 tax breaks on the books, estimated to cost the state more than $8 billion a year.
NOLA moves away from arrests for marijuana offenses
The council unanimously approved the new guidelines, which proponents say would allow police to focus their attention on more serious, violent crimes.
La. to refinance debt for $82M for this year’s budget
The state's financial adviser told lawmakers, "I recommend don't do this again."
Governor to meet with credit rating agencies after downgrade
Edwards called the meeting to try to reassure the rating agencies that he and lawmakers are working to stabilize Louisiana's finances after years of budget problems.
La. budget shortfall for this year $70M after tax increases
Even with the tax hikes recently passed by lawmakers, Louisiana has a budget gap of nearly $70 million that remains to be closed in the next three months,
House budget hearings loom as uncertainties clear up
Though they opened a regular legislative session Monday, budget hearings aren't scheduled to begin until next week.
Corporate tax law rewrite emerges from special session
Supporters say the structure would be more competitive. Opponents worried the change could raise business taxes.
New session, with same budget problems
The House and Senate start the three-month regular session staring down an $800 million shortfall.
Big Easy Airbnbs mushroom, sparking debate
Now tourists — some of whom come to party — are found in neighborhoods around the city, and locals are divided about whether that's a good thing.
La. budget shortfall could still top $50 million
Tax bills were rushed through in such frenzy in the final minutes of the special legislative session that the governor, lawmakers and their financial advisers were still trying Thursday to sift through the implications.
Who will pay? A look at tax bills approved by lawmakers
Louisiana's lawmakers wrapped up work Wednesday in a special legislative session aimed at balancing this year's budget.
Session ends with gaps remaining
Louisiana lawmakers cobbled together enough money through tax hikes in the closing hours of a special session Wednesday to keep colleges and health services from facing hefty cuts, but only for the remaining three months of this budget year.
Special session reaching its end Wednesday
The Democratic governor and leaders of the majority Republican Legislature negotiated behind closed doors on a possible budget and tax agreement that, if reached, would require a flurry of votes before the special session ends Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Senators blast LABI for seeking to protect tax breaks
Senators grilled business lobbyists on the second-to-last day of the special legislative session, saying companies aren't doing their fair share to help close Louisiana's budget gap.
Last-minute maneuver could boost Medicaid funding
A little-noticed financing maneuver added to legislation Monday night by senators is estimated to bring in at least $250 million more annually for Medicaid.
Who could pay? A look at tax bills approved by lawmakers
Lawmakers in the state House and Senate have supported varying measures to change Louisiana's tax laws.
Session deadline near with no tax deal reached yet
House Republicans and Gov. John Bel Edwards appeared at sharp odds over a deal to prevent widespread cuts on health care and colleges.
Out of office, Jindal looms over budget crisis
Criticism of former Gov. Bobby Jindal is bipartisan and widespread, with irritated lawmakers left sifting through the highly-unpopular choices of raising taxes or taking a hatchet to higher education and government services.
House backs alcohol tax; Edwards objects to higher sales tax
The continued tax debate came in the final days of a special legislative session that must end Wednesday, as lawmakers in both the House and Senate worked into Sunday evening trying to reach a final mix of budget cuts and taxes.
Former President Clinton stumps for his wife in La.
He promoted her plans to cut debt for college students, modernize the country's ailing infrastructure, tackle the country's heroin epidemic and push for equal pay and paid leave for working women.
Overnight, La’s budget woes more than double
A gap senators thought they had whittled to $67 million now may top $140 million.
Drivers get refunds after defunct red light camera program
In Jefferson Parish, not Lafayette, but we thought all you Redflex haters might enjoy this story.
Parents plead for taxes to help disabled children
Health care services that serve thousands with developmental disabilities are threatened as lawmakers decide how to close a hefty budget shortfall.
Edwards urges House GOP to support more tax bills
The Democratic governor met privately with GOP House and Senate members Wednesday morning in the basement of the Louisiana Capitol, urging action as a special legislative session he called to stabilize state finances nears closer to its March 9 end.
Former GOP state rep enters 3rd CD race
Former state Rep. Brett Geymann, a Republican from Lake Charles, has entered the race for a congressional seat representing southwest Louisiana.
Former US Rep. Cao enters Senate race
Cao became the nation's first Vietnamese-American congressman with his unexpected defeated of a scandal-plagued incumbent Democrat, William Jefferson, in 2008. Two years later, he lost the New Orleans-based seat to another Democrat, Cedric Richmond.
La. hit with credit rating downgrade
The decision by Moody's Investors Service to drop the state's credit rating is another blow to a state teetering on the edge of financial calamity.
Group: Ruling may leave Louisiana with 1 abortion clinic
Louisiana's law is among hundreds of abortion restrictions passed across the country in recent years.
Donation toward state debt bill rejected by Louisiana House
The House overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would have created a new state fund to accept grants or donations to pay down state debts.
Who will pay?: A look at tax proposals up for House debate
Lawmakers in the Louisiana House will consider Thursday more than 30 tax proposals that could help balance this year's budget and drum up more money long-term for the state treasury.
Proposed budget cuts would hit public education
The measure strikes at the governor's efforts to shield K-12 education from most cuts, and approval came despite opposition from education officials who said the plans could damage classroom instruction and jeopardize spring standardized testing.
Appellate court rules against abortion clinics in La.
A federal appeals court is allowing a Louisiana law to take effect that requires doctors who provide abortions to have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles.
Edwards’ tax bills start advancing in the Louisiana House
The House Ways and Means Committee, which is the first stop for tax bills, advanced more than 30 tax measures — including many pushed by the Democratic governor — to the full House for consideration.
GOP House lawmakers eye budget protections, contracts
The measures, which head next to the full House for debate, are part of GOP lawmakers' efforts to slash government spending more deeply than Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards proposes.
GOP in House strikes at state contracts
But financial analysts suggest the contract changes won't generate sizable savings to help close an immediate budget gap topping $850 million.
Tax credit for working poor targeted in legislative debate
Lawmakers clashed Thursday over a Louisiana tax credit for the working poor and whether it should be scrapped or expanded amid the state's deep financial problems.
Chemical association appeals tax change ruling
A Baton Rouge judge ruled against the Louisiana Chemical Association in December, saying lawmakers properly approved the temporary suspension of a 1-cent sales tax exemption on business utilities.
$328M in patches backed by Senate
With those votes, Senate President John Alario said the Senate has done all the work it can for now to help rebalance the budget, which has a gap ranging from $850 million to $950 million.
Health care company leader announces for 3rd District race
Gus Rantz, a Republican and president of a Lafayette-based hospital management company, said Tuesday that he'll be on the Nov. 8 ballot in the 3rd Congressional District race.
Cuts likely for privatized LSU hospitals under best scenario
The privatized state hospitals that care for the uninsured are likely to take steep financing reductions over the next four months that could lead to rationed patient care and lengthy wait times for services.
The Latest: Senate committee agrees to tap ’rainy day’ fund
The $25 billion budget has a shortfall ranging from $850 million to $950 million, with only four months remaining to close the gap.
Judge: La. can’t enforce abortion law during appeal
"Today's ruling continues to guarantee Louisiana women will have access to safe and legal abortion services."
$60M cut from state spending so far to rebalance budget
But that's only a fraction of the action needed to close an estimated $850 million to $950 million budget gap before the financial year ends June 30. Next year's shortfall is larger, estimated to top $2 billion in the year that begins July 1.
Audit: Louisiana borrowing methods increased state debt
The long-term cost to the state for the maneuvers could reach as high as $231 million.
Jindal, Kennedy draw criticism in governor’s session speech
The Democratic governor never named them, but he took digs at Jindal as helping to create the state's financial crisis and at Kennedy for suggestions those troubles have easy fixes.
’General’ Landry drops fight with Edwards over Common Core lawsuit
Landry, a Republican who has taken to referring to himself in press releases as "General Landry," said Edwards was too quick to drop the lawsuit, leading to a war of words in publicly released letters and in court filings.
Edwards asks public to support tax hikes for state budget
The Democratic governor, in office since January, described widespread, devastating closures of public college campuses and shuttering of health care services without the new money.
Louisiana’s current budget woes mirror 1988
"Maybe this is the year the Legislature and the governor will get its house in order. That's the hope."
Judge issues new order against Louisiana abortion law
The law requires doctors who perform abortions to be able to admit patients to a hospital within 30 miles.
White House: Scrap drilling revenue sharing with Gulf states
Louisiana's U.S. senators and environmental groups are blasting the White House for proposing to help Alaska deal with rising seas by taking money away from similar efforts along the Gulf Coast.
Edwards plans rare TV speech to talk budget, taxes
The Democratic governor is asking lawmakers to raise taxes to help balance Louisiana's deficit-riddled budget in a special legislative session to begin Sunday.
Louisiana revenue forecasts drop again
Louisiana's budget gap has grown worse, now projected at around $850 million, while a more than $2 billion shortfall is projected in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Judge rules against opponents of Confederate statue removal
A similar challenge was shot down in federal court a day before the lawsuit was filed.
Stepdad convicted of murder in death of Skylar Credeur
Not long before her death, Credeur had spoken out about years of alleged sexual abuse at the hands of her now-convicted killer.
214,148 people sign up for health coverage in La.
The third open enrollment period ended Sunday. It marks an increase in Louisiana.
Edwards says unions ’have a friend in the governor’s office’
Gov. John Bel Edwards embraced his support from organized labor, telling a construction trades union Wednesday that he won't distance himself from the groups now that he's leading the state.
Gov. Edwards fills out remaining cabinet positions
Gov. John Bel Edwards named Marketa Garner Walters to lead the Department of Children and Family Services, the social services agency, and Thomas Harris to head the Department of Natural Resources.
Economist: ’Almost all minus signs’ for La. finances
As they dug into the details of Louisiana's latest budget problems, state senators were warned Thursday that the news could get bleaker still, with the state's monthly financial reports offering little room for optimism.
Health department outlines impact of potential budget cuts
Nearly all the cuts would be levied on the privatized LSU hospitals that care for the poor and uninsured, under the first scenario. Under the other proposal, all optional Medicaid programs would be eliminated.
State high court overturns bar to felons running for office
"Simply stated, what the citizens voted on was not what the legislature enacted," Justice John L. Weimer wrote for the 6-1 majority.
Project aims to mark U.S. slave trade ports
The Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project has been working to place markers at 40 ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts where slaves arrived or where ships were sent to be used in the trade.
Fight over Confederate monuments goes to state court
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday and again seeks to halt New Orleans' planned removal of four monuments.
Judge: Part of Louisiana abortion law unconstitutional
A state mandate that doctors who provide abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.
Judge OKs removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier ruled against a collection of groups seeking to block the removal of four monuments, including a towering marble column and bronze statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, a landmark on the cityscape.
Judge: Ruling Tuesday in challenge to La. abortion law
The law requires doctors who perform abortions to be able to admit patients to a hospital within 30 miles.
Edwards hasn’t made decisions on Jindal-era lawsuits
Republican Bobby Jindal left the governor's office with his administration embroiled in three high-profile lawsuits — on Planned Parenthood, Common Core and same-sex marriage.
Edwards owes up to $155M to cover Jindal’s business deals
When Bobby Jindal exited office, he left behind a string of IOUs for his economic development deals, at least $155 million of which could come due during the next four years of Gov. John Bel Edwards' term.
Blanco, 6 others named to board overseeing Superdome
Gov. John Bel Edwards' office late Wednesday announced the appointments to the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District.
Edwards releases tax proposals to balance budget
Gov. John Bel Edwards proposed a broad array of tax hikes Tuesday on shoppers, smokers, phone services, business utilities and more, saying Louisiana needs to bring in more money to steady its finances and end the cycles of perpetual budget crises.
Judge skeptical of case against removing Confederate statues
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier heard the pleas of lawyers for preservationists and a local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans seeking to halt the city from moving ahead with plans to take down statues of Confederate leaders.
Grand shooter’s journal offers few clues
A journal left behind by the gunman who opened fire in a Louisiana movie theater last summer doesn't provide a clear motive for the deadly shooting, but the drifter's own words portray him as a mentally unstable man.
Grand shooter thanks Charleston counterpart
The gunman responsible for a deadly rampage inside a Louisiana movie theater last summer left a journal thanking the man accused of killing nine black people in a South Carolina church.
New Gov. Edwards starting Medicaid expansion plan
Edwards has said he wants to have government-funded health insurance cards in more people's hands by July 1.
President Obama to speak at BR high school
The visit will mark Obama's 10th trip to Louisiana during his time in office. The stop comes after Tuesday's State of the Union address.
Edwards officially only Democrat in Deep South
Saying he won't be a "business-as-usual" leader, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards took his oath of office Monday, promising to stabilize the budget and end cycles of financial crises that threaten public health services and colleges.
Bumpy beginning: House rejects JBE’s pick for speaker
Instead, the majority Republican chamber voted Monday for Rep. Taylor Barras, a Republican from New Iberia, to lead the House.
At least 4 La. governors to attend Edwards inauguration
Former Govs. Edwin Edwards, Buddy Roemer and Kathleen Blanco also will be on hand at the event. Former Gov. Mike Foster's attendance is questionable because Carbo said the two-term Republican governor hasn't been feeling well.
Edwards’ health chief causing unease for anti-abortion group
The health secretary oversees regulation of Louisiana's abortion clinics, a position that has been used by outgoing Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration to tighten restrictions on the facilities.
Edwards sets July 1 for planned Medicaid expansion
To make that happen, his new health care leader said Louisiana will have to hire nearly 250 new health department workers to handle the enrollment and find the dollars to pay them, in a state saddled with deep budget problems.
$50M spent on Louisiana governor race
Louisiana's most recent governor's race appears to be the most expensive in state history.
Flooding could shutter Basin for deer hunters
Rising flood waters in the Atchafalaya Basin could trigger an automatic deer hunting season closure in parts of Deer Area 9 as early as Friday.
Gov.-elect to name additional cabinet members
Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards said he expects to have most of his cabinet in place before he is sworn into office next week.
Edwards preps menu for special session
Only days away from taking office, Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards said Monday that he will soon release a "menu of options" for digging Louisiana out of its continuing budget troubles.
Analysis: Louisiana voters get little rest from elections
Think you've had enough of elections after last year's U.S. Senate race and this year's governor's race? Buck up, Louisiana voters.
First Lady Edwards to champion music education
Donna Edwards has told media outlets that while she is unsure if her advocacy will become a formal platform, she will stress the importance of teaching music and art in each school.
11,000 invitations sent for Edwards’ inauguration
Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo says people from around Louisiana don't need an invitation to attend the ceremony on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol.
Outside groups try to influence La. House speaker race
Governors usually have a heavy hand in determining legislative leaders, an anomaly largely unique to Louisiana.
Edwards to remove work requirements for food stamps
Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards intends to remove work requirements that Gov. Bobby Jindal has enacted for more than 60,000 food stamp recipients, job mandates that were challenged in a federal lawsuit last week.
Analysis: Wish lists out of step with La. budget reality
With Louisiana's incoming governor throwing out the budgetary limits used by Gov. Bobby Jindal for his two terms in office, ideas for new spending are piling up after years of budget cuts.
Lawmakers bristle at cost, but accept Medicaid contract
A $46 million, one-year contract extension for the company that processes bills for services rendered to Louisiana's Medicaid patients was reluctantly approved Thursday by state lawmakers.
New Orleans council votes to remove Confederate monuments
The council's 6-1 vote on Thursday afternoon allows the city to remove four monuments, including a towering statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that has stood at the center of a traffic circle for 131 years.
Though Medicaid expansion likely, Jindal calls it bad idea
If Louisiana decides to expand its Medicaid program as allowed under President Barack Obama's signature health overhaul, as many as 500,000 more people would be eligible for the government-funded health insurance.
Guides issued to help parents understand La. school scores
State education officials are releasing guidebooks to help parents understand report cards for individual Louisiana public schools and public school districts.
Fast-growing Youngsville eyes master plan
An area that once was known for sugarcane and cattle pastures is booming with subdivisions, restaurants and stores.
Interim president named for UL System
Dan Reneau was named Thursday as interim system leader during the transition. Reneau was president of Louisiana Tech University for 26 years before retiring in 2013.
Initial jobless claims in La. fall
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims fell to 2,414 from the previous week's total of 2,554. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,796.
Lawmakers vote to spend $28M from state ’rainy day’ fund
It was the last piece of Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to close a $487 million deficit in this year's $25 billion budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.
Dardenne’s new job as budget adviser comes with pay hike
With Dardenne's new role comes a salary of $237,500. That's a sizable pay boost from his current $115,000 salary as a statewide elected official.
Jay Dardenne chosen as new governor’s chief budget adviser
Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards named his new budget chief Monday, selecting Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, the Republican who crossed party lines to lend critical support to Edwards in the runoff, for the high-profile job.
Senators seek plan to expand La. Medicaid
The Senate Finance Committee on Monday asked the health department to devise an expansion plan before Jan. 1.
Lafayette considering names for new high school
Eight names are under consideration for a new high school in the Youngsville area.
Credit agency says La. deficit plan only a ’stop-gap’ fix
A national credit rating agency says the maneuvers used by Gov. Bobby Jindal and lawmakers to close a $487 million midyear budget gap were only temporary fixes.
Lafayette hires 1st school improvement administrator
Irma Trosclair told the school board Wednesday that she's committed to ensuring all children succeed — regardless of their backgrounds or obstacles.
Edwards to issue anti-discrimination order as governor
Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards says he'll issue an executive order when he takes office in January that bans discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation.
Lafayette man accused of shirking state taxes
Alan Bernard filed state tax returns reporting no income from A-Team Home Improvements LLC in 2012 and 2013, but subpoenaed bank records and Bernard's federal tax returns show that it brought in $144,000 in 2012 and more than $324,000 in 2013.
Two new tax proposals to generate money for Lafayette Parish schools will be on the April 9 ballot.
Governor-elect has short time to build new administration
The transition period from election victory to governing may be the most high-intensity, yet least understood part of an administration, when a team and its policies are created largely from scratch.
La. presidential primary sign-up underway
Presidential candidates have to pay $1,125 with their paperwork or file a nominating petition with signatures.
Audit: Millions in equipment missing from LSU hospitals
Most of LSU's hospitals were privatized by Gov. Bobby Jindal, with the facilities and equipment leased by private hospital managers.
Lawmakers to decide by Dec. 8 on using ’rainy day’ fund
Gov. Bobby Jindal is asking House and Senate members to use $28.2 million from the fund to help close a midyear deficit and keep public colleges from facing cuts.
Another $48M taken from roadwork to plug deficit
The maneuver, backed by lawmakers on the joint House and Senate budget committee, got little public discussion and came after months of election campaign promises that such sidetracking of roadwork money should end.
’School choice’ community wary of Gov.-elect
In a sign of the strength of John Bel Edwards' ties to the unions, the Democrat's first speech since winning the weekend runoff election was Monday at the Louisiana Federation of Teachers convention in Lake Charles.
Edwards, Vitter criticize Jindal deficit plan
Both men vying to follow Gov. Bobby Jindal into office lambasted the governor's plan for closing the state's $487 million budget deficit, saying it punts the problem to the next governor.
Jindal plan to close $487M budget deficit wins approval
Though members raised concerns that the patchwork plan would leave a slew of financial problems for a new governor, they overwhelmingly supported the proposal.
Refugees overtake state issues in gov’s race
Republican candidate David Vitter sees the national discussion as an opportunity to gain ground in a runoff campaign where he's fallen behind.
Jindal proposes cuts, patchwork financing to close deficit
Governor wants to cut $150 million across agencies, tap into the state "rainy day" fund and use piecemeal financing to close a $487 million budget deficit, his final budget rebalancing plan before he leaves office in January.
Final TV debate of La. governor's race set for Monday night
Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter and Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards are meeting for their second and final TV debate ahead of Saturday's runoff election for governor.
More cuts coming in wake of new $370M state deficit
It is the eighth time in eight years the Jindal administration has had to rebalance the budget midyear to account for revenue drops.
30-day tax amnesty opens Monday in La.
Louisiana's latest tax amnesty period has started, giving delinquent taxpayers time to pay what they owe with fewer penalties and interest than they would otherwise be charged.
Early voting up 16 percent for Saturday runoff
Increases were higher among African-Americans and registered Democrats than among whites and registered Republicans.
$4.1M spent on TV ads in La. runoff so far
An analysis of ad spending shows nearly all the TV campaign advertising dollars, about $3.7 million, has been spent on the governor's race.
Vitter lags Edwards in latest fundraising
That's a turnaround from earlier in the campaign, before the race was whittled to two contenders.
Vitter, Edwards trade barbs in first TV runoff debate
Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter ripped into each other's records and challenged each other's integrity Tuesday in the first televised debate of the runoff campaign.
Vitter, Edwards to meet Tuesday in first TV debate of runoff
The hour-long debate, to air statewide Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Louisiana Public Broadcasting stations, comes with fewer than two weeks before the Nov. 21 election.
Vitter acknowledges prostitution scandal in new TV ad
Release of the ad comes as Vitter begins responding more directly to a scandal that has dogged his campaign and is considered a drag on his poll numbers.
Gov hopefuls share common aversion to Common Core
In the Oct. 24 election, Common Core backers helped elect six BESE members. And they are backing two others in runoffs.
Weekly unemployment claims drop
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims decreased to 2,439 from the previous week's total of 2,502. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,178.
Jindal attorneys appeal order on Planned Parenthood
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has appealed a federal judge's order that the state continue funding Planned Parenthood clinics that serve an estimated 5,200 women in the state.
Dardenne backs Democrat Edwards in governor's race
Republican Jay Dardenne, who ran unsuccessfully for governor, rebuffed GOP contender David Vitter in the runoff election Thursday and instead backed Democratic candidate John Bel Edwards.
David Vitter is raising the specter of crime committed by released prisoners, putting a partisan spin on an effort that has bipartisan support to overhaul criminal sentencing laws.
Vitter running against La. politicians in gov race
As he looks for a message to gain ground with voters, Republican candidate for governor David Vitter has returned to a strategy that served him well in past elections: criticizing other politicians.
Louisiana's latest tax amnesty period begins Nov. 16
Delinquent taxpayers in Louisiana have one last shot to pay what they owe with lessened penalties and interest charges.
La.'s budget deficit from last year pegged at $117M
Deficit confirmation adds to a long string of state budget woes and comes as presidential hopeful Jindal pitches himself as a strong manager of Louisiana's finances.
Edwards seeks support from GOP anti-Vitter voters
John Bel Edwards is hoping a strong dislike among some voters for David Vitter can help break a string of defeats for Democrats seeking statewide office in Louisiana.
Poll: Trump takes Louisiana over Democrats
Republican Donald Trump would best both Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden, two of the most recognizable names on the Democratic side, in a Louisiana vote for president.
Jindal asks for dismissal of suit over executive order
The governor, courting evangelical voters in his long-shot Republican presidential campaign, described the May 19 order as a protection of "religious liberty" for Christians who oppose same-sex marriage.
French Quarter sales tax hike to fund State Police
Residents of New Orleans' French Quarter have overwhelmingly approved a new five-year sales tax to keep more than 30 state troopers patrolling their historic district.
Numerous races will affect La. education policy
When it comes to the future of public school policy in Louisiana, the political math gets complicated and party lines blur.
La. tops states this year on TV campaign ad spending
Louisiana leads the nation in spending on TV political ads this year, as candidates and outside political groups devote millions mainly to the competition for governor.
Judge issues final ruling against Jindal's Common Core suit
U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick issued a final judgment this week, rejecting the Republican governor's claims that the U.S. Department of Education was illegally coercing states to use the standards.
La. unemployment rate falls as more leave labor force
Louisiana's labor market was flat in September, with unemployment and payrolls holding level.
Judge: La. must fund Planned Parenthood for 14 days
Louisiana must continue providing Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood clinics for two more weeks while a legal battle continues over Gov. Bobby Jindal's recent order to block the funding.
La. Planned Parenthood ruling imminent
A federal judge says he will rule by Monday on Gov. Bobby Jindal's attempt to cut off state Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood's Louisiana clinics.
Next governor will play crucial role in future of coast
Louisiana is poised to receive about $8.7 billion in settlement money over damages caused by BP's catastrophic 2010 Gulf oil spill — money mandated by law for environmental restoration.
Feds: Ex-chief goes to prison for misuse of Tasers in jail
A former police chief in the small Louisiana town of Mamou is going to prison and another awaits sentencing following a federal investigation into the illegal use of Tasers on inmates at the local jail.
Cost of Jindal's security detail has doubled
Protective services for the governor cost just under $1.5 million in the 2007-08 budget year when Jindal first took office. The price tag rose to $3.1 million in the 2014-15 year that ended June 30.
Common Core test results 'roughly comparable' to past
Student performance on new, more rigorous standardized tests aligned to Common Core standards was "roughly comparable" to results from tests used in the past, Louisiana's education chief says.
The statewide and local races are expected to compete for attention on Election Day with college football games and hunting plans.
La. congressional members ask for extension on new ID rules
Last year, Gov. Bobby Jindal vetoed a bill allowing full compliance with REAL ID.
US, states finalize spill settlement with BP
The Justice Department and five states have finalized a settlement of more than $20 billion arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
PACs pump $1.3M so far into governor's race TV ads
The spending, largely on attack ads, accounts for 29 percent of all $4.5 million in TV advertising devoted to the governor's race so far, according to an analysis of ad spending by the Center for Public Integrity.
La. Treasury finds $35M in unclaimed insurance benefits
State Treasurer John Kennedy says routine audits of life insurance company policies have uncovered $35 million that should have been paid to Louisiana residents.
Bayou Corne sinkhole becomes Angelle liability
Angelle was head of the Department of Natural Resources in August 2012 when a swampy area of Assumption Parish dissolved into muck about 40 miles south of Baton Rouge. He left the job only a few days after the sinkhole emerged.
Vitter rolling in dough with $4M ready
The only major Democratic contender in the Louisiana governor's race, John Bel Edwards, had the largest haul in the latest fundraising period. But Republican David Vitter still has the heftiest campaign account.
Louisiana ended budget year in the red
Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is quietly notifying legislative leaders that Louisiana closed the books on the last budget year with a deficit, but the administration isn't saying publicly how deep the problem is.
Brees confident he'll play vs. Panthers
Brees' injury further complicates matters for the Saints' offense, which has performed below the elite standard it has met since coach Sean Payton and the franchise's all-time leading passer joined the franchise in 2006.
Coastal La. struggling 10 years after Rita
Hurricane Rita was one of the fiercest storms on record when it roared ashore near the Texas/Louisiana border on Sept. 24, 2005.
Weekly unemployment claims decrease
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims decreased to 2,015 from the previous week's total of 2,417. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,071.
Times-Pic/nola.com lays off dozens more
A story on the news organization's website says 28 full-time and nine part-time staffers are losing jobs. It says that will still leave 118 full-time journalists.
$80M in new construction work approved
Backing without objection from the State Bond Commission gives cash lines of credit to dozens of projects that will be financed in the budget year that ends June 30. It also commits the state — and Louisiana's next governor, elected this fall — to a long list of future projects.
Louisiana's sheriffs back Nungesser, Caldwell
The sheriffs' association announced its endorsements Wednesday for five statewide races on the Oct. 24 ballot. It didn't choose among the four major contenders vying to be Louisiana's next governor.
Judge rejects Jindal injunction request in Common Core suit
A judge has rejected Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's request to block federal officials from penalizing his state if it scraps use of the Common Core education standards, saying Jindal failed to show any such threat exists.
Report: Louisiana 4th in rate of women murdered by men
Nationwide, 1,615 females were murdered by males in single-victim, single-offender incidents in 2013.
Auditor: Report on Jindal Medicaid privatization improved
Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera's office issued a blistering commentary in 2014 that said Jindal's Department of Health and Hospitals submitted a privatization evaluation to lawmakers that was riddled with errors and unverified data.
Treasury returns $451,995 in unclaimed property
The Unclaimed Property program has returned more than $373 million to almost 600,000 Louisiana citizens since 1972.
Video sparks look at La. transgender driver license policy
A state official says the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is reviewing its photograph policy — but not guaranteeing any changes — after a transgender woman from Denham Springs said she was turned away from driver's license offices for not looking male.
140K+ Louisianans using Obamacare
The figure released Tuesday was down from 149,954 reported in March. The administration says enrollment was terminated for some people for a variety of reasons, including failing to prove immigration status.
Qualifying for Oct. 24 election opens
Tuesday is the start of the election qualifying period, where candidates officially add their names to the ballot. The sign-up period runs for three days, through Thursday.
Judge to decide if Planned Parenthood stays in La. Medicaid
Medicaid payments will stop flowing to Planned Parenthood's clinics in New Orleans and Baton Rouge unless a federal judge intervenes to block Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.
Angelle takes issue with ad from pro-Vitter PAC
Republican Scott Angelle's campaign for governor is fighting back against an attack ad launched by a super PAC supporting GOP contender David Vitter.
Slain Sunset officer killed by own cousin
Sunset Police Chief Luis Padilla said Officer Henry Nelson was outgoing and friendly. He was to be off starting Friday for a monthlong vacation with his teenage daughter.
Planned Parenthood sues Louisiana over cut to Medicaid funds
Planned Parenthood is asking a federal judge to stop Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration from ending Medicaid payments to the organization's Louisiana clinics.
Louisiana trooper dies after being shot in head
A Louisiana trooper died Monday after he was shot by an apparently stranded motorist who stood over the officer and told him afterward, "You're lucky — you're going to die soon."
Initial unemployment claims in La. rise
The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims increased to 2,544 from the previous week's total of 2,445. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 2,342.
Council adopts safety regs for Uber
Drivers with Uber and similar ride-hailing services in Lafayette are now subject to safety requirements similar to those of taxicab drivers.
TS Danny moving west over the Atlantic
Tropical Storm Danny is moving slowly westward, far out over the Atlantic, and could still become a hurricane.
La., 'Bama told PP actions may violate federal law
Louisiana and Alabama may be violating federal law by ending state Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood, federal health officials warned the states after both announced they were cutting off the payments.
Next year's La. budget shortfall projected at $713M
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Only two months after a difficult budget-balancing session, state lawmakers Friday got their first official glimpse of the shortfall they already face for next year: $713
Scalise faces renewed criticism
Two national civil rights leaders are reviving criticism of a top-ranking House Republican's speech to a white supremacist group 13 years ago, trying to jumpstart action on a proposed strengthening of the Voting Rights Act.
Shrimpers decry low prices, imports
Dozens of Louisiana shrimpers — ranging from Vietnamese-Americans to Cajun fishermen — upset over low prices and farm-raised shrimp imports rallied Wednesday in downtown New Orleans to highlight their industry's woes.
Boost to child care program gets BESE nod
When the program was overseen by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration, payments were cut and the number of children served dropped from 40,000 to 15,000.
UL bomb hoaxster gets 10 years
The bomb threat in July 2014 prompted evacuation of UL Lafayette, but Devin Haywood didn't even get into the bank he wanted to rob.
Former 'Cro officer sentenced in Desperado's case
Former Carencro police Sgt. Timothy Prejean has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for accepting cash from a strip club owner who handed Prejean $100 bills to ignore the prostitution and illegal drug sales at Desperado's Gentlemen's Cabaret.
State sales tax holiday Friday, Saturday
The holiday applies only to the 4 percent state sales tax. It does not apply to sales taxes levied by parishes, municipalities, school boards, and other political subdivisions of the state.
Poll: Majority supports Confederate flag removal
The study also found 52 percent of Hispanics, 56 percent of whites and 76 percent of blacks support the removal.
Lafayette gets $279K+ payout in BP settlement
The city-parish filed a claim in 2013. Several public entities in the state had already reached settlement agreements.
New La. laws taking effect Saturday
Sending "revenge porn" can land you behind bars, new housing protections are being extended to domestic violence victims and enforcement of sea turtle protection laws is tightening as hundreds of new Louisiana laws take effect.
911 tracks harrowing scene after theater shooting
Police radio transmissions released Thursday — a week after the rampage — show that John Russell Houser was dead within four minutes of a dispatcher broadcasting his bare-bones description: white male, white shirt, khaki shorts.
Authorities have released a video that shows a gunman enter the Louisiana movie theater where he shot and killed two people and wounded nine others last week.
UL removed from S&P negative credit watch
The credit agency had put UL and four other institutions on a negative watch in April, as higher education was threatened with hefty slashing because of state budget problems.
Judge says she did not involuntarily commit theater gunman
The gunman responsible for last week’s deadly attack in a Louisiana movie theater was delivered by deputies to hospital for a mental evaluation in 2008 after his family said he was a danger to himself and others.
Theater shooting: No red flags reported at time of gun sale
John Russell Houser's mental problems were well known to many, though perhaps not to the store that sold him the .40-caliber handgun used in a deadly attack on a Louisiana movie theater.
Hudspeth boots two players from squad
UL Lafayette football coach Mark Hudspeth says defensive lineman Marquis White and receiver C.J. Bates have been dismissed from the program.
Gulf oil wells lingering with temporary seals
Five years after the Obama administration promised to move swiftly to permanently plug unused oil and gas wells in the Gulf of Mexico, even more shafts are lingering for longer periods with only temporary sealing, an investigation by The Associated Press shows.
Health insurance offered to gay state workers' spouses
The health insurance program for Louisiana state employees, retirees and some public school systems is taking applications for coverage for same-sex spouses and their dependents.
ACLU et al sue Jindal over exec. order
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Louisiana, the Forum for Equality Foundation and six New Orleans residents lodged their challenge of the governor's May 19 order in state court in Baton Rouge.
Jindal agrees to medical marijuana, lessened pot penalties
Someone caught with less than 14 grams of marijuana now faces up to 15 days in jail and up to six months if caught with less than 2.5 pounds but more than 14 grams.
High court ruling won't settle La. execution questions
Disputes about Louisiana's execution method weren't settled by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Monday that a controversial drug can continue to be used in lethal injections.
Democrat running for governor won't support education leader
Louisiana's schools superintendent may want to stick around for another term, but at least one candidate running for governor has no interest in keeping him.
Louisiana issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples
Louisiana officials began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday, days after a historic Supreme Court ruling last week paved the way for gay marriages across the country.
A 43-year-old Scott police officer has been arrested after he allegedly charged more than $3,500 in personal expenses to a department-issued fuel card.
More on the Supreme Court's gay marriage ruling
The Supreme Court declared Friday that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States.
New Orleans mayor calls for removal of 'divisive' monuments
"Mayor Mitch Landrieu today called on City officials to begin taking action to remove four prominent divisive statues and consider replacing them with symbols that reflect the culture, unity, hope and future of New Orleans," the mayor's office said in a statement.
SCOTUS rejects Obamacare challenge, upholds health law
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans.
Jindal not concerned with Confederate license plates
Gov. Bobby Jindal isn't seeking to have the Confederate battle flag stripped from a Louisiana-issued license plate for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Jindal looks ready to get presidential and make his big announcement
Gov. Bobby Jindal appears ready to launch a long-shot campaign for the Republican presidential nomination that rests on courtship of evangelical voters and his reputation as a man of ideas.
Trial again delayed in case challenging La. execution method
Louisiana’s next scheduled execution has been stalled for at least another year.
Last ‘Angola 3’ prisoner could be freed as court delay expires
UPDATE: A federal appeals court extended an order Friday blocking the release of Albert Woodfox, the last incarcerated member of a group of Louisiana prisoners known as the Angola Three.
La. Senate adopts rules to limit gov's influence
The outsized power Louisiana's governors have historically wielded over the state Senate could be drastically curtailed under rules the chamber adopted following an impassioned debate Wednesday evening.
Final decisions on budget awaited on last day of session
As the final hours of the legislative session ticked away, lawmakers said Thursday they were nearing a final deal on next year's $24 billion budget and the tax plans that will finance it. But it remained unclear if they could strike a tax agreement that would escape Gov. Bobby Jindal's veto.
Lafayette woman may be 7th death caused by Takata air bags
Kylan Langlinais, 22, received a recall notice two days after the crash that killed her.
Constitutional amendments offered for road money, reps nix cig tax hike and more from the Capitol
Senate finalizes budget, penalties lowered for marijuana possession, high school seniors will take the U.S. citizenship test and more from the Capitol
La. Senate debates $24.5B budget proposal
With the legislative session in its final days, lawmakers are trying to cobble together a deal on budget and taxes that would protect colleges and public health services.
Jindal's travel budget, health care gaps, medical marijuana and more from the Capitol
No boost to MFP, push to sell state property stalls and more from the Capitol.
Bill to lessen marijuana penalties nearing final passage
Louisiana's stringent marijuana laws could be eased under a bill nearing final approval.
Man dies in custody of Opelousas police; autopsy planned
Louisiana State Police are investigating how a man died in the custody of local police in Opelousas.
Senate tackles budget, rape victims won’t be billed for tests and more from the Capitol
No charges in death of man who told cops he couldn't breathe
A grand jury in Louisiana has declined to indict police officers who held a man down, with officers on top of him, and did not get up even after he told them, "I can't breathe."
Senate-backed medical marijuana bill makes its way through House
Medical marijuana advocates have done this year what they failed to do in the past: push to the brink of final passage a bill that could finally make good on Louisiana's 1991 medicinal pot law.
La. lawmakers advance Medicaid expansion financing tool
A proposal to help pay for Louisiana to expand its Medicaid program if the state’s next governor is interested in tapping into the billions of federal dollars available continues to zip through the Legislature.
State construction budget bloated
Gov. Bobby Jindal submitted an overloaded construction budget proposal with $258 million more in projects than Louisiana has money to spend and the House Ways and Means Committee loaded up the bill even further Tuesday, adding millions more in road work, drainage and other local projects.
Bill to lower marijuana penalties OK'd by Senate
State senators agreed Monday to lessen Louisiana's penalties for marijuana possession, to remove provisions that allow people to be jailed up to 20 years for repeatedly getting caught with small amounts of pot.
At least $155M in gaps identified in House-approved budget
But the gaps could be even larger, because of questionable financing sources used by the House. And that's not counting other items senators might add to the wish list.
House passes $24B budget proposal for next year
Lawmakers voted 65-37 for the spending plan to finance government operations in the fiscal year that begins July 1, feeling a bit more upbeat about the budget situation than when they opened the legislative session in April.
The House opens debate on the budget while critics lambast Gov. Bobby Jindal's executive order.
Lawmakers eye the governor's broad exemptions to public records requests, move toward allowing universities to set tuition and attempt to curb the escalating cost of the TOPS program.
Religious objections bill rejected by House committee
Louisiana lawmakers on Tuesday shelved a divisive religious objections bill pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal that critics and legal experts said could sanction discrimination against same-sex couples.
Gov. Bobby Jindal has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Here's a look at where the two-term governor stands on various issues that will be debated in the GOP primaries.
State senators have spurned a proposal to lift constitutional protections that keep an array of specially created funds shielded from budget cuts.
Contentious 'Marriage and Conscience Act' on tap Tuesday
The House civil law committee is scheduled to debate the religious objections bill backed by Gov. Bobby Jindal that thrust Louisiana into a national debate over religious freedom and the rights of same-sex couples.
Jindal forms presidential exploratory committee
To virtually no one's surprise, the ambitious Louisiana governor is taking another step toward running for president.
Airport commission considers changing construction method
The Lafayette Airport Commission has slowed down the process of building a $90 million passenger terminal to examine closely how to carry out what will be a yearslong, complex project.
The House agrees to new abortion restrictions, hospitals must align with federal law when it comes to billing rape victims for exams, an equal pay measure advances and more from the spring legislative session at the Capitol.
Anti-union bill gains momentum
A coalition of state and national business groups hopes to deliver a death blow to organized labor in Louisiana, pushing an anti-union bill that would ban automatically deducting membership dues from the paychecks of government workers.
House backs bill requiring casinos to pay for rape exams
The casino industry opposes the proposal, which is being pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
More noise from the anti-Common Core movement
The bitter feud over the Common Core education standards has grown increasingly personal.
House backs tax changes to raise $670M
The Louisiana House has agreed to raise more than $670 million for next year's budget by scaling back tax break programs and raising cigarette taxes.
Senate supports more sunshine for governor's office
The governor's ability to keep documents in his office hidden from the public should be much more limited, the Louisiana Senate decided Wednesday.
Law enforcement stance on pot starts to shift in La.
Marijuana enthusiasts and law enforcement don't agree on much. But there is one point both concede: Louisiana's marijuana laws are exceptionally strict.
Senate passes medical marijuana bill
Roughly a year after a medical marijuana bill was shot down in committee, the Louisiana Senate on Monday passed a similar proposal that could get medical-grade pot to those suffering from cancer, glaucoma and a severe form of cerebral palsy.
Tobacco tax increase gets House committee nod
The proposal would raise Louisiana's cigarette tax from 36 cents per pack to 68 cents, rather than the $1.54 national average initially sought.
Hospitals offer to share in cost of La. Medicaid expansion
As Louisiana struggles with budget troubles, private hospitals are offering lawmakers a way to draw down more federal health care dollars for patient care, but only if the money is used to expand coverage through the Medicaid program.
Candidates agree: La. government needs way more transparency
The four major candidates vying to be Louisiana's next governor promised more openness in government Thursday, saying they'll push to limit the broad public records exemptions granted to the governor's office.
Lawsuit challenges changes to state worker insurance program
The lawsuit, announced Wednesday, was filed in state district court a day earlier, claiming Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration didn't follow state law in reworking the health insurance plans offered through the Office of Group Benefits.
La. House puts kibosh on anti-Common Core movement
If Common Core opponents want to get the education standards stripped from Louisiana's public schools, it looks as if they have more work to do to get lawmakers on their side.
Gulf health 5 years after BP spill; resilient yet scarred
From above, five years after the BP well explosion, the Gulf of Mexico looks clean, green and whole again, teeming with life — a testament to the resilience of nature.
E-cigs become nicotine of choice for teens; Death Row mastermind faces murder trial; an AP investigation reveals true nature of decades-old oil leak in Gulf of Mexico; and more international and national news for Friday, April 17, 2015:
Pro-Common Core group makes its pitch with unicorns
In the heated debate over Common Core, supporters of the education standards resorted Wednesday to the mythical, distributing pink and white unicorn stuffed animals to state lawmakers.
Nagin seeks to reverse corruption conviction
Public defenders for former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin have told a federal appeals court that Nagin's convictions on 20 counts involving corruption during his two terms as mayor should be thrown out.
Single session launched Percy Sledge, No. 1 hit, and a sound
Sound engineer Jimmy Johnson knew he had captured something special on tape as Percy Sledge finished singing "When a Man Loves a Woman" in a recording studio in 1965.
Public gets its turn on Jindal budget
People who rely on the state for health care services and education programs are getting their turn to tell lawmakers their concerns about the threat of deep budget slashing next year.
Session 2015: La. lawmakers have 2 months to solve a $1.6B question
Piecing together a solution to the state's financial mess is the primary agenda for lawmakers returning to Baton Rouge on Monday for their two-month regular session.
NRA: 'If they can ban one, they can ban them all'
Leaders of the National Rifle Association on Saturday cited the new Republican majority in the U.S. Senate as evidence of the group's political clout, but warned of looming gun-control efforts in the final years of Barack Obama's presidency.
Higher ed leaders make case to leges
Louisiana's higher education leaders argued their value to the state's economy as they urged state lawmakers Wednesday to keep campuses from deep cuts next year.
Revenue chief: Loopholes allow many companies to skip taxes
Lawmakers have questioned why Louisiana's corporate tax collections have remained largely stagnant despite the national economic recovery and a long list of job announcements and economic development projects from Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.
Loreauville mayor killed in weekend crash
A juvenile passenger yanked a pickup truck's steering wheel, causing a head-on crash that killed Loreauville's mayor and injured four other people, Louisiana State Police said Saturday.
Iowa pastors play influential role in 2016 presidential race
In some states, big city ward leaders or union bosses are the go-to guys to deliver votes. When it comes to Iowa's Republican caucuses, evangelical pastors are kingmakers, with sway over an important bloc of participants.
Coroner: 2005 post-Katrina police shooting was a homicide
New Orleans' coroner has classified the death of a man shot by a police officer in the chaos following Hurricane Katrina as a homicide.
Anti-Common Core lawsuit dismissed
A Baton Rouge judge has thrown out a lawsuit seeking to end Louisiana's use of the Common Core education standards in public schools.
Edwards receives Democratic endorsement in governor's race
State Rep. John Bel Edwards won the endorsement Saturday of the Louisiana Democratic Party in the governor's race, a signal no other major Democrats are expected to launch a campaign for the fall election.
Judge in Texas blocks federal rules change for gay couples
A federal judge in Texas has blocked temporarily federal rules that would have expanded medical leave benefits to some gay couples.
Strawberry festival poster sparks outcry about race
After an outcry over an artist's depiction of two black children with no facial features except bright red lips, organizers of a Louisiana strawberry festival have agreed not to show or sell this year's festival poster, which the local NAACP president called racially offensive.
FACT CHECK: Myths in the political roar over Common Core
In the political uproar over Common Core, various myths are peddled as fact.
Film tax credits: 23 cents on the dollar
Louisiana's film tax credit program produced hundreds of millions in household earnings and thousands of jobs last year across the state, but at a steep cost to the state treasury.
Jindal to decide on 2016 run in June
Gov. Bobby Jindal will wait until the state legislative session ends in June before announcing whether he'll enter the 2016 presidential race.
FBI: Autopsy report days away in Mississippi man's hanging
The body of a black man found hanging in a tree in Mississippi has been sent from a state crime lab to a funeral home, but the FBI said it will be days before autopsy results are complete.
Justices to review sentences for convicted juveniles
The Supreme Court is adding a new case to decide whether its 3-year-old ruling throwing out mandatory life in prison without parole for juveniles should apply to older cases.
NOLA smoking ban could hurt Louisiana Treasury
State lawmakers have delayed approval of a $3.6 million casino support services for New Orleans amid concerns the city's new smoking ban will hit the state treasury.
Jindal's budget proposal would strip CODOFIL's funding
An organization that oversees programs to nurture the French language in Louisiana is on the chopping block in state budget negotiations.
With a big caveat: Confidence in state government's ability to handle pressing problems is no longer falling.
Rayne man sentenced in federal offshore records tampering case
An offshore oilfield worker has been sentenced to 3 years' probation and a $3,000 fine in U.S. District Court in New Orleans for tampering with blowout preventer testing records.
State officials say Jindal's budget will create service gaps
Secretary of State Tom Schedler told lawmakers Wednesday he won't have the money for Louisiana to hold a presidential primary in spring 2016 under the budget proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Jindal outlines plan to jettison Common Core
Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposal to remove Common Core from state public schools would return Louisiana to its old education standards and testing until new benchmarks are developed.
LPSS to consider Carol Ann Richard as new center's namesake
The Lafayette Parish School System plans to name its media center after a longtime employee who was killed in a crash last month.
La. gov: Sell tobacco settlement for upfront cash
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is moving ahead with a plan to sell the state's remaining share of a massive tobacco settlement, despite criticism the move would waste a valuable asset for a quick fix to budget problems.
Legislative hearings open on Jindal budget
The House budget committee is starting its hearings on Gov. Bobby Jindal's $24.6 billion spending plan recommended for next year.
Troubled millionaire and alleged murderer arrested in Nola
Authorities found nearly 150 grams of marijuana and a revolver in millionaire Robert Durst's hotel room when he was arrested over the weekend, a prosecutor said Tuesday.
LED's Moret leaving for LSU position
Gov. Bobby Jindal's economic development secretary will leave the job in May to lead LSU's chief fundraising organization.
Even Jindal's kids will take PARCC exams
After failed attempts to derail the exams, Louisiana's public school students are taking the heavily-debated Common Core standardized tests this week.
Jimmy Graham excited for Seattle
Jimmy Graham's hobby is flying small planes. So after completing his morning workout earlier this week he decided to fly a six-seater to a Florida beach for lunch.
Benson's family feud heads to federal court
Tom Benson has taken the legal struggle for control of his NFL and NBA teams to federal court while documents obtained by The Associated Press show distrust was fracturing his family months before their bitter public split in January.
Treasurer opposes Jindal tobacco settlement sale proposal
The Republican treasurer called the idea the equivalent of "hocking the family silver to pay the rent."
BR man accused of killing deputy US marshal dies
The murder suspect accused of killing a deputy U.S. marshal in a shootout died Wednesday, an official with a Louisiana coroner's office said.
Ingram gets another 4-year deal with Saints
A person familiar with the situation says New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has agreed to a four-year contract extension.
Local schools will be penalized for each PARCC 'opt-out'
Louisiana's top school board on Thursday rejected a proposal to waive penalties for schools whose students refuse to take Common Core standardized tests later this month.
BESE holds firm on opt-outs ... for now
Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are asking for a tally of the participation rate and will decide later whether the "opt-outs" are so widespread that they want to take some action.
Jindal wants to fill college fund with recovery dollars
Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget proposal for next year would continue a higher education incentive fund that steers money to high-demand job programs.
April hearing set on ex-BP engineer's reversed conviction
Federal prosecutors hoping to win reinstatement of an obstruction of justice conviction against a former BP engineer will argue their case next month at an appeals court in New Orleans.
La. education chief seeks $44M funding bump
Education Superintendent John White released the proposal Wednesday. It will be considered Thursday by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which determines what to recommend to the Legislature.
Senate fails to override Keystone veto
The 62-37 vote is expected to be one of many veto showdowns between Republicans and Obama in his final term. Already, the White House has issued more than a dozen veto threats on legislation.
New lawsuit attacks asset swap by Saints, Pelicans owner
The type of asset swap New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is attempting to try to regain complete control of his business interests from recently estranged heirs is being challenged in a new lawsuit in Texas.
State hospital operators: Jindal budget leaves them short
The Jindal administration says it's willing to negotiate.
Jindal budget links higher ed funding to uncertainty
Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget hasn't eased concerns that Louisiana's colleges could face steep cuts next year because the proposal relies on financing plans that appear far from certain to gain passage with lawmakers.
Dardenne strays from the pack on Common Core
Among Louisiana's candidates for governor, Republican Jay Dardenne is alone in his support for the divisive Common Core education standards, a position that could help define his campaign.
Republicans seek the perfect date (read: candidate) for 2016
Let's say, for a moment, that America has given you the job of picking the perfect candidate for president. Good luck, Mr. or Ms. Voter, deciding what they've got to have — and what they can do without.
LSU: Cassidy cleared of improper payment allegations
During last year's Senate race, then-Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu accused Cassidy of bilking taxpayers, suggesting the Republican collected a $20,000, taxpayer-funded annual salary for little work.
Sexual assault policy created for La. public colleges
Louisiana's public colleges must follow a new statewide policy for handling sexual-assault allegations and bolstering prevention efforts, though the broad guidelines stop short of requiring a specific prosecution response.
John White keeps one step ahead of anti-Common Core movement
Seeking to head off a legislative attack against the Common Core education standards, Louisiana’s public schools chief proposed Monday to speed efforts to review them and delay consequences for schools that perform poorly in the transition.
'Top Shot' Blake Miguez wins special election for House District 49
In District 49 in Iberia and Vermilion parishes, Republican Blake Miguez defeated one other Republican in Saturday's special election to succeed Simone Champagne after she resigned in December.
Strikers picket outside 2 La. oil refineries
Union workers have been picketing outside two southeast Louisiana oil refineries as part of a national strike by the United Steelworkers union.
Lawmakers support most of Jindal midyear plan
Lawmakers complained, but didn't reverse $61 million in cuts that Gov. Bobby Jindal levied across state agencies to close a midyear deficit.
Lawmakers to consider Jindal's plan for plugging $103M midyear deficit
Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to close a $103 million midyear deficit with a mix of cuts and stopgap funds is coming before lawmakers for consideration.
Jindal spends $1.5M from campaign
Gov. Bobby Jindal has been spending handily from his state campaign account, though he isn't up for re-election and doesn't plan to run for any other office in Louisiana.
EWE trading politics for real estate
Edwards, who was convicted in 2001 of racketeering and served eight years in federal prison, received a 7-2 vote Thursday from the state Real Estate Commission approving his application to be tested for his real estate broker's license.
2 lieutenant governor candidates eclipse $1M fundraising mark
Louisiana's lieutenant governor's race appears on track to be a high-spending competition, at least between two of the Republican candidates in the field.
More than 184K Louisianans sign up in federal marketplace
More than 184,000 Louisiana residents enrolled for health insurance through the federal marketplace by the sign-up deadline, a growth of 82,000 people over last year.
Layoffs, reduced hours planned by SoS to cope with cut
Secretary of State Tom Schedler announced Wednesday that he will lay off 24 full-time employees and reduce hours at museums under his control to cope with the midyear budget cut assigned to his office by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
More than half of latest spill seafood claims paid
The administrator of claims arising from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill says more than half the payments from a $500 million second round of seafood industry claims have been distributed.
Boehner to Obama: Sign Keystone
In a ceremony on Friday, Speaker John Boehner put his signature on the Keystone XL bill and called on Obama to "do the right thing" and add his name.
Health care services threatened
Cuts for services that take care of the poor, elderly and disabled could reach up to $800 million in lost state and federal funding for the year that begins July 1, under scenarios being considered.
Jeff Landry's AG war chest eclipses million $ threshold
Attorney General Buddy Caldwell has fallen behind chief opponent Jeff Landry in fundraising for this fall's election.
Budget cuts disproportionately hit elected officials
While the governor's office will come through the $61 million in cuts with a reduction of $10,000 — less than one-tenth of 1 percent of its budget — departments overseen by the lieutenant governor, treasurer and others are in line for cuts of 3 percent to 4 percent.
A look at Jindal's budget tactics
Gov. Bobby Jindal's budgeting tactics have heavily relied on quick fixes rather than matching state spending to annual revenue.
La. districts request Common Core penalty waivers
Fourteen of Louisiana's public school districts have passed resolutions aimed at preventing schools from being penalized for students who skip Common Core standardized tests.
Hearing set on proposed exam for Tom Benson
A state judge in New Orleans is set to hear arguments on whether he should order a physical and mental examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson.
Audit: Workers' comp costs growing at state agencies
The number of workers' compensation claims filed by Louisiana state employees dropped by nearly one-third over the last eight years, but claims costs for state agencies continued to surge higher.
LSU offers grim budget scenarios
Widespread layoffs, hundreds of classes eliminated, academic programs jettisoned and a flagship university that can't compete with its peers around the nation — those are among the grim scenarios LSU leaders outlined in internal documents as the threat of budget cuts loom.
GOP governors with 2016 aspirations love to bash Washington
As they begin to shape their prospective bids for president, ambitious Republican governors are eager to seize on voters' contempt for that most dirty of political words: "Washington."
Common Core opponents push 'opt-out'
Opponents seeking new ways to upend Louisiana's use of the Common Core education standards have targeted public school standardized testing scheduled for mid-March, with some parents refusing to let their children take the assessments.
148K sign up for coverage through federal marketplace
The numbers exceed last year, when about 102,000 Louisianians signed up through the enrollment period.
Oil prices plunged on Wednesday, ending a four-day rally, after the U.S. government reported that crude inventories surged last week.
A Houma area lawmaker has given up on efforts to convene a special legislative session targeting Louisiana's ongoing budget troubles.
La. traffic deaths on the decline
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says traffic fatalities dropped by 29 percent between 2007 and 2013.
Sensible Jindal backs vaccinations
Gov. Bobby Jindal has waded into the vaccine debate, urging parents to get their children vaccinated and saying he wouldn't send his children to a school that allowed vaccinations to be optional.
Rules are coming on payday loans to shield borrowers
Troubled by consumer complaints and loopholes in state laws, federal regulators are putting together the first rules on payday loans aimed at helping cash-strapped borrowers avoid falling into a cycle of high-rate debt.
Smoking in Big Easy bars, gambling halls ends in April
On Friday, Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed into law a new ordinance that does away with smoking inside bars, gambling halls, stadiums and hotels in what will be a big change for a city known for its libertine ways.
Benson's granddaughter criticizes heirs' lawsuit
A granddaughter of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson says a lawsuit filed against her grandfather by his estranged heirs is unwarranted and is unnecessarily humiliating the 87-year-old.
SCOLA urged to rule in same-sex marriage
Lawyers on both sides of a same-sex marriage case have urged Louisiana's Supreme Court to rule on the matter even though the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to do so by June.
Louisiana regs become latest abortion flashpoint
Abortion rights supporters said Thursday that a rewrite of Louisiana's abortion clinic regulations was aimed at forcing clinics to close, as leaders in conservative Southern states continue to add new limitations to the procedure.
Deficit-closing plan from Gov. Jindal delayed
A Jindal administration spokeswoman said Thursday that the proposal to rebalance this year's $25 billion budget will be presented to lawmakers at a Feb. 20 hearing for their consideration.
Both sides in Keystone XL debate bend facts
Supporters of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would run from Canada to the Gulf, say the privately funded, $8 billion project is a critically needed piece of infrastructure that will create thousands of jobs and make the U.S. dependent on oil from friends, rather than foes.
Jindal to suggest options to reduce budget slashing
The Jindal administration already is floating the possibility the proposal will contain state financing cuts up to $400 million for public colleges and $300 million to health care services.
Tom Benson asks judge to dismiss heirs' lawsuit
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by his recently estranged heirs who are seeking control of his NFL and NBA teams.
With the state grappling with deep budget problems, Gov. Bobby Jindal is proposing to strip financing from a fund that only months ago he described as among his top priorities.
Louisiana now ties for the sixth-highest jobless rate among the states.
Budget forecast grim for La. — now and next year
Louisiana has a more than $103 million deficit to close in its $25 billion budget because of the continuing fall in oil prices. And next year's budget shortfall now reaches $1.6 billion.
Republican presidential hopefuls court the evangelicals
Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney have gotten much of the attention in these early days of the Republican race for president, but as they court the party’s elite donors in private phone calls and meetings, a group of likely candidates to their right are just as eagerly chasing support among Christian evangelicals and social conservatives.
The Benson family drama continues in fight for Saints, Pelicans
Relatives of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson have filed a lawsuit opposing their ouster from ownership positions on the teams.
Benson's wife will get control of Saints, Pelicans
Tom Benson, who owns the NFL’s Saints and NBA’s Pelicans, has agreed to a succession plan that will give his wife, Gayle, control of New Orleans’ major professional sports franchises after his death.
Arnaudville man caught stealing thousands from grandma
An Arnaudville man is free on $10,000 bond after his arrest for allegedly stealing more than $36,000 from his 86-year-old grandmother whose account he had access to.
Opelousas woman booked for burning son with cigarettes
An Opelousas woman has been arrested after her 5-year-old son was treated for burns to his hand and torso that appeared to have been caused by a cigarette.
Court won't hear priest's appeal of ruling reviving lawsuit
The Supreme Court is allowing a lawsuit to proceed against a Louisiana Roman Catholic church and a priest over allegations that a teen was kissed and fondled by an adult church parishioner.
GOP giving Obama tax proposals the cold shoulder
Republican lawmakers are already signaling they will do what they can to block President Barack Obama’s pitch for tax increases on the wealthiest Americans.
Trooper pay raise questioned amid state budget troubles
A nearly $15 million pay raise for Louisiana state police could be derailed or scaled back by lawmakers questioning whether the salary hike is appropriate when the state is grappling with deep financial problems.
Race for governor is officially on
The four announced candidates for governor are set to meet in their first forum of the campaign.
Despite low prices, gas tax unlikely
The new Republican-controlled Congress is facing an old problem: where to find the money for highway and transit programs.
Feds order Darren Sharper to New Orleans to face charges
California authorities have been ordered to turn former NFL All-Pro safety Darren Sharper over to U.S. Marshals in New Orleans, where he faces state and federal charges that he drugged women so he could sexually assault them.
Justices won't hear La. gay marriage case pre-appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court says it won’t hear Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban before the federal appeals court in New Orleans considers it.
Analysis: Hospital decision good for Jindal, less for others
Gov. Bobby Jindal got only good news when the federal Medicaid agency signed off on financing plans for his LSU hospital privatization deals. But the result was more mixed for lawmakers and future governors, who learned Jindal’s deals will leave them with a lingering budget worry after he’s gone.
LA: Gay marriage is 'novel' and risky
Louisiana's special counsel tells a federal appellate panel that giving gays and lesbians marriage rights is so risky and unproven that states must be allowed to protect their citizens against it.
House Speaker Chuck Kleckley says he will fight proposals floated by Gov. Bobby Jindal to slash $300 million from Louisiana colleges next year.
Southern gay marriage bans will be heard in federal court
Bans on gay marriage in three staunchly conservative Southern states were to get a hearing in a federal appeals court Friday — the latest legal battle over an issue expected to be settled by the nation’s highest court.
The son of the late Cajun artist George Rodrigue says one of his father’s famous “Blue Dog” paintings — valued at $250,000 — was stolen in a brazen daylight theft.
Jindal's 2016 bid and the politics of religion
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa on Tuesday to meet with local pastors and again look for support among Christian evangelicals for a possible White House campaign.
GOP stands firm in defense of Scalise
Republican lawmakers are closing ranks behind the No. 3 House GOP leader, Steve Scalise, as the party aims to move past the controversy over his speech 12 years ago to a white supremacist group.
Scalise responds to white supremacy ties
In a revelation that could put a crimp in Republican efforts to reach out to minorities in 2016, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise has acknowledged that he once addressed a gathering of white supremacists, though his office denies any association with the group’s social views.
Lafourche coastal restoration project receives private funding
Organizers of a new coastal restoration project hope to show how these kind of projects can be done swiftly and somewhat cheaply through private investment, rather than solely depending on government
GOP works on voter interest in La. Senate race
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Bill Cassidy cast an early ballot Tuesday, seeking to draw renewed attention to a race that has fallen off newspaper front pages and away from...
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