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• State Budget Cuts Could Slash Early Childhood Programs Play Video

  May 15, 2012 11:27 PM

  State budget cuts could slash children's health services provided by the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). This week the Senate Finance Committee will consider a $100 million budget cut to DHH that was approved by the House last week. Those cuts actually amount to some $350 million because... more »

• Artist housing awarded state grant

  May 11, 2012 10:03 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency has awarded the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority a $1 million grant to transform a brick warehouse near downtown into loft-style apartments for artists. John Arceneaux, chairman of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority, tells The Advocate the 15-unit development is... more »

• State spent $63.5 million on ill-fated mill

  April 30, 2012 10:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana legislative auditor says the state spent $63.5 million on an ill-fated sugar cane mill at Lacassine. Auditor Darryl Pupera said Monday that the mill, which hasn't been used in about four years, was built for a group of southwestern Louisiana cane farmers... more »

• Retirement and Pension System Changes Upset State Employees

  April 23, 2012 7:31 PM

  Plans to overhaul the State's retirement and pension systems are not sitting well with some lawmakers and state employees. State officials and employees gathered in Baton Rouge on Monday to speak out against the changes and push to defeat the governor's proposal. "It seems to me like the governor... more »

• State cautions businesses about scam

  April 20, 2012 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana businesses are being placed on alert for a scam involving the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Officials say a person recently went into a business in the New Orleans area, claimed to represent the Department of Children and Family Services and asked to update... more »

• State tweaking teacher evaluation plans

  April 11, 2012 6:11 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana's education chief says a teacher evaluation system that will eventually be used statewide will undergo a few changes as a result of a pilot program. John White outlined the plans during a telephone news conference Tuesday. The program, often called a "value added" system, will... more »

• State police identify pedestrian killed Friday

  April 3, 2012 9:27 AM

  HAMMOND, La. (AP) - State police have identified a pedestrian who was hit and killed on Interstate 55 in Hammond Friday night. Troopers say 50-year-old Joan Walters of Ponchatoula stepped directly in the path of a car driven by 20-year-old Brandon Carral of Amite around 9 p.m. Impairment for the... more »

• State library worker accused of stealing $109,000

  March 30, 2012 10:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Police say a state library employee wanted for allegedly embezzling $110,000 of privately donated funds has turned herself in to authorities. The Advocate reports 39-year-old Alison Claire Foster of Baker, was arrested Thursday and booked into Parish Prison on 174 counts of unauthorized use of... more »

• School system avoids state takeover

  March 27, 2012 9:50 AM

  OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) - The Fiscal Review Committee has decided the state will continue to monitor the St. Landry Parish School System's finances, but it will not appoint a state fiscal adviser to take control of the situation. The Daily World reports the committee was satisfied with the school board's... more »

• State audit report critical of BRCC

  March 27, 2012 8:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A report by the legislative auditor finds Baton Rouge Community College misappropriated computer equipment and firearms. In letters to Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera, former interim Chancellor Jim Horton wrote that the college "recognizes its responsibility" for the lapses and stated that administrators have taken corrective... more »

• State fights hydrilla in Spring Bayou

  March 27, 2012 6:30 AM

  SPRING BAYOU, La. (AP) - State biologists say they are fighting hydrilla, an invasive aquatic weed that grows into dense mats near the surface of water, in this bayou in Avoyelles Parish. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it is fighting the fast-growing plant by stocking the bayou... more »

• University receives StormReady certification

  March 23, 2012 10:36 AM

  McNeese is just the second university in Louisiana to receive the StormReady certification. In Louisiana, there are 16 StormReady sites including Calcasieu Parish and Lake Charles. According to Andy Patrick, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, the StormReady program provides communities, including universities, towns, cities, counties,... more »

• Fort Pike State Historic Site closes for film

  March 21, 2012 9:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Fort Pike State Historic Site will be closed to the public on Friday due to the filming of a major motion picture. The fort, set on a 94-acre site, was built shortly after the War of 1812 to defend navigation channels leading into the City... more »

• State plans to foreclose on facility

  March 16, 2012 9:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says he plans to foreclose on a company buying a state-backed cane syrup mill near Lake Charles. The Advocate reports Lake Charles LLC is late on a $2.9 million mortgage payment to the state and defaulted Thursday on... more »

• State employees could get pay raises next year

  March 9, 2012 10:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has opened the door for pay raises for some state employees in the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says agencies aren't getting money to pay for salary boosts. But The Advocate reports that Rainwater says agencies can give... more »

• Gulf state governors question Air Force plan

  March 7, 2012 10:58 AM

  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Governors of states along the Gulf Coast want President Barack Obama to stop the U.S. Air Force from potentially moving eight planes used in disasters to Montana. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Air Force is considering budget cuts that could affect eight C-130... more »

• Former state Sen. Billy Brown dies

  March 7, 2012 6:20 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - Monroe attorney and former state Sen. William D. "Billy" Brown has died after a long illness. The News-Star reports Brown died Tuesday at his home. He was 80. Brown served two terms in the Louisiana Senate, from 1968-76, before an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor. State... more »

• State approves Medicaid claim firm

  March 2, 2012 8:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Jindal administration has approved a $185 million multi-year contract with Maryland-based company called CNSI to take over Medicaid claims processing. The Advocate reports the signing of the contract came eight months after the state Department of Health and Hospitals chose the firm and after... more »

• State sells $400M in general obligation bonds

  March 2, 2012 7:05 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana has sold $400 million in general obligation bonds, borrowing that will pay for ongoing and planned state construction projects. The online auction was held Thursday by the Bond Commission. The bonds were awarded to the low bidder, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. The state issues... more »

• Welsh to Seek State Help as Crime Spikes

  February 11, 2012 1:32 PM

  Officials in this small town in southwest Louisiana are asking for state help in fighting a wave of violent crime that has killed three young men in less than a year. The American Press reports ( http://bit.ly/qjfACs ) Police Chief Tommy Chaisson told the Town Council earlier this week that... more »

• State, nonprofits plan derelict crab trap cleanup

  February 8, 2012 10:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has set dates for cleaning abandoned crab traps from waterways in St. Bernard, Plaquemines and Terrebonne parishes. The department and conservation groups are also calling for volunteers to haul out the traps, protecting blue crabs and improving safety... more »

• Man Facing 12 Counts of Arson in Kaplan Play Video

  February 4, 2012 11:34 PM

  In Kaplan, a major break in a string of arsons that have had residents on edge for years. 55-year-old Felecian Primeaux of Kaplan is facing 12 counts of arson, dating back to 2007. He was arrested at his home Saturday morning after police say the suspect was caught on tape.... more »

• State police bust staged crash ring

  January 26, 2012 10:40 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - State police have arrested four people for allegedly staging traffic accidents in Ouachita Parish. Detectives tell The News-Star they looked into six of 20 crashes where individuals filed false bodily injury claims. Trooper says the insurance companies in two of the six crashes paid out more... more »

• State higher education spending sees big decline

  January 23, 2012 10:16 AM

  MIAMI (AP) - State funding for higher education has declined because of a slow recovery from the recession and the end of federal stimulus money, according to a study released Monday. Overall, spending declined by some $6 billion, or nearly 8 percent, over the past year, according to the annual... more »

• State & others plan 3-day trade mission to Mexico

  January 23, 2012 9:57 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The International Center of Lafayette, the international trade division of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, and the Louisiana Economic Development have organized a three-day oil and gas trade mission for Louisiana companies to Mexico City. The first 15 companies that complete the application and pay a nonrefundable... more »

• State to unveil new coastal master plan

  January 11, 2012 10:31 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A new blueprint for saving coastal Louisiana from sea level rise, hurricanes and erosion will be unveiled Thursday. The document will lay out strategies and challenges facing Louisiana as it struggles to deal with a host of problems along its coast. The new plan is a... more »

• Iberia school board asks state to pick up bills

  January 5, 2012 9:10 AM

  NEW IBERIA, La. (AP) - The Iberia Parish School Board has unanimously approved a resolution asking the Legislature to resume paying bills that it had left for the board to pay. The bills, also called unfunded mandates, are costs that the state imposes on local governments, which they are required... more »

• Lawmakers Look To Young Drivers to Crack Down on Littering Play Video

  January 3, 2012 6:35 PM

  Teenagers hoping to get a driver's license in 2012 will have to do more than just learn how to operate a vehicle. Student drivers will also have to take a littering course. Every year it costs about 40 thousand dollars in tax payer dollars to clean up the trash... more »

• Ex-Penn State Coach Sandusky Arrives at Courthouse

  December 13, 2011 8:10 AM

  BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) - Ex-Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has arrived at a courthouse in Pennsylvania where he'll face his accusers in the child sex-abuse case against him. Sandusky is charged with more than 50 counts of child sex-abuse involving 10 boys over a span of 15 years.... more »

• Saltwater Intrusion Causes State of Emergency Play Video

  November 29, 2011 7:39 PM

  Vermilion Parish is now under a state of emergency because of severe saltwater intrusion. The problem has been building for several months and is caused by severe drought, several breaches in saltwater barriers along the Mermentau basin, and damage to the Leland Bowman Locks. Vermilion Parish Police Jury President... more »

• State, Temple Inland reach agreement for fish kill

  November 8, 2011 5:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state and Temple Inland have reached a settlement over an August fish kill that left about 590,000 fish and freshwater mussels dead in the Pearl River. Robert Barham, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the $760,245 settlement allows the state... more »

• Police Shooting Leaves One Dead

  October 22, 2011 10:07 AM

  A Lafayette Police Officer is on paid administrative leave after a shooting early Saturday morning. Just after 11:00 PM Friday night, officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of Peggy Street. Once on scene, officers discovered the 74 year old male victim stabbed multiple times. The victim... more »

• State Police to Collect Prescription Drugs

  October 16, 2011 12:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana State Police will join with the Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29. The Advocate reported (http://bit.ly/pTiC8L ) troopers will collect unused or expired medication for disposal from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 at troop headquarters... more »

• Midland Accident Leave One in Critical Condition

  October 16, 2011 10:10 AM

  A pedestrian is in critical condition after being hit by a car Saturday evening. It happened around 9:30pm on Highway 90 in Midland when the vehicle tried to avoid the pedestrian. State Troopers say the pedestrian sustained critical injuries and was transported by Air-Med to Our Lady of Lourdes.... more »

• State Rep. District 42 Candidates Face-Off in Crowley Play Video

  September 21, 2011 11:15 PM

  Candidates in Acadia Parish had the chance to go head to head Wednesday night. The forum included candidates for State Representative District 42, Jack Montoucet and Anthony Emmons, candidates for Acadia Tax assessor, Mike Goss and James Petitjean, Clerk of Court competitors Robert Barousse and Larry Lege, as well as... more »

• Bridge Closed Due to Fatal Accident

  September 10, 2011 12:16 AM

  The Atchafalya Basin Bridge West Bound is closed at this time due to a fatal accident at mile marker 132. Louisiana State Police is on scene and say at least two cars are involved in the crash and it is unknown if there are any other injuries. Troopers... more »

• State to Restripe I-10 Bridge Exit

  September 9, 2011 8:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State officials say workers next week will revamp a controversial exit route off the new Mississippi River Bridge. The current setup requires westbound traffic on the bridge headed for La. 1 to use the right "exit only" lane. The change will return traffic patterns to... more »

• State: Pre-apply for disaster food aid

  September 2, 2011 7:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE (AP) - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services encouraged residents to pre-apply online for disaster food aid, even though the program isn't expected to be needed for the storm system approaching the state. "September is National Preparedness Month and preparation is critical, especially as we enter... more »

• Equipment coming to state must be weevil-free

  August 15, 2011 9:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Truckers and cotton farmers that use cotton harvest equipment brought in from other states to Louisiana must have the equipment certified as free of boll weevils or being from an area where they've been eradicated. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says equipment from areas with pink... more »

• State turning over $400,000 in unclaimed money

  July 26, 2011 10:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Just over $400,000 in lost money has been returned to New Orleans-area residents from the state treasury. The agency held an unclaimed property day Saturday in Metairie. State Treasurer John Kennedy says over 5,000 people attended. Kennedy says one person claimed $98,000, while another claimed... more »

• Audit: Town Must Pay the State

  July 24, 2011 12:43 PM

  WASHINGTON, La. (AP) - An audit suggests the town of Washington owes state government $222,130 from speeding tickets issued by police officers on Interstate 49. State law requires fines collected by local law enforcement from motorists exceeding the speed limit by less than 10 miles per hour on an interstate... more »

• Teenager Dies in Crash

  July 23, 2011 10:16 AM

  On July 21, 2011, at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash on Foreman Road near Trahan Road in Beauregard Parish that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman from Longville. Investigating troopers report that a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer driven by... more »

• State catching up to unemployment tax dodgers

  July 7, 2011 7:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Workforce Commission says it has collected about $1.2 million this year in unemployment insurance taxes that had been dodged by employers. Businesses pay unemployment taxes based on a rating system that accounts for its payroll, how much in taxes it has paid and... more »

• State, company settle dispute over bridge systems

  July 4, 2011 9:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state and a company have settled a dispute over the tolling systems used for the Crescent City Connection bridge and the Leesville Bridge on Louisiana Highway 1. Both sides said Friday that lawsuits have been dismissed. Electronic Transaction Consultants Corp. and the Louisiana highway... more »

• Dash-Cam Video Released of Rep. Badon's DWI Arrest Play Video

  June 22, 2011 12:20 AM

  Following a public records request, Louisiana State Police released the dash-cam video from the night state Rep. Bobby Badon, D-Carencro, was arrested and charged with DWI. The arrest was made back in January, 2010, when Badon was initially pulled over for improper lane usage. Last week, however, District Judge... more »

• One Dead, Driver Arrested on DWI Fourth Offense

  June 4, 2011 11:46 AM

  An early morning crash claims the life of an Abbeville man. The crash happened just after one am on LA 82 South of Abbeville. Troopers say that the driver of the vehicle, 52 year old Gregory Menard attempted to pass several cars in a no passing zone, and collided... more »

• State to Test Ballot Scanning System

  May 30, 2011 7:46 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office has been given the go-ahead to test a new paper ballot scanning system. The system could be used statewide as early as the spring of 2012. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the system will read paper ballots and... more »

• Jindal Budget Criticism Comes from GOP

  May 29, 2011 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The opposition party isn't the only one giving Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal fits these days. It's his own GOP. Conventional wisdom would have suggested Republican takeovers of both the House and Senate would have given Jindal an easier path for passage of his legislative agenda... more »

• Two Dead After Single Vehicle Accident: Police Searching for Driver

  May 28, 2011 9:30 PM

  Two people are dead after a single vehicle accident and police are still searching for the driver. The accident happened at milepost 42 in northern St. Landry Parish just after 2:30 Saturday afternoon. Troopers say the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, entered the grass median,... more »

• House Panel Votes for Boost in State Worker Costs

  May 20, 2011 7:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The divisive idea to merge Southern University at New Orleans with the University of New Orleans has turned into a modest plan to switch UNO to a different college system. UNO would be placed in the University of Louisiana System that focuses on regional campuses... more »

• House Panel Weighing Boost in State Worker Costs

  May 19, 2011 6:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Lawmakers are considering a Jindal administration proposal to raise retirement costs for state workers, which would eat into paychecks that have been frozen at the governor's request for several years. The House Retirement Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal Thursday. The bill would cost... more »

• Man Arrested by State Police Dies in Custody

  May 19, 2011 6:54 AM

  GRETNA, La. (AP) - A drunken driving suspect who police say pulled a gun on a state trooper who shocked him with a stun gun died Wednesday after being taken to the Jefferson Parish jail, authorities said. Sheriff's deputies said they saw Kirklin Woolridge, 29, of Marrero, experiencing some sort... more »

• Single Car Crash Leaves One Dead

  May 14, 2011 9:00 AM

  One person is dead after a single car crash in New Iberia. It happened around 10:30 Friday night on LA 86 near Crochet Road when according to State Police, twenty year old Ronald Noel attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing curve. Noel then lost control of... more »

• State GOP Running Radio Ad Against Cigarette Tax

  May 13, 2011 9:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Republican Party says it's launching an anti-tobacco tax ad Friday on radio stations around Louisiana. According to a script released by the GOP, former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston narrates the 30-second ad, which urges people to call their lawmakers and tell them to... more »

• Proposed law requires burial/cremation of 8 week old fetuses Play Video

  April 21, 2011 10:47 PM

  A new controversial State bill is on the table this year that deals with the proper burial of dead or unborn fetuses. Representative Rickey Hardy (D-Lafayette) knows his new bill -- House Bill 379 -- could stir the pot in the State's legislature. "Is it controversial? It is... more »

• Tuition Hikes Worry Louisiana Students Play Video

  March 14, 2011 11:50 PM

  Criticism quickly followed Governor Bobby Jindal's newly released budget plan. One red flag is tuition hikes for Louisiana colleges. Included in Jindal's new budget is a spending provision of $98 million dollars which Jindal hopes state colleges will get through tuition hikes. "I don't like it, I really... more »

• March Mineral Sale Pulls in $11.5 Million

  March 13, 2011 10:57 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana's March sale of petroleum rights to government-owned land and waterbottoms brought in $11.5 million as interest in oil and natural gas exploration continued a sharp shift to the southern parishes. Last week, the board awarded 32 leases covering more than 15 acres. Of those, 30... more »

• State of Gulf Seafood After Spill: Road to Recovery Play Video

  March 1, 2011 11:39 PM

  To conclude the KATC special series on the state of gulf seafood after the BP oil spill, Maddie Garrett takes a look at the survival of an industry that so many in south Louisiana depend on. The message from those on the boats and in the restaurants is that... more »

• Eligibility Rules Get Tougher for Student Athletes Play Video

  January 28, 2011 11:30 PM

  High school gyms buzzing with basketball games across Acadiana every Friday night. But right in the middle of their season comes big changes for student athletes, as new Louisiana state rules go into effect over students' grades. "Pretty much when I'm done with sports I go straight home, get... more »

• District 22 Election Will Likely Change State Senate Play Video

  January 21, 2011 11:29 PM

  Saturday is the special election in Iberia and St. Martin Parishes for key State Senate seat, District 22. And it's an important one, because the outcome will mean big changes in Louisiana's State Senate. The District 22 seat has been held by a Democrat, but after Saturday, it's most... more »

• Final Candidate Forum for District 22 Race Play Video

  January 18, 2011 11:42 PM

  Tuesday night was the last chance for State Senate District 22 candidates to get their messages out to a large group of people. The Iberia Chamber of Commerce hosted the public forum at the Sliman Theater in New Iberia. Each of the six candidates were given a few minutes... more »

• Fatal Crash in Carencro

  January 17, 2011 1:08 AM

  A deadly scene in Carencro... It happened on LA 1252 near Melancon Road around 5 o'clock Sunday evening. Troopers say a single vehicle veered off the road and into a culvert. 40-year old Marcus Sonnier died in the crash. Officials believe alcohol was involved. more »

• Acadiana High State Champs Parade Today

  January 8, 2011 10:55 AM

  The City of Scott and will host a parade to celebrate the Acadiana High School Wreckin Rams 5-A State Football Championship today at 11:00 AM. The principal, coaches, players and cheerleaders will be escorted from AHS to Dulles Rd, left on Westgate Rd., left on Hwy 90(at CVS) to... more »

• State Police Arrest 12 for Drug Trafficking

  January 7, 2011 6:08 AM

  GREENSBURG, La. (AP) - A three-month investigation into narcotics trafficking in St. Helena Parish has resulted in the arrest of 12 men on a variety of drug charges. In a Thursday news release, state police said that working with the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office narcotics unit they began an... more »

• Jones to report to prison Feb. 28

  January 6, 2011 9:16 PM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - Former state Sen. Charles D. Jones is scheduled Feb. 28 to surrender to federal authorities and begin a 27-month prison sentence following his conviction on charges including tax evasion. U.S. District Judge Robert James also sentenced Jones to three years of supervised release and ordered the... more »

• Troopers offer up a New Year's Resolution

  December 28, 2010 1:18 PM

  During the Christmas travel weekend, the Louisiana State Police investigated five fatal crashes resulting in five deaths. The Christmas travel weekend began Thursday, December 23rd at 6 p.m. and continued through Sunday, December 26th at midnight. Eighty percent of the fatal crashes involved unrestrained vehicle occupants. Troop A (Baton... more »

• Judge invalidates state contract to Blue Cross

  December 16, 2010 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A judge Wednesday invalidated a contract the state awarded to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to administer the HMO plan for state workers, retirees and their dependents. State District Judge Mike Caldwell agreed with attorneys for Humana and UnitedHealthcare that the contract awarded... more »

• BESE approves new biology textbooks

  December 9, 2010 4:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - New high school biology textbooks will be available to public school districts after getting approval from the state education board. Backing from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education came Thursday despite complaints that the books teach evolution too matter-of-factly. It's the first time new... more »

• Deadly Weekend on Acadiana Roads Play Video

  December 5, 2010 7:29 PM

  State Police are investigating five fatal crashes this weekend across Acadiana. The latest happened around 6:00 Sunday night on I-49 North, near mile marker 21.5. Two vehicles were involved and troopers say one person has been killed. There are no road closures to report. In Eunice, an Elton... more »

• SPLC takes state-run N.O. schools to task

  December 2, 2010 9:26 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A civil rights organization complained Thursday about discipline practices and a lack of services for children with disabilities in New Orleans public schools that were taken over by the state after Hurricane Katrina. The Southern Poverty Law Center said only 6.8 percent of students with disabilities... more »

• Six Fatal Crashes Over Thanksgiving Holiday

  November 29, 2010 3:49 PM

  From LA State Police: The Louisiana State Police investigated six fatal crashes on Louisiana highways during the Thanksgiving holiday period of November 25 through November 28. These crashes resulted in six deaths across the state. The common factor in Louisiana's fatal crashes continues to be lack of seat belt... more »

• Louisiana State Flag Redesigned

  November 22, 2010 12:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana officials are unveiling a redesign of Louisiana's state flag that keeps the pelican but shows blood on the bird's chest. Louisiana's blue flag shows a mother pelican feeding her chicks in a nest. Historical descriptions also include three drops of blood on the mother's... more »

• Residents Raise $300,000 for State Park

  November 19, 2010 8:07 AM

  ABBEVILLE, La. (AP) - The Community Foundation of Acadiana says businesses, individuals and local governments have pitched in nearly $300,000 since October to keep Palmetto Island State Park open in Vermilion Parish. Construction on the $13 million park was complete this year, but state budget cuts nearly kept it closed... more »

• Palmetto Park Update

  November 17, 2010 5:05 PM

  Today, at a joint announcement with Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), Lt. Governor Scott Angelle announced that $284,000 has been secured for the operations of Palmetto Island State Park. Donors to the Palmetto Island State Park Fund Include: AGL Resources - $75,000 Chesapeake - $35,000 Stir the Pot Fundraiser -... more »

• New President Takes Over at McNeese State University

  November 15, 2010 7:47 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - McNeese State University President Philip C. Williams says he will recommend a reorganization of administrative personnel and services this week after a review by campus leaders. Williams, who faces budget cuts for 2011 after taking over as McNeese's sixth president July 1, was inaugurated Sunday... more »

• Former state senator's indictment dismissed

  October 26, 2010 10:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed charges that former state Sen. Heulette "Clo" Fontenot hid a $100,000 cash campaign loan from two federally insured lenders. Fontenot, 48, R-Livingston, was indicted in May for allegedly soliciting and receiving a $100,000 loan from two unnamed businessmen in... more »

• New Details About Impact of State Budget Cuts

  October 22, 2010 5:46 PM

  Three hundred health care workers and another 100 college employees will be laid off because Gov. Bobby Jindal cut the state budget by $107 million. The cuts were announced Friday to account for a deficit from the last fiscal year. Higher education took one-third of the cuts, about $35 million.... more »

• State removes children from Clinton group home

  October 22, 2010 9:42 AM

  CLINTON, La. (AP) - Two state agencies have removed all of the children in their care from a Clinton group home after a youth was injured earlier this month. Louisiana Department of Social Services spokesman Trey Williams said the agency placed a moratorium on the introduction of additional children at... more »

• Pedestrian Killed Today in Amelia

  October 18, 2010 12:18 PM

  The search is on for a hit and run driver, who killed a pedestrian early this morning. Louisiana State Police Troop I is investigating the fatal hit and run crash on LA 182. It happened at 4:16 a.m. Troopers say an unknown vehicle was traveling east on LA 182.... more »

• Louisiana Corrections Agency may Sell off State Prisons

  October 14, 2010 10:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Department of Corrections is contemplating the sale of prisons to cut costs during difficult budget times. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc that everything has been put on the table. LeBlanc said he is looking for creative ways to chop his budget. The state... more »

• Total State Revenues for 2010-2011

  October 11, 2010 12:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE, LA - The September 2010 Net Receipts Report shows that total state revenues for 2010-2011 to-date (July - September) are $1.707 billion, for a decrease of $140 million or 8 percent compared to last year. Total revenues this time last year were $1.847 billion, which was $320... more »

• UL to Face No. 22 Oklahoma State on ESPN2 Play Video

  October 6, 2010 9:46 AM

  The Ragin Cajuns will face number 22 ranked, Oklahoma State on ESPN2 Friday night at 8pm. The Cajuns are asking everyone to come out and pack the swamp! There will be many tailgating activities going on. The U.S. Marine Corp will be there, The Lt. Governor will be doing a... more »

• State Will Close Books With A $108 Million Deficit

  October 5, 2010 7:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state will close the books on the last budget year with a $108 million deficit, and agencies will be cut this fiscal year to close that gap. That's according to Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater, the governor's top budget adviser. Rainwater said he called... more »

• Sheriff Melancon Reminds Residents the Entire State Under Burn Ban

  October 5, 2010 10:52 AM

  Sheriff Melancon is once again reminding residents that effective October 3, 2010, the entire State of Louisiana has been put under a burn ban. All residents are to refrain from any activity that could initiate a fire. Shortly before noon on Monday the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office received a... more »

• Lawsuit Challenging the Way State Lawmakers Balanced Last Year's Budget

  October 4, 2010 12:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A lawsuit is challenging the way state lawmakers balanced last year's budget with $198 million from Louisiana's "rainy day" fund. The lawsuit was filed Monday. It claims legislators violated the state constitution by not repaying the money that was taken from the fund. If the... more »

• Louisiana Tourism Revenue Plummets Play Video

  October 1, 2010 7:36 PM

  Louisiana's reputation as a Sportsman's Paradise may be in jeopardy. Lieutenant Governor, Scott Angelle, said "Louisiana is at one half of the national average when it's comes to outdoor recreation expenditures...in the Sportman's Paradise, that came as quite a surprise." Alison Miller, Executive Director of the Vermilion Parish... more »

• Former State Senator's Law License Suspended

  September 28, 2010 8:10 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana Supreme Court has suspended the law license of former state Sen. Charles Jones after his conviction last month on federal income tax evasion charges. Monday, the Supreme Court granted a request by the state Attorney Disciplinary Board to suspend Jones' license in the interim... more »

• Seven Million Dollar Building Coming to LSU Eunice Play Video

  September 23, 2010 7:14 PM

  It took 20 years of waiting but today, LSU Eunice finally broke ground on a new building to house the school's continuing education offices, classrooms and auditoriums. It's a 7.4 million investment in community education. The 42,000 square foot building will provide additional classrooms, which sophomore Erica Lebert said... more »

• Name Your Price: Property Auction Play Video

  September 16, 2010 6:47 PM

  Over 60 properties will be up for grabs this weekend, and interested buyers will get to name their own price. The Louisiana Land Trust Auction is selling State owned land that was once used for the Road Home Program. "It's properties that people just didn't see fit to repair.... more »

• State Court Order Requiring Tobacco Companies To Pay $270 Million Blocked

  September 14, 2010 3:39 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has temporarily blocked a state court order requiring tobacco companies to pay $270 million for a smoking cessation program in Louisiana. Scalia granted a request from the companies on Tuesday, but said he would reconsider his order later this month after hearing... more »

• Cuba Says It Will Fire Half A Million State Workers

  September 13, 2010 1:00 PM

  HAVANA (AP) - Cuba says it will fire at least half a million state workers by mid-2011 and will free up private enterprise to help them find new work - radically remaking employment on the communist island. The layoffs will start immediately and run through the first half of next... more »

• Former State Sen. Ken Hollis Dies at 68

  September 10, 2010 1:47 PM

  METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Former state Sen. Ken Hollis, who worked to keep the Saints in New Orleans and to bring state-sponsored property insurance to Louisiana, is dead at the age of 68. His wife, Diane, says he died Friday morning of cancer. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.... more »

• State Starts Process to Reopen Fishing in Southwest Louisiana

  September 10, 2010 7:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State wildlife and fisheries regulators have taken the first step toward reopening waters west of the Mississippi Delta to commercial fishing. Officials say the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has began sampling crab, shrimp and finfish in Terrebonne and Timbalier bays, which were closed earlier... more »

• Settlement Resolves Probe of McNeese State

  September 10, 2010 7:08 AM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - A settlement with the Justice Department calls for McNeese State University to improve access to its Lake Charles campus for disabled students, employees and visitors. The settlement announced Thursday resolves an investigation the Justice Department launched in 2008 to review the school's compliance with the... more »

• State GOP endorses Landry in 3rd District race

  September 2, 2010 10:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Republican Party on Thursday backed congressional candidate Jeff Landry for the GOP nomination in a southeastern Louisiana district, in a move designed to pressure Republican Hunt Downer out of the race. Downer, a former Louisiana House speaker, said he wasn't ending his campaign.... more »

• State Police Identifies Deputies Involved in Shooting

  August 27, 2010 10:14 AM

  Iberia Parish- The following Iberia Parish deputies were involved in a shooting that took place on the night of August 25, 2010: Deputy Brett Broussard, Deputy Jeff Schmidt, Deputy Paul Venable, Deputy Ben LaSalle and Deputy Wade Bergeron. Louisiana State Police detectives, with the Lafayette Field Office were requested by... more »

• Immigration Law: LA State Senator Supports Arizona Play Video

  August 25, 2010 7:44 PM

  Louisiana State Senator, Troy Hebert, from St. Martin Parish, wants to file a friend of the court brief. That's paperwork intended to send a message to Washington D.C. saying Louisiana supports Arizona's immigration laws. "Since the hurricanes, we've had a lot of illegals coming into the state," Herbert tells... more »