Kenner Representative Julie Stokes has dropped out of the State Treasurer’s race after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and facing several months of chemo. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Stokes is a highly regarded and respected state lawmaker:
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He expects the State Treasurer’s race will remain a highly competitive one.

A 73-year-old Slidell man was brutally beaten during a road rage incident just before noon yesterday, according to cops. Slidell Police responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call that two young men had attacked the elderly man who was still inside his vehicle. Detective Daniel Seuzeneau…:
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The two men are charges with disturbing the peace and second degree battery.

The Tax Foundation ranks Louisiana number one in the nation for sales tax rates. Director of state projects for the Tax Foundation, Scott Drenkard, says when you combine sales, property and income taxes, Louisiana is one of the least tax burdened states. But he says the state can benefit from tax reform, because it has one of the most complex structures in the nation…:
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Louisiana’s combined state and local sales tax rate averages just above 10-percent.

I-10 East between Sorrento and Gramercy will be closed this weekend for repairs on the on-ramp bridge connecting U.S. 61 and the interstate. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says you should find another way to New Orleans:
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The closure begins at 9 p.m. tonight and is set to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday.