Vermilion School Board President Anthony Fontana has announced he’s resigned. This comes amid the controversy surrounding school teacher Deyshia Hargrave and her arrest two weeks ago. A non-partisan group CrowdPac is concerned about the recent volatile actions of the board and wants to see changes. Spokesperson Mason Harrison says the resignation is perfect timing for a seminar coming to Abbeville to train citizens to become prepared to run for a school board position…
The seminar is scheduled for January 30th.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand in the cold. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says nobody’s power was going to be shut off:
Governor Edwards has said he will ask for a special session next month to consider the budget if there isn’t an agreement in principle in place. One of the concerns with the upcoming announcement is if there is enough money to fund the TOPS program. Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo says time is of the essence in getting a financial plan in place since nationwide faculty recruitment for universities and college is underway…
A state judge will hear a dispute next month between Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry over which party should control the state’s lawsuit against opioid manufacturers. Edwards’ administration filed a lawsuit in September against more than a dozen drug companies. Landry filed a request to stop the suit since it didn’t include how it impacts other agencies. Landry says his office can supersede the state health department.