A federal judge has approved a 48-million dollar class action settlement for Bayou Corne residents affected by a sinkhole that was discovered two years ago. The lawsuit was brought against Texas Brine which was operating a salt mine that is believed to have caused the sinkhole. One of the plaintiff’s attorneys, Larry Centola, says they are happy with the judge’s approval…

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The settlement will compensate 269 residents who lived in the area. Centola says residents should begin to see some settlement money in December.

State district Judge Todd Hernandez has ruled that the lawsuit filed by a group of teachers and parents against Governor Bobby Jindal over Common Core can proceed. However, Hernandez will not allow the plaintiffs to question the governor under oath. This lawsuit alleges Governor Jindal overstepped his Constitutional authority when he suspended state contracts tied to Common Core. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.

The former chief financial officer at the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office faces theft and malfeasance charges after he allegedly gave himself over 22-thousand dollars in excess wages. State Police Trooper Albert Paxton says last May, Sheriff James Kelley requested the LSP to look into accusations that 61-year-old George Tosspon of Jonesville stole public funds…

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Tosspon faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

A Slidell woman has been charged with medicaid fraud after she allegedly used her dead sister’s name to receive medical treatment at Slidell Memorial Hospital. Slidell Police detective Daniel Seuzeneau says hospital officials became aware of 26-year-old Diondre Jones’ scam after her false name was entered into the computer…

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Suzeneau says that Jones was wearing a memorial T-shirt in honor of her deceased sister when officers caught up to her in the parking lot.