The special session came to a close last night with lawmakers approving legislation that fully funds TOPS, higher ed, health care and reduces cuts in corrections, juvenile justice and other areas. Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 15 (09) “:…compromise is”
Edwards says the legislature’s decision to set the sales tax rate at 4.45 percent until July 2025, will give the state budget stability for the next seven years.

Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects to see a continuing effort for a constitutional convention, which several lawmakers say is needed for more budget and tax reform. But Dubos…
cut 8 (11) “…for everybody”

The state legislature has appropriated the four-million dollars needed to begin operating a juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Doctor James Bueche says young offenders at this facility will receive good education and specialized care…
cut 4 (09) “….the dorm”
Bueche says once fully funded, the facility will house 72 individuals.

After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer. The St. Landry Parish convenience store has produced other big lottery winners in recent months and news of the luck at the establishment has gotten around. .
Cut 12 (08) “…somebody got lucky again.”
The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail, says he won 350-thousand dollars in December playing Louisiana Lotto, while no one has yet to claim the two-million dollar Powerball ticket from this past weekend.