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WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved President Donald Trump’s request to claw back about $9 billion for public broadcasting and foreign aid. Democrats argued that the Republican administration’s animus toward foreign aid programs would hurt America’s standing in the world and create a vacuum for China to fill. The White House argued that the cuts best served the taxpayer and would incentivize other nations to do more to address humanitarian crises. The cancellation of $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcast represents the full amount it is due to receive during the next two budget years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are trying to formulate a response to the Trump administration’s handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case. They ultimately put forward a resolution Thursday that carried no legal weight but nodded to thegrowingdemandfor greater transparency. The House resolution could potentially be voted on next week. It will do practically nothing to force the Justice Department to release more records in the case. Still, the Republican response showed how backlash from the Republican base is putting pressure on the Trump administration and roiling GOP lawmakers.

Parish residents will see a parishwide sales tax to benefit permanent employees in the school district on the November ballot after school officials approved the matter.

WELSH — Welsh Elementary School will soon see various projects kick off, including a new classroom addition, roof work and playground equipment.

LAKE ARTHUR — The Town of Lake Arthur received approval to seek new contractors for a demolition project which saw been put on hold due to a recent tragedy.

Initiative will be focused on energy, advanced manufacturing

— Five central Louisiana men — including four current or former law enforcement officials — have been indicted on federal conspiracy and fraud charges tied to an alleged years-long scheme to submit false immigration applications for financial gain.