News

Jeff Davis Parish officials announced this week that the Louisiana Supreme Court has approved a Drug Court program for the 31st Judicial District, creating what prosecutors, judges and public defenders describe as a long-needed treatment option for individuals with chronic substance abuse issues who repeatedly cycle through the criminal justice system.

A school supply drive is underway to help students across Jeff Davis Parish begin the new school year with the essential supplies they need to succeed in the classroom. Hosted by the Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney’s Office, the annual drive encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to donate school supplies and backpacks for local students.

One of the most memorable lessons District 37 Rep. Reese 'Skip' Broussard learned during his first legislative session came not from one of his own bills, but from a proposed constitutional amendment that failed twice before ultimately advancing to Louisiana voters.

(The Center Square) — Major changes to federal student loans will begin July 1, with most prospective federal student aid applicants facing only two repayment plan options from that day forward. The new plans replacing PAYE and ICR plans are a tiered Standard Repayment Plan and the income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision on Monday, ruled that states can accept and count mail-in ballots received after the federal Election Day.

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision Tuesday, struck down 50-year old limits on political party spending for campaigns, a decision that could unleash swaths of funding into campaigns across the country.

(The Center Square) — Louisiana fishermen, local environmental groups and the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit Friday in Cameron Parish challenging a coastal use permit for a proposed 44-mile pipeline, arguing state regulators failed to consider the project's cumulative effects on climate change and coastal erosion.

(The Center Square) — Athletes and support staff for World Cup national teams training in California are set to face the second-highest income tax rates for the duration of the matches. The only one with higher taxes is Canada.

(The Center Square) — Louisiana's four racetrack casinos can begin claiming larger tax deductions for promotional gaming credits Tuesday under a one-year pilot program that state fiscal analysts estimate will reduce state revenue by about $583,000.