News

(The Center Square) — Louisiana education officials say Gov. Jeff Landry’s order to cut $168 million from the state’s public school funding formula will reduce school district aid by an average of about 5%, though the money is intended to return to teachers and support workers through one-time stipends.

For nearly 40 years, a onecent sales tax has helped support public education in the parish, which is now up for renewal. As voters prepare to decide whether to renew the tax for another decade, school officials warn the consequences of losing it could be felt in every classroom, school building and corner of the district.

The city council here presented an operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year at Tuesday’s meeting. Mayor Henry Guinn and City Council President Stevie VanHook, along with council members Carolyn Simon, Wayne Ledbetter, Carl Benoit and Anthony LeBlanc, worked together to create a comprehensive $17 million budget based on revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury voted Wednesday to contribute $2,500 toward a regional Southwest Louisiana housing study after initially moving to reject the request based on a recommendation from its Finance Committee. The proposal, presented to jurors during a previous meeting by Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance CEO Scott Walker, seeks funding from local governments and industry partners across a five-parish region to help develop a comprehensive housing study and action plan addressing future residential growth, workforce housing and economic development opportunities.

The Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission is exploring potential long-term office solutions, including the possibility of purchasing the former Capital One building in Jennings, as members discussed future space needs and their continuing partnership with the City of Jennings during a recent meeting. Tourism Director Carter Prejean told commissioners that the former Capital One property is currently being marketed and accepting bids, prompting discussion about whether the commission should investigate the opportunity as it considers future office needs.

— U.S. crude oil inventories, including commercial stockpiles and the nation's emergency reserves, fell by 16 million barrels last week to their lowest combined level in more than two decades, as strong demand for exports of American petroleum products continued in world markets.

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday slapped down a decision from the Biden administration that regulated efficiency standards for furnaces and water heaters.