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CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos has arrived for his sentencing in federal court. The New York Republican pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos admitted he deceived donors and stole the identities of nearly a dozen people to fund his congressional campaign. He served less than a year in Congress before being expelled in 2023 after his lies and fraud were uncovered. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Santos.

The state recently released audit reports on the financial health of multiple parish entities.

WELSH — The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana will kick-off a new Lunch Buddy program at the Welsh Elementary School in August for the 2025–2026 school year.

(The Center Square) — Louisiana has finally regained all the jobs it lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

(The Center Square) — In a bid to reshape how Louisiana delivers workforce and social services, state lawmakers are proposing to merge disparate programs into a unified, streamlined system.

(The Center Square) — The Louisiana House is weighing two bills by Rep. Ken Brass, D-Ascension, that would significantly increase taxes on vaping and smokeless tobacco products, aiming to curb youth use and fund cessation efforts..

LAKE ARTHUR — Area residents can come out and support two local children battling serious illnesses at Playing for a Cause bingo fundraiser from 1–4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Lake Arthur Community Center located at 701 Eighth St.