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Obituary: Rock H. Lasserre, Jr. Remembered for Contributions to Aviation and Community

Obituary: Rock H. Lasserre, Jr. Remembered for Contributions to Aviation and Community

Rock H. Lasserre, Jr., a respected figure in the aviation industry and community, passed away at the age of 81. Born in Lafayette, Lasserre was a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana and served as the Director of Aviation at Acadiana Regional Airport. Known for his professionalism and dedication, he was also passionate about restoring old cars. Lasserre is survived by his wife, Marcelle Bienvenu Lasserre, and other family members. His memorial service was held at Pellerin Funeral Home in St. Martinville, with several notable figures, including Governor Jeff Landry, serving as honorary pallbearers.
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East Baton Rouge School Superintendent Indicted Amid Corruption Probe

East Baton Rouge School Superintendent Indicted Amid Corruption Probe

East Baton Rouge Parish School Superintendent Lamont Cole has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit public bribery, money laundering, and malfeasance in office. The indictment is part of a broader investigation led by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill into alleged corruption among Baton Rouge officials. Cole's charges are linked to his previous tenure as an East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman. The investigation has already resulted in charges against several other officials, including Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr. and former Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Courtney Scott. The probe focuses on fraudulent activities tied to city-parish contracts and public funds.
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Governor Jeff Landry Enacts Law Banning Debit Card Surcharges in Louisiana

Governor Jeff Landry Enacts Law Banning Debit Card Surcharges in Louisiana

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a new law in Louisiana that prohibits retailers from imposing surcharges on debit card transactions. This legislation, known as Senate Bill 254 or Act 751, took effect on August 1. It aims to protect consumers from additional fees when using debit cards, which are often considered 'junk fees' due to their unexpected nature at checkout. The law empowers the Louisiana Attorney General to investigate and enforce actions against businesses that violate this rule. While major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard already restrict debit card surcharges, this state law provides a direct legal avenue for consumers and regulators to address violations. The law distinguishes between surcharges and cash discounts, allowing businesses to offer discounts for cash payments but not to add fees for debit card use.
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Louisiana Bans Sweepstakes Casinos with New Legislation

Louisiana Bans Sweepstakes Casinos with New Legislation

Louisiana has enacted a new law banning sweepstakes casinos, following the signature of Governor Jeff Landry. The ban, effective August 1, 2026, prohibits operations that simulate gambling and use dual-currency systems for prizes or cash equivalents. This legislative move follows a long campaign against the sector, with previous attempts to regulate it failing due to concerns about overly broad definitions. The new law provides a clear framework for enforcement, allowing the state to pursue criminal charges against offenders, with penalties including up to 50 years in prison.
USA Today USA Today
These recalled eggs could still be in your fridge. See list

These recalled eggs could still be in your fridge. See list

Midwest Poultry Services L.P. issued a recall on July 22 for nearly 1.6 million dozen white and brown cage-free eggs from Texas.
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Louisiana's 5th Congressional District Race Sees Multiple Candidates Seeking President Trump's Endorsement

Louisiana's 5th Congressional District Race Sees Multiple Candidates Seeking President Trump's Endorsement

The race for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District has attracted a crowded field of candidates following incumbent Republican Rep. Julia Letlow's decision to run for the Senate. Among the candidates are three Republican state legislators—State Reps. Michael Echols and Gabe Firment, and State Sen. Stewart Cathey—who are actively seeking the endorsement of President Trump. This endorsement is considered highly influential in the current election cycle. The election is scheduled for November 3, and the district is traditionally seen as a safe seat for Republicans. Other candidates include anti-establishment Republican dairy farmer Austin Magee and Democratic lawyer Dan McKay, who believes a Democrat can win despite the district's Republican leanings.
AP News AP News
LSU concludes informational meetings with top donors about a proposed sports funding plan

LSU concludes informational meetings with top donors about a proposed sports funding plan

LSU has completed a series of two meetings with top donors to outline what university President Wade Rousse has billed as a “first of its kind” revenue-generating proposal for athletics
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Louisiana Inspector General's Budget More Than Doubles to Combat Government Waste

Louisiana Inspector General's Budget More Than Doubles to Combat Government Waste

The budget for Louisiana's Office of Inspector General has increased by 131%, rising from $2.2 million to $5.5 million for the fiscal year starting July 1. This significant budget increase follows the appointment of Angele Davis as the new Inspector General by Governor Jeff Landry. Davis plans to allocate $3 million to hire outside contractors to identify potential savings in government spending. This initiative is part of the Louisiana Taxpayer Protection Initiative, which aims to enhance fraud detection using artificial intelligence and data analysis. The initiative requires participation from state agencies overseeing public assistance programs, although the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is not mandated to appoint a liaison.
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SpaceX Plans New Rocket Launch Site in Louisiana to Expand Starship Capabilities

SpaceX Plans New Rocket Launch Site in Louisiana to Expand Starship Capabilities

SpaceX Plans New Rocket Launch Site in Louisiana to Expand Starship Capabilities
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Louisiana Secures Federal Disaster Aid for Tropical Storm Arthur Recovery

Louisiana Secures Federal Disaster Aid for Tropical Storm Arthur Recovery

Louisiana has received federal disaster aid to support recovery efforts in parishes affected by Tropical Storm Arthur. Governor Jeff Landry and Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced that President Donald Trump approved all assistance requests for Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Charles, and Winn Parishes. The aid will provide FEMA Public Assistance to eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, to support response and recovery efforts. This includes reimbursement for qualifying disaster-related costs, helping local governments restore critical infrastructure and expedite recovery processes.
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SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for Potential Launch Site

SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for Potential Launch Site

SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for Potential Launch Site
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SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for New Launch Site

SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for New Launch Site

SpaceX to Acquire 130,000 Acres in Louisiana for New Launch Site