State budget could face millions in shortfalls in '27
Jan Moller, executive director of Invest in Louisiana, warned that the state could face budget shortfalls starting next year. (Photo by Louisiana Public Broadcasting) BATON ROUGE — Federal and state budgeting policies could force Louisiana into structural budget shortfalls approaching $300 million in fiscal 2027 and more than $1 billion by 2029, the director of a nonpartisan think tank, Invest in Louisiana, told the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday. “These aren’t my numb
Rapides woman convicted of negligent burning
A Rapides Parish resident has been convicted of causing a wildfire that burned about 27 acres after a household trash and limbs fire got out of control, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF). Carrie Willis, no age or address given, was arrested in March 2023 after a fire on her property spread to a nearby pine plantation. On Feb. 11, 2026, Willis was found guilty of negligent burning before a judge and sentenced to two years probation and orde
McFarland pivotal in budget debates
State Rep. Jack McFarland makes sure every House member gets to weigh in on the state budget. (Photo by Cross Harris / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — When people think of Jack McFarland, they think of the clean-cut, white-haired logger from Winnfield who knows the state budget inside and out as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. What many don’t know is that his career in politics came from something as simple as doing others’ laundry. When McFarla
State steps up maintenance on roads, bridges
State Rep. Ryan Bourriaque is pushing to fix the state’s road and bridges. (Photo by Cross Harris / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — State officials say they will prioritize maintenance projects, especially on rural roads and bridges, as they seek to reduce an estimated $19 billion backlog in highway projects. They also are counting on the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, an entity created by the Legislature last year, to speed up the contracting proces
Klays for Kids set Feb. 28!
The Louisiana Logging Council is putting on its second annual Klays for Kids Clay Shoot, it's fundraiser that helps the Children's Miracle Network in Louisiana. Louisiana Loggers have long been big supporters of the hospital network that helps children with special needs. Over the past several years, Loggers have raised about $63,000 for the five network hospitals in the state. Klays for Kids Clay Shoot is another way, in addition to its Log-A-Load program, to help this worth
