![Louisiana Network](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/09/lrn.jpg?w=300&q=75)
Louisiana Network
![Louisiana Network](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/09/lrn.jpg?w=300&q=75)
![No tuition increases at Louisiana community colleges and technical schools](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2015/07/SLCC-Ardoin-Bldg-KPEL-Staff-Photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
No tuition increases at Louisiana community colleges and technical schools
Despite a budget that calls for deep cuts to higher ed, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System will not raise tuition or fees for the 2018-19 school year, continuing a two-year trend of keeping costs stable for students.
![Paul Rainwater Comes Out In Support Of Half-penny Sales Tax](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2011/07/Paul-Rainwater.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Paul Rainwater Comes Out In Support Of Half-penny Sales Tax
Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half-cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS.
![Steve Scalise: One Year After Assassination Attempt](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2013/09/Scalise-e1403210204330.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Steve Scalise: One Year After Assassination Attempt
Today marks the one year anniversary of the shooting of US Representative Steve Scalise.
![Childcare Assistance Program Receives $40 Million From Federal Government](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2018/05/GettyImages-52077072.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Childcare Assistance Program Receives $40 Million From Federal Government
The feds are pumping $40 million into the state’s Childcare Assistance Program, that helps working and middle-class parents pay for child care services.
![New Study Shows Majority of Pediatricians No Longer in Favor of Spankings](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2013/10/Paddle-photo-WikiMedia-Commons.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Study Shows Majority of Pediatricians No Longer in Favor of Spankings
It’s a disciplinary action that has been around for years, but now a study involving Tulane University researchers finds that about three out of four pediatricians are saying spankings are no longer recommended.
![Department of Health Cuts Suggested by House Appropriations Chairman](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/11/Louisiana-State-Capitol-Photo-by-Chris-GraythenGetty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Department of Health Cuts Suggested by House Appropriations Chairman
The final act of this year’s special session trilogy is less than a week away, with the administration and many legislators scrambling to find some extra cash for programs like TOPS, which is facing a 30 percent cut.
![Congressman Abraham Weighs In On Talks With North Korea](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/09/Congressman-Ralph-Abraham-via-YouTube1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Congressman Abraham Weighs In On Talks With North Korea
The eyes of the world are on the recent meeting between President Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
![Are Proposed Cuts to TOPS Sending Students Out of State?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/12/OPS-e1481926942761.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Are Proposed Cuts to TOPS Sending Students Out of State?
Unless the state legislature approves additional revenue, TOPS will suffer a 30% reduction, a cost that will be passed right back to students and their families.
![Small Business Optimism at its Second Highest Level in 45 Years](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/04/taxes.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Small Business Optimism at its Second Highest Level in 45 Years
Small business optimism has reached its highest level in 34 years. That's according to the National Federation of Independent Business, who surveys its members regularly.
![Lawmakers Already Meeting Ahead of Third Special Session](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/10/John-Alario-e1349819903395.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lawmakers Already Meeting Ahead of Third Special Session
Senate President John Alario says they’re looking to craft a compromise deal that can get the 70 votes needed in the House for passage.
![Deer feeding ban lifted in Northeast Louisiana parishes](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/01/GettyImages-632464346.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Deer feeding ban lifted in Northeast Louisiana parishes
It’s an ailment that is causing a serious threat to the deer population, and since January, a feeding ban was enacted in northeast Louisiana in order to minimize the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
![Fiscal cliff debate shows split in Republican Party](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/02/Louisiana-State-Capitol-wikimedia-commons-e1454730076776.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Fiscal cliff debate shows split in Republican Party
The fiscal cliff debate is revealing a wide range of opinions from within Louisiana’s Republican Party, ranging from moderates who support the governor’s call for a half cent sales tax renewal, to anti-tax conservatives who favor budget cuts to plug the 648 million dollar shortfall.
![Democrat Renee Fontenot Free Jumps Into Secretary Of State’s Race](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/10/Voter.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Democrat Renee Fontenot Free Jumps Into Secretary Of State’s Race
The first entrants into the race for the Secretary of State’s office are trickling in, in the wake of a poll that showed nearly a third of Louisianans are undecided on who they will be voting for come November.
![Eunice Man Dies From Crash While Fleeing From Police](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/03/Louisiana-State-Police-Patch-Facebook-e1461577113518.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Eunice Man Dies From Crash While Fleeing From Police
A Eunice man is dead from a crash while fleeing from police on Monday morning.
![New Orleans set to gain 350 new IT jobs from Austin-based tech company](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/01/GettyImages-87362781.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Orleans set to gain 350 new IT jobs from Austin-based tech company
More tech jobs are coming to Louisiana with today’s announcement that Austin-based Accruent will open an office in New Orleans. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the tech center is expected to bring in 350 jobs into the Big Easy.
![State law allows 30 days of paid leave to teachers for adoption process](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2012/08/85738811.jpg?w=980&q=75)
State law allows 30 days of paid leave to teachers for adoption process
A new state law allows Louisiana public school teachers up to 30 days of paid leave for the adoption process. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds sponsored a package of bills promoting adoption after seeing families tackle the hurdles of the process during his campaign.
![Bulletproof Backpack Bill Signed Into Law](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/03/97021048.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Bulletproof Backpack Bill Signed Into Law
Public school students can have a bulletproof backpack next school year as a result of a new state law.
![Report: Nearly 800 Crashes Annually Along I-10 Due To Distracted Driving](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2018/06/I-10-Signs.png?w=980&q=75)
Report: Nearly 800 Crashes Annually Along I-10 Due To Distracted Driving
The DOTD has taken multiple measures to ensure the safety along this stretch of highway with additional signage, cable barriers and ruble strips.
![Louisiana Suicide Rate Has Risen 29% Since 1999](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2015/08/165542060.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Suicide Rate Has Risen 29% Since 1999
Louisiana has seen a 29 percent increase in the suicide rate since 1999, that according to a CDC report that revealed national suicide rates have skyrocketed over the last two decades.
![Poll: 56% Of Louisianans Approve Of Trump Administration](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2018/03/GettyImages-929388524.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Poll: 56% Of Louisianans Approve Of Trump Administration
A statewide poll from JMC Analytics shows, despite a 42% national approval rating for President Donald Trump, Louisianans are still on board, as 56% of those surveyed approve of his administration.