SUMMARY: The Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry extended the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) emergency rule for another 180 days, preventing its expiration on Oct. 21. Initially implemented due to Governor Jeff Landry’s executive order, ITEP offers tax incentives for industries that invest in Louisiana. The extension allows for continued negotiations on permanent regulations, with a draft of the long-term rules anticipated in mid-November. Landry’s executive order also set stricter approval criteria for exemptions, requiring community investment and local government approval, while excluding routine maintenance from eligibility, promoting community involvement in the exemption process.

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SUMMARY: In Louisiana, legislators are addressing a budget shortfall impacting higher education funding, particularly affecting the TOPS program, which is seeing fewer students accepting aid. As financial support has not increased with rising education costs, many eligible students are opting for better offers elsewhere. Meanwhile, popular programs like the MJ Foster Program are running low on funds, prompting calls for budget increases. In other news, media icon Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson visited Shreveport to enhance the local entertainment industry, while early voting for the November presidential election has begun. Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber are offering discounts for rides to polling places.

Midday Ark-La-Miss News Update: Oct. 18, 2024

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SUMMARY: Good Friday morning! Meteorologist Justin Horn reports cool temperatures in the 50s and 60s with cloudy skies and a chance of light sprinkles. The forecast indicates a few showers may develop this evening, primarily south and west of San Antonio, but they won’t significantly impact plans. Expect mostly cloudy conditions and seasonable temperatures, reaching 74°F by noon and potentially 82°F in the afternoon, depending on cloud cover. A small chance of rain persists into Saturday and Sunday, with warmer temperatures expected next week.

Expect plenty of clouds this weekend.

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