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Bond commission approves over $300M in bonds for schools, infrastructure | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-02-20 15:01:00

(The Center Square) − The State Bond Commission approved a series of tax measures and bond sales across Louisiana, greenlighting over $300 million in funding for schools, infrastructure and public services.

The total sale amount okayed by the commission on Thursday includes significant allocations for education and community improvements.

One of the largest approvals was for the St. Tammany Parish School Board, which secured up to $325 million in general obligation bonds for school construction and improvements. This will fund new school projects and upgrades to existing facilities as outlined in the district’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Another major education-related approval went to the East Baton Rouge Parish Central Community School Board, which received authorization for up to $35 million in bonds for similar school-related expenditures.

The Beauregard Parish School Board was granted $30 million in general obligation bonds to improve schools and other education-related facilities. Additionally, the St. Martin Parish School Board and the Rapides Parish School Board secured $30 million and $27 million, respectively, for school infrastructure and equipment.

Infrastructure projects also received significant funding. The City of Westlake in Calcasieu Parish secured a 1% sales tax for 10 years to finance fire department stations, sewerage facilities, and public parks, among other projects. In Ascension Parish, multiple infrastructure districts, including the Belle Maison Subdivision and Pelican Point Golf Community, were approved for 15-mill taxes levied in perpetuity to maintain roads, drainage, and bridges.

The Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority was approved for up to $4.5 million in taxable revenue bonds for capital projects, including improvements to the Sans Souci Building, La Place Neighborhood Park, and the Buchanan Warehouse, which is set to become a cultural arts facility.

Public safety funding also saw significant approvals, including a half-percent sales tax in Calcasieu Parish to maintain law enforcement salary schedules and provide for future cost-of-living adjustments.

The Orleans Parish Law Enforcement District will also receive funding from a 2.46-mill tax for the next decade to support jail operations and the sheriff’s office.

Additionally, several hospitals and public health facilities secured long-term funding. The St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 2 will receive up to $51.5 million in bonds for projects focused on cancer care, emergency care, and women’s and infant health services.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

NEXT UP IN SAN ANTONIO: Friday night storms and a BIG temp drop

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www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-04-02 05:52:32

SUMMARY: Meteorologist Sarah Spivey forecasts storms for San Antonio on Friday night into Saturday morning, potentially impacting events like the Final Four and the Lero Texas Open. Strong storms may produce large hail and damaging winds. Following the storms, a significant temperature drop is expected from Saturday night through Monday, with Sunday morning lows in the 40s and afternoon highs in the 60s. Today and tomorrow will be warm, reaching near 90°F, while western areas might see temperatures rise to triple digits. A small chance of stray storms exists today, but overall, humidity will decrease after the front passes.

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DETAILS: https://www.ksat.com/weather/2025/04/02/next-up-in-san-antonio-friday-night-storms-and-a-big-temp-drop/

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Mother turns son's tragedy into mental health mission

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www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-04-01 18:20:57

SUMMARY: After the tragic suicide of her son Ian, a prosecutor in the Orleans DA’s office, Karen Kirsting is dedicated to improving mental health support for first responders. Ian, who was known for his empathy, struggled silently with mental health issues, ultimately taking his life at 34. In response, the DA’s office is creating a position for a clinical therapist to aid staff coping with the stress of crime victim care. Karen is advocating for open discussions about mental health and the shame surrounding suicide, hoping to ensure no one else feels isolated in their struggles. Resources like the suicide crisis hotline are emphasized.

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A mother’s mission to honor her late son’s legacy sparks a new mental health initiative.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

2 men rescued after climbing down cliff to retrieve cellphone

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www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-04-01 18:12:57

SUMMARY: Two 19-year-olds were rescued after attempting to retrieve a dropped cell phone from a cliff near Mud Creek Park in San Antonio. The men had been hiking and drinking when one of them dropped his phone over a steep drop. Unable to climb back up, they called 911 for help. Firefighters used ropes to rescue them, and paramedics checked them for injuries, finding none. Although unharmed, the men were issued tickets for their actions. Local residents, familiar with the area’s danger, expressed concern over the men’s risky behavior in such a treacherous location.

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Two men, who apparently went to great lengths to retrieve a dropped cellphone by climbing down a cliff, had to be rescued themselves.

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