SUMMARY: A federal judge blocked Louisiana’s law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, citing constitutional concerns. Judge John deGravelles issued a preliminary injunction, halting Gov. Jeff Landry’s House Bill 71, which mandates the displays pending a final court ruling. The judge ruled the law unconstitutional, noting its “overtly religious” purpose and similarity to a 1980 Supreme Court case that struck down a similar Kentucky law. The state plans to appeal the decision. Critics argued it infringed on students’ First Amendment rights, while the state contended the law could be implemented constitutionally as a historical reference. The case will be reviewed by the 5th Circuit Court.

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SUMMARY: Louisiana lawmakers are considering expanding sales taxes to 41 additional services, including accommodations rentals and capital improvements like construction or major installations. This could increase insurance premiums, as certain repairs outside of “capital improvements” might be taxed, burdening insurance companies with higher costs. The proposed tax changes aim to offset revenue lost from income tax cuts. While House Bill 9 seeks to broaden the state’s tax base, critics, such as Rep. Mandie Landry, argue that the changes could unfairly target individuals over big companies, creating confusion and potentially worsening the state’s already high insurance costs.

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SUMMARY: The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies faces potential fraud of $334,930, revealed in an audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. The institute, which received nearly $1.8 million in government grants, had a significant material weakness in internal controls due to misappropriations by its former chief operating officer (COO). Fraudulent activities included unauthorized personal expenses charged to institute credit cards, inflated payroll, and payments for personal events. Despite findings, the COO has not been formally charged, and no restitution claims were made, though she is no longer with the institute. Management has since updated policies to enhance oversight and security.

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