SUMMARY: The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a lower court’s ruling that would have halted Louisiana’s law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. The law, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, mandates displays in classrooms by January 1. While U.S. District Judge John deGravelles previously ruled the law as likely unconstitutional, the appellate court’s decision allows its implementation in unaffected districts. Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed support for the law, despite ongoing legal challenges from five school districts claiming it violates religious freedom. The case continues as it raises significant constitutional questions.

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SUMMARY: The Louisiana Water Sector Commission met to discuss various drinking water infrastructure projects. City representatives and engineers made requests for deadline extensions, project scope changes, and additional funding. Delcambre Waste Water requested a 4-month extension for fund verification, while Calcasieu Parish and St. Martinville sought extensions for project bidding and permits. Jeanerette requested to lower its bid match commitment and an extension for fund verification. Point Coupee Parish proposed removing booster pumps, and Shreveport sought to expand a project scope. Southwest Avoyelles Waterworks requested to remove a storage tank. Additionally, three entities requested extra funds due to budget overruns, all of which were approved.

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SUMMARY: New District 2 Public Service Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan outspent his previous state Senate campaign, investing $545,643 in his successful campaign for the PSC seat, where he won with 54% in the primary on Nov. 5. He received contributions totaling $704,497 and competed against Democrat Nick Laborde and Republican Julie Quinn. In contrast, his previous Senate race saw expenditures of $131,273 and contributions of $95,271. Notable past PSC campaigns include Eric Skrmetta’s $527,298 in 2020 and Foster Campbell’s over $700,000. PSC commissioners serve six-year terms, regulating public utilities and services.

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