SUMMARY: Taxpayers in Shreveport continue to face financial burdens due to violations of the Clean Water Act dating back to 2013, which resulted in over 850 instances of raw sewage discharge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s consent decree mandates significant improvements to the city‘s aging sewer and water systems, with a civil penalty of $650,000. Despite a projected $342 million cost over 12 years, expenses have outpaced estimates, leading to a 177% increase in sewage rates since 2013. In response, the city has shifted focus to critical issues like preventing sanitary sewer overflows and is negotiating for changes to the decree to ease financial strain.

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SUMMARY: The Louisiana Legislative Auditor has expressed concerns regarding the oversight of the Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association (LORA) by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, particularly in managing orphaned oil and gas wells under a 2019 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA). Despite LORA providing $157.3 million for well security, significant oversight gaps were identified, such as a lack of financial monitoring and guidelines. Increased administrative fees have led to substantial profits for Arkus Management Services, which operates LORA. The audit recommends enhanced monitoring and prioritization of well-plugging efforts, along with regular evaluations of administrative expenses to improve accountability.

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SUMMARY: Researchers have discovered ancient cat remains in Natural Bridge Caverns, dating back 11,500 years, leading to excitement in the scientific community. Initially found in 1963, additional bones were uncovered in 2022, providing better preservation and DNA analysis. These findings offer insights into life at the end of the Ice Age in Texas, where extinct species like saber-toothed cats once roamed. The remains have raised questions about how the cats ended up in the cave, with ongoing DNA testing potentially identifying the species. Results are expected next year, shedding light on this unprecedented discovery.

Cat bones discovered in two spots deep within Natural Bridge Caverns are getting the attention of scientists around the world.

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