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on students’ First Amendment rights, while the state contended the law could be implemented constitutionally as a historical reference.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: 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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SUMMARY: Voter turnout in Louisiana for the 2024 presidential election dropped to 65.9%, affecting over 2 million voters, marking a decline from previous elections. The turnout was higher in 2020 at 70.1%, coinciding with a closer race. Although 2016 and 2012 had similar turnout percentages (67.9%), the total votes cast were lower. Congressional turnout also fell across districts, with District 1 dropping from 73.2% in 2020 to 67% in 2024, and District 6 nosediving from 74.6% to 59.6%. Even the 2023 gubernatorial race saw a decrease, with turnout falling from 51% to 36.3%.

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