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Citizen Portal News Louisiana
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Iberia Parish is embarking on a $240,000 Phase 1 Drainage Master Plan to modernize its infrastructure and secure funding for future projects—will it be enough to tackle rising rainfall challenges?

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#IberiaParish #LA #CommunityEngagement #DisasterResilience #CitizenPortal
Engineers present $240,000 Phase 1 for parishwide drainage master plan; council signals support
CH|Finstermaker presented a six‑month Phase 1 master‑planning effort for parishwide drainage at an estimated cost of $240,000 to collect data, update models and ordinances, and prepare projects that can compete for state and federal funding; council discussed using GOMESA/CPRA funds and modernizing ordinances to improve resilience.
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January 17, 2026 at 7:17 AM
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The Iberia Parish Council is debating a potential takeover of school-zone speed cameras, raising questions about safety, legality, and community impact.

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#IberiaParish #LA #IberiaParishSafety #TrafficSafety #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal
Iberia Parish Council opens discussion on taking over school‑zone speed cameras after New Iberia request
Councilmembers and city officials debated whether the parish should assume oversight of automated school‑zone cameras on Dasset Road. Legal constraints in Acts 103 and 107 and an Attorney General opinion mean a cooperative endeavor agreement with the school board would be required; the council voted to move the city's resolution to the full council for follow-up.
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January 17, 2026 at 5:19 AM
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Concerns are rising in Louisiana as the proposed interstate occupational therapy compact could allow out-of-state practitioners to work without essential criminal-background checks.

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#LA #LouisianaOccupationalTherapy #HealthCareReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
LSBME staff warn interstate OT compact could allow out-of-state licensees without background checks
LSBME staff told the advisory committee that aspects of the proposed interstate occupational-therapy compact could permit practitioners from some states to practice in Louisiana without state criminal-background checks. Staff said a proposed alternative failed by a 14–13 vote in the compact commission and that the issue remains unresolved pending further agency, gubernatorial or legislative action.
citizenportal.ai
January 17, 2026 at 1:57 AM
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The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education just swore in new officers, while Chief Justice John L. Weimer urged a united front to tackle the pressing issue of truancy in our schools.

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#LA #LouisianaEducation #TruancyPrevention #StudentSuccess
BESE swears in new officers as Louisiana chief justice urges cross‑sector push on truancy
The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) swore in its 2026 officers and new member Joseph Kyle, and Chief Justice John L. Weimer told the board that reducing truancy requires coordinated work among courts, schools and local leaders.
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January 16, 2026 at 9:26 PM
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The St. Bernard Parish School Board Committee has made significant strides by unanimously advancing vital policy updates and a new code of conduct for discussion at the full board meeting.

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#LA #EducationPolicy #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal #StudentMentalHealth
Committee forwards code of conduct and several policy updates to full board, all motions pass 10–0
At its Jan. 13 meeting the General Committee voted unanimously (10–0) to forward a draft code of conduct and revisions to multiple policies (BCBB, DFK, DJE, EBBC, GBC, GBN, GBRA, JGCF) to the full St. Bernard Parish School Board with recommendations; several items reference state acts and federal guidance.
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January 16, 2026 at 2:06 AM
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The Terrebonne Parish School Board has unveiled five promising finalists for the superintendent position, each set to present their vision on January 13!

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#LA #EducationReform #CommunityInvolvement #LeadershipDevelopment #CitizenPortal #LouisianaSchools
Terrebonne board sets Jan. 13 interviews for five superintendent finalists
The board announced five candidates to be interviewed Jan. 13, each with a 30-minute slot including a 10–12 minute presentation and a single question from each board member.
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January 15, 2026 at 10:49 PM
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The Terrebonne Parish School Board has greenlit a $23.13 million renovation for Terrebonne High School, sparking debates over budget and acoustic solutions for the gym.

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#LA #BudgetTransparency #EducationReform #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #LouisianaSchools
Board approves $23.13 million Thompson bid for Terrebonne High renovation after debate over alternates and acoustics
The board accepted Thompson Construction's lowest responsive bid of $23.128 million and set a $25 million project budget funded by the building fund and 2025 bonds; members debated rejecting three alternates and whether to pursue a lower-cost acoustic fix for the gym.
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January 15, 2026 at 9:21 PM
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Assumption Parish is taking charge of its future by adopting a robust 2026 budget, securing funds for floodgate maintenance, and choosing local solar regulations over state mandates!

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#AssumptionParish #LA #FloodgateMaintenance #AssumptionParishLocalGov #CitizenPortal
Assumption Parish jury adopts 2026 budgets, submits Restore Act plan and opts out of state solar rules
The police jury approved the 2026 budgets, adopted a Restore Act multiyear plan proposing funding for Bayushan floodgate maintenance, and voted to opt out of the state's solar farm regulations in favor of local rules; other actions included adopting Section 8 waiting-list changes and approving multiple contracts.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:18 PM
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Baker’s 2025 year-in-review showcases a vibrant community under Mayor Darnell Waites, featuring impactful programs, exciting business openings, and significant infrastructure projects that promise a brighter future!

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#BakerEastBatonRougeParish #LA #EconomicDevelopment
Mayor Darnell Waites highlights community programs, awards and infrastructure in Baker’s 2025 year-in-review
The City of Baker’s year-in-review message credited Mayor Darnell Waites’ leadership for 2025 progress across community outreach, youth and senior programs, economic development and a transportation project; the message also noted awards and several ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 2:48 PM
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The Baker City Council has just approved a 1% sales tax aimed at revitalizing Main Street, but residents are demanding transparency and measurable results before it takes effect.

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#BakerEastBatonRougeParish #LA #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityTransparency
Baker council adopts 1% Main Street sales tax after public hearing; member abstains
After a public hearing and community comments emphasizing transparency and clear plans, the Baker City Council adopted a 1% sales-and-use tax for the Baker Main Street Economic Development District. Council member Doctor Vincent was allowed to abstain because of his ties to a related district.
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January 15, 2026 at 2:45 PM
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Lafourche Parish Council just approved critical funding for hurricane repairs and bridge projects, but questions linger about the long-awaited Butch Hill pump station!

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#LafourcheParish #LA #InfrastructureFunding #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #DisasterRecovery
Council approves change orders and drydocking quote; questions remain on pump-station funding
The council approved a $195,706.38 change order for the Courthouse Annex, accepted a $205,999 Allied Shipyard quote for drydocking work, and heard that the Butch Hill pump station is fully engineered but not fully funded; the parish president outlined funding sources and next steps.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 11:32 AM
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Chairman O'Toole is back in charge for 2026 as the Lafourche Parish Council gears up to tackle major infrastructure projects and settle key litigation!

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#LafourcheParish #LA #CommunitySafety #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Lafourche Parish Council elects officers for 2026, approves settlement and a slate of contracts and grants
The council re-elected Chairman O'Toole, chose Councilman Perk as vice chair, approved a settlement in Tommy Lassagne v. Lafourche Parish, and passed multiple resolutions including infrastructure change orders, grant acceptances, and maintenance contracts.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 11:23 AM
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Garvin Pittman revealed that 29 critical flood-risk-reduction projects are underway in Region 9, but commissioners are demanding clearer progress metrics amid ongoing challenges.

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#AscensionParish #LA #AscensionParishFloodRisk #ProjectTransparency #DisasterResilience
Region 9 LWI coordinator reports 29 basin projects; advisers urge better progress metrics
Water Institute coordinator Garvin Pittman told the commission there are 29 flood-risk projects in the basin (6 under construction, 18 in design, 5 in application) and proposed regional nonstructural support; commissioners pressed for more granular reporting because OCD drawdown figures lag actual work.
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January 15, 2026 at 8:38 AM
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A public commenter warns that new federal rules on Waters of the United States could jeopardize wetlands and the future of mitigation banks, sparking potential litigation.

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#AscensionParish #LA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal
Public commenter warns that proposed WOTUS rule could shrink wetlands jurisdiction and reduce mitigation demand
During public comment, Kelly Hacar of Baton Rouge said proposed Army Corps rules on Waters of the United States (WOTUS) would likely reduce the amount of jurisdictional wetlands, lower demand for mitigation-bank credits and prompt litigation; he offered his written comments to ARBC staff.
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January 15, 2026 at 8:31 AM
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Excavation for the Comite River Diversion Canal is nearly complete, but critical infrastructure still lies ahead—could it change the flood risk landscape for Zachary and Baker by 2029?

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#AscensionParish #LA #AscensionParishFloodManagement #FloodRiskReduction #CitizenPortal
Comite River Diversion Canal largely excavated; diversion structure and closures remain
Adviser Paul Sawyer told the commission most excavating for the Comite River Diversion Canal is complete, with remaining work focused on diversion structures, Brooks Lake closure and a Highway 19 bridge; Sawyer gave an optimistic 2028 functional date but said 2029 Q1–Q2 is more likely.
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January 15, 2026 at 8:16 AM
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The Ascension Parish Finance Committee has just approved a slate of significant contracts, including a $633,847 courthouse renovation and a $195,000 boost to legal services, all set for final council review!

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#AscensionParish #LA #AscensionParishFinance #ProcurementAwards
Ascension Parish finance committee forwards multiple contracts and amendments to full council
The finance committee on Jan. 13 moved several procurement awards, a contract renewal and contract amendments — including a $633,847.88 courthouse renovation bid and a $195,000 increase to legal services — sending all items to the full parish council for final consideration.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 8:15 AM
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The Amite River Basin Commission just secured a major federal funding boost of $2 million for Upper Amite restoration, paving the way for even more financial support!

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#AscensionParish #LA #CommunityDevelopment #AscensionParishRestoration #EnvironmentalRestoration
Amite River Basin Commission ratifies contracts, highlights $2 million federal boost for Upper Amite restoration
The commission ratified contracts for appraisals and environmental work on an Upper Amite land acquisition and adopted a resolution thanking Rep. Julia Letlow for securing $2,000,000 in federal funding; staff said combined capital-outlay and federal support could total $6 million now and potentially $8 million by June.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 8:14 AM
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Mayor Daniels reveals a staggering $2.09 million investment in Athletic Park post-Hurricane Ida, but will the board's lease negotiations lead to fair terms for the community?

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#LA #LouisianaParks #PublicSafety #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Board tables Ponchatoula Athletic Park lease after mayor outlines $2.09M investment
Ponchatoula Mayor told the board the city has invested about $2,094,131.46 in Athletic Park post‑Ida; the board asked administration to negotiate lease language and voted to table the item for additional negotiation and attorney review.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 7:21 AM
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The Tangipahoa Parish School Board made significant moves at their Jan. 6 meeting, including approving a new stipend for family engagement and tabling a major park lease for further negotiation.

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#LA #FamilyEngagement #CommunityInvestment #PolicyReferral #CitizenPortal
Votes at a glance: Tangipahoa Parish School Board actions, Jan. 6, 2026
The board approved the Dec. 2, 2025 minutes; added and approved personnel meeting minutes (item E); approved a $750 stipend for family engagement designees; referred multiple policies to the policy committee; tabled the Ponchatoula Athletic Park lease for negotiation; and adopted counsel's recommendation in pending litigation after executive session.
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January 15, 2026 at 7:20 AM
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The debate over a balanced school calendar for 2027-28 heats up as the board prepares for a crucial public vote, but concerns about transportation and athletics loom large.

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#LA #LouisianaEducation #PublicVote #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal #SchoolCalendar
Balanced‑calendar debate persists as board readies public vote and outreach
Superintendent Stilley outlined outreach and a process for a public vote on a balanced calendar for 2027–28; board members raised concerns about athletics, transportation, staff pay and piloting options, and asked administration to provide clear sample calendars before a late‑January public vote and a Feb. 3 board decision.
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January 15, 2026 at 7:19 AM
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Sandra LaRose is ready to transform Terrebonne Parish schools with a bold five-point plan focusing on student achievement, safety, and community engagement!

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#LA #CommunityEngagement #SafetyUpgrades #StudentAchievement #TerrebonneParish #CitizenPortal
Sandra LaRose pitches continuity, safety and outreach in Terrebonne Parish superintendent interview
Sandra LaRose, the district’s chief academic officer, told the Terrebonne Parish School Board she is ready to lead, citing hurricane response experience, recent school recognitions and a five-point plan prioritizing student achievement, safety, communication and fiscal strength.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:42 AM
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The Caddo Parish School Board is set to greenlight a groundbreaking partnership with Louisiana Tech University and the Greater Shreveport Chamber for a cutting-edge career and technology center on nearly 68 acres of prime land!

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#LA #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityPartnerships
Caddo Parish committee backs purchase agreements with Louisiana Tech and Shreveport Chamber for new career center
A Caddo Parish School Board building-and-grounds committee recommended the board authorize purchase agreements for about 68 acres of contiguous land—Lot 1 from Louisiana Tech (29.67 acres) and three lots from the Greater Shreveport Chamber (38.71 acres)—to host a planned career and technology center. Staff outlined pricing, in‑kind partnership terms and funding sources.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:35 AM
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Dr. Clarence Robinson Jr. is redefining the role of superintendent with a heartfelt 100-day plan that prioritizes safety, community engagement, and educational excellence.

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#LA #CommunityEngagement #SchoolSafety #SpecialEducation #CitizenPortal #LouisianaSchools
Dr. Clarence Robinson Jr. presents superintendent plan to Terrebonne Parish School Board; board reconvened by voice vote
Dr. Clarence Robinson Jr. outlined a 100-day plan focused on safety, teaching and learning, leadership capacity and operations during a candidate presentation to the Terrebonne Parish School Board. Board members questioned him about special education priorities, community outreach and a past personnel matter in Akron.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:33 AM
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Dr. Marcus Jackson unveiled his innovative "5 P's" strategy to the Terrebonne Parish School Board, aiming to transform student outcomes by uniting parents, community members, pastors, politicians, and school personnel.

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#LA #EducationReform #CommunityInvolvement
Dr. Marcus Jackson interviewed as candidate for Terrebonne Parish superintendent; board members press on recruitment, special ed and past certificate suspension
Dr. Marcus Jackson, who led turnaround efforts in Texas including a claimed 100% Lancaster ISD graduation run, presented his '5 P's' approach to the Terrebonne Parish School Board and answered questions about teacher recruitment, special education supports, 0-based budgeting and a past 10-day certificate suspension he says was later reversed.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:08 AM
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Corey Butler, a 30-year veteran educator, vows to transform Terrebonne Parish schools by prioritizing special education and revitalizing teacher retention strategies amidst a sharp enrollment decline.

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#LA #CommunityRecovery #SpecialEducation #TeacherRetention #CitizenPortal
Corey Butler (who identified as Corey Baldwin) outlines special-education focus and staffing plans in Terrebonne superintendent interview
In a special meeting to interview superintendent finalists, the first candidate—named in the agenda as Corey Butler and who introduced himself as Corey Baldwin—told the Terrebonne Parish School Board he would prioritize special education, invest in teacher retention and human capital, and appoint an assistant superintendent if chosen.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:06 AM