Fight reignited: Louisiana wildlife regulators have advanced a proposal to shrink the coastal buffer zone for commercial menhaden harvesters—from a half-mile to a quarter-mile along large stretches of the coast—reigniting a bitter fight between pogie fleets and recreational anglers. The move now moves into a public comment period through Jan. 23, with lawmakers able to intervene before changes take effect as early as March 20. Read more from Louisiana Illuminator.
Facing lawsuit: Louisiana has sued Tangipahoa-based Smitty’s Supply, alleging years of permit violations and unlawful pollution tied to the August refinery explosion that released millions of gallons of hazardous waste. The state wants civil penalties and court orders to prevent future discharges, after testing found toxic chemicals in nearby waterways and soil. Read more from The Center Square.
Officially named CAO: Christel Slaughter has been officially appointed as East Baton Rouge Parish’s chief administrative officer—becoming the first woman to hold the role since the 1980s. Slaughter, a longtime consultant who has advised the last four mayors, earned broad council support and will continue leading day-to-day city-parish operations.
