Politics & Policy

Members of Congress are still bickering over the wisdom of passing a $1 trillion infrastructure package, but Louisiana lawmakers and state officials have moved on to developing plans for spending the influx of cash for roads, bridges, coastal protection, broadband internet and more.

Two years ago, only a modest number of area restaurants offered al fresco seating. Since the pandemic began, however, more have expanded or added patio dining, and customers have embraced it. If you’ve tried to grab an outdoor table on a balmy weekend night, you’ve probably found one hard to come by.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s November report found that the Louisiana Workforce Commission made some $2.9 million in payments that potentially violated unemployment benefit program rules.

Business groups plan to keep pushing for changes that would simplify how Louisiana collects sales taxes, after voters rejected a constitutional amendment calling for a more streamlined system. 

The cost of living has fallen in recent years for most of Louisiana's cities and towns, but the cost in Baton Rouge is the second-highest in the state, behind only New Orleans, according to data from McNeese State University and location comparison website BestPlaces. 

The most notable political surprise during these final days leading up to tomorrow's big vote comes courtesy of the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority.

Putting a price on carbon is a useful policy tool for spurring decarbonization and addressing climate change, Dow Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling said today at the annual conference of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.

The Louisiana insurance commissioner is seeking a government takeover of two regional insurance companies that are facing insolvency due to losses from Hurricane Ida to ensure the company’s policyholders are paid what they are owed, officials say.

Military spending accounts for $9.64 billion in economic activity across Louisiana—from Barksdale to Belle Chasse and Fort Polk to the Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, according to a study released by Louisiana Economic Development in time for Veterans Day.

Inflation is starting to look like that unexpected—and unwanted—houseguest who just won’t leave.