Louisiana

Higher education bills to watch in Louisiana’s legislative session

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2024

Of the more than 1,000 bills filed for Louisianaâs regular legislative session, dozens would have far-reaching implications for the stateâs public colleges and universities, Louisiana Illuminator reports.Â

Here are five of the most notable proposals that impact higher education:

TOPS eligibility for home-schoolers: Several bills have been filed to make it easier for home-schooled students to qualify for TOPS. Under present law, home-schooled students must receive a higher ACT score than students that attend traditional schools.Â
Retirement flexibility: Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, filed a bill allowing campus employees in Teachers Retirement System of Louisianaâs optional retirement plan to move to the defined benefit plan. Proponents say Freibergâs bill would help retain employees.Â
Sports gambling: While it was already prohibited by law, college athletes could now face jail time if they wager on a college sporting event under a bill proposed by Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville.Â
Student discipline: Universities could soon need more evidence to discipline students. Legislation by Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge, would require schools to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt before disciplining students.Â
Cashless facilities: Rep. Chuck Owen, R-Rosepine, is proposing that colleges and universities be required to accept cash as payment for concessions and merchandise at athletic and other public events. Many sports venues have gone cashless in the last few years, much to the chagrin of fans who donât or wonât use digital payment methods.Â

Read the full story.Â

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Louisiana

‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion

Published

10 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers .8 billion

As Louisiana becomes a destination for multibillion-dollar technological investments in the rapidly-expanding data center sector, leaders, including President Trump and Governor Landry, have developed strategies to support that growth without

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Louisiana

Thinking of retiring in Louisiana? These are 5 best places to do so

Published

22 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Thinking of retiring in Louisiana? These are 5 best places to do so

When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.

If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.

In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.

The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche

These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.

1. Oak Hills Place

Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.

2. Westminster

Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.

3. River Ridge

River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.

4. Westlake

Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.

5. Prien

Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.

Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

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Louisiana

Louisiana Tech seeks partnership with Lincoln Parish Library to help students

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Louisiana Tech seeks partnership with Lincoln Parish Library to help students

A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.

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