News

A Baton Rouge judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday from state lawmakers meant to block the Louisiana Board of Ethics from hiring its new administrator.The decision paves the way for the board to move forward with selecting its new top staff member at its Friday meeting. It is replacing longtime administrator Kathleen Allen, who retires Dec. 27.Judge Kelly Balfour of the …

The Gazette has been informed that the Union Parish Police Jury intends to hold a special meeting at 10:00 am on Monday, December 30, 2024. The Gazette requested a copy of the agenda but was informed that an agenda would not be published until December 27th. Given the holiday season, unusual time of day for this meeting and the absence …

On December 7, 2024, Union Parish voters overwhelmingly rejected proposed tax renewals for roads and bridges; but, narrowly passed a renewal of the Union Parish Library millage.Earlier this year, Assessor Lance Futch’s proposed reassessments increased the assessment base of property within the parish from some $195,000,000 to some $222,000,00. This increased the taxes across the parish by $1,996,000 – call …

Public Officials – Conflicts – Ethics – Perjury Accusations For those in our reading area who might think its ok for public officials to be abusive, not do their jobs properly, not tell the truth and enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayers, we offer the following article from St. John Parish for consequences that result from public official …

Richland Parish, LA – Northeast Louisiana is set to experience a generational economic transformation as Meta unveils plans to invest over $13 billion in a state-of-the-art data center in Richland Parish. This groundbreaking project is projected to result in 500 or more direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction workers at peak. A project of this …

Next week the Gazette will run a full story on the upcoming December 7 Tax Vote.There is controversy over whether the taxes are merely renewals or new taxes. Because 2024 is a mandatory reassessment year with the assessment base increased by the assessor from $194,502,482 to $221,207,567, renewal at the current millages will result in an additional $1,996,712.25 in taxes …

The holiday season is often portrayed as a joyful time filled with gatherings, celebrations, and family traditions. However, beneath the festive surface lies a troubling reality: for many individuals, particularly in abusive relationships, the holidays can be a time of increased danger and distress. Studies and reports from domestic violence organizations consistently reveal that domestic violence rates often spike during …

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise were reelected Wednesday by Republican members of the U.S. House, keeping its top leadership positions in the hands of the two Louisiana lawmakers.After the voting was held behind closed doors at a hotel near the U.S. Capitol Building, Johnson and Scalise emerged still in control of the House.Never in …

Facebook parent Meta is planning to build a multi-billion artificial intelligence data center in Louisiana near Monroe in Richland Parish’s Holly Ridge, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell confirmed to USA Today Network Tuesday. Campbell said Meta plans to invest $5 billion in the project. “It’s huge,” Campbell said. “I’m all for it, and I’m trying to remove any obstacles that …

Each year in October, the Union Parish Library highlights “Teentober”, as we partner with U-ACT Union-Alliance for Community Transformation to recognize the TEEN READER OF THE YEAR at each school as selected by school academic instructors and the Union Parish Library. Students receive a prize package valued at over $100 with a book, plaque, cookie cake, and book bag full …