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 …

Union Livestock exhibitors showcased their exceptional livestock projects at the State Fair of Louisiana, earning top honors in a highly competitive field. The event, held at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, saw participants from across the state vying for prestigious titles.The Union Livestock team demonstrated remarkable skill and passion, making their community proud. Their achievements at the State Fair of Louisiana …

BLACK BAYOU – No report. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information. BUSSEY BRAKE – Pressure from lots of fishing because of D’Arbonne and the river being down. Fish are spooky. Bass fishing is best flipping soft plastics along the wind rows and tree lines. Early mornings, topwater lures are working.Crappie are still hitting shiners and jigs around …

Glynn HarrisGlynn Harris is a long-time outdoor writer from North Louisiana and has won more than 50 writing and broadcasting awards during his 47 year career. There is no way I could ever forget my introduction to deer hunting. I didn’t grow up hunting deer; I was more a squirrel and duck hunter and my interest in hunting deer was …

Thomas FieldsThomas “Tuffy” Fields is an author and regular contributor to The Gazette. He can be reached by email at thelouisianaexplorer@yahoo.com. For those of you that have not noticed, Christmas is in full marketing coverage and has been since the Halloween decorations and costumes hit the sales isle the day after that holiday. As a child, there was a ritualistic …

Jim BrownJim Brown is a former Louisiana state senator, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Insurance and a regular contributor to The Gazette. Listen.  Put your hand to your ear. Can you here it?  (Silence). That’s the sound of the Trumpites hollering about all the election fraud.  Oh, that’s alright.  You see, the Republicans won. There’s only election fraud when Trump and Republicans loose.Trump said in …

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 …

It’s simple math.That was the explanation of state senators Tuesday when asked why they are considering an increase in the state sales tax rate – already the highest in the country.It’s a proposal that would hit all consumers in the pocketbook, but especially the poor.The idea emerged Monday because raising the state portion of the sales tax from 4.45 cents …