 BY VICKI FERSTEL | Staff writer With the federal crackdown on illegal immigration, some Louisiana lawmakers want to make sure local law enforcement cooperates with ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Only two Louisiana law enforcement agencies have formal agreements with ICE: the Kenner Police Department and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. Officials with Louisiana State Police and the East Baton Rouge and Lafayette sheriff's offices say they will work with ICE if asked. Click here for the story by staff writer Alyse Pfeil.
Five legislative leaders met with Gov. Jeff Landry and two attorneys in Texas last week to hunt turkey and talk legislative business: specifically, the budget and high auto insurance rates. One lawmaker said the trip was an attempt to see if legislators could find common ground with the trial lawyers on ways to protect the rights of people injured in accidents while eliminating frivolous lawsuits. Staff writer Tyler Bridges reports they also discussed the path forward on the state budget. Oh, yes, they did spend one morning shooting some birds.
Nearly 30 years ago, Louisiana began awarding TOPS scholarships to cover in-state college tuition for students with good grades and test scores. By the 2020-21 school year, some 56,000 students earned a TOPS award. Then, the numbers started falling. This school year, there are fewer than 48,000 TOPS recipients. Staff writer Patrick Wall notes that as the awards fall short of college costs, the program has become less alluring. Would more money help? | 
