SUMMARY: Since early 2025, The Current has investigated Lafayette Parish School System’s (LPSS) construction projects and potential conflicts of interest involving top officials and contractors. Audit findings revealed possible public bid law violations, prompting scrutiny of procurement and oversight. Key issues include LPSS hiring an unlicensed oilfield contractor linked to the system’s maintenance manager, a criminal forgery investigation involving LPSS employees, two construction department staff placed on leave, and allegations against maintenance manager John Young for misusing school vehicles and having ties to a vendor, Bosco Oilfield Services. The investigation highlights systemic governance and ethical concerns within LPSS construction operations.

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SUMMARY: Frank Davis humorously introduces lovebugs—named Lucy, Chuck, Willie, and Margaret—as pesky insects common twice yearly in his region, especially attracted to white surfaces. They swarm in spring and fall, covering cars with dead bugs, often leading to clogged radiators and damaged paint. Lovebugs don’t fly at night and are less likely to accumulate if you drive slowly. Each female lays about 350 eggs, and they remember and return to familiar spots yearly. Despite local myths about genetic engineering, they’re native and spreading. The best advice: regularly wash cars to quickly remove them and protect paint.

Meet Lucy, Chuck, Willie & Margaret — aka lovebugs.
Frank Davis warned us: drive fast, and your car might change colors

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SUMMARY: As tariffs imposed mid-year by the Trump administration take effect, Monroe’s Mojo Outdoors shares their challenges. The tariffs, a tax on imported goods to balance trade, came after their sales and pricing were set, causing unplanned cost increases. Mojo is working to minimize price hikes by negotiating with Chinese and other suppliers. Long-term, the company may shrink due to market uncertainty and increased costs. Like many businesses, Mojo is exploring alternative suppliers in countries with lower tariffs to control expenses and keep prices affordable for customers. The tariff impact remains uncertain but significant for small businesses.

Local Business Affected by Tariffs

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