John Copes,
founder of the Louisiana political Web site Deductbox.com, first spotted -- and publicized -- flaws in Sen. Reggie Dupre's gambling bill that led the Houma lawmaker to kill it even after it unanimously passed the Senate. Dupre had intended to close a loophole in state law that forbids elected officials from doing business with casinos, but does not bar them from owning them. The bill as amended would have let elected officials own part of a casino.

Lindy Boggs,
the former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and first Louisiana woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, has been awarded the Red Cross' highest honor, the Humanitarian Award. Boggs is being recognized for her work promoting adult literacy, among other accomplishments.

Irma Thomas
received her Associate of Business Studies degree during last week's commencement exercises at Delgado Community College. Thomas, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," had worked 15 years toward the degree. After accepting her diploma, Thomas stressed the importance of education for everyone.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office
has been ordered to pay $77,342 in lawyers' fees after arresting the owner and manager of a New Iberia skating rink for its choice of music. Sheriff Sid Hebert said the music incited a fight at the rink, and confiscated 60 CDs of music ranging from rap to children's songs. Hebert was ordered to return the CDs.

Other Stories This Week in News & Views:

News Feature
Rock and a Hard Place

Scuttlebutt

Penny Post
The Inside Track in Dallas

Commentary
Take Down the Roadblocks

Letters to the Editor

Politics
Governor Whodat?

Virgets
Old Soldiers Never Die...

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