Legislative leaders expect to hold a special session in October in which lawmakers will decide what to do with expected federal pandemic aid, Louisiana Senate President Page Cortez said Thursday.

Early voting for the Aug. 15 general election in Franklin Parish continues through Saturday, Aug. 8.

Willie Williams, 51, was killed Wednesday morning in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 42 just north of Winnsboro.

Franklin Medical Center will provide up to four License Practical Nurses along with nine medical carts in area schools to keep watch for possible COVID-19 outbreaks.

Legislation ensuring a future water source for some Franklin Parish farmers passed the U.S. House of Representatives July 29.

Stephen Couch’s sentencing hearing has been postponed until Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. due to medical issues, according to Penny Douciere, Fifth Judicial District Attorney.

Debra Williamson, of Baskin, qualified properly for Constable Justice of Peace District 2, according to Louisiana Secretary of State qualifying handbook revised Sept. 10, 2019.

Louisiana’s class of 2019 recorded a record-high 42,650 on-time graduates, while the graduation rate slipped from 81.4 percent to 80.1 percent, the Louisiana Department of Education announced Wednesday.

Franklin Parish reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, bringing the total to 745, according to Wednesday’s Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) report.

National business groups have described Louisiana as a “judicial hellhole” and the fear of lawsuits amid the COVID-19 pandemic is real enough that business and government leaders need extra protection, advocates say.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has asked the state’s congressional delegation to try to ensure the federal government's next stimulus and aid package includes shoring up states’ unemployment trust funds so tax increases aren't imposed on businesses.

SchoolMint, an education software company, is consolidating its U.S. operations in Lafayette, state and company officials announced.

Franklin Parish teachers will report to school Aug. 10 with students reporting Aug. 24.

Applications are still available for a possible one-time $250 hazard payment to essential Louisiana workers, said Rep. Neil Riser.

Franklin Parish school system revenues exceeded expenditures by approximately $452,000 for the 2019-20 fiscal year, according to initial budget numbers.

A number of state, district and local political offices will be listed on the Nov. 3 ballots for Franklin Parish voters.

After canceling the July bar exam due to COVID-19 concerns, the Louisiana Supreme Court says recent law school graduates will be allowed to practice law without taking the bar.

Initial claims for unemployment benefits in Louisiana rose last week to 32,079 compared to the previous week’s total of 26,351, the Louisiana Workforce Commission says.

A New Orleans-based nonprofit is seeking new trials or release for more than 1,500 Louisianans convicted by non-unanimous juries.

A survey geared toward collecting information from parents and school employees has been uploaded on the Franklin Parish School Board’s website.

Winnsboro is the newest Development Ready Community, according to Louisiana Economic Development (LED) officials.

Sentencing for Stephen Couch is set for July 30 at 9:30 a.m. at Franklin Parish Courthouse.

A resolution consolidating bonds and possibly slashing interest rates leading to greater cash flow was introduced at Winnsboro’s July Town Council meeting.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a crash on Louisiana Highway 135 at James Brown Road. The crash claimed the life of a Tallulah man.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry took shots at each other over the governor’s mask mandate and other COVID-19-related restrictions in letters released Friday and Monday.

Louisiana experienced its biggest employment increase on record from April to May, though unemployment remains high and some 300,000 people are receiving unemployment benefits, a state official said Tuesday.

Louisiana is better positioned to safely hold in-person classes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic now than it was in March or April, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday.

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved minimum health and safety standards for opening K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employee disciplinary procedures dominated discussions at Franklin Parish Police Jury’s regular July meeting Thursday.

An online virtual school option will be available to Franklin Parish students for the 2020-21 school year, according to local school social media posts.

Gilbert officials are moving forward in clean up actions.

A July 4 traffic stop led to possibly the biggest drug bust for Wisner Police Department, said Chief of Police Billy Beach.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed a bill meant to protect schools from lawsuits if a teacher or student contracts COVID-19.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ plans for $50.3 million in new federal education dollars primarily focus on technology and workforce development, his office said Wednesday.

The number of Louisiana residents making new claims for unemployment benefits increased by almost 10,000 last week, the federal government reported Thursday.

Winnsboro’s June sales tax collections increased from April as town officials continue taking a conservative stance in regards to spending.

A Gilbert man was arrested for fraud in connection with the sale of 237 head of cattle valued at more than $272,000.

Early voting numbers totaled 779 for the presidential preference primary in Franklin Parish.

A homicide investigation is underway after a woman was found unresponsive at her Ward III residence.