Tagged: politics

Campaign cash spent on such expenses as football tickets, personal clothing and flower deliveries is drawing attention from the Louisiana Board of Ethics, whose members say the "gratuitous and purely personal" use of political donations is a growing trend.

So the board has launched an effort to create stronger definitions for what is considered improper personal use of campaign contributions.

A committee created in March is working on new rules and is expected to complete its work within a few months.

The LSU System's top health care leader has been ousted from his role overseeing the university's network of public hospitals and clinics.

Fred Cerise had clashed with Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration over budget cuts that stripped hundreds of millions of dollars from the LSU safety net health care system.

Cerise's replacement was announced Friday by LSU with no explanation. But in an e-mail to The Associated Press, Cerise said he was notified a day earlier by LSU System President William Jenkins that, "I will no longer lead the LSU Health System."

Residents who live in the unincorporated areas of St. Tammany Parish and fail to mow the grass on their lots could face a penalty of $300 and a possible property lien.

The Times-Picayune reports the parish is funding a new grass-cutting initiative with $15,000 and a focus on chronic violators.

The owners of property with growth taller than 15 inches could get a letter from the parish giving them 10 days to remove weeds, grass or deleterious, unhealthy growth or the parish will take action.