BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration is proposing a “standstill” budget for the upcoming fiscal year, holding state spending as close to last year’s levels as possible. Including state and federal funds, total spending would hover around $45 billion, about 1% less than last year. However, some variables cloud the state’s financial situation. Officials must wait to see if voters will approve a constitutional amendment this spring to rewrite the tax code. And President Donald Trump’s administration continues to debate cuts to federal funding, which would lower the state's available money. This could lead to a stormy regular session for legislators, who must set the state budget by June. Read more about the proposed budget and what awaits. The U.S. Department of Education has terminated more than $600 million in grants previously awarded to universities and nonprofits across the country, money that was targeted to help recruit and train teachers. The move will hamper efforts to reduce shortages and increase diversity in Louisiana’s educator workforce. The agency said grant-funded programs had trained teachers on “divisive ideologies” related to race and used race-based recruitment strategies. Read about the impact in Louisiana. This weekend's weather will be chilly, but you can't let that stop your Mardi Gras fun, as six parades are scheduled to roll in the Baton Rouge area this weekend. Check out the upcoming lineup. | 