 BY DEANNA B. NARVESON | Staff writer Financial ties: Text messages subpoenaed by federal authorities related to a $6 million housing project show one of the Baton Rouge Metro Council members who voted on the deal, Cleve Dunn Jr., has had a financial relationship with the developer. A former counsel to the Louisiana Board of Ethics said state law generally prohibits elected officials from voting or taking any action to award a government contract to people they have, or have had, a substantial economic interest in. However, Dunn said he "was not in business" with the developer. He said he was providing "bridge funding" for one project, adding that it happened after the Metro Council approved the deal. Read the full story.
Washington Street: Louisiana officials plan to permanently close the Washington Street exit from Interstate 10 eastbound in Baton Rouge, saying it causes drivers to weave in and out of lanes and clog up traffic. Read the latest. | 
