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M o n d ay, M ay 19, 2025
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La.’s John Foster takes second on ‘Idol’
2025 LEGISLATURE REVENUE
Lawmakers consider raft of tax cuts Some warn the numbers don’t add up BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
With little public attention, state legislators are moving forward with a package of bills that would cut taxes and attempt to offset the revenue loss by freeing up money that has flowed into a state savings account. The sponsor of the three bills, Rep. Julie Emerson Emerson, R-Carencro, has said the numbers would balance out. But the Legislature’s economists are forecasting that the proposals — if approved during the final three weeks of the legislative session and by the public through changes to the state constitution next year — would leave lawmakers with a massive shortfall of $590 million in 2027 when they meet to pass the budget and later have to face voters. Economists and former legislators are warning lawmakers that passage of the tax cuts could put Louisiana on
ä See TAX CUTS, page 4A PROVIDED PHOTOS By CHRISTOPHER WILLARD/DISNEy
Louisiana teen John Foster sings during the first half of Sunday night’s ‘American Idol’ finale.
‘There’s such a sweet spot in your voice,’ judge tells the aspiring teenage country singer BY JUDY BERGERON Staff writer
After rocketing to “American Idol’s” top 3, Louisiana teen John Foster finished second in the ABC singing competition series during its grand finale on Sunday night. Grabbing the “Idol” title was Jamal Roberts, 27, of Meridian, Mississippi, an elementary school physical education teacher. Roberts’ finale songs included “First Time” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” Finishing third was Breanna Nix, 25, a stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas. Foster started off the finale with a bang, performing his first solo song of the night, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” by the late Toby Keith. “Now, John. Now, now, John. That’s
Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press
Mississippi’s Jamal Roberts won the ‘American Idol’ title on Sunday night. the way you run for office. I mean, you run — you run. That’s the way you work it for ‘American Idol,’ ” judge Lionel Richie said. “You know, it’s the time to pull out all the stops and you’re pulling out all the
stops. I’m so proud of you and all you have accomplished about this whole competition,” judge Carrie Underwood said. “I felt like I was at a John
ä See FOSTER, page 4A
WASHINGTON — Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday. Biden was seen by doctors last week after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule were found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with Biden the cancer cells having spread to the bone. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office said. “The President and his fam-
ä See BIDEN, page 5A
Safety net expanding for youths aging out of Louisiana’s foster system BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Every year, more than 100 18-year-olds age out of Louisiana’s foster care system, meaning they have no permanent home or source of care, and they often face devastating challenges. Samantha Morris-LaCour, 26, bounced around foster homes before living in a Natchitoches group home until she turned 18. She left with no support system, and a re-
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lationship that brought on abuse and sex trafficking defined early adulthood for her, she said. Mikey Doucet, 36, was no stranger Doucet to couch surfing, beginning when he was a child in west Louisiana. One word he uses to describe his foster experience: “traumatic.” Keionna Johnson, 25, believes she
would have taken her own life if she hadn’t found help in Hammond. Now, the former foster child works for two state groups that work with children in the system “to give them hope.” The 200 18-year-olds who aged out of foster care in 2024 marked the state’s highest total in six years, according to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
ä See FOSTER, page 5A
Classified .....................6C Deaths .........................9A Nation-World ................2A Comics-Puzzles .....3C-5C Living............................1C Opinion .....................10A Commentary .............11A Metro ...........................8A Sports ..........................1B
Keionna Johnson, 25, a resident of the H20 Ministry, a home for women who have aged out of foster care, now works for two state groups that work with children in the system ‘to give them hope.’ PHOTO By MOLLy BAHLINGER
100TH yEAR, NO. 323