A lawsuit has been filed against the state department of corrections claiming prison officials prevented an investigation into claims of inmate abuse at David Wade Correctional Center in Claiborne Parish. Attorney Katie Schwartzmann says one of the allegations is that some inmates are forced to bark like dogs for food…
cut 3 (12) “….suicide watch”
The department of corrections is not commenting on the pending litigation.

Louisiana will be able to export rice to China for the first time ever under a landmark trade agreement involving the U.S. and the Asian country. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says this is a huge achievement for the rice industry.
Cut 6 (06) “13 days”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts China will import 5 million tons of rice in 2017 and 2018

Governor John Bel Edwards says now is the time for lawmakers to work on a plan to address the looming fiscal cliff. Over a billion dollars in temporary taxes expire in July of next year, and Edwards says something must be done to fill that budget hole…:
Cut 28 (11) “expect”
That’s the message the governor sent to House Speaker Taylor Barras.

It’s been just over a year since a gunman ambushed Baton Rouge police officers, killing three and injuring three — and one of the injured deputies is back at work. Doctors put a titanium bar in Lt. Bruce Simmons’ arm because the bone was shattered by bullet, but he was determined to return to work…:
Cut 14 (11) “for all of us”
That’s sheriff’s office spokeswoman Casey Hicks.