A proposal to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana to $8.50 over the next two years was approved by the Senate Labor committee, despite opposition from business groups, who say it will create higher costs for them. Jim Patterson, with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says other workers will want better compensation too.
Cut 5 (10) “what have you”
The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A 17-year-old Homer teen has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly setting a Yorkie on fire. Claiborne Sheriff Ken Baily says they are confident about Carzavian Willis’ role, but more individuals could be arrested…
cut 15 (10) “…taken down”
Willis faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

During the overnight in New Orleans, it took crews seven hours to remove the equestrian statue of Confederate General P.G.T Beauregard. Supporters of the removal threw a party just feet away from the opponents. One onlooker explained why this statue and all Confederate Monuments need to be taken down.
Cut 8 (08) “that nature”
The next monument to go will be of Robert E. Lee.

A compromise has been reached on the criminal justice reform package approved by the Senate. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger will seek to get the lower chamber to agree with the bills that will give Louisiana major sentencing reform for individuals convicted of drug and property crimes…:
Cut 13 (12) “primary accomplishments”
These reforms will save the state $260 million over the next decade.