Small business optimism dipped in June, according to the National Federation for Independent Business. State director Dawn Starns says they saw increased optimism at the beginning of the year entering the new administration, but that has since dwindled due to gridlock in Congress. She blames the uncertainty surrounding the federal healthcare bill…:
Cut 3 (10) “so hard”
On the positive side, the index found an uptick in inventory satisfaction among small businesses, as well as plans to increase inventory.

The Jeanerette Police Department announces one of their officers has been arrested on a Medicaid fraud warrant out of East Baton Rouge by officials with the state Attorney General’s Office. She is identified as 38-year-old Shekeitha Lewis, and has been placed on administrative leave according to the chief. An Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputy was booked on the same charges and fired according to reports.

A recent survey finds Louisiana drivers are the 4th rudest in the country. The report is by Kars4Kids, a driving awareness campaign that promotes courteous driving. SpokesmanAri Finkelstein says they asked drivers around the US questions about different driving scenarios. He says Bayou State motorists are not too keen on waiting in lines:
Cut 6 (10) “that scenario”
He says Louisiana also ranked last in how often they care to signal.

LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron says Quarterback Danny Etling is nearly 100-percent after undergoing back surgery, but he’s not ready to name him the starter and wants the other Q-Bs on the roster to step up…:
Cut 13 (08) “you like em”
Orgeron says if the season started today, Etling would be the starter.