A report from United Way finds 42 percent of Louisiana families can’t afford their basic needs. Dr. Stephanie Hoopes of Rutgers University authored the report. She says we’re seeing an increase in the number of families that are Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed, or ALICE, because cost of living is going up and inflation is not.

Cut 4 (09) “14 percent”

ALICE families make up at least 25 percent of the population in every parish.

Louisianans can now dispose of prescription medications in kiosks at 12 Walgreens around the state to keep them away from friends and family. Governor John Bel Edwards says these kiosks are a step in the right direction to end opioid addiction.

Cut 15 (07) “we can”

Opioid overdose deaths now surpass homicides in Orleans and East Baton Rouge parishes.

Ninety-one percent of Louisianans support equal pay, according to the Louisiana Survey. Bills requiring equal pay for equal work have been filed, but Dr. Michael Henderson with the LSU Public Policy Research Lab expects opponents to the measure will make a strong case.

Cut 10 (08) “gonna be”

Henderson says public opinion won’t be the only thing lawmakers keep in mind as the debates unfold.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources approves the application for the Bayou Bridge Pipeline. Patrick Courreges with DNR says their role in the permitting process was to make sure the pipeline did not lead to wetland loss.

Cut 7 (09) “be altering”

Permission is still needed from the Department of Environmental Quality and the US Army Corps of Engineers.