17:30 LRN Newscast September 21

The Edwards administration had to address 2 mid-year budget shortfalls last year, but a higher than expected increase in sales tax and personal income tax gathered by the state helped make a 143 million dollar surplus. But the governor says the state’s constitution limits how the surplus money can be used.
Cut 7 (10) “…debt.”
An off duty Slidell Police Lieutenant died last night in a motorcycle crash on Brown-Switch Road. Trooper Dustin Dwight says that 29 year old Gina Marie (GROW-GLEE-OH) Groglio of Pearl River was making a left turn into a private drive when she hit the motorcycle driven by 52 year old Ray Dupuy.
Cut 14 (09) “…didn’t see.”
Data from the USDA shows Louisiana is the second hungriest state in the nation. “Bread for the World” President David Beckmann says the hunger problem in the state is concentrated among African Americans where about 1 out of 3 families may run out of food for the month…:

Cut 4 (07) “white families”
Beckmann said there are several ways to turn this trend around by funding programs to support people struggling in poverty.

It’s Louisiana Craft Brewers Week and the Executive Director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild Cary (COKE) Koch wants you to know it! Koch says that establishments throughout the state are opening up their taps and shelves to provide locally made beers from over 30 Louisiana based breweries and brew pubs. Koch says these brewers favor using as many as Louisiana products as possible.
Cut 11 (08) “…so heavy.”