18:30 LRN Newscast September 21

Positive state budget news has been difficult to find lately, but at least one recent financial fact is encouraging. Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana had a 143-million dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th.  Edwards thinks it’s a sign the state’s economy is improving.

Cut 6      (08) “….forecasts”

House Speaker Taylor Barras recommends the surplus be used to re-fund the Rainy Day Fund.

 

An off-duty Slidell Police Lieutenant riding a motorcycle was killed last night in a traffic accident. State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight gave details…
Cut 15      (12) “….DOT helmet”

The driver of the vehicle that struck 52-year-old Ray Dupuy received a citation for improper turning.

 

“Bread For The World” President David Beckman is concerned about a new USDA report. His group analyzed it and they rank Louisiana as number 2 in the hungriest states in the United States.  Beckman said there are ways to reverse the trend that can include funding for SNAP, Medicaid and giving tax credits for low income families.

Cut 5         (10)    “…roughly.”

Much of the state’s hunger problem is concentrated among African-Americans.

 

This is Louisiana Craft Brewers Week, commemorating beers brewed here in the state. Cary Koch, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, says in 2013, there were only 7 breweries that took part, and three brewpubs…:

Cut 9            (10) “this industry”

You can log on to la-beer.org to find a brewery near you.