Legislators struggled to approve a budget this year and the state’s financial woes will only look worse next year. That’s because one-point-two billion dollars in temporary taxes will expire in July 2018. Publisher of lapolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says state lawmakers face more difficult decisions…:
Cut 4 (11) “two strategies”
It’s expected the governor will call a special session early next year so legislators can address the fiscal cliff.

Employment is on the rise in the Bayou State. In May, nonfarm employment increased by 10,500 jobs, the best one month gain since July of 2011. Executive Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission Ava Dejoie says there’s been a noticeable improvement to the state’s employment landscape:
Cut 10 (09) “Lafayette”

Bayou Teche Brewing cuts the ribbon on the newly expanded brewery in Arnaudville. Halen Doughty has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The National Hurricane Center says two tropical systems are forming in the Atlantic basin and could have the potential to become named storms in the next couple of days.

The University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson calls this legislative session the most successful for higher ed in nearly a decade. Don Molino has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Louisiana’s economy is picking up as nonfarm and private sector jobs are improving. Over the month of May, nonfarm employment gained 10,500 jobs, the best one month gain since July of 2011. Private sector jobs increased by more than 9-thousand over the month. The Bayou State is among four other states with the largest percentage gains in jobs.

The special session has come to an end and Governor Edwards has signed a spending plan for next fiscal year. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric LaFleur says for the first time in nearly 10 years, public colleges will not be cut.
Cut 4 (08) “not doing”
But Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt voted against the budget because she would rather hold back a small portion in case of a mid-year shortfall.

It’s time to put some steaks on the grill for Dad as it’s Father’s Day weekend. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner says while the demand for beef is up this weekend, prices will still be affordable given the large supply of cattle.
Cut 15 (08) “as numbers”

The full senate passed the budget bill on a 26 to 9 vote. Jeff Palermo has more on the state’s spending plan that was signed by the governor…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU begins play in the College World Series tonight at 7 p.m. as they take on Florida State in the second game of the series. Coach Paul Mainieri wants his players to enjoy this experience. This is the 18th time the Tigers have been to Omaha for the CWS.

Louisiana officials were in a federal courtroom seeking to have a lawsuit thrown out that challenges recent laws that restrict abortions in the state. The laws extend waiting periods, ban certain procedures and restrict which doctors can perform abortions. Executive Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper….
cut 8 (09) “….that goal”
But pro choice organizations say the regulations interfere with the constitutional right that woman can terminate her pregnancy.

UL System President Jim Henderson believes this was one of the most successful legislative sessions when it comes to higher education in nearly a decade. The House and Senate approved spending plan did not reduce funding to higher ed and Henderson says they’re grateful.
Cut 12 (12) “deserve it”

Doctors remain encouraged over the progress Jefferson Parish Congressman Steve Scalise has made over the last few days as he’s recovering from a gunshot wound to the hip. Director of Trauma at MedStar Washington Hospital Dr Jake Sava says Scalise has a long road ahead of him but is expected to be able to walk and even run again.
Cut 17 (12) “rehabilitation”

Attorney General Jeff Landry announces 51 people have been arrested on child exploitation charges under Operation Broken Heart. With the work of numerous police departments, sheriff’s officers and state and federal agencies these individuals from all around the state were arrested. The charges range from possession of child pornography to Solicitation of minor.

A federal judge heard arguments in Baton Rouge regarding laws passed last year that restrict abortions in Louisiana. Attorney Zoe Levine with the Center for Reproductive Rights says the regulations interfere with a women’s access to safe and legal abortions…
cut 7 (09) “…to contract”
Louisiana officials are seeking to have the C-P-R’s lawsuit dismissed.

It’s Father’s Day weekend and many families will be outside grilling with Dad. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Robert Joyner recommends beef for the menu this Sunday as prices have been decliing over the past few years.
Cut 14 (08) “good year”

Wounded Congressman Steve Scalise’s condition is improving, but remains in critical condition after multiple surgeries. Director of the Trauma Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital, Dr. Jake Sava, says when Scalise arrived after being shot, he was in imminent risk of death but now there is a good possibility he’ll have an excellent recovery…
cut 10 (04) “…run”
Sava says Scalise still faces more surgeries.

The Louisiana Legislature finally passed a budget for next fiscal year. Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur calls it a smart and reasonable spending plan that adequately funds the state’s biggest priorities.
cut 3 (08) “…neglected”
With the passage of the budget, the special session ended Friday afternoon. But another special session could be called early next year to address the loss of over one-billion dollars in temporary taxes.

UL System President Dr. Jim Henderson calls this legislative session one of the most successful for higher ed in nearly a decade. He says he’s thrilled lawmakers approved a budget that fully funds TOPS, after failing to do so for the first time in the program’s history last academic year.
Cut 11 (09) “shouldn’t consider”
The spending plan is the first in nearly a decade that did not reduce funding to higher education.

Lots of people will grill for dad this Father’s Day weekend. Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association, Robert Joyner, says while the demand for beef is up, prices will still be affordable because of the large supply of cattle.
Cut 15 (08) “as numbers”
Joyner says beef is also a good source of iron and zinc.

Congressman Steve Scalise remains in critical condition, but his health continues to improve, as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the left hip. Director of the Trauma Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital, Dr. Jake Sava, says the bullet did substantial damage to Scalise’s bones, internal organs and blood vessels….
cut 9 (10) “…stabilizied”
Sava expects Scalise will be able to walk and run again.

The special session ended today as Louisiana legislators approved a budget that fully funds TOPS and does not reduce funding to the state’s public colleges. UL System President Doctor Jim Henderson says this was a successful session for higher ed….
cut 13 (09) “…we make”

Louisiana officials were in a federal courtroom today seeking to have a lawsuit thrown out that challenges recent laws that restrict abortions in the state. The laws extend waiting periods, ban certain procedures and restrict which doctors can perform abortions. Executive Director for the Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper….
cut 8 (09) “….that goal”
But pro choice organiziations say the regulations interfere with the constitutional right that woman can terminate her pregnancy.

Many people will spend this weekend grilling with Dad for Father’s Day. Robert Joyner, executive vice president of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, says…
cut 16 (09) ‘…biggest seller”
Joyner says prices will be affordable given the large supply of cattle.

Wounded Congressman Steve Scalise’s condition is improving, but remains in critical condition after multiple surgeries. Director of the Trauma Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital, Dr. Jake Sava, says when Scalise arrived after being shot, he was in imminent risk of death but now there is a good possibility he’ll have an excellent recovery…
cut 10 (04) “…run”
Sava says Scalise still faces more surgeries.

A federal judge heard arguments in Baton Rouge today regarding laws passed last year that restrict abortions in Louisiana. Attorney Zoe Levin with the Center for Reproductive Rights says the regulations interfere with a women’s access to safe and legal abortions…
cut 7 (09) “…to contract”
Louisiana officials are seeking to have the C-P-R’s lawsuit dismissed.

State lawmakers have passed a budget for next fiscal year and it led to high praise from University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson..
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

State Police released new information today into the fatal police shooting that happened in Baton Rouge on Tuesday night. Authorities say Jordan Frazier immediately exited the passenger side with a gun during a traffic stop, began to flee and turned pointing the gun towards the officer. The officer who fired the fatal shot has been identified as Yuseff Hamadeh, and he’s been with BRPD for a year.