Louisiana could feel the burn from an escalating trade dispute with China, but proponents say a message needs to be sent. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Conner Ferrill”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the number of people employed in the Bayou State has increased by 44-thousand over the last year. There were just over two-million people working in Louisiana in May, the second highest total in recorded history. Professional and business services added seven thousand jobs over the year.

The US Senate passes legislation that calls on Congress to award former Saints standout Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal. Gleason was diagnosed with A-L-S in 2011, but Senator Bill Cassidy says he has worked to raise millions for A-L-S research and equipment that can help fellow patients…
cut 11 (10) “…all Americans”
The legislation now heads to the House for its approval.

Sunday is Father’s Day and the the National Retail Federation says the Average american will spend 133-dollars on Dad. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says clothes and gift cards are top sellers, but so are experience gifts…
cut 5 (12) “….with their dad”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is calling on the federal government to pass legislation that would result in a five to ten percent inspection fee placed on imported seafood. Nungesser says it will help the Louisiana seafood producer and it’s also a health issue for consumers, because many imports are not tested properly….
cut 7 (07) “…as well”
US Senator John Kennedy says he’s working on an inspection fee bill.

Former Saints standout Steve Gleason is a House vote away from receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor a citizen can receive from Congress. The Senate passed legislation to make it happen and Senator Bill Cassidy says Gleason’s ‘No White Flags’ message has resulted in millions of dollars being raised to fight the disease…
Cut 10 (08) “cure for ALS”

Louisiana’s two-year schools will not raise tuition rates next academic year.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Matt Doyle”

Today marks the start of open enrollment for the state’s Medicaid program known as Healthy Louisiana. Enrollment Services Manager Rebecca Harris says during this time window the over 1.5 million Louisiana residents on Medicaid have the opportunity to explore the five different coverage plans.
Cut 15 (06) “….care without cost.”
Harris says they have new Louisiana Healthy app where you can compare the different plans.

The National Retail Federation says Americans will spend on average 133-dollars a year on Dad for this Father’s Day. Spokesperson Katherine Cullen says one particular age group will spend even more than that, an average of $188….
cut 4 (09) “…their own Dads”
Clothing and gift cards are two of the most popular Father’s Day gifts, but growing in popularity is the special outing gift, which is usually dinner, a concert or some other event outside of the home.

A six-week open enrollment period began today for the state’s Medicaid program. Enrollment services manager Rebecca Harris says during this time, Medicaid recipients can change plans and they can do so through the new Healthy Louisiana smarthphone app…
cut 16 (12) “…services are”
The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is calling on the federal government to impose a five to ten percent inspection fee on imported seafood in an effort to keep cheap and a lot of times substandard seafood from flooding market, costing domestic producers money. Nungesser says he’s passionate about the issue and will look to his colleagues for help…
cut 8 (09) “…help me”
US Senator John Kennedy has said he’ll file the inspection fee legislation.

US Attorney David Joseph who represents the Western District of Louisiana is pleased to announce his office has added three violent crime prosecutors…
cut 13 (11) “…cover the whole district”
Joseph says one of the prosecutors is from the state Attorney General’s office and that person will handle firearm and drug indictments in the Monroe area.

Louisiana officials back an effort to impose a five to ten cent inspection fee on all imported seafood coming, in an effort to push back against lower quality, cheaper imported shrimp that’s hurting Louisiana shrimpers. During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says foreign seafood doesn’t meet our safety standards.
Cut 6 (11) “antibiotics”
US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll draft an inspection bill soon.

The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal. Senator Bill Cassidy says they want to honor Gleason, who is battling A-L-S, for his work to provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with assistance…
cut 9 (13) “…inspired”
The legislation now awaits House approval.

Father’s Day is this weekend and the National Retail Federation is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport native and longtime drummer of Elvis Presley, DJ Fontana, has passed away at the age of 87. Fontanta pounded the skins on such classic tunes like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t be Cruel.”

Heading into next week’s special session many agencies across the state are facing budget cuts. District attorneys are not exempt and it looks like they could be quite steep to the tune of 82 percent if additional funding is not found. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (25) I’m Kevin Barnhart“

A test shows the presensce of E-coli bacteria in the city of Alexandria’s water system and residents are asked not to drink the water without boiling it first. The water main is being disinfected and Alexandria hopes tests over the next few hours will show the problem is resolved.

Tuition at schools within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System will not see an increase in tuition for the upcoming school year, despite the potential of higher education receiving a 96-million dollar cut. L-C-T-C-S President Monty Sullivan says while they will not raise tuition, there will be an impact if the cuts go through…
cut 8 (10) “…no doubt”
A special session to raise revenue begins Monday.

Father’s Day is this weekend and the National Retail Federation is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion. NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says when it comes to gifts, it’s really looking promising for dads this year.
Cut 3 (09) “…in their lives.”
The survey indicated 43 percent of shoppers will be purchasing clothes, which just barely beats out gift cards at 42 percent.

Despite a budget that calls for deep cuts to higher ed, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System will not raise tuition or fees for the 2018-19 school year, continuing a two-year trend of keeping costs stable for students. LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says the state cannot continue to place the cost of education on the backs of students.
Cut 7 (09) “workforce”
Sullivan says more people educated and skilled, means more people working and contributing to the economy.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested three people for their role in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 43-year-old Leslie Matthews on Monday in Amelia. Deputies believe 40-year-old Kristie Blancard of Berwick hit Matthews and left the scene. Authorities say 47-year-old Johnny Giroir and 44-year-old Loe Vining had knowledge of the crash and helped Blanchard.

US Attorney David Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana has added a special prosecutor to handle violent crime cases in the Monroe area…
cut 14 (08) “…full time presence there”
Joseph says they are looking to prosecute those who are violating drug and gun laws in the hopes of reducing violent crime in the area.

Legislation approved in the regular session has created a new savings account program that resembles Louisiana START. Louisiana START allows families to begin saving for their child’s college education. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says there’s now Start K12, which allows families to save money for K-12 education expenses…
cut 12 (12) “…START account”
For more information contact the state’s office of student financial assistance.

Even though higher education is facing a potential massive budget cut, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System says they will not raise tuition rates or mandatory fees on students for the upcoming academic year. L-C-T-C-S President Monty Sullivan says it’s not fair for students, if tuition rates go up, because of a lack of state funding. Sullivan says it also doesn’t make sense why higher education is facing a 96-million dollar cut….
cut 9 (10) “…state government’
A cut to higher education could be avoided, if revenue is raised during next week’s special session.

Shreveport native and the longtime drummer for Elvis Presley, DJ Fontana has passed away at the age of 87. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer met Presley on the Louisiana Hayride in the 1950s, which was based in Shreveport. He perfomed with Elvis through much of the 1960s.

Parents who are interested in saving up for their kids K through 12 education now have the option of a state backed, interest accruing, and federal tax free savings account as a result of a new state law. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil authored the law.
Cut 10 (09) “the state.”
The program is called Start K12 and more information can be found with the state office of student financial assistance.

The western district of the US Attorneys Office has added three federal prosecutors, one specifically for the Monroe area. Kevin Barnhart has more…
cut 3 (27) “…Kevin Barnhart”

The executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association is sounding the alarm over an 82-percent cut in state funding for D-As, if lawmakers do not raise more revenue in next week’s special session. Pete Adams says if the cuts go through, fewer cases will be prosecuted…
cut 5 (12) “…uptick in crime”
Adams says they are willing to actively lobby for a renewal of a portion of a temporary one-cent sales tax, so the cuts can be restored.

The US Attorney for Louisiana’s Western District, David Joseph, says his office has added three violent crime prosecutors to his staff because of an uptick in criminal indictments…
cut 15 (08) “….doing previously”
One of the prosecutors has been assigned specifically for the Monroe area.

Louisiana’s two-year schools will not raise tuition rates next academic year. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards will visit with the King and Queen of Spain today, who are in New Orleans to celebrate the city’s tricentennial. A ceremony will take place at 11:30 at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. King Felipe the Sixth and Queen Letizia will also visit an exhibit on the Spanish empire in the Americas at the Louisiana State Museum. They will also reportedly discuss ways to improve economic ties between Louisiana and Spain.