As the final hours of the State Legislature’s session wind down, House and Senate members reach compromise on the state budget and raising the state-imposed cap of spending to make use of surplus funds. Wednesday, both chambers approved a resolution to lift the expenditure cap. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) President Barry Erwin says the agreement helps assure a budget bill will be approved before adjournment at 6 tonight…:

CUT 10(09)      “…I’m optimistic.”

The budget deal uses one-time revenue surplus dollars to reduce retirement debt while investing in roads, bridges, ports, and other priority projects.

Watch what waterways you get into. Health officials are concerned about algae blooms on Lake Ponchartrain and other places that MAY be toxic. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says know the signs and take precautions…:

CUT 14(09)      “…or cleaning.”

A Deville man has been arrested for 506 counts of pornography involving juveniles, with victims being under the age of 13. Rapides Parish Cyber Crimes deputies honed in on 27-year-old David Roberts, and a warranted search of his home turned up damning evidence. He’s being held on $70-thousand bond.

It’s anticipated that 20% of physicians will leave the profession in the next two years. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”