The Edwards administration says a cut in state funding for higher education is likely this fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says, unfortunately, this is just the reality of where we are as a state…

cut 11 (11) “next year”

He says at this point the cut could be as much as 131 million dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards has suggested a 22 cent cigarette tax increase to help with the state’s budget deficit. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana campaign Randy Hayden says compared to our surrounding southern states, we still have very low taxes on tobacco products…

cut 8 (10) “on it”

The campaign suggests raising the cigarette tax another $1.25 per pack.

Today, new Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson begins a statewide emphasizing small business success in the state. Pierson says the state’s current budget crisis will certainly be topic of discussion in how it could impact small business…

cut 5 (08) “point for us”

Pierson will visit 10 cities through February 5th.

A St. Tammany Parish jury acquits a former teacher’s aide of molestation of a juvenile. Wendell Troullier was arrested by Slidell Police in 2014 after a 10-year-old boy said Troullier touched him inappropriately while at the man’s house. Defense attorney Robby Gill says the lead detective said during the trial that they never took DNA from the child, which led to the jury finding Troullier not guilty…

cut 13 (12) “penetration”

Troullier was facing a minimum 25-year prison sentence if found guilty.