Able-bodied adults without children would have to find work or enroll in job training in order to receive SNAP benefits beginning July 1st. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the executive order Thursday. He says the Louisiana Workforce Commission operates 59 Career Solutions Centers where many people were able to find work in 2015…:
CUT 14 (06) “jobs”
Republican lawmakers have been pushing for the governor to add work requirements to food stamp recipients.

Advocates for Planned Parenthood rallied on the steps of the state capitol in opposition to bills moving through the legislature aimed at defunding the organization. New Orleans Dr. Julie Finger says Planned Parenthood is committed to providing women safe and reliable healthcare. She says many legislators try over and over to limit access to reproductive health…:
Cut 9 (10) “legal abortion”

Legislative leaders seek to end the regular session early, so they could prepare for a special session that Governor John Bel Edwards plans to call. Lawmakers must find a way to fill the $750 million dollar budget shortfall for next fiscal year before it begins on July 1st. Senate President John Alario says this doesn’t necessarily mean more taxes…:
CUT 11 (10) “a whole”
Alario feels they will be more productive in the special session if they leave this session early and get some rest, and get feedback from their constituents at home.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today, and many artists have said they plan to honor the musician Prince during their performances. The 57-year-old singer died Thursday. The Mercedes Benz Superdome was lit up in purple last night in tribute to Prince.