The state Department of Education says Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is at an all time high at 77.5 percent in 2015. They say that’s a 2.9 percent growth from the previous year.

The bottom half of the state remains under a flash flood watch through this evening. The National Weather Service says rainfall amounts of two to four inches is possible in the watch areas, with locally higher amounts possible.

Cleco utility customers can expect a $475 credit on their bills beginning in July, as a result of the Pineville-based company’s sale to foreign investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the Louisiana Public Service Commission created this credit as a part of their transaction…:
CUT 6 (06) “from Cleco”
Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out, meaning some customers will not have to pay a utility bill for a couple of months.

The LSU AgCenter has developed an eye-drop to prevent and treat cataracts. Professor Cristina Sabliov (sab-lee-of) says lutein (loo-teen) is currently prescribed as an oral treatment for cataracts, but she says LSU AgCenter researchers have developed a solution to drop it directly into your eyes…:
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The AgCenter is working to patent the drop.

Governor John Bel Edwards has formed a task force to come up with budget reform recommendations, as the state grapples with a $600 million dollar shortfall. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin is on the task force and says it’s key that any revenue raising measure that could be passed in a second special session doesn’t further hurt the state economy…:
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He says options are extremely limited now that the sales tax has already been raised.