Earlier today the price of oil rose above 50 dollars a barrel for the first time since October. Executive Director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies David Dismukes says this marks an important milestone and it might put an end to the job losses in this industry…:
CUT 6 (10) “woods yet”
Crude oil was below 30 dollars a barrel earlier this year.

In case the legislature is not able to fully fund TOPS, a bill that would ensure all students get at least part of their scholarship is nearing final passage. Currently, 51-thousand students receive TOPS. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says, without this bill, 13-thousand students could lose their award which would be bad for the state’s economy…:
CUT 3 (05) “do it”
The measure passed the House and now heads back to the Senate so changes made to the bill can be approved.

Patients would not have to see a doctor before visiting a physical therapist under legislation that’s close to final passage. Ville Platte Representative Havey LeBas says Louisiana is only one of seven states calls for you to get a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist. Lebas says because of this, P-T grads are leaving Louisiana…
cut 11 (07) “…other states”
The measure passed the House on a 65-33 vote and heads to Senate for concurrence on House amendments.

An investigative report by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums finds that the Baton Rouge zoo is not at fault for the deaths of two elderly giraffes, who died in March during a severe thunderstorm. Baton Rouge zoo director Phil Frost says they welcomed the findings of report and were glad the investigators found that the zoo did all they could for the animals…
cut 14 (10) “…that too”