The governor and lawmakers have received more bad news about the budget. LSU economist Doctor Jim Richardson, who also serves on the Revenue Estimating Conference, says tax collections for this fiscal year have fallen below the state’s official forecast and the state could end up with a 200-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Lower than expected corporate income and franchise taxes are to blame.

Four Louisiana cities rank in the top 20 least healthiest cities in the US, according to a study from 24/7 Wall Street. Hammond came in third on the list, Monroe ranked sixth, Shreveport-Bossier is ninth, and Alexandria came in at number 12. Bob Johannessen with the state Department of Health…
CUT 10 (12) “disappooitng”
Johannessen says they hope the expansion of the Medicaid program will boost the state’s health rankings.

The entire state is under a heat advisory once again today. Forecasters are predicting a heat index between 105 and 110 degrees.

Hugh Jackman and other movie stars have been filming Wolverine Three in Concordia Parish this week. Ferriday Mayor Gene Allen says the filming has been a boost for local business…
cut 8 (10) “…each day”
Ferriday was reportedly chosen for its beautiful countryside and abundant cornfields.