A children’s mental health program survives a proposed cut amid a $10 million budget reduction at the Louisiana Department of Health. One service that would have been eliminated helps depressed and suicidal teens learn coping skills. Houma Senator Norbert Chabert says these kinds of programs must be protected.

Cut 10 (09) “like this”

Saving this program means LDH will have to find other areas to cut.

A bill filed for the regular session adds same sex couples to Louisiana’s domestic violence laws. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says the current laws only apply to couples of the opposite sex.

Cut 3 (11) “this bill”

A study by LSU finds Louisiana could face huge economic losses if nothing is done to protect our vanishing coast. But researcher Stephen Barnes says if the state follows through with its coastal restoration masterplan, it will create jobs and boost the economy.

Cut 8 (10) “jobs”

Without that investment, Louisiana stands to lose $8 billion in wages and consumer spending along with the coast.

LSU officially introduces Will Wade as the new men’s head basketball coach. Wade had an overall coaching record of 91-45 and led VCU to the NCAA tournament the last two years. He says he’ll do whatever it takes to make the LSU team the best it can be.

Cut 13 (10) “first class fashion”