A bill to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana is set to be heard today in the Senate Labor Committee. The measure would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 which supporters say would help workers’ standard of living. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth is concerned about job losses, and says a minimum wage and a living wage are two different things.:
Cut 6 (10) “minimum wage”
Similar measures have failed in years past.

Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t like the tension he sees among lawmakers over the bill designed to protect Confederate monuments in the state now headed to the Senate…:
Cut 10 (10) “best part”
The third Confederate era statue in New Orleans was removed from its base last night.

A 17-year-old from North Louisiana is facing a serious charge after police say he set a dog on fire. Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey says Carzavian Willis of Homer doused a Yorkie in gasoline, causing severe burns on 80 percent of her body..:
Cut 14 (11) “put down”
Willis is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a felony that carries a sentence up to 10 years.

A compromise has been reached on the criminal justice reform package approved by the Senate on Tuesday. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger will now look to get the lower chamber to agree with the bills that will give Louisiana major sentencing reform for individuals convicted of drug and property crimes…:
Cut 13 (12) “primary accomplishments”
These reforms will save the state $260 million over the next decade.