The US Senate was dealt a setback to GOP efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare, as the bill was voted down in dramatic fashion early this morning. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says this is not a loss for the Republican party, it’s a loss for the American people. Senator Bill Cassidy is back to pushing his bill which would let individual states choose whether or not to keep the Affordable Care Act in place.

State Police say there have been two fatal drunk driving crashes in the past 48 hours, one of which claimed the life of a 17-year-old pedestrian who was run over by a man suspected of being impaired in Red River Parish. Trooper Matt Harris says anytime you drink and drive, you put others and yourself at risk because your reaction time slows and your motor skills are affected:
Cut 12 (07) “to travel”
A passenger died in a Hammond crash when an impaired driver crashed into a bulldozer.

UL-Lafayette had a statewide economic impact of $379 million in FY-15, according to a study by the New York-based consulting firm Appleseed. University president Dr. Joseph Savoie says the university contributes to the economy in a variety of ways, from employing nearly two thousand people to buying local…:
Cut 8 (12) “285 jobs”
Savoie hopes this will help higher education leaders make the case for increased state funding during difficult budget times.

It will be a fun-filled weekend across the Bayou State, as events are taking place in both north and south Louisiana. In north Louisiana, the 54th annual Farmerville Watermelon Festival kicks off. Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Eva Edinger says the watermelon seed spitting contest in particular will be a sight to see…:
Cut 16 (10) “watermelon auction”