The state’s budget deficit for fiscal year 2018, which begins next July, is up to one-point-five billion dollars. Most of the shortfall is due to the loss of temporary taxes. But rising costs and inflationary expenses also make up the budget gap. Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin questions why inflationary costs are included in the fiscal cliff deficit…:
Cut 13 (07) “scares everybody”
An agreement between the governor and legislators on how to close the budget gap has yet to be reached and it will likely take a special session to do so.

It’s been a wet week and it looks to be a wet weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says all that moisture in the air is pushing humidity levels way up, but at least it’s not as hot…:
Cut 5 (10) “any day”
He says the wet pattern is caused by summer fronts crossing Louisiana and stalling along the coast.

First Lady Donna Edwards is teaming up with the Department of Children and Family Services to launch a new program supporting foster parents…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu today announced an update on flooding concerns saying that repairs and tests have been completed and crews were able to put a damaged power providing turbine back into service. But he says even though the reinstall was successful, the pump system still has limits. Two of the five turbines that power the pumps are now functional. Two more are scheduled to return to service later this month.