The state’s unemployment rate has dropped again to a level not seen in nearly ten years…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Governor John Bel Edwards, and other politicos are in DC this week for the annual Washington Mardi Gras. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says this will give legislators a final chance to relax before getting to work:
Cut 12 (10) “special session”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ worst-case-scenario budget calls for a 76 million dollar cut in state funding for the Department of Corrections. Secretary James Leblanc says state prisons are full, and if local sheriffs cannot afford to house them, it could lead to an inmate housing nightmare…:
Cut 8 (09) “our department”
The cuts are a combination of attrition, canceling of infrastructure repairs, and the lowering of per diems paid to local sheriffs who house state inmates.

The American Lung Association gives Louisiana an F in four key categories on its annual State Of Tobacco Control report. Regional Director of Health Promotion for ALA Amy Ellis says 23 percent of Louisiana residents are current smokers, the 6th highest in the country…:
Cut 6 (11) “Tobacco 21″