1:30PM LRN Newscast May 11

Senate Finance approved a budget that cuts nearly 25 percent in funding from most state agencies, but restores much of the funding to healthcare, specifically public-private partnership hospitals, that was lacking in a House backed spending plan. But Metairie Senator Conrad Appel says that doesn’t mean these cuts will actually be enacted.

Cut 6, 7 seconds, revenue

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise.He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C. and the support he received from the University during his recovery.

Cut 3 (17) “really neat”

A petition is nearing 13,000 signatures that asks the state not to kick 37,000 Medicaid recipients off the program, and potentially out of nursing homes. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Retail Federation anticipates an increase in spending for Mother’s Day. A 20 year veteran of retail marketing and CEO of FUEL Partnerships, Erik Rosentrauch, says spending is expected to reach $23 billion in 2018, a 61% increase since 2009.

Cut 11 (04) “on her”