530PM LRN News

New Orleans’ historic newspaper, The Times Picayune has been purchased by their Baton Rouge based rival, The Advocate. Employees of the Picayune and it’s online service, Nola.com, have been given 60 days notice that they will be fired, and it is not certain how many, if any of them will be retained in the new publication. Some say it’s a sign of an increasingly unfriendly job market for would-be journalists, but veteran journalist Len Apcar is optimistic.
Cut 8 (11) “…work out”
The merger will use “brands and features of both publications” starting in June.
Vice President Mike Pence says he’s inspired by the faith that continues to be shown in St. Landry Parish where three historically black churches burned down by a suspected arsonist.
Cut 5 (14) “…the country”
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Legislation that would require Louisiana businesses to provide employees with paid leave to deal with family or medical issues cleared its first legislative hurdle. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says businesses could be left paying higher taxes, if there’s not enough money to cover all the requests for paid family leave.
Cut 10 (08) “…that difference”
The measure heads to Senate Finance, because it requires a small payroll tax paid by both the employee and employer.
The LA Wallet app, which allows Louisiana drivers to present their license on their smartphone, is now free, but only until the end of May. OMV field administrator Paige Paxton says law enforcement will also accept the app as a valid ID, but..
Cut 14 (07) “…at that time.”