Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Edwards says the spending plan that goes into effect July 1st contains the first teacher pay raise in a decade
Cut 4 (12) “…our children.”

Louisiana continues to be ranked 49th in overall child well-being. KIDS COUNT manager at Agenda for Children Teresa Falgoust says a big factor into the low ranking is that the state ranks 50th in childhood poverty, with 307-thousand children living in poverty, roughly 28% of the state’s child population.
The state has dropped in ranking for education from 47th to 48th. Falgoust says another troubling trend is the number of children getting ready to enter high school not doing well in math. In 2009, 80% of eighth graders were not proficient in math. That has risen to 81% in 2017.
Cut 8 (06) “…slightly as well.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading.
LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says filling out the form about how many bats are on your land could be a big help to the Louisiana economy, and Louisiana healthcare as bats love to chow down on nasty bugs.
Cut 12 (12) “…people”

Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says he believes there will be more arrests in the case.
Cut 15 (08) “…this particular case.”