It’s the final day of the special session and the major sticking point is how much of the rainy day fund to tap to resolve a $304 million midyear deficit. Governor Edwards and the Senate propose using $99 million from the state’s savings account, but LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says House Republicans want the Senate to pass a bill that frees up statutory dedications in future budgets…:
Cut 13 (09) “bend first”
The deadline to reach an agreement is midnight.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has reached a whopping 403 million dollars, with a cash value of 244 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this drawing is the 19th in the current run…:
Cut 4 (10) “Powerball frenzy”
She says this is the 10th largest Powerball jackpot ever.

The state Office of Group Benefits is considering a 50 dollar a month surcharge on health insurance premiums for state employees who use tobacco products. OGB chief executive officer Tommy Teague says individuals who receive health insurance through the state would be required to self-report if they are a smoker…:
Cut 7 (09) “random basis”
The proposal would need to receive approval from a legislative oversight committee.

The LSU men’s  basketball team is making history again, but not in the direction they’d like. The Tigers dropped its 14th straight last night, tying a school record, to Auburn 95-78. The only other times LSU lost this many in a row were in the in back-to-back seasons, 1965-66 and 1966-67.