The third special session of the year kicks off today, with some legislators expected to go to battle for the last time this year over the state’s persistent budget issues under the specter of deep cuts to TOPS and other state services. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says passing the half penny sales tax renewal will be the focus, because it fully funds the government.
Cut 4 (11) “right now.”
The powerful lobbying group, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says the third special session must end with a solution that solves the state’s budget problems. LABI President Stephen Waguespack… …
Cut 6 (12) “move on”
Governor Edwards is set to address both chambers of the legislature at 5 PM.
A Denham Springs couple is looking at 35 years in prison following two different traffic stops. State Police Sargeant James Anderson says during the stops on Interstate 10 in Calcascieu Parish, a total of 25 illegal aliens were discovered in the two vehicles.
Cut 12 (09) “…for 25 people.”
Troopers arrested 32 year old Stephanie Harris and 38 year old Nicholas Harris, in what Anderson says appears to be a case of human trafficking.

Three children at an outdoor party were struck by a fallen tree Sunday afternoon in Opelousas. That’s according to Mayor Reggie Tatum. The incident occurred around 5 P.M. in the 700 block of East South Street. All three kids were taken to the hospital. As of Sunday night, we’re told one child was transported to a hospital in Baton Rouge and is in critical condition.

Grambling State and head football coach Broderick Fobbs have agreed to a new four-year deal, worth one-point-two million dollars. Fobbs had just one year left on his contract and this new deal keeps him at Grambling through 2022.