The Commercial Activity Tax measure, the centerpiece of Govenor John Bel Edwards tax reform plan, has been voluntarily deffered as the votes were not there to get approval from the Ways and Means panel.

The bill to do away with the death penalty in Louisiana cleared its first hurdle. A senate panel advanced the measure 6-1.

A state lawmaker plans to move forward with her legislation designed to protect Confederate monuments, even though the process of removing them has begun in New Orleans. The Liberty Place monument was taken down early Monday morning, and the city also plans to remove three more confederate-era statues. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell opposes what Mayor Mitch Landrieu is doing….:
Cut 10 (10) “where we are today”
She says it’s unclear when her bill will get a hearing.

Two individuals from Orange, Texas have been arrested and one is still on the loose after allegedly tying up an elderly Starks man for hours and stealing his guns, cell phone and wallet. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the victim was discovered when a food delivery showed up at his home…:
Cut 7 (11) “seven hours”
Mancuso says 32-year-old Thomas Henson and 33-year-old Lea Pence were arrested and authorities are still searching for 43-year-old Michael Helmer, known as Mikey Irish.

The state has finalized a deal with contracting firm IEM to manage the $1.3 billion Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program to help flood victims rebuild and repair their homes. The contract is estimated to cost $227 million.