Reports say this will be the last week of the regular session as the Governor and other leaders are calling for a special session to begin Friday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Modern States Education Alliance is offering a “Freshman Year For Free” at their website which allows students to take CLEP eligible courses by nationally renowned professors, without having to pick up thousands of dollars in student loans. Founder Steve Klinsky says the classes give credits that can be transferred to major colleges like LSU.

Cut 7 (09)  “CLEP Exam”

A Senate Committee will review a controversial bill that would renew Harrah’s Casino’s contract for another 30 years. The bill has received opposition from statewide leaders like Senator John Kennedy who say Louisiana should hold out for a better deal, and legislators concerned about a provision that would cut the capital out of future negotiations, but Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says there’s another concern.

Cut 10 (07) “right now”

A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in all criminal trials will be taken up by the House today. Louisiana is one of two states that does not require unanimous jury decisions. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Louisiana’s outlier verdict system influences DAs to charge suspects with crimes that have longer sentences, just to have a better chance at conviction.

Cut 13 (10)  “the sentence” 

There was more late game magic at Alex Box Stadium last night. Down 5-1 in the 8^th inning, the Tigers roared back for six runs highlighted by Beau Jordan’s second career grand slam to give LSU a 7-5 win. Todd Peterson pitched a perfect 9^th inning for his third save on the year. LSU has won four in a row and they are now 13-12 in the SEC. Game 2 is tonight at 7 PM.

Down 4-1. Louisiana Tech scored seven runs in the seventh inning to stun 9^th ranked Southern Miss as the Bulldogs pulled out off a 10-6 win over the Golden Eagles. Tech took advantage of five Southern Miss errors. Steele Netterville had a big day at the plate as he scored three times and had a three-run double in that seven-run, seventh inning.

Colten Scmidt improved to 7-0 on the year as the Cajuns defeated Texas State seven to four. With the win, UL Lafayette moves into first place in the Sun Belt West by a half a game over Little Rock.

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Southeastern Louisiana led 6-2 in the 6^th inning, but ended up losing to Central Arkansas seven to six. Ridge Heisler struck out nine as Northwestern State crushed Abilene Christian nine to one, Owen Magee hit for the cycle as UNO upended Nicholls 8-3 and McNeese thumped Prairie View A-and-M 12-7 as Joe Provenzano went 4-for-5.

At the state high school baseball playoffs in Sulphur, Claiborne Christian beat Grace Christian 2-to-1 to win the Division 5 state championship. That’s five state championships for the Warriors.

Harrisonburg won its first state title by beating Simpson 4-3 in the Class C title game.

Oak Hill held on to beat Zwolle 5-4 for the Class B title. Delta Charter and Merryville play at 2 this afternoon in the One-A title game.

In Four-A semifinals…Benton scored three runs on a wild pitch and defeated West Ouachita 6-5. The Tigers will take on DeRidder at 11:30 AM in the title game

Senate Finance approved a budget that cuts nearly 25 percent in funding from most state agencies, but restores much of the funding to healthcare, specifically public-private partnership hospitals, that was lacking in a House backed spending plan. But Metairie Senator Conrad Appel says that doesn’t mean these cuts will actually be enacted.

Cut 6 (07)  “revenue”

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise. Scalise’s speech was full of funny stories as he described getting phone calls from leaders all over the world. He says he was truly humbled by the attention which inspired him.

Cut 4 (09) “back up”

Scalise is also scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the LSU law school graduation in June.

Louisiana folks who want to engage in fantasy sports playing is one signature away from it. The Senate cleared a bill that gives voters in each parish the right to decide if they wish to move forward on fantasy sports playing. Lafayette Senator Page Cortez handled the legislation in the Senate, explaining to his colleagues that fantasy sports betting is not traditional sports gambling.

Cut 9 (09) “with that”

Governor John Bel Edwards endorsed a state-wide anti-cancer initiative called “Taking aim at Cancer in Louisiana.” The goal is to improve early detection, improving patient care and treatment, an ultimately improve patient out-comes.

Cut 12 (09)   “Better Strategies”

The United Health Foundation has provided 500-thousand in grant money to the Louisiana Cancer Research Center to develop a srategy to improve care.

Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps says in a perfect world they would like to have DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo back next season. hey are unrestricted free agents this summer. Rajon, who won an NBA title in Boston, showed why he’s so valuable in the playoffs as he played a big part in the sweep over the Trail Blazers. Coach Alvin Gentry says the 32-year-old was a great leader for them last season

Cut  20 (17)   “him back”

Rondo posted his best shooting percentage since his Boston days, at 47 percent, along with eight points and 8 assists per game, playing 26 minutes a game over the season. “Playoff Rondo” dropped 12 dimes a game on 33 minutes, the best assist numbers of his playoff career.

The LSU Tigers have a chance to build on their late season push to make the NCAA Tournament. After taking two of three from the best team in the SEC West, Arkansas, the Tigers host the worst team, Alabama. The Crimson Tide are 6-and-18 in league play.

And LSU will honor four seniors before Sunday’s home finale, including Austin Bain, who leads the SEC in doubles and has a 16-game hitting streak heading into tonight’s game. Not bad for a guy who pitched his first three seasons at LSU….

Cut 18 (17)  “of fun” 

And the saints have announced that they do not plan on bringing in a veteran running back to plug the whole created by pro bowl running back Mark Ingram’s 4 game PED suspension. That means more carries for Alvin Kamara, who only carried the ball an average of 8 times a game last season.

Senate Finance approved a budget that cuts nearly 25 percent in funding from most state agencies, but restores much of the funding to healthcare, specifically public-private partnership hospitals, that was lacking in a House backed spending plan. Chairman Eric Lafluer says the committee is well aware that the state cannot operate at these funding levels, and the budget is just a showcase of how impossible 648 million dollars of cuts would be.

Cut 7 (08)  “current laws”

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise. Scalise spoke for about 45 minutes in front of 4000 graduating students. He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C. and the support he received from the University during his recovery.

He says he will forever be indebted to those who helped him during his rehabilitation.

Cut 5  (12) “my recovery”

Scalise is also scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the LSU law school graduation in June.

Louisiana folks who want to engage in fantasy sports playing is one signature away from it. The Senate cleared a bill that gives voters in each parish the right to decide if they wish to move forward on fantasy sports playing. Lafayette Senator Page Cortez handled the legislation in the Senate, explaining to his colleagues that fantasy sports betting is not traditional sports gambling.

Participants create a simulation sports team based on current membership of amateur or professional sports teams. Not which team would win or lose.

Cut 10 (13) “accrue points”

Governor John Bel Edwards endorsed a state-wide anti-cancer initiative called “Taking aim at Cancer in Louisiana.” The goal is to improve early detection, improving patient care and treatment, an ultimately improve patient out-comes.

Cut 12 (09)   “Better Strategies”

Senate Finance approved a spending plan that cuts nearly 25 percent of the budget of many state agencies. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Becca Dill”

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise. Scalise spoke for about 45 minutes in front of 4000 graduating students. He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C. and the support he received from the University during his recovery.

Scalise’s speech was full of funny stories as he described getting phone calls from leaders all over the world. He says he was truly humbled by the attention which inspired him.

Cut 4 (09) “back up”

Louisiana folks who want to engage in fantasy sports playing is one signature away from it. The Senate cleared a bill that gives voters in each parish the right to decide if they wish to move forward on fantasy sports playing. Lafayette Senator Page Cortez handled the legislation in the Senate, explaining to his colleagues that fantasy sports betting is not traditional sports gambling.

Cut 9 (09) “with that”

And a Gonzales man has been charged with cruelty to a juvenile after allegedly duck taping his 15-month-old child’s hands together and posting it on social media. David Williams is being held in an ascension parish jail on a 500,000 dollar bond.

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise.  He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C.  He says he will forever be indebted to those who helped him during his rehabilitation.

Cut 5  (12) “my recovery”

Scalise is also scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the LSU law school graduation in June.

Heart wrenching testimony was presented in favor of a bill that would make it illegal to touch your phone while driving. The bill passed Senate Transportation. Susan says her daughter died in front of her small children who had just been dropped off after she was hit pulling out of a driveway by a driver who was on his phone.

Cut 15 (10) “of her”

Sunday is Mother’s Day and the National Retail Federation anticipates that Americans will spend 23 billion dollars on mom. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Becca Dill”

The National Retail Federation anticipates an increase in spending for Mother’s Day.CEO of FUEL Partnerships, Erik Rosentrauch, says  that Mother’s Day is the third highest spending holiday behind Christmas and the Back-to-School season. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend an average 180 dollars per person.

Cut 12 (12) “4.4 billion dollars”

Senate Finance approved a budget that cuts nearly 25 percent in funding from most state agencies, but restores much of the funding to healthcare, specifically public-private partnership hospitals, that was lacking in a House backed spending plan. But Metairie Senator Conrad Appel says that doesn’t mean these cuts will actually be enacted.

Cut 6, 7 seconds, revenue

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise.He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C. and the support he received from the University during his recovery.

Cut 3 (17) “really neat”

A petition is nearing 13,000 signatures that asks the state not to kick 37,000 Medicaid recipients off the program, and potentially out of nursing homes. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Retail Federation anticipates an increase in spending for Mother’s Day. A 20 year veteran of retail marketing and CEO of FUEL Partnerships, Erik Rosentrauch, says spending is expected to reach $23 billion in 2018, a 61% increase since 2009.

Cut 11 (04) “on her”

Students Graduating from LSU this morning were treated to a commencement speech by Alumnus U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise.  He spoke extensively about his journey following a nearly fatal shooting on a baseball diamond in Washington D.C.  He says he will forever be indebted to those who helped him during his rehabilitation.

Cut 5  (12) “my recovery”

Scalise is also scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the LSU law school graduation in June.

Heart wrenching testimony was presented in favor of a bill that would make it illegal to touch your phone while driving. The bill passed Senate Transportation. Susan says her daughter died in front of her small children who had just been dropped off after she was hit pulling out of a driveway by a driver who was on his phone.

Cut 15 (10) “of her”

Sunday is Mother’s Day and the National Retail Federation anticipates that Americans will spend 23 billion dollars on mom. Becca Dill has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Becca Dill”

And a Gonzales man has been charged with cruelty to a juevenile after allegedly duck taping his 15-month-old childs hands together and posting it on social media. David Williams is being held in an ascension parish jail on a 500,000 dollar bond.

And now heres commodity prices.