By an 81-15 House vote, the legislation that would raise the tax on cigarettes has been sent to a conference committee. The House version would raise the tax to 68 cents a pack, while the Senate version was $1.08. Some lawmakers say that Senate amount was too much, but not Bogalusa Representative Harold Richie, who says the House tax amount protects only higher ed in the budget crisis..
CUT 11 (11) Q: “for health care.”

A three bill compromise over common Core has won final passage in the House, and are their way to the governor’s desk. By a 99-0 vote, the motion will have on-going public and legislative reviews of the education standards. One of the approved bills will place limits on Louisiana usuage of the material.
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Widespread flooding in Northwest Louisiana continues as the Red River finally hits it crest at 37 feet where it is expected to remain today. CS Ross, hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they predict the water will finally start to go down a bit by tonight…:
CUT 6 (08) “upcoming weekend”
The reading mark today has not been exceeded since World War Two.

A Federal Judge in Baton Rouge has ordered for the release of 68-year-old Albert Woodfox, who has twice been convicted of killing a prison guard. Woodfox has spent over 40 years in solitary confinement and Amnesty International spokesperson Jasmine Heiss agrees with the Judge’s decision…
CUT 4 (10) Q: “for 4 decades”
But Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is asking a federal appeals court to block the Woodfox release.