Now that a deal has been reached between the U.S. House leadership and the White House to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a government default, the deal must be sold to House and Senate members. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the deal has some drawbacks, but he basically approves in principle…:
Cut 4 (05) “…send to us.’”
A vote in the House is scheduled for today. The House Freedom Caucus is urging Republicans to vote “no” because it doesn’t roll back the President’s student loan forgiveness proposal or the Inflation Reduction Act.

At the State Capitol, a House-passed bill to allow adults, 21 and over, with a clean criminal record to carry a concealed weapon without a permit moved out of Senate Judiciary. Fabian Blache, directed of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, worries about young men with unpermitted guns…:
CUT 23 (12) “…going to fire”
The bill was approved, 4-to-1, but must also pass Senate Finance, because ending concealed carry permits will mean a loss of revenue.

Senate-approved legislation to add the suicide crisis 9-8-8 number to state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs advances in House Transportation. Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says a group of students at Northwestern State who lost friends to suicide inspired the legislation.
Cut 13 (10) “…number to call.”
According to the C-D-C, nearly 700 people in Louisiana committed suicide in 2021.

There is a shortage of chemotherapy drugs which is forcing doctors to reduce doses or in some cases delay care. Among the medications are carboplatin and cisplatin which are used as a first-line chemo treatment for a variety of cancers. Doctor Amelia Jernigan at LSU Health New Orleans and she says they are tried-and-true drugs that are generic and cost less than newer medications and that’s part of the problem.
Cut 8 (10) “…so narrow.”
Health care leaders and lawmakers are hoping the F-D-A can do something soon to address the shortage.