The special session called to address the state’s budget crisis must end on Wednesday. Higher cigarette and alcohol taxes have advanced, and there are also measures on the table to raise the state sales tax. Governor John Bel Edwards is hopeful that the House approves legislation today that will call for businesses paying higher taxes…:
CUT 7 (07) “greater extent”
It’s estimated that lawmakers are about 150 to 200 million dollars short of what is needed to fill the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30th.

Louisiana is bracing for a wet work week, with the rain arriving tomorrow. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says northwestern Louisiana may see up to 10 inches of rain. She says a low pressure system will push a lot of moisture into the state…:
CUT 4 (04) “as well”
The heaviest rain is expected to move into the area Wednesday and hang around until Friday.

The nation’s high court has overturned a 2002 conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate accused in the death of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. The nation’s highest court said prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence in the case that would undermine the conviction of Michael Weary. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…:
cut 12 (10) “…at this point”
Perilloux added that the victim’s mother is disappointed with today’s ruling.

New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement today after 18 seasons in the NFL and two Super Bowl championships. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning’s Super Bowl 50 victory is a fitting way to end his football career…:
CUT 9 (05) “Hall of Fame career”
Manning holds over 20 NFL records.