Governor John Bel Edwards says solving the state’s budget crisis and the impending second special session are top of mind for him right now. He says there are many policy related issues that are going to be on the back burner until we can deal with the present crisis…:
Cut 8 (09) “and do that”
He says he’s waiting to make the call for the second session when he receives proposals from a panel reviewing the budget.

A 7th grade teacher in Vermillion Parish is under arrest on rape charges for allegedly forcing minors to have sex with him. David Hardy with the Abbeville Police Department says James Harber had child pornography on his computer, and cops were able to locate the girls…:
CUT 5 (07) “Mr. Harber”
Harber has been charged with two counts of second-degree rape and one count of first-degree rape. His bond is $300,000.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner reportedly says a man lost his life when he was struck by lightning while working at a Slidell area construction site. It says 36-year-old Elvin Arturo Castro Santiago was struck Wednesday.

The majority of voters in Louisiana have no problem with letting people with certain diseases be covered under the state’s medical marijuana law. That’s according to a poll commissioned by the Louisiana Cannabis Association. They found 72 percent of people surveyed support letting medical marijuana treat additional ailments. Spokesman Jesse McCormick hopes that this poll encourages more lawmakers to vote in favor of the legalization currently moving through the capitol….:
cut 12 (08) “huge win”

Governor John Bel Edwards will participate in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” by hosting a rally for the children on the Capitol steps with First Lady Donna Edwards.