Just two weeks are left in the regular session, and the budget is still the biggest issue for lawmakers. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says legislators are trying to fund priorities like TOPS and safety net hospitals with a $600 million budget shortfall…:
cut 4 (08) “gonna be”
He says matters are complicated further by the fact that there could be a second special session after the regular session which adjourns June 6th.

Between one representative’s not-so-funny joke about strippers and the legislature shooting down the Equal Pay ACt, it hasn’t been a good week for women in Louisiana. In response, New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno launched a new campaign for women’s issues called “It’s No Joke.” She’s started this campaign to combat gender inequality…:
Cut 13 (12) “significant changes”

A 36-year-old Baton Rouge man died after being run over by a suspected drunk driver as he was helping at the scene of another accident, according to BRPD. They say William Warren was hit by 41-year-old Gregory Hamilton of Baton Rouge. Police say Warren had stopped to assist people involved in an earlier crash on Jefferson Highway. Hamilton faces many charges including vehicular homicide and second-offense DWI.

A 5-year-old child from LaPlace died after she shot herself while playing with her father’s gun, according to the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. They say Haley Moore fired the weapon in front of her siblings, while her father, Eric Moore, was taking a shower. No charges have been filed at this time.