U.S Representative Mike Johnson is optimistic House members are close to agreeing on a bill to overhaul healthcare in the country. He says a provision that gained a lot of traction would put cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses in a separate, federally funded market place. Johnson says Maine recently did this…

Cut 14 (10) “went down.”

A proposal by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell would put on the ballot for voters an option to exempt state sales tax on items like diapers and tampons. Morrell says other constitutional amendments already exempt essential items like water, food, and prescriptions from the states sales tax.

Cut 5 (11) “their tampons”

The bill will be looked at today by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee.

During the overnight hours, New Orleans city contractors began removing the first of four Confederate monuments. The Liberty Place monument was taken away at around 5:30 this morning by pieces on a flat bed truck. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says this statue was put up to honor the killing of police officers by white supremacists…

Cut 3 (10) “strong today”

A 6 million dollar construction project begins today on the first 8 blocks of Bourbon Street. Director of New Orleans Public Works Col. Mark Jernigan says existing pavement, drainage lines, water, sewer and gas lines will be replaced. He says visitors can expect to see a new and improved Bourbon Street, but it’s what they won’t see that’s really important.

Cut 12 (09) “to walk on”

Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.