Governor John Bel Edwards announces a news conference will be held this evening at 6:45 to discuss the legislative session. He’d previously said if lawmakers hadn’t reached a budget deal by 6 he’d call a special session to begin 30 minutes later. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says the legislature is ready to go home…:
Cut 13 (07) “tonight”
House Republican leaders do not want to spend all of the dollars that are available, but the governor and Senate do to avoid cuts.

Edwards signed into law a measure to allow video poker machines to accept 100 dollar bills, up from 20 dollars. Critics of the bill said it could fuel gambling addictions. But Video Poker Lobbyist Alton Ashy says there are no statistics to show that would be the case…:
Cut 4 (10) “gaming”
He says this legislation is about convenience.

More charges have been filed against the Baton Rouge man accused of running over and killing a 12-year-old boy during a police chase. State Police had already charged Joshual Hilton with manslaughter for running over the child, but BRPD has just released its report on the initial investigation of the suspect. Those findings lead to additional charges of obstruction and possession and distribution of drugs. Bond is now $307,500.

The Trump Administration recognizes Louisiana as one of the toughest states on fighting Medicaid fraud. Louisiana was one of only four states to pass this audit since 2014. Lawmakers have suggested Medicaid fraud was one culprit of the state’s budget problems. But Chief of Staff with the Louisiana Department of Health Andrew Tuozzolo says says there’s only around $50 million in fraudulent claims annually in a $10 billion program…:
Cut 11 (09) “in the program”