LSU is back in the College World Series for an 18th time in program history. Jeff Palermo has more from their senior shortstop..

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Nothing was done in the regular session to implement tax reform, and Democrats blame the Republican-dominated House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. Michelle Southern has more…

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The LSU Tigers are Omaha Bound after sweeping Mississippi State in the Super Regionals. Its mission accomplished for the players, especially for those who came back for their senior seasons to help get the Tigers back to the College World Series. Shortstop Kramer Robertson…

Cut 3 (12) “I can do it”

LSU returns to Omaha for the first time since 2015 and it’s the fifth time Coach Paul Mainieri has led LSU to the College World Series. He says it’s a very gratifying feeling

Cut 4  (07) “make you proud”

The Tigers will play Florida State in the opening round of the College World Series this weekend. LSU has won 16 straight  and have scored 10 or more runs in eight of those games. Mainieri says his team can do more than just hit….

Cut 5  (08)  “try and do”

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After lawmakers failed to pass a budget or any tax reform bills in the fiscal session, some blame the Republican-dominated money committees. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds the ratio of the House is about 60 percent Republicans and 40 percent Democrats, and they’d like to see a more balanced representation in House Appropriations and Ways and Means.

Cut 6 (08) “solve problems”

Reynolds says currently these committees are not structured for success, they’re structured for turmoil.  He says the problem is that too many committee members have dug their heels in the far-right agenda, and they’re not moving. He is optimistic a moderate group of Republicans could change some of the voting patterns.

Cut 7 (08)  “solve the problems”

Reynolds says Democrats are looking for solutions, and they’re willing to work with anyone. He hopes lawmakers are able to get more accomplished in the special than they did in the regular session.

Cut 8 (07) “get this done”

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House Appropriations began discussing the budget, and once again it’s the committee’s plan to hold back $206 million dollars in spending to avoid a midyear shortfall. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if money isn’t appropriated, it won’t be available in the event of a shortfall…:

Cut 9 (11)  “with a crisis”

But Covington Representative John Schroder says needs and wants are not relevant, but this is about what the state can afford…:

Cut 10 (09) “money or not”

Dardenne says he doesn’t understand why the committee doesn’t want to consider the budget plan the Senate approved, as it protects critical state services, and finally fully funds higher ed…:

Cut 11 (09) “to cut em”

House Republicans argue they want to hold back money because the amount of money the revenue estimating conference predicts the state will have to spend is wrong more often than not. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says there is an 86% chance that the dollars won’t be there, and it’s not that they want to cut these agencies…:

Cut 12 (09) “you have to cut back”

(The full House is expected to vote on a budget plan on Wednesday.)

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A Shreveport man is in serious condition after he was shot while driving on Interstate 20 this morning near the Common Street overpass. Shreveport Police Corporal Marcus Hines says another vehicle on the roadway shot multiple rounds into a car driven by 23-year-old Perdarius Marshall…

Cut 13 (07) “remains”

Authorities say Marshall suffered a gunshot wound to the midsection. Hines says detectives are still searching for a shooter and a motive…

Cut 14 (10) “that experience”

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Investigators say a 59-year-old Baton Rouge man fatally stabbed another man with a broken beer bottle after a verbal argument. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says Elvis Graham turned himself into authorities today in connection with the death of 52-year-old Vinell Easley…

Cut 15 (09) “Easley’s death”

coppola says the homicide took place near downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday night. He says Eisley died at the scene, while Graham was charged with second degree murder…

Cut 16  (10)  “took place”

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At the start of this special session, another special is already looming. Don Molino has more…

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Lawmakers in the House convene at 9 a.m. today to restart the budget discussions after failing to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year during the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…

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After a grueling fiscal session, some Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House, staring with Speaker Taylor Barras. Halen Doughty has more…

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With one special session started, another one is already looming in the future. The goal of the current special is to pass a budget for the next fiscal year, but the governor says another one will be needed to implement tax reform and address a looming fiscal cliff in 2018. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes is disappointed the legislature didn’t accomplish that during this year’s fiscal session.

Cut 4  (10) “with its problems”

Stokes says 2017 was the year to implement real tax reform because the legislature won’t enter another fiscal session until 2019. But she says both chambers couldn’t come to an agreement on how to address the state’s inadequate tax code that leads to annual budget deficits.

Cut 5  (10)  “complete quandary”

Over $1 billion in temporary taxes that were approved last year are set to expire in 2018. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says a sunset was placed on the new revenue, so the legislature would be forced to address the financial problems the state has faced for years. He says lawmakers still owe meaningful tax reform to its citizens.

Cut 6 (08) “of the deal”

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The House convenes at 9 a.m. as lawmakers try again to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year, after failing to do so in the regular session. Governor John Bel Edwards says his recommendation is that lawmakers pick up where they left off with the conference committee report.

Cut 7 (08)  “their committees”

The big debate over the budget came down to lawmakers arguing over how much, if any, of the revenue forecast to withhold in case of midyear cuts. The House wanted to hold back about $200 million, while the Senate pushed to spend more. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says were it up to him, he’d save even more.

Cut 8 (08) “young people”

The budget will start on the House side in committee, and from there it still has to pass the House floor and make it through the Upper Chamber. Henry says there are some key priorities lawmakers hope to fully funds, like TOPS. He says giving parole workers a pay raise is also high on the list.

Cut 9 (10)  “take care of that”

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Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House after what many call a grueling session. Some blame House Speaker Taylor Barras and Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry specifically for not approving a budget. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says currently there is no leadership in the House.

Cut 10 (08) “complete chaos”

James says either lawmakers are going to continue to ignore the needs of the state or continue to embarrass themselves. He says partisan politics have created a House divided along party lines.

Cut 11 (08) “elected for”

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says he absolutely disagrees with that. He says the House has the perfect leadership.

Cut 12 (11) “of Louisiana”

Seabaugh says Barras is looking out for the interest of the people in the state, and the people do not want to see their taxes increased. He says the Speaker is doing his job by adhering to the will of the constituents.

Cut 13 (10) “tax increases”

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At least two cases of dog flu have been confirmed in Louisiana, as canine influenza is rearing its head in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Dr. Phillip Cancellari says some early symptoms include coughing, running nose, and red eyes. He says the virus can look a lot like allergies, so it’s important to get your pet checked at the vet.

Cut 14 (08) “their vet”

It’s believed the two confirmed cases in Monroe were a result of exposure at a dog show. Cancellari says some pets from Florida participated in the show and may have brought the virus with them to the Bayou State. He says typical backyard dogs probably aren’t at much risk of contracting the virus.

Cut 15 (11) “have been”

Dog flu is spread the same way as the flu humans get, through contact. Cancellari says there is a vaccine available that can be given to dogs as young as 7 weeks old. He advises dog owners to consult their vet to determine if their dog should be vaccinated.

Cut 16 (08)  “and symptoms”

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LSU is heading to the College World Series for an 18th time in program history after beating Mississippi State 14-4 in a game that did not end until 1:36 this morning. But Coach Paul Mainieri says it was well worth the wait…

Cut 17 (13) “this team”

LSU trailed 4-3 in the 5th inning, but took control of the game with a six-run, 5th inning. Michael Papierski delivered the big hit, a two-run double to give the Tigers the lead for good…

Cut 18 (18) “happened to be a double” 

Leaders at the State Capitol are playing the blame game entering the special session. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Tickets for the LSU/Mississippi State Super Regional games this weekend are in hot demand. Michelle Southern reports…:

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It’s a free fishing weekend, as anyone can fish in fresh or salt public waters without a fishing license on Saturday and Sunday. State Wildlife and Fisheries Outreach Biologist Alayna McGarry hopes this will lead to more recreational fishermen

Cut 3 (10) “them back”

McGarry says there are no rules or exclusions for those who can fish without a license, but anglers will still have to follow all fishing regulations. She hopes this will encourage more individuals to purchase a license to fish after this weekend.

Cut 4  (10) “the public”

McGarry says there are plenty of places anglers are guaranteed to catch a nice sized fish.

Cut 5  (09)  “close by”

Visit wlf.la.gov for more information on where to fish.

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State leaders are pointing fingers at who’s to blame for the fourth special session of Governor John Bel Edwards’ term. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says they tried to negotiate with the governor over a budget, and he wanted all or nothing. He says that seems to be the governor’s strategy these days.

Cut 6 (09) “that regime”

But Edwards blames an epic failure of leadership in the House. He says there are some lawmakers who simply refused to give the governor a victory. He says it’s time for the legislature to do what is best for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08)  “grow up”

The budget dispute  between two chambers is over how much money to withhold in case of another midyear shortfall. The House wants to hold back at least 100-million dollars, the Senate and governor are pushing for a smaller number. Henry says lawmakers will try to negotiate again in the special session, but he’s afraid that won’t be the end of it.

Cut 8 (10) “your pockets”

Edwards says the budget was in a good posture when it came out of the Senate, but the House refused to take a vote on it at all. He says both sides are going to have to give a little to reach an agreement and accomplish what needs to be done for the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “better direction”

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Haughton Representative Dodie Horton claims New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson told her “shut the f up” in the chaotic final minutes of the regular session. The House was attempting to approve a budget through procedural moves and Horton says there was well orchestrated chaos when members of the black caucus continued to jeer in the back.

Cut 10 (10) “f up”

Horton told our news partner 710 KEEL in Shreveport that Peterson did apologize via text after the incident, but says she has yet to respond. Horton says several lawmakers and witnesses heard the comment from the New Orleans Senator and the chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Cut 11 (09) “and left”

Horton says she would never disrespect her colleagues or the House in such a manner. She called the ordeal embarrassing and shameful.

Cut 12 (08) “state police”

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The tickets to the Baton Rouge Super Regional this weekend between LSU and Mississippi State sold out in less than 30 minutes Friday morning, but fans still have the option of using the secondary ticket market. StubHub spokesperson Johnna Hoff says normally they don’t see this kind of interest for college baseball tickets…:

Cut 13 (10) “grabbing up those tickets”

Game 1 begins Saturday night at 8pm. First pitch is the same time Sunday, and if a Monday game is necessary the time is TBA. Hoff says when you’re dealing with a rivalry like this, there will always be a huge demand…:

Cut 14 (10) “that experience”

Game 1 standing room only tickets were going for $200 on StubHub Friday morning, while the lowest price for a Sunday single game ticket was about $130. Hoff says one of the interesting things about this Super Regional is that the “get-in-the-door” price is rising rapidly…:

Cut 15 (06) “games one and two”

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