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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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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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If you’re heading to New Orleans over the weekend, use alternative routes as I-10 East between Sorrento and Gramercy will be closed. Emelie Gunn has more…

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New Orleans is one of the top five cities for millennials to live, according to a report from Time Magazine. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Juveniles serving life sentences for murder will soon be eligible for parole after 25 years. Halen Doughty has more…

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If you’re heading to New Orleans this weekend, be aware Interstate 10 East between the Sorrento and Gramercy exits will be closed as crews will install a repaired on-ramp bridge. Rodney Mallett with the state Department of Transportation says it’s the same ramp that was removed earlier this year…

Cut 4  (09) “back on”

Mallett says it will take a month for the on-ramp to open after the section of bridge is replaced but the interstate will open up before at 5 a.m. Monday morning. He says when this part of the interstate was closed in March, delays were minimal and expects the same this weekend.

Cut 5  (09)  “you’re going”

Mallett says the interstate will close at 9 p.m. tonight and is scheduled to open again early Monday morning but could open earlier, as it did for the same closure in March. He advises motorists to check online for updates on the closure and alternative routes.

Cut 6 (10) “out there”

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A report from Time Magazine finds New Orleans is one of the top five metro areas in the country for millennials to live. Demographer Greg Rigamer says it’s obvious that when you’re in the Crescent City the main age group is 25 to 34 and many businesses target that demographic.

Cut 7 (07)  “positive draw”

The survey from Urban Land Institute finds the city saw a nearly 9-percent increase in millennials from 2010 to 2015. Rigamer says post Katrina New Orleans brought younger workers to the area and it helps the Crescent City likes celebrations, which attracts a younger crowd.

Cut 8 (08) “young people”

The cities that drew in more millennials are Virginia Beach, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; San Bernardino, California, and Memphis, Tennessee. Rigamer says the cost of living in the Big Easy is also a significant factor in where millennials choose to live.

Cut 9 (09)  “independently”

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Murderers convicted as juveniles will be eligible for parole after 25 years, as a bill by Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor wins final passage. Albany Representative Sherman Mack chairs the Criminal Justice Committee and pushed for 30 years instead of 25 because he says that’s what the families of the victims want.

Cut 10 (10) “than 25”

But some lawmakers asked why the House spent so much time splitting hairs over a five year difference. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says there’s no law they could pass to give the victims in these situations back what they lost.

Cut 11 (09) “victim whole”

The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that juveniles could not be sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says without this bill, Louisiana could be subject to litigation for not complying with federal law.

Cut 12 (10) “have to do”

The measure finally passed on a 67 to 34 vote. It’s one of the 10 bills that are part of the governor’s criminal justice reform effort.

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Another special session has started at the State Capitol, after lawmakers failed to pass a budget for next fiscal year. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards calls it an epic failure by House Republican leadership.

Cut 13 (12) “special session”

Legislators have been discussing a 28-billion dollar spending plan since March. The House wanted to withhold spending $100 million in case of a midyear shortfall, while the Senate only wanted to hold back $50 million to avoid deeper cuts to state agencies. House Appropriations Chair Cameron Henry expressed his disappointment in the session’s final minutes

Cut 14 (11) “for that”

Edwards says it’s a sad day in Louisiana because some lawmakers decided not to do what is in the best interest of the state. He says the options before lawmakers won’t be any different in the special than they were in the regular session.

Cut 15 (12) “our veterans”

Edwards says the House should have approved the budget passed by the Senate, which fully funded TOPS and spared higher education, prisons and child welfare programs from cuts.

Cut 16 (10)  “that budget”

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We’ll find out today who LSU plans to pitch in Game One of the Super Regional Series against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have already announced a starter. Sophomore left-hander Konner Pilkington will pitch on Saturday. Former LSU pitcher and now college baseball analyst Ben McDonald says Pilkington is the real deal…

Cut 17 (17) “can do”

Mississippi State has one of the best hitters in college baseball. Brent Rooker is hitting .395 with 23 home runs and 82 RBIs. McDonald says LSU pitchers will have to make some quality pitches against him….

Cut 18 (21) “kind of mistakes” 

LSU brings a 14-game winning streak into the Super Regional series. The Tigers have scored 10 or more runs in half of those games. McDonald says the key for Mississippi State is no free passes to LSU hitters…

Cut 19 (13) “kinds of things ”