A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the move may be retaliation on the part of the governor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the governor”

Although Governor Edwards said a in a veto note that the bill would’ve likely resulted in higher prices at the pump for drivers, Pinsonat believes that was not the primary reason for the veto.

Cut 10 (11) “…the governor’s motives.”

Harris dismissed suggestions it was improper for him to push a proposal in which, as an independent gas station owner, would have a financial interest.

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

Governor Edwards has labeled a group of anti-tax, pro budget cut hardliners the “caucus of no” for rejecting compromise tax plans. But Miguez says the votes were there for GOP House Chairman Lance Harris bill which would have raised 300-million dollars….

Cut 7 (10)  “compromise bill”

A bill sponsored by House GOP leader Lance Harris that would allow independent gas stations to sue larger gas station companies over unfair pricing has been vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Harris owns a chain of gas stations in the Alexandria area and could have benefited from the bill.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s probably retaliation.

Cut 9 (10) “…by the governor”

Conservatives in the House are punching back again the Governor’s claims that they’re at fault for the legislative gridlock and partisan conflicts that ground down yet another special session. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says after a House tax plan that raised 400 million dollars was rejected, some Republicans may be losing interest in voting for any revenue measure.

Cut 6 (09)  “tax increase”

Without additional revenue, TOPS would be cut by 30 percent, higher ed would see 96 million in cuts.

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An Opelousas man is under arrest after allegedly setting a series of fires targeted at harassing his ex-girlfriend. 35-year-old Austin Ceasar was slapped with a series of Arson related charges after authorities found evidence that connected him to three fires dating back to March 9^th. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodriquez says a neighbor caught him committing the first arson.

Cut 3 (12)   “that home.” 

Entergy recommends you set thermostat to 78 degrees for maximum savings on your electric bill. For most people…. That’s not going to happen…. Most folks surveyed said they didn’t have a problem leaving the temperature at 78 while they were at work, but nearly everyone said…

Cut 13 (08) “at all” 

Entergy says each degree below 78 will add approximately 3-percent to the cost of your electric bill.

As it stands now, TOPS students will have to pay 30-percent of their tuition next school year, unless more revenue is raised before June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if students and families want it fully funded, get involved in the legislative process…
cut 11 (11) “…at risk”
A third special session for 2018 is expected this month to see if legislators can muster enough votes to approve a sales tax bill, so that TOPS and higher education is fully funded.

Livingston Parish deputies arrested 33-year-old Christopher Glenn of Denham Springs after he allegedly stabbed 44-year-old Tosha Smith multiple times…
cut 14 (05) “…in that incident’
That’s Livingston Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steel, who says another woman was also injured and several children were inside the home at the time of the attack in Denham Springs.

A south Louisiana man is under arrest after allegedly stalking an ex, and setting a series of fires aimed at harassment.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Public school teachers in Monroe will receive a two-percent pay raise next school year, their first increase in ten years. Superintendent Brent Vidrine hopes the increase will boost morale.

The Edwards administration is sounding the alarm about the cuts that would need to be enforced, if the House does not pass a sales tax bill that generates 500 million dollars in revenue. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the budget that passed the legislature calls for massive cuts to popular state programs, without the additional funding.

Cut 10 (08)   “housing.”

As of now TOPS is facing a 30-percent cut, higher ed would receive a 96-million dollar cut.

State Representative Malinda White of Bogalusa says she’s taking action by donating her per diem for the next special session. While refusing the check isn’t possible under the current system, she’s reinvesting the funds into her district, saying she will not let political agendas cost the taxpayers more than it has to.

Cut 6 (10) “…need to be upset about it.”

An Opelousas man is under arrest after allegedly setting a series of fires targeted at harassing his ex-girlfriend. 35-year-old Austin Ceasar was slapped with a series of Arson related charges after authorities found evidence that connected him to three fires dating back to March 9^th. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodriquez says a neighbor caught him committing the first arson.

Cut 3 (12)   “that home.” 

Caesar is being held at the St. Landry Parish Jail after turning himself in on June 2nd^.

Livingston Parish deputies were informed about a domestic dispute and dispatched to a Denham Springs home around 1 am Tuesday morning.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steel, says the results were a deadly tragedy witnessed by several children, but thankfully none of the kids were harmed.

Cut 16 (08) “…see often times.”

Googling “how common is barium poisoning “on your phone might not be a good idea if you plan on poisoning someone. That information is in the warrant for 50-year-old Meshell Hale of Slaughter, who was arrested and charged with second degree murder in the 2015 poisoning death of a Damian Skipper. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola

Cut 13 (10) “were working” 

Other google searches documented in the warrant: “How bad does Barium Taste?“ and “heart stopping drugs.”, as well as details that Hale purchased 500 grams of barium with a PayPal account linked to her email account, your-secret-007 at yahoo dot com.

Political Analyst Roy Fletcher says the House’s rejection of a Senate backed tax plan means he’s going to have to consider taking a

Cut 7 (11)  “the governor”

The proposed cuts to public colleges and TOPS has higher education leaders concerned  Kevin Barnhart has more on this story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’s not just college students who will bear the brunt of the cuts.

Cut 9 (13)  “completely unessecary”

A Senate backed tax bill that renewed half of the expiring penny sales tax, and fully funded higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS failed 64-40.

One south Louisiana lawmaker plans to donate her pay for an expected third special session back into their community.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Entergy has some suggestions for keeping those electric bills down this summer. Becca Dill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Becca Dill” 

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There’s still a lot of hard feelings after the special session ended on a contentious note, and legislators are now prepping for round three this year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “Im Matt Doyle”

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With the second extra legislative session of this year ending in a partisan gridlock, and a third coming up, State Representative Malinda White of Bogalusa says she’s taking action by donating her pay from an expected third special session to a worthy cause in District 75.

Cut 4  (10) “…our most lovable children.” 

A third special session would cost at least 50-thousand dollars a day.

By failing once again to pass a solution to fund the budget, White says that her constituents are aggravated with the costs and delays caused by the extra sessions.

Cut 5  (09)  “…services that they want”

While refusing the check isn’t possible under the current system, she’s reinvesting the funds into her district, saying she will not let political agendas cost the taxpayers more than it has to.

Cut 6 (10) “…need to be upset about it.”

The donation she is making is estimated to be about $1500.

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We’ve already seen record high temperatures this summer, which has prompted Entergy to give advice on how to keep electric bills low, while still keeping cool. Customer service manager Patrick Hamby says insulation is the number one preventative for keeping energy costs low, but there are several solutions to do right away.

Cut 7 (12)  “monthly bill”

Hamby says it’s important to keep the heat out by closing drapes and blinds in addition to efficient lighting.

Cut 8 (07)  “traditional lighting.”

While costs vary for each household, Hamby provides online resources to calculate your home’s energy cost.

Cut 9 (10)  “could accomplish.”
By implementing these energy saving techniques, Hamby says you can stay cool and keep energy bills low.

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The Edwards administration is sounding the alarm about the cuts that would need to be enforced, if the House does not pass a sales tax bill that generates 500 million dollars in revenue. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the budget that passed the legislature calls for massive cuts to popular state programs, without the additional funding.

Cut 10 (08)   “housing.”

As of now TOPS is facing a 30-percent cut, higher ed would receive a 96-million dollar cut. The governor supports a Senate approved plan that failed to  in the House that would renew half of the expiring penny sales tax.

With TOPS in particular at risk of a substantial cut, Dardenne says it’s time for those who want to protect the scholarship program to get active.

Cut 11 (11) “at risk.”

A block of anti-tax House Republicans rejected two tax plans, one that would raise half a penny and fully fund the government, and another that renews a third of a penny and would require 126 million in additional budget cuts.

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh’s polarizing decision to purposely “run the clock out” by filibustering at the end of the night before a final tax vote all but guaranteed the governor will call for another special session. He says he shut down the session because the state has the cash to fund priorities, and doesn’t need to renew any of the 1.4 billion in expiring taxes that drop off June 30^th.

Cut 12 (06) “enough money.”

Seabuagh, whose being hailed by fiscal conservatives for putting the breaks on a session ending tax vote, says the Governor’s decision to expand Medicaid in the state is strangling the budget, and is directly responsible for the cuts that could be made to higher education and TOPS.

Cut 13 (11)  “on Medicaid” 

The governor has not announced the start date for a third special session, but it will occur before the end of the month, because the new budget year begins July 1st.

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Livingston Parish deputies were informed about a domestic dispute and dispatched to a Denham Springs home around 1 am Tuesday morning.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steel, says the results were a deadly tragedy witnessed by several children.

The budget passed by the legislature in the waning moments of the special session has higher education advocates terrified that substantial cuts could be on their way. With no tax bill passed, TOPS will be reduced to 70 percent, and higher ed will be cut by 20 percent. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it’s not just college students who will bear the brunt of the cuts.

Cut 9 (13)  “completely unessecary”

Fiscal conservatives are applauding the actions by House Republicans who blocked passage of the sales tax bill. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s time to reduce state spending

Cut 11 (06) “the budget”

A tax bill that renewed half of the expiring penny sales tax, and fully funded higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS failed 64-40, came just six votes short of passage.

A budget approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the second special session hits higher ed, and TOPS particularly hard.  President of the University of Louisiana System Dr. Jim Henderson the TOPS cut is devastating to kids who rely on the scholarship program.

Cut 5  (11) “…we as a state want to send.”

So what options does the governor have now after a sales tax bill failed to get approval that would replace over 500-million dollars in expiring taxes? Political consultant Roy Fletcher says the governor may have to accept the House plan, which would set the sales tax rate at 4.3 percent after July 1st…

Cut 6 (11)  “out of here”

With the fiscal year ending June 30th, we await the governor’s call for a third special session.

So what options does the governor have now after a sales tax bill failed to get approval that would replace over 500-million dollars in expiring taxes? Political consultant Roy Fletcher says the governor may have to accept the House plan and that the politics of the situation has already done damage to the dysfunctional perception of the government’s competence…

cut 8 (06) “with that”

With the fiscal year ending June 30th, we await the governor’s call for a third special session.

As that wait continues. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s time to reduce state spending and that legislators should once again refuse to accept any renewal of the expiring sales taxes.

Cut 12 (10)   “tax code”

LRN
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Googling “how common is barium poisoning “on your phone might not be a good idea if you plan on poisoning someone. That information is in the warrant for 50-year-old Meshell Hale of Slaughter ,who was arrested and charged with second degree murder in the 2015 poisoning death of a Damian Skipper. A new autopsy revealed the presence of barium.

Cut 15 (07) “poisoning”

A budget approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the second special session would reduce higher education funding by 96-million dollars and TOPS would be funded at 70-percent.  President of the University of Louisiana System Dr. Jim Henderson says that he does hold out hope that revenue will be found in an expected third special session.

Cut 4 (11) “…we have to work on.”

LRN

A budget approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the second special session would reduce higher education funding by 96-million dollars and TOPS would be funded at 70-percent.  President of the University of Louisiana System Dr. Jim Henderson says the idea of cuts to higher ed and TOPS is disappointing.

Cut 3 (08)   “…of those people.” 
Dr. Henderson says going back on the promise of a fully funded TOPS scholarship is a message that the state should not want to convey to the students.

As another special session failed this year, the governor has a few options to move forward. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says the governor may have to accept the House plan, which would set the sales tax rate at 4.3 percent after July 1^st.  Fletcher says everyone has to compromise.

Cut 7 (11)  “the governor”

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Governor Edwards has signed legislation that expands the number of diseases that can receive prescriptions for medical marijuana once it becomes available later this summer. But will we see an attempt to legalize the receational use of pot. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James anticipates a bill next year to green light recreational use…
cut 9 (11) “…pay down our debt”
Governor Edwards has previously said he opposes legalizing recreational marijuana use.

Now, your commodity price report

More illnesses will be eligible to be treated with medical marijuana under a bill signed by the governor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I”m Matt Doyle“

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A report is recommending a reduction in the use of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (26) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The last ditch special session compromise tax bill failed, leading to the passage of a budget that slashes TOPS and higher ed. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

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The Secretary of State’s office has been warning the public that Louisiana has aging voting machines that could fall apart, and now we have a price tag for replacing them, 60 million dollars. The feds have offered to chip in with nearly 6 million to get the process started. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says it’s not going to happen overnight.

Cut 4  (10) “five parishes” 

Ardoin says that means thousands of machines will have to be repaired or replaced, overhauling the

Cut 5  (08)  “this year”\

The office is still reeling from sexual harassment allegations that led to the resignation of former Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Ardoin worked closely with Schedler as First Assistant, and says a new culture of “if you see something, say something” needs to be enforced.

Cut 6 (10) “behavior”

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More Louisiana residents will have the ability to treat ailments with medical marijuana. Despite some early objections, the bill gathered surprsing bipartisan support in what was an otherwise contentious regular session. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the bill which was authored by Baton Rouge Democrat Rep. Ted James.

Cut 7 (:12)  “…make life more enjoyable”

It adds glaucoma, PTSD, Parkinson’s and other ailments to list of illnesses eligible for medical marijuana.  In addition to the medical benefits, James says the state is expecting to see monetary benefits as well.

Cut 8 (:11)  “…this has been a fiscal savings.”

With the expansion of medical marijuana, The Baton Rouge Democrat anticipates a bill in  2019 to potentially green light recreational use. He says he’s already heard from some of his colleagues across the isle that the legislation would get serious consideration from some Republican lawmakers who are interested in the fiscal benefits.

Cut 9 (:12)  “…pay down our debt.”

Medical marijuana is expected to be available later in the summer.

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About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime and now, a new study has found that many breast cancer patients can skip chemo.  Dr. Lucio Miele (MEE-LAH) of LSU  Health New Orleans chimes in…

Cut 10 (09)   “… the answer is yes.”

The report, which is being considered a landmark study, is the largest ever done of breast cancer treatment, and comes as the focus turns to cases where chemo’s value increasingly is in doubt. Miele says chemo’s prevalence came from a risk mitigation mentally in the medical field.

Cut 11 (12) “…hormone therapy and chemotherapy.”

There are some that are hesitant to put their full faith into the studies results after years of campaigns advocating for chemotherapy.  Dr. Miele says it is time to trust the research.

Cut 12 (12) “…there really was no guidance.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

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A special session compromise tax bill crashed and burned last night as lawmakers failed to pass a tax bill, leading to a last second budget that cuts TOPS by 30 percent, and higher ed by 20 percent.  The key moment of the night was the House’s 64-40 rejection of a Senate backed tax plan. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson laid the blame for the session’s failure at the 40 House member’s feet.

Cut 13 (12)  “human beings” 

That Senate backed plan would have raised 507 million dollars by renewing half of the expiring penny sales tax, and fully funding TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare. The bill received opposition from key Republican leaders House GOP Chairman Lance Harris, and Speaker Taylor Barras who questioned some of the tax’s legitimacy.