The state legislature approved a budget as the special session ended last night, but a sales tax proposal did not make it through the process, which means TOPS and public colleges are underfunded for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. State agencies are also looking at a cut. A bill to replace an expiring one-cent sales tax with a half-cent tax failed by six votes in the House. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s embarassed by the lack of cooperation in the legislature…
cut 15 (12) “….underfunded”
Governor Edwards says the body’s failure means another special session will be called, costing taxpayers 50-thousand dollars a day.

Americans for Propserity-Louisiana is applauding House members for what they say taking a principled stand against tax increases. The group says state government needs to live within its means.

The Secretary of State’s office is accepting proposals to replace the state’s 10-thousand Election Day and Early Voting Machines. Meanwhile, interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the department is moving on after the resignation of Tom Schedler, who is named in a sexual harassment lawsuit. Ardoin says steps have been taken to correct alleged mistakes in the past…
cut 6 (10) “….behavior”

Good news for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, a new study finds chemotherapy may no longer be needed. Doctor Lucio Miele (MEE-LAH) says researchers have found that chemotheraphy treatment in up to 70-percent of the cases could cause problems if the cancer returns…
cut 11 (07) “….hormone therapy and chemotherapy”
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

For the second time this year, a special session has ended without the passage of a tax bill to avoid deep cuts across state government when the new fiscal year starts July 1st. The House and Senate could not agree on a sales tax proposal. House GOP leaders did not like the Senate’s proposal which would have generated 500 million dollars. Governor John Bel Edwards calls it a sad day for the state and a minority in the House let politics take priority over people…
cut 16 (09) “…do better”
Lawmakers were able to approve a budget for next fiscal year, but without additional revenues it will result in a 30-percent cut to TOPS, colleges would see a 96-million dollar reduction, public safety programs and the department of children and family services would also see cuts . It’s similar to a budget approved in the regular session, which the governor vetoed.

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.

A report is recommending a reduction in the use of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 2 (28) ” I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Lawmakers failed to pass a sales tax bill last night to fund a budget that now calls for cuts to TOPS and higher ed. Matt Doyle has more….
Voicer 3 (32) “Im Matt Doyle”

In the session’s final hour, New Orleans Representative Walt Leger brought a sales tax bill up for a vote that would raise about 500-million dollars, but Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras had concerns about the legislation…
cut 14 (06) “…objects”

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.

There is a marginal risk for severe weather across much of the state today. The main threats are strong winds and locally heavy rainfall. We are already seeing scattered thunderstorms this morning along the I-20 corridor.

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“

_____________________________________________________

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” 

_______________________________________________.

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”

______________________________________________

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”

__________________________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________

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.

Its deadline day at the capitol, and lawmakers only have until the clock strikes midnight to reach an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill to fund it, before the special session ends. The Senate sent an updated budget and tax bill to the House last night. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says he expects a deal to be cut before the end of the night.

Cut 3 (10)   “do things” 

The Senate’s budget and tax plan would raise a half penny sales tax to fully fund TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare, while the House would prefer a third penny sales tax and additional budget cuts. Erwin says the final compromise bill may not fully fund all programs, but it should come close.

Cut 4 (11) “fully funded”

Earlier today the House rejected senate budget amendments that would have fully funded TOPS higher ed and healthcare.

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.

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.”

lawmakers have until midnight to solve the fiscal cliff and pass a budget and tax plan to fund the government next year.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran,

Cut 6 (14)  “lit up”

The pastor of St. Peter Church in St. Landry Parish has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor in an alleged incident that occurred several years ago. Michael Guidry has been a priest for nearly 50 years, while running St. Peter for the last nine. The Catholic Church was been hit with claims of widespread, and covered up cases of sexual abuse of minors over the last decade, specifically cases involving priests who’ve been moved to other diocese after allegations surfaced. Lafayette Bishop Doug Deshotel says Guidry’s past record is clean.

Cut 13 (07) “anywhere else” 

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the accused are husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson.

Cut 9 (08)  “…one million dollars”

Lawmakers have less than 9 hours to reach an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill to fund it, before the special session ends. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the final compromise bill may not fully fund all programs, but it should come close.

Cut 4 (11) “fully funded”

Earlier today the House has rejected budget amendments from the Senate that would fully fund higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS.

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran things could be looking up next year.

cut 8 (12) “around”

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017. Strain said businesses sustained significant financial losses due to the thefts.

Cut 10 (08) “….from livestock theft”

The pastor of St. Peter Church in St. Landry Parish has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor in an alleged incident that occurred several years ago. Michael Guidry has been a priest for nearly 50 years, while running St. Peter for the last nine. Lafayette Bishop Doug Deshotel says the abuse occurred in a very small church

After nearly two years of legislative indecision, and a looming governor’s race, now it’s deadline day at the capitol, and lawmakers only have until the special session ends at midnight to reach an agreement on a budget and a sales tax bill to fund it. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the deal he sees being put into law won’t make everyone happy, but should give both sides a win they can take home.

Cut 5  (11) “in goverment”

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran, says the Tigers didn’t have enough healthy, quality arms to get past the Corvallis Regional.  Moran says they could have a better team next season, especially if a couple of their star players decide to stay at LSU

cut 8 (12) “around”

The three-day Major League Baseball draft begins today.

The pastor of St. Peter Church in Morrow has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor in an alleged incident that occurred several years ago. Michael Guidry has been a priest for nearly 50 years, while running St. Peter for the last nine. Lafayette Bishop Doug Deshotel says the priest has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “canonical penalties”

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017.

Cut 9 (08)  “…one million dollars”

Ricky and Wanda Thompson have turned themselves in to the Allen Parish Jail, however Justin Thompson has yet to surrender to authorities.

Its deadline day at the capital, and lawmakers only have until the clock strikes 12PM to come to an agreement on a budget and a tax bill to fund it before the special session ends. The Senate sent an updated budget and tax bill to the House, where most of the discussions will take place today. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says he expects a deal to be cut before the end of the night.

Cut 3 (10)   “do things” 

The Senate’s budget and tax plan would raise a half penny sales tax to fully fund TOPS, higher ed, and healthcare, while the House would prefer a third penny sales tax and additional budget cuts.

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran, says Coach Paul Mainieri took them as far as they could go……

Cut 7 (12)  “not hosting”

Three people are accused of a widespread livestock theft ring with quite the price tag. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the husband and wife, Rickey and Wanda Thompson of Pitkin, along with their son Justin Thompson, are accused of the thefts that occurred from August to October of 2017. Strain says businesses sustained significant financial losses due to the thefts.

Cut 10 (08) “….from livestock theft

Ricky and Wanda Thompson have turned themselves in to the Allen Parish Jail, however Justin Thompson has yet to surrender to authorities.

Three of four inmates who escaped from the St. Marry Parish Prison have been captured with one still on the loose. 40 year old William deans was found in Morgan City, while 28 year old Jamie Scarborough and 18 year old Tanner Scarborough were apprehended in Picayune. 24 year old Elias Todd is still being sought. Four suspects have been arrested and charged with assisting escape.

Will the House agree to the budget and sales tax plan that the Senate approved last night. Matt Doyle looks at the upper chamber’s proposal to fix the fiscal cliff…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The special session must end tonight at midnight. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the Senate’s spending plan proposal, but House Republicans are seeking a reduction in state spending and do not support a 4.5 percent sales tax rate as of July 1st. The House approved a 4.3 percent sales tax rate.

The LSU Baseball season has come to a close as the Tigers finished with a record of 39-27 after losing 12-0 to Oregon State last night. Tiger Rag Associate Editor, James Moran, says the Tigers didn’t have enough healthy, quality arms to get past the Corvallis Regional
Cut 6 (14) “lit up”
Moran says the Tigers should be better next season, if they can stay away from injuries and if a couple of their draft eligible players, like Antoine Duplantis and Zach Watson come back next season and not enter pro ball.