The special session is off to a slow start as legislators struggle to find a fix to the 648-million dollar budget shortfall that could devastate healthcare and education. 1.4 billion dollars in sales taxes are set to expire, and Governor John Bel Edwards has called on legislators to renew a portion of that to fix state finances. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says that would save education and healthcare from deep cuts….
cut 10 (09) “….July 1”
Houma Representative Republican Beryl Amedee says the governor’s decision to veto the budget has caused chaos in the capitol, and threatens to throw a wrench in the legislative process.
Cut 12 (10) “seems irrational”
This special session is set to end June 4th.

LSU’s only Heisman winner, running back Billy Cannon was laid to rest yesterday. Michael Farrar has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

At the SEC Baseball tournament, LSU lost 4-3 to Florida and the Tigers will play South Carolina in an elimination game at 1:00 today.

Despite higher gas prices, AAA estimates nearly 42-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (28)   Connor Ferrill“

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LSU’s only Heisman winner, running back Billy Cannon was laid to rest yesterday. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Michael Farrar”

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The special session is back in action and lawmakers struggling to find a compromise that will produce a passable budget. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Despite higher gas prices, AAA estimates nearly 42-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. That’s a five-percent increase from last year and the highest number of travelers in more than a dozen years. AAA Spokesman Don Redman says about 37-million travelers will hit the road…

Cut 4  (12) “last year” 

Just over three-million people are expected to fly to their destination next weekend and travel by train, bus or cruise ships is up two-percent. He says families are seeing some added incentives this summer with almost a 7% percent decrease in airfare prices, 11% in car rentals, and depending on the hotel, travelers could save about 14% compared to last year. He says if gas prices continue to increase it could affect travel…

Cut 5  (12)  “less travel”

With the abundance of travelers this weekend, commuters normally taking the interstate can expect some delays today and tomorrow afternoon.

Cut 6 (13) “vacation”

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LSU’s only Heisman winner, running back Billy Cannon, was laid to rest Wednesday, surrounded by friends, family, and fans. Several people spoke and gave their best memories of one of the greatest athletes in Bayou State history. Angola Warden Darrel Vannoy says after news got out that Cannon had died, the inmates took up a collection for his casket.

Cut 7 (11)  “that man”

Former Angola Warden Burl Cain talked about the time Dr. Cannon, the head of  the State Penitentiary’s Dental Program, had a stroke. Cain says he called for an ambulance and only the best would do.

Cut 8 (12)  “the road”

Teammate and friend Jimmy Field says one time an LSU teammate asked Cannon if he was getting any butterflies during the run up to a punt return. Cannon didn’t even hesitate.

Cut 9 (07)  “are full”

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The special session is rolling along with legislators struggling to find a fix to the 648 million dollar budget shortfall that could devastate healthcare and education. One point four billion dollars in sales taxes are set to expire, and Governor John Bel Edwards has called on legislators to renew a portion of that to fix state finances. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says that would save education and healthcare from deep cuts.

Cut 10 (09)   “july 1”

The governor vetoed a budget passed at the end of the regular session that hacked higher ed and state agency budgets, and no budget bill has been filed for the special session. Dardenne says the clock is running down on an opportunity to save the budget.

Cut 11 (10) “address this”

Houma Representative Republican Beryl Amedee says the governor’s decision to veto the budget has caused chaos in the capitol, and threatens to throw a wrench in the legislative process.

Cut 12 (10) “seems irrational”

Amedee says she’s having a hard time justifying any renewal of the expiring taxes to plug the budget gaps while her home district is struggling economically.

Cut 13 (10)  “stay afloat” 

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The state will hold a sales tax holiday this Saturday and Sunday for storm supplies to help folks get a jump start on their hurricane preparedness. State taxes will be reduced from the usual 5 percent to 3 percent. Department of Revenue Spokesman Byron Henderson says it’s a great opportunity to pick up some essentials.

The House Ways and Means committee held its first hearing of the special session and it became more of a gripe session. Republicans on the panel criticized the Edwards administration for vetoing a budget in the regular session, and expressed concerns about raising revenues, instead of finding savings. Democrats are also frustrated, New Roads Representative Major Thibaut.

Cut 12 (10)   “it permanently”

The state is facing a 648 million dollar shortfall that could lead to mass reductions in healthcare services, higher education funding, and TOPS.

Oil City Representative Republican Jim Morris says leaning on taxes now means more taxes later.

Cut 13 (10) “been in”

Reports indicate that a consensus may be growing on plugging a portion of the budget shortfall by renewing half of the one penny sales tax that is set to expire. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the Edwards administration is not asking for an overall increase in taxes, because renewing just some of the expiring revenue would still be a tax cut relative to last year…

Cut 14 (09)  “a cut”

As a way to generate revenue, the Edwards administration is also propsing the elimination of ceratin sales tax breaks enjoyed by specific industries and buisinesses, known as “cleaning the penny”. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he prefers spending reform as a way to address the fiscal cliff…

Cut 15 (14) “support”

A low pressure system near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula could bring the Gulf Coast wet weather for the Memorial Day weekend. The disturbance has been given a medium chance of developing into at least a tropical depression in the central or eastern Gulf of Meci. State Climatologist Barry Keim  says at least there’s some good news.

cut 8 (09) “gain strength”

The House Ways and Means committee held its first hearing of the special session today. As a way to generate revenue, the Edwards administration is proposing to keep a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax and also eliminate certain sales tax breaks that businesses enjoy. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he prefers spending reform as a way to address the fiscal cliff…

Cut 15 (14) “support”

A Marshall Project report shows Louisiana saw its largest drop in prison population in a decade between 2016 and 2017. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says  the good news is, a declining incarceration rate has not led to an increased crime rate in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10) “thats important”

New Orleans will host the 2024 Super Bowl after being the only team invited to bid this year. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferril”

New Orleans will host the 2024 Super Bowl after being the only team invited to bid this year. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferril”

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Louisiana had it’s biggest drop in prison population in over a decade from 2016 to 2017. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

New Orleans officials say the last Super Bowl, in 2013, had a 480 million dollar economic impact, and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero confirmed that the city and state had to provide an economic incentive package to seal the deal, but says we’ll easily make that money back.

Cut 4 (08) “with that”

Cicero says the NFL changed its bidding process after several years of embarrassing bids for leaders in traditionally successful Super Bowl cities.

Cut 5  (09) “elected officials”

The last time New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl, the power went out, leading to a massive comeback effort from the 49ers that almost toppled the eventual champion Baltimore Ravens.

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A low pressure system near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula could bring the Gulf Coast wet weather for the Memorial Day weekend. The disturbance has been given a medium chance of developing into at least a tropical depression in the central or eastern Gulf of Meci. State Climatologist Barry Keim

Cut 6 (11)  “whole weekend”

The system is currently in the Caribbean Sea, and is on its way to the Gulf. Keim says we aren’t at risk for any heavy winds or dangerous storm surge, but there’s a good chance we could see a ton of rain.

Cut 7 (07)  “that region”

Despite the threat of a rained out Memorial Day weekend and the potential for a troubling amount of rain, Keim says at least there’s some good news.

cut 8 (09) “gain strength”

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A Marshall Project report shows Louisiana saw its largest drop in prison population in a decade between 2016 and 2017. The 1,943 person decrease is a 5.4 drop in the total population, one of the biggest drops in the nation. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says it’s a testament to recent criminal justice reforms.

Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

In 2012 Louisiana was named the world’s “Prison Capital” after a report noted that the state has a higher percentage of incarcerated people than any other state, or country, including Iran, China, and Russia.

LeBlanc says the good news is, a declining incarceration rate has not led to an increased crime rate in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10) “thats important”

While the crime rate has gone down at the same time the state has released more prisoners, the percentage of people who make return trips to prison, or the recidivism rate, has not changed. LeBlanc says the next phase of criminal justice reform includes a set of programs that aims to fix that.

Cut 11 (11) “St. Tammany”

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The House Ways and Means committee held its first hearing of the special session and it became more of a gripe session. Republicans on the panel criticized the Edwards administration for vetoing a budget in the regular session, and expressed concerns about raising revenues, instead of finding savings. Democrats are also frustrated, New Roads Representative Major Thibaut.

Cut 12 (10)   “it permanently”

The state is facing a 648 million dollar shortfall that could lead to mass reductions in healthcare services, higher education funding, and TOPS.

Oil City Representative Republican Jim Morris says he’s concerned that relying on taxes alone to plug the budget gap will just lead to further tax increases in the future if the budget balloons.

Cut 13 (10) “been in”

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the Edwards administration is not asking for an overall increase in taxes…

Cut 14 (09)  “a cut”

As a way to generate revenue, the Edwards administration is proposing to keep a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax and also eliminate certain sales tax breaks that businesses enjoy. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he prefers spending reform as a way to address the fiscal cliff…

Cut 15 (14) “support”

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Louisiana had it’s biggest drop in prison population in over a decade from 2016 to 2017. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

A low pressure system near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula could bring the Gulf Coast wet weather for the Memorial Day weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 6 (11)  “whole weekend”

A big win for the Big Easy as the city has been awarded the 2024 Super Bowl. New Orleans officials say the last Super Bowl, in 2013, had a 480 million dollar economic impact, and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero confirmed that the city and state had to provide an economic incentive package to seal the deal.

Cut 4 (08) “with that”

The House Ways and Means committee held its first hearing of the special session and it became more of a gripe session. Republicans on the panel criticized the Edwards administration for vetoing a budget in the regular session, and expressed concerns about raising revenues, instead of finding savings. Oil City Representative Republican Jim Morris says he’s concerned that relying on taxes alone to plug the budget gap will just lead to further tax increases in the future if the budget balloons.

Cut 13 (10) “been in”

The House Ways and Means committee held its first hearing of the special session and it became more of a gripe session. Republicans on the panel criticized the Edwards administration for vetoing a budget in the regular session, and expressed concerns about raising revenues, instead of finding savings. Democrats are also frustrated, New Roads Representative Major Thibaut.
Cut 12 (10) “it permanently”
No votes were taken today. The special session must end June 4th.

We are waiting to see what will happen with a tropical disturbance that’s expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico later this weekend and possibly dump several inches of rain on Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida….
cut 7 (07) “….that region”
The National Hurricane Center gives the system a medium chance of developing intoa tropical depression or storm.

A Marshall Project report shows Louisiana saw its largest drop in prison population in a decade between 2016 and 2017. The 19-hundred person decrease is a five-percent drop in the total population, one of the biggest drops in the nation. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says it’s a testament to recent criminal justice reforms.
Cut 9 (09) “with it.”

A big win for the Big Easy as the city has been awarded the 2024 Super Bowl. For years teams bid against each other, but the NFL changed the bidding process and the Saints were the only team invited to compete for Super Bowl 58. NFL owners unanimously chose New Orleans and Saints Owner Gayle Benson is glad they got it.
Cut 3 (10) “legacy alive”
New Orleans officials say the last Super Bowl in New Orleans, in 2013, had a 480-million dollar economic impact.

New Orleans will host the 2024 Super Bowl after being the only team invited to bid this year. Connor Ferrill has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferril”

The House Ways and Means committee began discussion on solving the fiscal cliff, which is a 648-million dollar revenue shortfall that threatens to cut state services. Republicans are not excited about passing tax bills, but Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says the Edwards administration is not asking for an overall increase in taxes…
cut 14 (09) “….a cut”
The special session must end June 4th.

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression could form this weekend over the eastern or central Gulf of Mexico. State Climatologist Barry Keim says…
cut 8 (09) “…gain strength’
Keim says we could see heavy rain from the Central to the Eastern Gulf Coast through the Memorial Day weekend.

A Marshall Project report says Louisiana’s prison population dropped five-percent from 2016-17, one of the largest drops in the country. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says it’s a sign criminal justice reform measures are working, but the key is to make sure released inmates do not re-offend….
cut 11 (11) >…St. TammanY”

Forecasters continue to watch a low pressure system near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that could bring the Gulf Coast wet weather for the Memorial Day Holiday. Invest 90L is being given about a 60 percent chance of developing into at least a tropical depression in the central or eastern Gulf. State Climatologist Barry Keim
Cut 6 (11) “whole weekend”
Keim says there’s no anticipation of this storm developing into a hurricane.

A new report shows Louisiana’s prison population had one of the biggest declines in the nation at five percent from 2016-2017. State Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc is proud to report that it has not led to an increase in crime…
cut 10 (10) “…that’s important”

New Orleans will host a record-tying 11th Super Bowl in 2024 after an unanimous vote by the N-F-L’s owners. The Big Easy was the only city asked to bid and Saints Owner Gayle Benson made the official presentation this morning. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says the NFL used to have multiple teams bidding for one Super Bowl, but they changed its bidding process, because…
cut 5 (09) “….elected officials”
2013 was the last time New Orleans hosted a Super Bowl and the economic impact that year was 480-million dollars.

With an 8-5 victory over Mississippi State last night, the LSU Tigers are now in the double elimination portion of the SEC Tournament. They’ll face top ranked Florida later today. Ma’Khail Hilliard starts on the mound for LSU.