After lawmakers failed to pass a budget or tax reform bills in the fiscal session, some blame the Republican-dominated money committees. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the House is about 60 percent Republican and 40 percent Democrat, and they’d like to see more balanced representation in Appropriations and Ways and Means…:
Cut 6 (08) “solve problems”
He hopes lawmakers are able to get more accomplished in the special than they did in the regular session.

Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House. They blame House Speaker Taylor Barras and Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry specifically for not approving a budget. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James..:
Cut 10 (08) “complete chaos”
Meanwhile, there’s a report that House Republicans will try to replace Walt Leger, a Democrat, as speaker pro tem.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is looking for a man who allegedly fatally stabbed another man with a beer bottle. They say a second degree murder arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, 59-year-old Elvis Graham, who is also known as Dog Man. According to cops, Graham struck Vinell Eisley over the head and then stabbed him with a beer bottle after a verbal argument.

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”
The Tigers will play Florida State in the opening round of the College World Series this weekend.

For the first time in 20 years, the legendary band U2 is coming to New Orleans. The Mercedes Benz Superdome announced on their website that an additional concert on the Joshua Tree Tour has been added to include The Big Easy on Thursday September 14th.

House lawmakers are back at the Capitol to try again to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year. Governor John Bel Edwards recommends lawmakers pick up where they left off in the regular session with the conference committee report.

Cut 7 (08) “their committees”

The special session ends June 19.

As this special session gets underway, there’s already talk of another to come later with the goal of implementing meaningful tax reform. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says both chambers couldn’t come to an agreement on how to reform the state’s tax code.

Cut 5 (10) “complete quandary”

Stokes says this was the year to implement tax reform, as there won’t be another fiscal session until 2019.

After what many call a grueling regular session, Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House, starting with Speaker Taylor Barras. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says Barras is looking out for the interests of the people who do not want their taxes to go up.

Cut 13 (10) “tax increases”

But Democrats say there is no leadership in the House.

Two cases of dog flu have been confirmed in Monroe. Dr. Phillip Cancilleri says some pets from Florida participated in a dog show and brought the virus with them to Louisiana. But he says typical backyard dogs aren’t at much risk of contracting the virus.

Cut 15 (11) “have been”

Dog flu is spread through contact like the human flu.

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…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Meanwhile the House convened this morning and House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says there are some key budget priorities like fully funding TOPS, and giving parole workers a pay raise…:
Cut 9 (10) “take care of that”

With the special session now underway, there’s already talk of another one to address the anticipated fiscal cliff for 2018. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says lawmakers owe real tax reform to its citizens…:
Cut 6 (08) “of the deal”
Over $1 billion in temporary taxes that were approved last year are set to expire next year.

The LSU baseball team is headed to Omaha. The Tigers ended up hammering Mississippi State 14-4 in a game that didn’t end until 1:36 this morning. 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”
LSU begins CWS action this weekend against Florida State.

At the start of this special session, another special is already looming….:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

At issue in the past session was 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…:
Cut 8 (08) “midyear cuts”

Democratic lawmakers are calling for a new House Speaker saying Representative Barras just isn’t cutting it as the leader of the lower chamber. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says partisan politics have created a House divided along party lines…:
Cut 11 (08) “elected for”
But those who disagree say Barras is doing exactly what the people of Louisiana want, which is fighting tax increases.

LSU has punched its ticket to the College World Series following a 14-4 win over Mississippi State. The Tigers head to Omaha for the 18th time in program history after sweeping The Bulldogs in the Baton Rouge Regional. LSU opens CWS play this weekend against Florida State.

Experts are urging pet owners to monitor their dog for the flu which is becoming more prevalent in several nearby states. Veterinarian Dr. Philip Cancilleri says there is a vaccine available that can be given to dogs as young as 7 weeks old…:
Cut 16 (08) “and symptoms”
Those include coughing, running nose, and red eyes.

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 hopes the legislature will 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.

Democratic lawmakers want new leadership in the House and are specifically not happy with House Speaker Taylor Barras and Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry for not approving a budget. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says he absolutely disagrees with that…:
Cut 12 (11) “of Louisiana”

The LSU baseball team is headed to Omaha after hammering Mississippi State 14-4 last night.

With one special session underway, yet another one is looming. Right now lawmakers are working to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. But the governor says another will be needed to address a fiscal cliff in 2018. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes is disappointed the legislature hasn’t gotten anything done with the budget yet…:
Cut 4 (10) “with its problems”
Over $1 billion in temporary taxes that were approved last year are set to expire in 2018.

At least two cases of dog flu have been confirmed in Louisiana, as canine influenza is rearing its head in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Veterinarian Dr. Philip Cancilleri says the virus can look a lot like allergies, so it’s important to get your pet checked out.:
Cut 14 (08) “their vet”
He says some early symptoms of dog flu include coughing, running nose, and red eyes.

Lawmakers in the House convene at 9 a.m. to restart budget discussions after failing to pass a spending plan for next fiscal year during the regular…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are calling for a change of leadership in the House. Some blame House Speaker Taylor Barras and Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry specifically for not approving a budget. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James..:
Cut 10 (08) “complete chaos”
But others say Barras has the best interests of Louisianians in mind.

Today John Bel Edwards will host a bill signing ceremony to sign into law measures that address the opioid epidemic and the domestic violence problem in Louisiana.

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. Coach Paul Mainieri…:
Cut 17 (10) “this team”
LSU will open pursuit of its seventh national championship next weekend against Florida State.

Governor John Bel Edwards blames an epic failure of leadership in the House for not passing a spending plan for next fiscal year. The governor says the budget was in a good posture when it left the Senate, but the House refused to vote on it at all. He says a compromise will have to be reached during the special session.

Cut 9 (08) “better direction”

House leaders say the governor refused to negotiate with them.

A New Orleans Senator told a north Louisiana Representative to shut the f up on the House floor. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says she would never disrespect her colleagues like that. She called the ordeal with Senator Karen Carter Peterson embarrassing.

Cut 12 (08) “State Police”

The Louisiana Republican Party is calling for Peterson to step down as chair of the state Democratic Party.

Tickets are sold out for this weekend’s Baton Rouge Super Regional between LSU and Mississippi State, so if you want tickets, you’ll have to get them secondhand. StubHub spokesperson Johnna Hoff says the “get in the door” price is rising rapidly, as Game 1 standing room only tickets were $200 Friday morning.

Cut 15 (06) “one and two”

The lowest price for a Sunday single game ticket is about $130.

You don’t need a license to fish in public waters this weekend. State Wildlife and Fisheries Outreach Biologist Alayna 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”

Governor John Bel Edwards blames the need for a special session on an epic failure of leadership in the House. He says there are some lawmakers who simply refused to give the governor a victory.

Cut 7 (08) “grow up”

The budget dispute between two chambers came down to 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. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says the governor refused to negotiate.

Cut 8 (10) “your pockets”

Lawmakers have until June 19 to reach a budget agreement.

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says the evidence doesn’t “fully” support claims made by Christopher Landry that Kayla Denham tried to rob him during a home visit for sensual massage services. Landry told police he left the room and returned to find the 24-year-old sealing his wallet. That’s when he allegedly hit her in the head with a pipe and choked her. Landry is charged with second degree murder, and the investigation is ongoing.