House stalemate: Louisiana’s special session came to a crashing halt Sunday night, leaving lawmakers empty-handed on bills that would have raised taxes and instituted future spending reforms, The USA Today Network of Louisiana reports. Lawmakers in the House voted against a sales tax bill that would have raised $290 million, effectively ending the session. Technically, the House could revive it once more when it convenes at 4 p.m. today, but it would take two-thirds vote to reconsider the sales tax bill, a virtual legislative miracle. The session must end by law at midnight Wednesday. Read more.
Open negotiations: President Trump today further expanded his personal trade war, telling Canada and Mexico that he would only consider lifting possible tariffs on steel and aluminum if they concede to White House demands for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, The Washington Post reports. The president’s latest message was sent via Twitter post with little explanation. He also demanded Mexico do more to prevent drugs from entering the United States as one of the conditions for lifting upcoming steel and aluminum tariffs announced last week. Read more.
What’s for dinner?: Walmart is expanding its meal kits nationwide after testing the service in 250 of its stores, a move that will heighten its competition with Amazon. The meal kits will be in more than 2,000 of Walmart stores this year. Consumers can either buy the pre-portioned meal kits directly in store, or order kits online and pick them up later that day. The meals feed two people and are priced between $8 and $15. Read more.
