11:30 Newscast, February 7th, 2017

Lawmakers are looking over the Governor’s proposal to eliminate a $304 million midyear deficit, ahead of next week’s special session to debate the plan. Statewide elected officials would see budget reductions, but higher education would be spared. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s important no stone is left unturned when it comes to spending reductions, but he doesn’t want students to be impacted again…:
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The governor’s plan also includes using $119 million in the rainy day fund to minimize cuts to state agencies.

Tornado watches and warnings have been issued along southeastern Louisiana all morning. 25 Parishes remain under a tornado watch until 2pm this afternoon, as a storm capable of producing twisters moves quickly through the area.

FEMA has released new recovery numbers on flood relief and indicates that about $4.7 billion dollars in disaster assistance has moved through the state following the devastating August event.

State Senator JP Morrell is again bringing equal pay legislation before lawmakers for the upcoming session. Jeff Palermo reports..:
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State Superintendent of Education John White travels to Caddo Parish to host a public meeting tonight to discuss recommendations on improving struggling schools in Shreveport. White says 15 out of 66 schools in the parish have “F” letter grades and 22 have “Ds”…:
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