Governor John Bel Edwards will release his proposed budget today amid a fight over how much money the state actually has available to spend. State economists have recommended over the last few months the amount of revenue that should be available is higher than what was adopted last June. But House Republican leaders have refused to increase the state’s official revenue forecast. Edwards is seeking to use the extra dollars to fund a teacher pay raise.

The arrest of a 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school is getting a lot of attention. Scott Police have charged Maegan Adkins-Barras with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity, but attorney Franz Borghart says she had to be present at the fight to be charged with this little known law..
Cut 13 (10) “…school fight”
Many legal observers have never heard of this law.

Those looking to catch Mardi Gras beads this weekend also need to prepare to catch some rain drops. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

It’s a big weekend of parades in northwest Louisiana. Shreveport has a long history of celebrating the carnival, but Shreveport-Bossier Visitor Conventions Bureau spokesperson Chris Jay says there were several decades when no parades rolled…
cut 8 (09) “…was founded”

It’s the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades across the state, but will rain damper the Carnival spirit. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 12 (06) “….on Saturday”
There is a slight risk for severe weather for nearly all of Louisiana on Saturday, except for Southeast Louisiana.

And South Louisiana isn’t the only place to load up on beads this weekend…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

An Acadiana mom spent a night in jail after she was arrested on one count of unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity. The video is a fight between two students at Acadiana High School and 32-year-old Maegan Adkins-Barras has been charged with this obscure law. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there are some serious questions as to whether the charge violates first amendment rights to free speech…
cut 14 (08) “….to speak”
The D-A’s office tells a Lafayette TV station they may change the charge to illegally sharing of images of juveniles without parental consent.

Entergy Corporation receives the green light from the Public Service Commission to enter a 20-year agreement to buy solar power from a 50-megawatt plant that will be built in Port Allen. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says it’s one of the largest solar facilities planned for the state.
Cut 4 (07) “…to our customers.”
Construction on the solar power plant is expected to be complete in 2020.

South Louisiana isn’t the only place to load up on beads this weekend…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Those looking to catch Mardi Gras beads this weekend also need to prepare to catch some rain drops.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________

 A 32-year-old Lafayette Parish mom has been charged with an obscure crime for posting a video to social media showing two kids fighting at the school her son attends. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Entergy Louisiana has gotten the green light from the Public Service Commission for a 20-year agreement to buy the output of a 50-megawatt solar power plant that is soon to be built by a subsidiary of Eagle Solar Group.  Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says it’s one of the largest solar facilities planned for the state.

Cut 4 (07) “…to our customers.”

Sabatini says construction on the land near Port Allen is expected to begin in mid-2019, with completion in 2020.

Cut 5 (05) “…into the area.”

Sabatini says the agreement is part of the company’s commitment to bringing green, reliable energy to customers.

Cut 6 (12) “…from this power plant.”

___________________________________________________

Shreveport Mardi Gras kicks off this weekend with the Krewe of Centaur on Saturday, and teh Krewe of Barkus and Meoux on Sunday. Shreveport/Bossier Visitor and Conventions Bureau Public Relations Manager  Chris Jay says the Saturday celebration starts at 430 PM, and features 45 floats rolling down Clyde Fant Parkway…

Cut 7 (10) “…of stuff”

Jay says the pet parade the next day also is no joke either, with average attendance around 10,000 people.

Folks may be surprised to find out that Shreveport historically has had a vibrant Mardi Gras scene. Jay says old photo books show substantial parades rolling over 100 years ago, but…

Cut 8 (09) “…was found.”

Records of American “Mardi Gras” celebrations date back to the early 1700s, but the first parade to feature the ubiquitous “throws” is dated to 1870.

If you’re looking to visit Shreveport and don’t have friends or family to catch the fun with, Jay recommends visiting the Mardi Gras Bash tent, where out of towners can meet and greet for a full day of fun…

Cut 9 (10) “…the bars.″

The next weekend features a packed schedule as well, with parades on March 2nd and 3rd.

____________________________

Those looking to let the good times roll this weekend need to roll out of the house with a rain jacket.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says weather across the state will be wet for those on the prowl for beads.

Cut 10 (12) “…around South Louisiana.”

Keim says there is a marginal to slight risk for severe weather this weekend in the form of thunderstorms, which could bring tornados, hail, and high winds, but says the main concern is rain.

Cut 11 (09) “…stunningly beautiful.”

Keim says don’t let the threat of rain slow down your festivities as it’ll likely just be subtle showers.

Cut 12 (06) “…on Saturday.”

________________________

The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school. Defense attorney Franz Borghardt says charging Maegan Adkins-Barras with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity will likely lead to a legal morass for the Scott Police Department.

Cut 13 (10) “…school fight”

Police have not said whether one of the two children from the video is related to Adkins-Barras.

Borghardt says the law itself is new, and has not had it’s constitutionality challenged. He says he has some serious questions as to whether or the charge violates 1st amendment rights to free speech.

Cut 14 (08) “…to speak”

The two students involved in the fight are also facing criminal charges.

The defense attorney says considering how much publicity the case has received, if the Scott Police Department is found to have acted in error, they could be facing a hefty lawsuit.

Cut 15 (12) “first place.”

Adkins-Barras bonded out of jail Wednesday.

____________________________________________________________

The top ranked LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight against Bryant, a school located in Rhode Island that plays in the Northeast Conference. Zack Hess will start tonight for the Tigers. He got hit around last week on opening night, but Coach Paul Mainieri is expecting a better performance from his staff ace

Cut 16 (16) “…were better.”

Starting shortstop Josh Smith is off to a good start. After missing most of last season with a back injury, Smith 10-of-16 at the plate through four games. The Baton Rouge product says his plan at the plate is working so far….

 cut 17 (15)   “pretty good” 

Smith took a pitch to the mouth in Tuesday’s win over Southeastern Louisiana. But he’s ok…

Cut 18 (14)  too bad” 

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is warning you to keep your head on a swivel for tax scammers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The mother of an Acadiana High School Student has bonded out of jail following her arrest for posting footage of a school fight to social media.  32 year old Meagan Adkins-Barras was arrested yesterday and booked with unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity, as posting videos and photos of illegal activity is against the law in the state.  The two students involved in the fight are facing criminal charges.

A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the 13-year-old, identified as Wayden Savell, was pronounced dead at the scene. 72-year old Lloyd Worsham was behind the wheel of the log truck and was treated for minor injuries.

Cut 10 (07)“…with the ATV.”

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. The loss drops LSU’s record to 21-5 overall, 11-2 in the SEC and into a tie with Kentucky for second place in the league. Coach Will Wade says teams like Florida, who play at a slower pace have given the Tigers trouble this season…

Cut 7 (13) “…to end.”

With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says some scammers are resorting preying on people via phone calls.  Often they will demand immediate payment for tax debts via a credit card or other means.

Cut 5 (11)“…a tax debt.”

Governor Edwards delivered the keynote address today at a statewide business summit that brought about 500 business leaders together to discuss how to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Edwards says the state has made a significant investment in an effort to produce more technology graduates…

Cut 12 (11)   “…that effort”

A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the truck driver attempted evasive action, but it was unsuccessful.

Cut 9 (10) “…and they collided.”

Moreau says the 13-year-old, identified as Wayden Savell, was pronounced dead at the scene. 72-year old Lloyd Worsham was behind the wheel of the log truck and was treated for minor injuries.

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. LSU’s offense had trouble getting into a rhythm and Coach Will Wade says he tried to tell the players that the Gators are a good defensive team…

Cut 6 (09) “…we do”

Be on the lookout for tax filing fraudsters this year. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says it’s important to review your completed tax return before signing it and asking questions. Ultimately the taxpayer is responsible financially and legally for all information submitted on a return.
Cut 4 (09) “…blank tax return.″
Also, avoid hiring a preparer who bases their fee based on a percentage of the refund.
Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. It’s been a dream season, but some fans started leaving before the final buzzer. Coach Will Wade isnt sweating that though.
Cut 8 (12) “…sickening.”
____________________________
Governor John Bel Edwards defends the changes made to a tax break program for manufacturers while speaking at a statewide business summit. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
The group, Take Em Down NOLA, credited with pushing New Orleans into removing several Confederate statues, is asking the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to stop wearing back face paint during the Zulu Parade on Fat Tuesday. But Zulu leaders have said the face paint will not come off as the black makeup was never intended to insult or degrade African-Americans.

With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to rip-off taxpayers. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says there are a wide range of shady tactics being used.

Cut 3 (10) “…to exploit taxpayers.”

Henderson says Ultimately the taxpayer is responsible financially and legally for all information submitted on a return.

A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but is uncertain if that would have made the difference.

Cut 11 (09)   “…of the child.”

Governor Edwards delivered the keynote address today at a statewide business summit, and Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham calls the summit a farce and points to the state’s unemployment rate, which is above the national average. But Edwards says since he took office, he’s announced dozens of economic development projects that will create more than 27-thousand new jobs

Cut 13 (10)     our history” 

The governor also took time to defend the changes he made to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. The loss drops LSU’s record to 21-5 overall, 11-2 in the SEC and into a tie with Kentucky for second place in the league. Coach Will Wade says teams like Florida, who play at a slower pace have given the Tigers trouble this season…

Cut 7 (13) “…to end.”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is warning you to keep your head on a swivel for tax scammers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards defends the changes made to a tax break program for manufacturers while speaking at a statewide business summit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says there are a wide range of shady tactics being used.

Cut 3 (10) “…to exploit taxpayers.”

There are some warning signs to look for in the realm of preparer fraud.  Henderson says it’s important to review your completed tax return before signing it and asking questions.  Ultimately the taxpayer is responsible financially and legally for all information submitted on a return.

Cut 4 (09) “…blank tax return.″

Also, avoid hiring a preparer who bases their fee based on a percentage of the refund.

Henderson says some scammers are resorting preying on people via phone calls.  Often they will demand immediate payment for tax debts via a credit card or other means.

Cut 5 (11)“…a tax debt.”

On the cyber side, Henderson recommends using security software with a firewall, strong passwords that are hard to guess, secured networks, and two factor authentication when possible.

_________________________________________________

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. LSU’s offense had trouble getting into a rhythm and Coach Will Wade says he tried to tell the players that the Gators are a good defensive team…

Cut 6 (09) “…we do”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 21-5 overall, 11-2 in the SEC and into a tie with Kentucky for second place in the league. Wade says teams like Florida, who play at a slower pace have given the Tigers trouble this season…

Cut 7 (13) “…to end.”

Some fans started leaving before the final buzzer, but Wade is more disappointed his team has lost two conference home games

Cut 8 (12) “…sickening.” (2x)

_______________________

A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the truck driver attempted evasive action, but it was unsuccessful.

Cut 9 (10) “…and they collided.”

Moreau says the 13-year-old, identified as Wayden Savell, was pronounced dead at the scene. 72-year old Lloyd Worsham was behind the wheel of the log truck and was treated for minor injuries.

Cut 10 (07)“…with the ATV.”

Moreau says it’s unlawful to ride an ATV on or along the roadway.  He adds the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but is uncertain if that would have made the difference.

Cut 11 (09)   “…of the child.”

_______________________________

Governor Edwards delivered the keynote address today at a statewide business summit that brought about 500 business leaders together to discuss how to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Edwards says the state has made a significant investment in an effort to produce more technology graduates…

Cut 12 (11)   “…that effort”

Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham calls the summit a farce and points to the state’s unemployment rate, which is above the national average. But Edwards says since he took office, he’s announced dozens of economic development projects that will create more than 27-thousand new jobs

Cut 13 (10)     our history” 

The governor also took time to defend the changes he made to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which provides a large property tax break for manufacturers. For decades, a state board approved I-TEP requests, but now Edwards also requires approval from local governments, which has upset some in the business community. Edwards says the program remains generous and competitive

Cut 14 (11)  stronger communities”