17:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards will give a special televised address to the people of Louisiana tomorrow night. Emelie Gunn has more on what the governor will say…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana’s budget problems are getting worse. A special session that starts on Sunday and attempt to come up with a rebalanced budget that takes into account the huge shortfall. The administration’s chief economist Manfred Dix says the oil industry is not the only sector of our economy that’s struggling

CUT 8 (07) “negative territory”

State lawmakers have started filing bills for the special session, and one of the first measures proposed would increase the state tax on a pack of cigarettes another 22-cents to $1.08 per pack. Last year lawmakers increased the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 50-cents. If the proposed bill passes, the tax will go into effect on April 1. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the state needs the additional money from the tax this year as Louisiana faces a huge deficit.

CUT 4 (05)  “as possible”

Drive up ashes for people on this Ash Wednesday are becoming increasingly popular in our fast paced lives. LSU Religious Studies professor Michael Pasquier says, even though some people may be critical of the mobile ashing, this is something more churches are considering to cater to their members’ schedules…

cut 14 (07)  “are making”