Most of the state is looking at severe weather today, including the potential for tornadoes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be a bumpy ride over the next 24 hours or so as result of cold front that’s moving through Louisiana…:
cut 4 (08) “across the state”
New Orleans, Houma, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Alexandria are under an enhanced threat of severe weather. Keim says the disturbance will diminish tomorrow morning, but it’s going to be chilly.

Today could be a pivotal day in the special session that’s been called to eliminate a $900 million deficit this fiscal year. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on various proposals to increase taxes, including a measure that would increase the state sales tax by a penny. La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford…:
CUT 10 (05) “to do it”
He says Republicans could get on board, but they want the governor to commit to some long-term spending cuts.

Charges have been upgraded against a 16-year-old, who fatally shot his 16-year-old niece, in what Baton Rouge police call an accidental shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says state government can do a better job of protecting taxpayer dollars. He says on multiple occasions his auditors discovered the Department of Health and Hospitals didn’t do what was needed to receive payments from third parties for Medicaid patients…:
CUT 7 (10) “million dollars”