State legislators will likely be called into a special session next month to deal with a budget deficit. The Revenue Estimating Conference has determined the midyear shortfall is around 313-million dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says legislative input will be needed to address a budget gap of that magnitude…:
Cut 3 (04) “as possible”
Governor Edwards can make cuts to the budget, but state law only allows in certain areas.

Meanwhile Edwards is headed to Italy where the topic will be the human trafficking epidemic. He’ll be joined by State. Police Colonel Mike Edmonson and a couple of lawmakers and they’ll meet with nuns who want to open a shelter for victims of sex trade…:
CUT 7 (10) “human trafficking”
The governor hopes to meet with the pope on Wednesday and he says he’s paying his own way, but taxpayer dollars will pay for his security.

LSU’s leading receiver this past season Malachi Dupre has decided to enter the NFL draft. Dupre struggled early on during the 2016 campaign and finished with 41 catches for 593 yards and three touchdowns. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes he’ll be selected in either the second or third round. Dupre is the fourth Tiger to turn pro early.

Racing continues at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, even though the entire track is under a quarantine in an effort to stop the spread of an equine herpes virus. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says horses in barns not exposed can keep racing, while exposed horses under quarantine are monitored for at least two weeks…
cut 11 (04) “…with these horses”
A two-year-old thoroughbred gelding was humanely eutanized right after Christmas, because of the virus.

And be careful on the roadways especially in south Louisiana where a dense fog adivsory is in effect until nine am Saturday.