Lawmakers are slated to begin a special session on Monday to discuss how best to close a $304 million dollar budget shortfall; and a recent survey shows Louisianians surveyed blame the fiscal mess on former Governor Bobby Jindal. UNO political scientist Ed Chervenak says Governor John Bel Edwards continues to be popular with a 49 percent approval rating…:
CUT 14 (09) “the situation”
The telephone survey interviewed about nine-hundred Louisiana residents earlier this week.

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins urges new Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to use social media as a way to vet immigrants. He says this can be accomplished by requiring a visa applicant to provide their social media usernames and passwords…:
CUT 12 (04) “their intent”
The Republican from St. Landry Parish made the comments during a Homeland Security Committee meeting.

39-percent of drivers in the U.S. have never shopped around to find cheaper auto insurance. That’s according to InsuranceQuotes.com. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says an easy way for drivers to save money on auto insurance is to increase your deductible or lower your coverage limits. He says this is considered self-insuring and taking as much risk as a motorist can reasonably afford…:
Cut 5 (11) “calamity”
He says there is a comparison rate guide on the department of insurance’s website to view different policies.

One worker is still missing and two others injured after an explosion and fire at the Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. They said the fire could burn for hours or even days in the area about 30 miles west of New Orleans. The cause of the blast is under investigation.