07:30 Newscast, February 23rd, 2017

The special session ended with lawmakers agreeing to use $99 million from the rainy day fund to address a $304 million shortfall. Halen Doughty reports…:
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It’s making national news as “town hall turmoil” and it happened right here in Louisiana. Senator Bill Cassidy held the meeting Wednesday in Metairie and was met by a few hundred angry protesters upset about the current administration’s policies including changes to Affordable Care Act, immigration and equal rights. Cassidy seemed to handle it well considering, never raising his voice and calmly answering questions.

With the rising cost of college tuition, many students are looking towards the internet to find ways to pay for school. GoFundMe Spokesperson Bobby Whithorne says nationally over the last three years, they’ve had over 130-thousand campaigns on their website raise over 60 million dollars for kids in college. He says there’s been an increase in this state, as well…:
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He says many donations come from friends and family, but complete strangers contribute as well.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is reminding pet owners to be vigilant about your animal’s physical and emotional well-being when celebrating Mardi Gras. Dr. Nancy Welborn with the school advises parade goers to leave their pets at home because most dogs and cats aren’t used to those situations…:
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Welborn also reminds people to be watch out for animals playing with Mardi Gras beads or small parade throws as they can become a choking hazard.