The Baton Rouge Advocate reports it was an alumnus of Delta Kappa Epislon who sparked an investigation that resulted in the arrest of nine fraternity members at the LSU chapter on hazing allegations. The man was a DKE at another university five decades ago and became alarmed when he saw hazing wounds on his grandson while he was swimming.

An Acadiana mom has been charged with the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity after she posted a video of two children fighting at Acadiana High School. Legal analyst Franz Borghart believes the Scott Police department charged 32-year-old Maegan Adkins-Barras with the wrong crime, because according to the relatively unknown state law she would have to be a principal or accessory to the fight, but she was not present when the fight occurred…
cut 15 (12) “…first place”
The district attorney’s office says the charge could be changed to the illegally sharing of images of juveniles without parental consent.

Mardi Gras parade goers may have to dodge some rain drops. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the parade weather for Saturday looks iffy for some parts of the state…
cut 11 (09) “…stunningly beautiful”
Much of the state is under a slight risk for severe weather on Saturday.

The Krewe of Centaur is set to roll rain or shine at 4:30 on Saturday on Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport. It’s one of the largest parading krewes in Louisiana. Chris Jay with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Visitors Bureau also asks parade goers to check out the Mardi Gras Bash tent…
cut 9 (10) “…the bars”
On Sunday it’s the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade from noon to four PM in Bossier City.

Governor John Bel Edwards will release his proposed budget today amid a fight over how much money the state actually has available to spend. State economists have recommended over the last few months the amount of revenue that should be available is higher than what was adopted last June. But House Republican leaders have refused to increase the state’s official revenue forecast. Edwards is seeking to use the extra dollars to fund a teacher pay raise.

The arrest of a 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school is getting a lot of attention. Scott Police have charged Maegan Adkins-Barras with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity, but attorney Franz Borghart says she had to be present at the fight to be charged with this little known law..
Cut 13 (10) “…school fight”
Many legal observers have never heard of this law.

Those looking to catch Mardi Gras beads this weekend also need to prepare to catch some rain drops. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

It’s a big weekend of parades in northwest Louisiana. Shreveport has a long history of celebrating the carnival, but Shreveport-Bossier Visitor Conventions Bureau spokesperson Chris Jay says there were several decades when no parades rolled…
cut 8 (09) “…was founded”

It’s the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades across the state, but will rain damper the Carnival spirit. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 12 (06) “….on Saturday”
There is a slight risk for severe weather for nearly all of Louisiana on Saturday, except for Southeast Louisiana.

And South Louisiana isn’t the only place to load up on beads this weekend…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

An Acadiana mom spent a night in jail after she was arrested on one count of unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity. The video is a fight between two students at Acadiana High School and 32-year-old Maegan Adkins-Barras has been charged with this obscure law. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there are some serious questions as to whether the charge violates first amendment rights to free speech…
cut 14 (08) “….to speak”
The D-A’s office tells a Lafayette TV station they may change the charge to illegally sharing of images of juveniles without parental consent.

Entergy Corporation receives the green light from the Public Service Commission to enter a 20-year agreement to buy solar power from a 50-megawatt plant that will be built in Port Allen. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says it’s one of the largest solar facilities planned for the state.
Cut 4 (07) “…to our customers.”
Construction on the solar power plant is expected to be complete in 2020.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is warning you to keep your head on a swivel for tax scammers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards defends the changes made to a tax break program for manufacturers while speaking at a statewide business summit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

With tax season comes the need to be on the lookout for scammers who are hoping to exploit taxpayers in an effort to nab a dishonest dollar. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says there are a wide range of shady tactics being used.

Cut 3 (10) “…to exploit taxpayers.”

There are some warning signs to look for in the realm of preparer fraud.  Henderson says it’s important to review your completed tax return before signing it and asking questions.  Ultimately the taxpayer is responsible financially and legally for all information submitted on a return.

Cut 4 (09) “…blank tax return.″

Also, avoid hiring a preparer who bases their fee based on a percentage of the refund.

Henderson says some scammers are resorting preying on people via phone calls.  Often they will demand immediate payment for tax debts via a credit card or other means.

Cut 5 (11)“…a tax debt.”

On the cyber side, Henderson recommends using security software with a firewall, strong passwords that are hard to guess, secured networks, and two factor authentication when possible.

_________________________________________________

Tough night for the 13th ranked LSU basketball team last night as the Tigers were upset on their home floor, falling to Florida 82-77 in overtime. LSU’s offense had trouble getting into a rhythm and Coach Will Wade says he tried to tell the players that the Gators are a good defensive team…

Cut 6 (09) “…we do”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 21-5 overall, 11-2 in the SEC and into a tie with Kentucky for second place in the league. Wade says teams like Florida, who play at a slower pace have given the Tigers trouble this season…

Cut 7 (13) “…to end.”

Some fans started leaving before the final buzzer, but Wade is more disappointed his team has lost two conference home games

Cut 8 (12) “…sickening.” (2x)

_______________________

A 13 year old is dead after the Yamaha ATV he was riding collided with a Peterbuilt log truck.  Troopers responded to the crash just before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon on LA Hwy 772 just east of Jena.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the truck driver attempted evasive action, but it was unsuccessful.

Cut 9 (10) “…and they collided.”

Moreau says the 13-year-old, identified as Wayden Savell, was pronounced dead at the scene. 72-year old Lloyd Worsham was behind the wheel of the log truck and was treated for minor injuries.

Cut 10 (07)“…with the ATV.”

Moreau says it’s unlawful to ride an ATV on or along the roadway.  He adds the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but is uncertain if that would have made the difference.

Cut 11 (09)   “…of the child.”

_______________________________

Governor Edwards delivered the keynote address today at a statewide business summit that brought about 500 business leaders together to discuss how to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Edwards says the state has made a significant investment in an effort to produce more technology graduates…

Cut 12 (11)   “…that effort”

Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham calls the summit a farce and points to the state’s unemployment rate, which is above the national average. But Edwards says since he took office, he’s announced dozens of economic development projects that will create more than 27-thousand new jobs

Cut 13 (10)     our history” 

The governor also took time to defend the changes he made to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which provides a large property tax break for manufacturers. For decades, a state board approved I-TEP requests, but now Edwards also requires approval from local governments, which has upset some in the business community. Edwards says the program remains generous and competitive

Cut 14 (11)  stronger communities” 

A statewide business summit is underway in Baton Rouge. Kevin Barnhart on what business leaders are discussing…
voicer 1 (30) “…Kevin Barnhart”

The group, Take Em Down NOLA, is asking the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to stop wearing back face paint during the Zulu Parade on Fat Tuesday. But Zulu leaders have said the face paint will not come off as the black makeup was never intended to insult or degrade African-Americans.

A task force recommends Louisiana should allow foster kids to stay in the system through the age of 21, instead of 18. State Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it would cost an additional three-million dollars to do so. Walters says it’s a wise investment and hopes legislators will go for the idea, especially since the state budget doesn’t look as bad as previous years…
cut 13 (05) “…ever been”
28 states have increased the foster age to 21.

A Ville Platte man is under arrest after he allegedly beat an elderly disabled vet at a gas station. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux, with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office, says 29- year-old Kenneth Shergold is accused of approaching the victim from behind and for no apparent reason, struck him numerous times in the head, back, and body with a tire iron.
Cut 14 (06) “…and his knees”
There is no motive to the attack.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says a new national report ranks Louisiana number one for increases in taxes on businesses over the last three years…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The 13th ranked LSU basketball team no longer controls its own destiny when it comes to winning an SEC regular season championship crown. Florida upset the Tigers 82-77 in overtime. Coach Will Wade says it’s sickening the team has lost two conference home games this season. LSU hosts 5th ranked Tennessee on Saturday.

Governor Edwards has brought 500 business leaders to Baton Rouge today for a summit. The state Republican Party says it’s really a taxpayer-funded campaign event for Edwards’ re-election campaign. But Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the event is underwritten by corporate sponsors and the governor is just doing his job…
cut 6 (11) “…and lead business”
Edwards will deliver the keynote address at 12:30.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office has announced the arrest of a Ville Platte man who allegedly beat a disabled veteran at a gas stateion. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says surveillance video caught Kenneth Shergold hitting the victim numerous times with a tire iron and he attempted to assault a woman at a Super Walmart Center in Ville Platte…
cut 16 (09) “…without his attorney”
Shergold has been charged with one count of aggravated second-degree battery.