We find out later today if the state’s budget situation is even worse than previously thought. The Revenue Estimating Conference meets to get a revised forecast on how much money the state is expected to collect in taxes. Governor John Bel Edwards has hinted that the 750-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year could grow.

State representative Mike Johnson, a republican from Bossier City, is expected to announce his candidacy today in the 4th Congressional District race…
voicer 3 (31) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany introduces legislation that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10 tax on a barrel of oil to pay for a new 21st century clean transportation system. Boustany says a new tax on oil will hit an industry that has already struggled over the past year…
cut 4 (09) “…hurting now”
Other Republican Congressional members have also said Mr. Obama’s tax proposal is dead on arrival.

The party is all over as the carnival season came to a close at midnight last night and the Lenten season is underway. The New Orleans Police Department says they confiscated 30 guns near parade routes over the last 12 days.

Governor John Bel Edwards has put together a special web page to solicit public input on how to handle the state’s budget crisis. The governor’s director of communications Richard Carbo emphasizes the importance of public involvement and encourages people to contact their legislator.

cut 10 (07)  “your feedback”

The site can be found at gov-dot-louisiana-dot-gov.

It was a beautiful day for the Courier de Mardi Gras in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says Mamou is like a little New Orleans because people from all over flock there for the Mardi Gras celebrations. He says the traditional celebration starts off early at 6 am…

CUT 7 (09) “a gumbo”

The website Trulia ranked the most Saintly Sanctuaries and Sin cities in the country and to no surprise, New Orleans comes in a number one for a sinful city. Spokesperson Filipe Chacon says the number of gambling establishments per household ranked highly in the categories of lust and greed for New Orleans. He says Shreveport came in as the number seven sin city in the country and both Louisiana cities come in pretty high on the list for sloth…

cut 13 (10)  “even”

A statue honoring the late Pete Maravich has been approved by the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. The set back for a Maravich statue has been that “Pistol Pete” passed away a few credit hours short of earning an LSU degree. The LSU Board of Supervisors recently made changes to a policy that opened the door for a Maravich statue. Former LSU Basketball player Collis Temple Jr. says Maravich deserves this honor…

CUT 4 (05)  “deserved it”

Governor John Bel Edwards has put together a special web page to solicit public input on how to handle the state’s budget crisis. The governor’s director of communications Richard Carbo explains that the purpose of the site is to inform the public and get suggestions from citizens.

CUT 9 (09)  “their feedback”

The site can be found at gov.louisiana.gov.

Trulia ranked the most Saintly Sanctuaries and Sin cities in the country and to no surprise, New Orleans comes in a number one for a sinful city. Spokesperson Felipe Chacon says the number of gambling establishments per household ranked highly in the categories of lust and greed for New Orleans. He says Shreveport came in as the number seven sin city in the country and both Louisiana cities come in pretty high on the list for sloth…

cut 13 (10)  “even”

Mamou’s famous Courier de Mardi Gras begins today with the town’s unique traditions. Emelie Gunn has more on the celebrations…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A statue honoring the late Pete Maravich has been approved by the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. The stumbling block for a Maravich statue has been that “Pistol Pete” passed away a few credit hours short of earning an LSU degree. The LSU Board of Supervisors recently made changes to a policy that opened the door for a Maravich statue.  Former LSU Basketball player Collis Temple Jr. says Maravich deserves this honor…

CUT 4 (05)  “deserved it”

Its’ a beautiful day for the Courier de Mardi Gras in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says the last three years the weather has been horrible so everyone is enjoying today’s sunshine. He says it’s important to keep these traditions going because it’s part of Mamou’s heritage.

CUT 8 (10) “it’s down.”

Louisiana’s budget crisis is the worst in state history. Governor Joh Bel Edwards has put up a website calling that allows people to ask questions about the state budget. The governor’s director of communications Richard Carbo says their office will do it’s best to answer questions submitted through the website.

CUT 11 (09) “some information.”

The site can be found at gov-dot-Louisiana-dot-gov.

Trulia ranked New Orleans as the number one sinful city in the country. Spokesperson Filipe Chacon says New Orleans ranked high in the categories of lust and greed, thanks its adult entertainment industry. He says New Orleans ranked number one, despite receiving a low ranking for vanity.

CUT 14 (11) “surgeon offices.”

Shreveport came in as the seventh most sinful cities.

A statue honoring the late Pete Maravich has been approved by the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. The legendary athlete is still college basketball’s all-time leading scorer at 3,667 points. Former LSU Basketball player Collis Temple Jr. says Maravich’s scoring record is unrivaled and is happy there will be statue of “Pistol Pete.”

CUT 3 (10) “what he did.”

More details on the statue will be announced at a later date.

Louisiana’s new Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras looks forward to discussing spending changes in the upcoming special session. Halen Doughtyhas the story….
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

A feud over what to do with a lawsuit that attempts to get Louisiana out Common Core continues to grow between Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry. Edwards wants to terminate the federal case, but Landry wants to continue the appeal process and believes the constitution gives him the final say on the matter.

The Public Affairs Research Council has published a nine-page report that contains several suggestions on how to control state spending. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says one suggestion is to do away with various tax credits the state gives, like the tax deduction parents receive for sending their child to a private school…
cut 11 (05) “….like that”
Another PAR recommendation calls for no merit pay increases for state employees next year.

A little bit on the cool side, but otherwise it’s a picture perfect Fat Tuesday across Louisiana. There will be big crowds for parades along the I-10 corridor today. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says the early carnival season did not draw a record number of revelers, but the crowds were still good…
cut 6 (08) “….this entire season”
It will be a little bit windy for parade goers today.

Governor John Bel Edwards has been meeting with House and Senate leaders over the last few days as elected officials gear up for a special session to address the state’s budget crisis. House Speaker Taylor Barras told the Jim Engster show that before they consider tax increases, they’ll look at areas where they can cut the budget…
cut 15 (07) “….as well”
The special session begins on Sunday.

The Edwards administration is seeking the public’s advice on how to handle the budget crisis. A special web page has been designed at gov.louisiana.gov. There’s a link you can click that gives you a chance to express your views on the governor’s proposed solutions.

For a second straight day, wind advisories are posted across the state, as we couild see wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour. There’s also a chance for a light freeze overnight in the northern half of the state.

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany a candidate in Louisiana’s 2016 US Senate race is on the campaign trail. The Republican made a stop in Baton Rouge and said we can’t lose sight of the deeply held values that made America the most exceptional nation on earth…
cut 9 (10) “…to succeed”
Boustany is one of several candidates who has recently announced they are seeking to replace outgoing Republican Senator David Vitter.

The 2016 Carnival Season concludes at midnight as the lenten season will begin at that point. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says it will be a little cool today for the parades, but that’s okay as long as it doesn’t rain, which it hasn’t over the last two weeks…
cut 4 (09) :…just remarkable”
Hardy says an early Mardi Gras will not result in record number of carnival goers this season, but the crowds have still been huge.

It’s a big day of parades and floats across south Louisiana and wild costumes in New Orleans historic French Quarter. All things Mardi Gras, Arthur Hardy says Zulu gets it started in the Big Easy this morning, which is one of the oldest African American Clubs, founded in 1909….
cut 5 (06) “…marvelous parade”
If you are heading out for Mardi Gras festivities, it will be sunny and cool and a bit breezy.

Governor John Bel Edwards has put together a special web page to solicit public input on how to handle the state’s budget crisis. It can be found at gov-dot-louisiana-dot-gov. The Public Affairs Research Council has also provided a series of recommendations on how to cut government spending. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says elected officials have a huge task in front of them…
cut 12 (11) “…the session”
A special session to address the state’s budget problems begins Sunday.

The 2016 US Senate race in Louisiana is off and running with several announced candidates already campaigning. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany, who is seeking outgoing senator David Vitter’s seat, stopped in Baton Rouge and told reporters that strengthing our national security is a must…
cut 7 (08) “…operations”
US Representative John Fleming, state treasurer John Kennedy, former ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert, retired US Air Force Colonel Rob Maness and New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard are other announced candidates.

Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry continue to fued about a lawsuit involving Common Core. Landry wants to follow through with an appeal involving the suit, which was originally filed by former Governor Bobby Jindal. But Edwards says that’s not necessary, especially since Louisiana is in the process of rewriting its public school standards.