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The same divides that wrecked any hopes of a fiscal cliff solution could linger into the regular session that begins today. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the legislature gets more accomplished than the special session that ended without a clear solution to the fiscal cliff. The special session was notable for its stark partisan divides, which Edwards says were the worst he’s seen in a decade.

Cut 4  (07) “state goverment” 

Governor John Bel Edwards released his legislative agenda aimed at improving the well-being of children and seniors. One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure.

Currently, teachers must be rated “highly efficient” for five of six years to qualify. The bill would lower the requirement to “effective: proficient”.

Hoffman says only 20 percent of teachers in a given year qualify for “highly efficient” status. He says his bill makes the requirements for tenure more reasonable.

Cut 11 (09) “you did.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. But there is still a lot of pollen to go around…

There are differences between colds and allergies. Boggs says if you are wondering if it’s a cold or if it’s allergies, there’s an easy way to find out…

Cut 14 (08) “to treat.”

The regular session kicks off today, and Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping for a more productive gathering than the recent special session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The regular session begins today less than a week after the special session crashed and burned. Fiscal cliff negotiations will be put on hold while a slew of other issues take center stage. There are several gun control bills filed. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t see any of the measures to restrict who can purchase an assault rifle passing.

Cut 7 (11)  “amendment state.”

Governor John Bel Edwards released his legislative agenda aimed at improving the well-being of children and seniors. One of the bills included is West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman’s proposal to reduce the requirements necessary for public school teachers to obtain tenure. Hoffman says the current requirements are unfair to educators.

Cut 10 (09) “the teachers.”

With the onset of spring comes seasonal allergies and this year could be a very long season. For those who suffer from hay fever, it spells many weeks of sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes and post nasal drainage. Physician Dr. Peter Boggs says the allergy season started early due to record breaking warmth in February. But there is still a lot of pollen to go around…

Cut 13 (10)  “pollen predominatly.”

Louisiana is set to see the first severe weather event this spring. There is a greater risk in North Louisiana as the strong cold front moves south.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says severe storms can’t be ruled out…

Cut 9 (09) “risk category.”

The timing of the storms is this evening in North Louisiana and overnight in Central and South Louisiana.

The identities of the two who died in a house fire has been released. The state fire marshal’s office says 91-year-old Robert White and 61-year-old Adele Cooper were killed as a result of using an outdoor heating element and a propane tank. Fire Marshal Butch Browning…

Cut 5  (09) “the tank.”

Two others escaped the burning home in Madisonville.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermilion Parish School Board after he claims they violated the Open Meeting Law. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino.”.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will discuss why several Confederate monuments were removed from his city on 60 Minutes Sunday. The Advocate reports that the interview will show where the monuments are currently held in storage and what will become of those four monuments. A nonprofit group will collect public input on what should replace the statue of Robert E. Lee that was removed from Lee Circle.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermillion Parish School Board and is asking that the January 8^th meeting be voided. Teacher Deyshia Hargrave was ordered out of the meeting and arrested by a deputy city marshal after questioning the board about a raise for the Superintendent. The suit says her arrest violated the Open Meeting Law. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says all the actions of the meeting would have to be done over…

Cut 11 (11) “proposed action.”

This week, the Army Corps of Engineers started opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway to lower water levels on the rising Mississippi in the New Orleans area. Environmentalists complain that Asian Carp is also entering the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Friday, spillway fishermen were reportedly reeling in the predator fish. There is some research that suggests the fresh water species like Asian Carp will not fair well in the lake…

A Bossier City pastor was arrested on drug charges after deputies found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at his house. Andy Harris was the senior pastor of The Church of the Cross in Haughton, and was charged with possession. Bossier Parish Sheriffs Lt. Bill Davis says Harris was being questioned about a separate investigation when the subject came up and says the drugs do not appear to be related to Harris’s job as a pastor.

Cut 8 (06) “was arrested”

Thibodaux Police say they arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from where he worked in exchange for drugs. After an internal investigation, the store contacted police. Police Department spokesman David Melancon (Ma-law-san) says the investigation found that 28-year-old Trevor Theriot stole baby formula and exchanged it for Norco pills. Melancon says after police arrested the suspect and were searching him, they found more…

Cut 15 (06) “some help.”

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner has identified the victims of a house fire in Madisonville Friday. They are 91-year-old Robert White and 61-year-old Adele Cooper.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says a small propane tank, with a heating element attached was being used to heat the elderly man’s bed room and could be cause of the blaze.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermillion Parish School Board and is asking that the meeting teacher Deyshia Hargrave was ordered out be voided, including the action on the superintendent’s 30-thousand-dollar raise. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says since the action violated the Open Meeting Law, board members in attendance at that meeting, including retired chairman Anthony Fontana could face civil penalties…

Cut 12 (10) “that meeting.”

After breaking records in rainfall last month, the Red, Mississippi and Ouachita Rivers are swollen and some areas are still above flood stage. More rain is expected this weekend, including possible severe weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s the last thing residents along those waterways want to see…

Cut 10 (07) “watch on.”

Thibodaux Police say they arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from where he worked in exchange for drugs. After an internal investigation, the store contacted police. Police Department spokesman David Melancon (Ma-law-san) says the investigation found that 28-year-old Trevor Theriot stole baby formula and exchanged it for Norco pills. Theriot also admitted to other thefts…

Cut 14 (11) “relationship with.”

Two elderly people have died following a blaze in a Madisonville home Friday morning. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will discuss why several Confederate monuments were removed from his city on 60 Minutes Sunday. The Advocate reports that the will show where the monuments are currently held in storage and what will become of those four monuments. A nonprofit group will collect public input on what should replace the statue of Robert E. Lee that was removed from Lee Circle.

A Bossier City pastor was arrested on drug charges after deputies found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at his house. Andy Harris was the senior pastor of The Church of the Cross in Haughton, and was charged with possession. Bossier Parish Sheriffs Lt. Bill Davis says Harris was being questioned about a separate investigation when detectives learned about the drug activity.

Cut 6 (11)  “snorting device”

Louisiana is set to see the first severe weather event this spring. There is a greater risk in North Louisiana as the strong cold front moves south.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says severe storms can’t be ruled out…

Cut 9 (09) “risk category.”

Colder weather moves into the Bayou State for the start of next week.

A Bossier City pastor was arrested on drug charges after deputies found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at his house. Andy Harris was the senior pastor of The Church of the Cross in Haughton, and was charged with possession. Bossier Parish Sheriffs Lt. Bill Davis says Harris was being questioned about a separate investigation when detectives learned about the drug activity.

Cut 6 (11)  “snorting device”

Thibodaux Police say they arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from where he worked in exchange for drugs. After an internal investigation, the store contacted police. Police Department spokesman David Melancon (Ma-law-san) says after police arrested the suspect and were searching him, they found more than they bargained for…

Cut 15 (11) “some help.”

Louisiana is set to see the first severe weather event this spring. After breaking records in rainfall last month, the Red, Mississippi and Ouachita Rivers are swollen and some areas are still above flood stage. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is the last thing residents along those waterways want to see…

Cut 10 (07) “watch on.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermillion Parish School Board and is asking that the January 8^th meeting be voided. Teacher Deyshia Hargrave was ordered out of the meeting and arrested by a deputy city marshal after questioning the board about a raise for the Superintendent. The suit says her arrest violated the Open Meeting Law. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says all actions of the meeting would have to be done over…

Cut 11 (11) “proposed action.”

Thibodaux Police say they arrested 28-year-old Trevor Thieriot for allegedly stealing items from where he worked in exchange for drugs. After an internal investigation, the store contacted police. Police Department spokesman David Melancon (Ma-law-san) says after police found more than they bargained for…

Cut 15 (11) “some help.”

The state fire marshal’s office says two are dead after a fire in Madisonville. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a propane tank with an outdoor heating element attached. Browning believes the fire originated in the bed-room of one of those killed in the fire…

Cut 4  (07) “was sleeping.” 

One other person escaped and another was sent to the hospital for treatment.

A Bossier City pastor was arrested on drug charges after deputies found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at his house. Andy Harris was the senior pastor of The Church of the Cross in Haughton, and was charged with possession. Bossier Parish Sheriffs Lt. Bill Davis says his office will not comment on a separate investigation they were questioning about, but says the drugs do not appear to be related to Harris’s job as a pastor.

Cut 8 (06) “was arrested”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermilion School Board after he claims they violated the Open Meeting Law. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino.”.

A 23-year-old Metairie man faces two counts of attempted second degree after he allegedly stabbed his mother and father and then led deputies on a chase early this morning. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Rivarde says Travis Tyler admitted to attacking his mother following a verbal altercation that began because she wanted him to be quiet. After his father was awakened by the disturbance, Tyler attacked him also. Tyler was arrested after a car chase in his parent’s car.

It’s a short stay in St. Louis for the LSU men’s basketball team as they were bounced out of the SEC tournament by Mississippi State after one game. The Bulldogs held on for an 80-77 win over the Tigers. Tremont Waters led with 28 points and six assists. They’ll find out Sunday night if they get into the NIT.

Meanwhile the Ragin’ Cajuns helped their resume this afternoon with an 80-to-54 whipping of Texas State in the Sun Belt Tournament. They will take on University of Texas at Arlington Saturday at 11:30am.

Louisiana Tech’s season is done after a 62-58 loss in the Conference USA Tournament. Temple topped Tulane 82-77 to end the Green Wave’s season. Sam Houston State eliminated UNO from the Southland Tournament 85-63.

In the LHSSA Boys Marsh Madness Tournament in Lake Charles, Summerfield beats Simpson 62-44 for their 7^th Class C State Title and White Castle is a 64-to-42 winner over Delhi for Class 1A, their 7^th title as well.

Anthony Davis is listed doubtful for tonight’s game against Washington at the Smoothie King Center after rolling his ankle Wednesday. The Pels go after their 11^th straight win tonight. Tip off is at 7 PM.

LSU hosts Hawaii for a weekend series beginning tonight at Alex Box Stadium. A month into the season, Coach Paul Mainieri is not sure if they’ve found their closer. Austin Bain has been handling those duties, but the coach is considering other options…

Cut 19 (18)   “repertoire of pitches” 

First pitch is at 7 PM.

Former LSU Tiger Jarvis Landry is heading to one of the worst teams in the NFL. Miami traded Landry to Cleveland. The Browns get Landry for two draft picks.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has sued the Vermillion Parish School Board and is asking that the January 8^th meeting be voided. Teacher Deyshia Hargrave was ordered out of the meeting and arrested by a deputy city marshal after questioning the board about a raise for the Superintendent. The suit says her arrest violated the Open Meeting Law. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says if the meeting is deemed as not having taken place, then the superintendent doesn’t get a raise…

Cut 13 (06) “being voided.”

A Bossier City pastor was arrested on drug charges after deputies found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at his house. Andy Harris was the senior pastor of The Church of the Cross in Haughton, and was charged with possession. Bossier Parish Sheriffs Lt. Bill Davis says  the drugs do not appear to be related to Harris’s job as a pastor.

Cut 8 (06) “was arrested”

Two elderly people have died following a blaze in a Madisonville home this morning. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Four people are under arrest in connection with the deaths of a cow and three calves near the levee in St. Landry Parish. Jameson LaGrange of Leonville, and Jacob Hebert, Kaitlin Gauthier, and Christian Meche of Port Barre were all arrested and charged with four counts of simple criminal damage to property and four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.